Hello

[porksauce]

New 7 gallon tank, have questions

Just joined and wanted to say hello and ask a question.
My tank is 3 weeks old. I bought a Betta after 2 weeks, it finished cycling (according to tests,PH 8.4, A .25, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0) about 4 days ago so I added 3 Spotted Cory Cats yesterday. I think that should be enough fish for a tank of this size. So, my question, since the tank finished cycling I noticed some brown and green algae. The plants have a good amount of brown on them but I did clean it off the sides of the tank. It doesn't seem to be getting worse at the moment. I was wondering how long I can expect it to stick around? Also, will this harm my plants?

 

[Convict2161]

Welcome to the AA community. You may find that you'll get more help and advice if you start a thread in the freshwater section. Your tank has potential and has the natural look that I've always liked!

Good luck and again welcome.

 

[paytertot]

Unfortunately the tank isn't cycled. When a tank is cycled you will see 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and some small number of nitrates. And it normally takes more than 3 weeks.
Here, read these

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/guide...-to-Starting-a-Freshwater-Aquarium/Page1.html

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/i-jus...g-but-I-already-have-fish-What-now/Page2.html

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/impor...r-those-new-to-the-Aquarium-Hobby-/Page1.html

And ask any questions you have

 

[porksauce]

I had Nitrite = 5 for a while and when it went to 0, I figured I was good? I also, brought a water sample to Petco to have them test it to be sure. They said I was good. Is it just the Ammonia I need to get to 0 or is there something else to look for. The Ammonia has been at .25 since I've been testing for about 1 1/2 weeks. Will my fish be ok?

 

[paytertot]

Just keep it around .25 and test daily. Hopefully you have your own test kit. Make sure to read those 3 articles I posted. They aren't very long. A cycled tank won't have 0 nitrates.

 

[porksauce]

Great links.

I have done some research online, but the links consolidate the info well. I am a bit confused because I thought that once you had a large amount of nitrites and they went down that you were good, but I guess it is odd that my nitrates are not increasing. I guess I just thought that my plants were using them. I test every other day, I change 25 percent every week. I guess I should increase the frequency of water changes if the Ammonia increases?

By the way, thanks for the advice.

 

[Andrew McFadden]

to AA!

 

[melosu58]

Welcome aboard. We are glad you found us here at AA.