So, update and question
Updates:
Switched over to sand in the tank. Changed the scape AGAIN. It's looking better!
Had a 'mini' cycle. Tested water last night and it was: Ammonia 0, Nitrite, 5+ Nitrate 160+, so off the charts! So today I did a 60% water change, then a couple hours later a 95% water change probably overkill, but my levels are down. Nitrites are .25 ppm and Nitrates are 5-10. So getting better I suppose. Question: Should I do anymore water changes?? I added about 6 small goldfish pellets this evening, because I am afraid when I add all the fish (going to have to add 6 gobies, two amano shrimp, and a honey gourami all at once) that the levels will spike again and kill the fish. So, not sure what to do.
Update: Emailed to order fish Monday. Still haven't heard anything tonight. I have sent two emails. Wondering if it's because of the holiday, although it doesn't say anything on their website. I will give it till the 6th before I call or get really angry. HOPEFULLY, all the fish will ship on Monday. I ended up getting 6 Gobies, 1 Sunset Honey Gourami, and 2 Amano Shrimp to meet the $24 min. order for shipping. All I wanted was 5 Gobies, but a few extra tank mates (hopefully) won't hurt.
Plants are also maybe showing a wee bit of new growth. Still going to get a new light, though.
So fish need to go in, need to buy a new light (think I am going to get a finnex, not sure if I will get the ray or the ray2) get a few more plants (some tall crypts for the back, an anubias for the rocks, and a couple other assorted crypts for cover) and I need a background, then the tank will be complete. Then I can move on to breeding! (I will keep the breeding portion on this thread, also. )