.josh.
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
I've kept the title quite general, as I figure I'll use this same thread to update throughout my experiences with this tank; this is my first time with a tank (not including when I was about 6, and we won a goldfish that lived for a matter of hours), and while I have done a whole lot of research, please forgive me if I appear naive at times. I am new to this.
In any case, I just began my fishless cycle yesterday. Since I've only got two 20-watt fluorescents for lighting for the time being, I've got some low-light plants in there: Anubias Afzeli, Crypt Ciliata (potted), Crypt Spiralis, Hornwort, Giant Duckweed, and 2 Moss Balls. My LFS advised on the Crypt Ciliata, which I've since learned might require more light than I can provide, but we'll see how that goes.
Here are some of the numbers:
Temperature: 82 F
Ammonia: 4 ppm
pH: 8.3
GH: 6 dKH (107.4 ppm)
KH: 18 dKH (321.5 ppm)
I'm a bit alarmed by the carbon hardness, and wondering whether I should do anything to attempt to lower it, and consequently lower the pH (e.g., get some RO water [I used tap water treated with Seachem Prime to fill the tank] and do a partial water change), or just leave it as is for the time being. I suspect most will suggest to wait until the cycle's complete, and see where the pH is at at this point, but thought I'd put the question out there.
*I'll add pictures in the coming days - still working on my "aquascaping"
In any case, I just began my fishless cycle yesterday. Since I've only got two 20-watt fluorescents for lighting for the time being, I've got some low-light plants in there: Anubias Afzeli, Crypt Ciliata (potted), Crypt Spiralis, Hornwort, Giant Duckweed, and 2 Moss Balls. My LFS advised on the Crypt Ciliata, which I've since learned might require more light than I can provide, but we'll see how that goes.
Here are some of the numbers:
Temperature: 82 F
Ammonia: 4 ppm
pH: 8.3
GH: 6 dKH (107.4 ppm)
KH: 18 dKH (321.5 ppm)
I'm a bit alarmed by the carbon hardness, and wondering whether I should do anything to attempt to lower it, and consequently lower the pH (e.g., get some RO water [I used tap water treated with Seachem Prime to fill the tank] and do a partial water change), or just leave it as is for the time being. I suspect most will suggest to wait until the cycle's complete, and see where the pH is at at this point, but thought I'd put the question out there.
*I'll add pictures in the coming days - still working on my "aquascaping"