Recent content by AquaGal

My nitrites are FINALLY at .25! :D This is the first time they weren't zero, so I know my tank is starting to cycle. I'm really glad I saw that light purple - as much as I like the color aqua, I was starting to get impatient!! :lol: As I mentioned before, I'm getting a 55 gallon tank, and my...

Thanks for all the suggestions. The sands/coral are okay to use even though they are for marine tanks, right?

No, I wasn't planning on planting it - I was just going to put in a few fake plants. I'll have to check out the sand - thanks!

I ordered the Rena Filstar XP2 and an air pump for my 55 gallon tank that will have African cichlids in it. I'm planning on getting an inline heater as well. (Good idea??) So I've been researching substrates and I came across Eco-Complete African Cichlid Substrate - $19.99 for 20 lbs + s/h. I...

Okay, I'm leaning towards a Rena Filstar XP2. Comments?

One more question! :) I'm a little confused about the flow rates. For example, the Eheim 2213 is listed as being for a 55 gallon, but should I opt for the next one, the 2215 which goes up to (I think) 90 gallons? In other words, what kind of flow rate do I REALLY need for a 55 gallon tank of...

Thanks, I'll look at all of the above. So I could use an Eheim canister without a HOB? Anyone have any other recommendations for canisters??

In my 10 gallon, and my dad's 29 gallon, we have the filters that hang on the back. But I'm reading about canister filters for bigger tanks. I'm planning on a 55 gallon cichlid tank, so is a canister filter something I should consider? Convince me! :D

Okay, so we dosed with ammonia and the level is 4 ppm. We should just sit back and wait now, right? Test again tomorrow, make sure it's still between 2-5? The tank is all set up, with an air curtain and all. I think it's beautiful! All set up except the fish. I'll have my dad take a picture.

Thanks - you guys are awesome!! The article looks very helpful and explains things very well. As far as running the filters on an established tank, my 10 gallon isn't established yet but I'll keep that in mind. I especally like the idea of running the 55 gallon filter on the 29 gallon once it's...

Thank you. :) How long after I add the ammonia would I check the levels to make sure it's between 2-5?? I already have the testing kit you suggested - I started a small 10 gallon tank the other day WITH fish, and did have one casualty.

My dad bought a 29 gallon aquarium today and we would like to try fishless cycling. (Not to mention, this is going to be great practice for my 55 gallon tank that I'm planning on - it will be for African cichlids.) I understand that I need to put in ammonia daily, and this basically takes the...

One more thing - I hope it's not a silly question, but I've been wondering about this. I have a filter where I'm supposed to change the "Bio Bag" once a month. If I do this, won't I be getting rid of all those good bacteria???

Okay, so this is the test kit I got. Freshwater Master Test Kit Good? By the way, I may have to buy it online next time. That's a LOT less than what I paid for it! I tested my tap water: pH - 7.6 Ammonia - 0 Nitrites - 0 Nitrates - 2.5 So there are nitrates in my tap water! Good call by...

Thank you! I never even thought of testing my water supply for nitrates. I kind of had a feeling that the AmmoLock wasn't the best thing to do, but the pet store guy had me in a panic that my ammonia was high. He didn't tell me that it was because I had a brand new tank! (Believe me, I've...