New 10 gal

[Keeper]

Just picked up a new 10 gal and have a few questions:

1) do I need to put peat below the eco-complete?(planted tank)

2) I'm really confused on how to cycle the planted tank properly. Do I throw a bunch of stem plants in and introduce fish? Please help

3) I currently have an established 5.5gal planted. Would any of the filter media or substrate come in handy?

P.S. Anything missing?

TIA

 

[Mr Burns]

1) peat is not necessary if you are using eco-complete. hence the name eco-COMPLETE

2) read this short article http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_newtank.htm

3) if the 10 isn't going to be heavily planted, then yes, some of the filter media will help establish bacterial colonies sooner.

 

[Keeper]

That is fantastic..thanks. The article is probably one of the best I have read so far. Thanks again

 

[Keeper]

in regards to my new 10gal. Should I put a carbon pad in the filter or should I just put in a couple of sponges and the "white rock" bag of stuff. I have a Aqua clear mini

 

[Cichlidguy]

The "white rock" stuff for your aquaclear is ammo-rid, it will remove the ammonia from your tank. In a planted tank this is bad because plants eat ammonia. And I wouldn't recommend keeping carbon in your tank all the time as you have to change it every month or so, but it is useful for removing meds and chemicals from your tank so always have some dry, unused carbon on hand. The sponge media is most important, it provides mechanical filtration and is the main place for beneficial bacteria to grow.

 

[Keeper]

well that clears things up. thanks Cichlidguy for the info, it really helps:

Much appreciated

 

[breadlowry]

activated carbon

I didn't realize carbon needed changed that often. I've heard of people simply rinsing of the grunge from the cartriges when needed and using them of r half a year without problems.

 

[Menagerie]

I didn't realize carbon needed changed that often. I've heard of people simply rinsing of the grunge from the cartriges when needed and using them of r half a year without problems.

That's if people don't want carbon in the filter. Carbon also provides a place for bacteria to grow. There is no carbon in any of my tanks.