Recent content by AnxiousVentures

My tank now goes to 0PPM Ammonia within 24 hours - hooray! My next question is what happens with high Nitrites + Nitrates? I'll attach a pictures of my test kit tubes. Nitrites: 2PPM Nitrates: 40PPM My understanding is that the Nitrites are still high, but that the NitrAtes are also toxic at...

I guess I assumed the algae is something I need to control, but it sounds like I don't need to go scraping/cleaning/intervening with it.

No direct sunlight, I thought I had set the timer for the aquarium lights (at the very least, I meant to) but I just checked to make sure and I have not, so I will do that today. Do I need to do anything to "control" the algae at this point?

Hi! My Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate levels have been at a plateau for the last three days and the tank has started to build up algae. I'm not sure whether I should be doing something to support it or let it do its thing. I'll attach some photos. Metrics: https://ibb.co/XjLd898...

Thanks for the tips and feedback! I was planning to add backing but was waiting until I figured out what I wanted. I can slip behind it and get it flat. The driftwood has been like that since Friday. My last one sunk in less than three hours, granted it was smaller and a different type. I've...

I wouldn't think I'm heavily planted, but I'll add a picture for context. I did see higher amounts of nitrites yesterday, so I anticipate it is doing what it is intended to do. https://ibb.co/BG8pYLG

My understanding, then, is as long as there are no ammonia or nitrites I am considered cycled and can introduce creatures. Nitrates are okay, and what I am aiming to see.

Okay - if my plants are taking up the ammonia, which would make sense given their growth rate, does that indicate anything about my cycling? I guess I'm unsure about whether plants eating the ammonia impacts "proper" cycling (ammonia -> nitrite -> nitrate).

Hi! I am currently in the process of cycling a new 55 gallon tank. I currently have plant substrate, sand, rocks, driftwood, and a variety of plants in the tank as it cycles (which are thriving). For reference: Today is day 5 of the process. Day 1: 4PPM Ammonia Day 2: 4PPM Ammonia Day 3: 4PPM...

This is my thought. I decided to go fishless, as it seems to be more clear-cut for my brain. Although, I can't get away from my confusion around where the beneficial bacteria come from based on a new tank with new substrate and new rocks. It almost feels magical, haha. Where does the bacteria...

Definitely planning to move the fish over once the new tank is established. The only two I'm thinking to keep separate are the African Dwarf Frogs - I may opt to keep them in their own tank.

We set up a new 55 gallon tank yesterday. The water is dechlorinated and has been "cycling" (I don't know what other word to use here) since yesterday, so just about 30 hours at this point. I've familiarized myself with the two methods of cycling and having a hard time deciding between the two...

Hi! With our current tank dilemmas, we are going to be starting the cycling on a new 55 gallon tank. I guess I'm wondering what best practices are for freshwater tank in terms of substrate that is fish and plant friendly, as I know some fish struggle with sand and there might be an ideal base...

This is frustrating to hear, as I consulted with the specialty fish stores in my area to make sure I was doing everything correctly. I've also been following instructions for the water changes, so I guess I'm feeling more lost hearing this, since I was doing what I was being recommended in the...

Hi! New here. My ammonia levels have consistently been at about the 3.0 mark on the API test strips and I cannot get it down. I've tried 50% water changes, 30% water changes, and 10% water changes several times in a week. The level stays the same. I have had a few fish die, which is where my...