Starter advice - help!

[LookoutTrout]

Shopkeepers don't necessarily talk bollocks but they almost always include something to buy in their advice so treat it accordingly.
Tetras will aid cycling but it isn't good for them. A much better aid for cycling is ammonia before the fish go in, but that advice doesn't sell anything.

[yardbent]

my local Fishkeeper store were confident in suggesting the addition of the tetras
they want to sell you fish

, to aid the cycling process.
fish-in cycling is very poor advice. I'd find a new shop.........

the tetras don’t seem to be taking to the Tropical Formula Complete formula Bug bites.
ask the shop what they were feeding
also https://tetraguide.com/best-food-for-te ... ive-guide/

Also want advice of when to do a water change
i do weekly or if the water parameters values you state above increas ,

how much,
20% or more if the NO 4 level is high

and can I start adding additional fish
when NH4 and NO3 = ZERO and NO4 < 10 for 3 days running --- maybe another forum member could reply....?

, and what types.
up to you........research which fish adapt to YOUR tap water hardness

[yardbent]

A much better aid for cycling is ammonia

so very true.... it is too late now to use cos you have fish in the tank

the Tetras NOT feeding sounds some alarm bells ---- I'd check the water EVERY day

any rising parameters - do a 50% water change (or more) ...and dont forget the de-chlorinator.!

[fr499y]

With fish in cycling, every day and any amount of ammonia or nitrite is deadly to fish. As you have 0.25 nitrites showing then water change is needed asap.

[VikingMummy2015]

The shop’s job is to sell you fish, not let you walk away because your tank isn’t fully cycled.
Yes, the tetra will “help” cycle the tank because they’re producing waste. Unfortunately they’re also being affected by that waste. 0.25 nitrite doesn’t sound like much but it is toxic, more toxic than ammonia in soft water (which you presumably have given you’ve purchased a soft water fish).
Not feeding is a potential sign of them not feeling their best, although it’s not a bad thing to only feed very very lightly to minimise food waste creating ammonia, and not overloading the tank even more with fish waste.
Keep an eye out for other signs of stress; you may well get white spot in the next wee while.
Highly highly recommend buying the Prime and Stability mentioned further upstream the comments. The Prime will neutralise the nitrite and any ammonia your tests might not be picking up on (can’t remember if you’re using strips - unreliable - or a liquid test kit), and the Stability will help build up your filter bacteria so the tank fully cycles. The Prime will also mean less need for multiple water changes (which will add to the fishes stress levels).

[afc69]

Okay, so thanks all, you guys are great.

So, did a water change, probably about 30%.

Easier than I thought, with the syphon.
Added Prime and also Special Blend Water Care Bacteria.

When do I test again? Now, later today, or tomorrow?

Edit, just done one anyway
NH3, 0
NO2, 0
NO3, 0
pH, 7

[fr499y]

You could test later on and see where you stand, then test again in morning.

Whilst fish in cycling, I’d say test twice a day as a lot can change in a couple of hours.

[afc69]

Any idea what this cotton wool looking stuff is, on my substrate?

[fr499y]

Possibly fungus off the wood, if it is then don’t worry about it, hoover it out when you water change or fish/shrimp/snails will nibble it.

[afc69]

Air stones; you guys use ‘em? I’ve got the Fluval internal U2 filter but just wondered if additional oxygen was required?