Newbie from SoCal

[BigHoss951]

Hi all!! I don't want to get long-winded, so I'll try to keep it short and sweet.

Zero success with previous aquariums due to no knowledge of the cycle. Kept the tank, but haven't used it for about 4 yrs. I recently saw some dwarf puffers at the LFS, and decided to try again. I haven't bought the fish yet, dont worry haha. Here's what I have and what I've done, hopefully you all can help me get started right this time!!

10 gal tank
Aqueon QuietFlow 10 filter
Tetra airpump with 5 inch airstone

I filled the tank yesterday aftn, and added Jungle Start Right and Microbe-Lift Special Blend in the required doses to start the cycling. Had the filter and airstone going as well.
Ultimate goal is 2 Dwarf puffers, a couple Oto's, and maybe some shrimp for cleanup.

Any and all advice is welcomed!!

 

[BigHoss951]

Also forgot to mention, I would like to get some live plants to go with the fake ones, so any advice on that would be awesome. I.E. species, lighting requirements, etc

 

[shellieca]

WELCOME from another SoCal resident! You'll get lots of good info on here. I'm currently cycling 2 tanks, a 10g & a 46g. As everyone will say on here water changes are your friend! Keep an eye on your levels & do water changes accordingly. I can't speak to your stocking plan but others will chime in. Happy cycling.

 

[butterfly_koi]

Welcome to AA! in case you haven't thumbed through our articles here on the site yet here its a great one to help get you started on the cycling process.
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/the-almost-complete-guide-and-faq-to-fishless-cycling/
Glad you decided to join us

 

[Convict2161]

Welcome to the AA family!

 

[Samzter]

Welcome to AA!

 

[BigHoss951]

Welcome to AA! in case you haven't thumbed through our articles here on the site yet here its a great one to help get you started on the cycling process.
The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling - Aquarium Advice
Glad you decided to join us

Excellent article!! Helped to answer most of my questions so far. Thanks!!

 

[melosu58]

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

 

[Gboy66]

Haha woohoo! Another Socal aquarist. We ALL know that CA is the best Welcome!