RHCPeppers85
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Hello! For two weeks I've been reading about setting a tank, and over this past weekend, I took the plunge. I gave away my ball python, gave the tank a good scrubbing, and started my aquarium.
So now my 30 gallon tank has gravel (fine, volcanic looking - made for planted tanks) an awesome large rock, a couple small ones, and a piece of African root wood(I think it's called), a fluval 206 canister, and the following plants
Crypt Balansae - x1
Crypt Wendtii Red - x1
Anacharis Wild - x2
Moss Ball - x1
Anubias Barteri - x1
I currently still have my single tube reptile light that was purchased for turtles, and used for the snake. This weekend (or next) I will be getting a proper aquarium hood and lighting.... My plan is to shoot for 1.5-2.5 WPG... I think that should be enough if I stick to lower light plants- would y'all agree?
On day 1 I added a danio, but took it out and gave to a friend after finally deciding to fishless cycle. This was Saturday, 4 days ago. Yesterday I finally found pure ammonia, and added a capful... But I had already (barely) tested positive for low levels of nitrite . The capful brought me to an ammonia level of 4.0 ppm
Today, about 30 hrs since adding ammonia, ammonia was down to about 1.0 ppm, Nitrites at 1-1.5, and tested positive for Nitrates (I can't tell how much though, but it wasn't yellow, but a light shade of orange- on my kit, yellow is neg, orange means present)
So I'm super excited about the cycle starting, but I am surprised I already have progress on the nitrite to nitrate conversions... Is it crazy to think that I might be fully cycled in <10 days?? I am incredibly impatient, yet committed to doing this the right way...
So my first question..... Do I continue adding ammonia? If so, what's my target ppm? Do I still shoot for 4-5 ppm, or lower amount.... And how long should it take for the tank to fully digest 4ppm of ammonia, to 0 ammonia and nitrite.
Btw: for those who may ask, my plan is stock the tank as follows: (spoiler. This is based of a suggestion I think I found somewhere in these forums)
2 Blue Rams (mated pair)
1 Bristlenose OR 5 Otocinclus Catfish
5 corydoras
8 Small Tetras or 5 endlers livebearers
I would love to hear some feed back from some vets or anyone who knows more than me!!
So now my 30 gallon tank has gravel (fine, volcanic looking - made for planted tanks) an awesome large rock, a couple small ones, and a piece of African root wood(I think it's called), a fluval 206 canister, and the following plants
Crypt Balansae - x1
Crypt Wendtii Red - x1
Anacharis Wild - x2
Moss Ball - x1
Anubias Barteri - x1
I currently still have my single tube reptile light that was purchased for turtles, and used for the snake. This weekend (or next) I will be getting a proper aquarium hood and lighting.... My plan is to shoot for 1.5-2.5 WPG... I think that should be enough if I stick to lower light plants- would y'all agree?
On day 1 I added a danio, but took it out and gave to a friend after finally deciding to fishless cycle. This was Saturday, 4 days ago. Yesterday I finally found pure ammonia, and added a capful... But I had already (barely) tested positive for low levels of nitrite . The capful brought me to an ammonia level of 4.0 ppm
Today, about 30 hrs since adding ammonia, ammonia was down to about 1.0 ppm, Nitrites at 1-1.5, and tested positive for Nitrates (I can't tell how much though, but it wasn't yellow, but a light shade of orange- on my kit, yellow is neg, orange means present)
So I'm super excited about the cycle starting, but I am surprised I already have progress on the nitrite to nitrate conversions... Is it crazy to think that I might be fully cycled in <10 days?? I am incredibly impatient, yet committed to doing this the right way...
So my first question..... Do I continue adding ammonia? If so, what's my target ppm? Do I still shoot for 4-5 ppm, or lower amount.... And how long should it take for the tank to fully digest 4ppm of ammonia, to 0 ammonia and nitrite.
Btw: for those who may ask, my plan is stock the tank as follows: (spoiler. This is based of a suggestion I think I found somewhere in these forums)
2 Blue Rams (mated pair)
1 Bristlenose OR 5 Otocinclus Catfish
5 corydoras
8 Small Tetras or 5 endlers livebearers
I would love to hear some feed back from some vets or anyone who knows more than me!!