Rinsing/steralising a new setup

[Marto]

Hi all,

Does anyone have suggestions on the best way to prepare a fresh tank setup?

The cycling won't be an issue as we have other established tanks.

My main concern is silicone from the tank and fittings, as well as the PVC primer and adhesive used on the plumbing.

How many times should you rinse and drain prior to cycling?

Is there any test (apart from adding $$$$$$$$$$ worth of Discus) to check the set up is clear of chemicals?

Any info would be much appreciated

Cheers,

Marto.

[ILLUSN]

give it 3 or so fills and drains and each time use a triple dose of prime.

make sure you wait a week afte the silicone sets before you do anything.

[Merrilyn]

I'd be inclined to start with some rummy nose tetras.

If their noses start to go pale, there's a water problem.

Pull them out, empty the tank and let it dry for another week.

[Xtreme]

mayb flush the system with PP

[samir]

aquarium silicone contains acetic acid so as long as you have the right one a single rinse would be fine.

with pvc glue i didn't rinse at all, so I guess one rinse is better than none.

[Marto]

Thank you all for your advice,

The new set up will get several rinses triple dosed with prime.

The first fish in will be Rummy nose Tetras. We'll watch for the change in nose colour. (I trust that's not a "gee up" Merrilyn)

Xtreme,
What do you mean by flush with PP? (they are your tanks, and we got the last one in OK with no drama, thanks for the quick fix on our stuff up)

Just to be sure I think we might throw a bag of charcoal in the sump to soak up the nasties before the real water, filter material and rummy nose go in.

Thanks again,

Marto.