new to aquariums: urgent help needed for first fish tank

[emberx]

Thanks for all the advice, really grateful.

So, I won't clean the gravel/sand or the filter for now. I'll get the heater and water conditioner ASAP, and top up the tank gradually to max.

Then, a week later, I'll start cleaning the gravel and doing water changes. How often should I do the water changes, and filter clean? 25% every week, or every two weeks?

What brand of dechlorinator/water conditioner would you recommend? I found this one on eBay - SEACHEM PRIME DECHLORINATOR. Is this any good?

When can I start feeding the fish again?

[Lurcher]

Don't touch a thing for now. The grime on the glass walls, the filter, the sand, the rocks, ornaments, and plants - it's all home to beneficial bacteria that's keeping your fish alive. Leave everything as is, for now.

Get a thermometer while you're at the aquarium shop. Gradually add treated and temperature-controlled water to the existing water. This will dilute the existing water quality, which is as good as a water change for now.

[emberx]

Thanks for that, really appreciate the advice. I'll put the ornaments back in once everything is sorted. Just got back from the aquarium and they suggested adding a bacteria bomb to boost the beneficial bacteria in the tank.

[Lurcher]

Hi everyone, just joined this forum and I'm excited to get some advice. We've recently bought a second-hand fish tank and I'm a bit unsure about how to proceed. The seller reckoned it's a 200 litre tank, but I've measured it and it's 100cm wide, 50cm high and 40cm deep.

There's around 30-35 African cichlids in the tank and I've only had it since last night. The previous owner told me he's never used a water heater or treatment for the tap water - just mixed hot and cold water and that's it. I've topped up the tank with untreated tap water, but I haven't filled it up completely yet, the water level is just below half.

The water looks a bit dirty, so I need to clean the tank today. My question is, should I get a water heater and tap water treatment or will this disrupt the environment for the fish? I'm a complete beginner, so any advice would be great. I'm based in the West Midlands, Coventry, if that makes a difference.

I personally use aqua clear but I've heard seachem is a good brand too. For a big tank like yours, I'd recommend getting the largest bottle you can find - it might seem like a lot upfront but it'll be cheaper in the long run.

Weekly water changes - 50% is the general rule of thumb, but with a tank as populated as yours, you might need to do more just to keep things safe. Don't overdo it on the filter cleaning - just rinse the sponge in some used tank water every month or so to get rid of any gunk. The good bacteria lives in the sponge and on the surfaces of the beads, so you don't want to rub it off. For now, just leave the filter as is - it's doing its job, even if it's a bit messy.