Hey Everyone -- it's literally been years since I've been on this forum, but I've taken the plunge again and trying my hand at fish-keeping again. I've made a lot of mistakes and spent a lot of money with a lot of failed attempts. I'm a little older, a little wiser, and I'm armed with a lot more information on keeping fish. I think I'll always consider myself a newbie in the hobby, but hopefully with my improved knowledge, a little luck, and all of you experts -- I will have success!
So I've gone to my local fish store and bought myself:
- 35G Cube Tank w/ Stand
- Tidal 35 Filter
- EHEIM 150W Adjustable Thermometer
- AQUAEL Leddy Slim 10W
LED 6500K Sunny Light Fixture
I've added some fine black substrate sand and a couple of natural-looking decorations. My plan is to have some live plants and community fish species. I filled up, checked for leaks, and set the thermometer to 76 degrees.
My first challenge is that the tap water here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada has a fairly high
kH and pH. The pH I tested at about 7.6-7.8 which I think is a bit high for a planted aquarium. I'm going to test the
kH soon (when I get a test kit for it), but from what I hear, Edmonton water is on the hard side.
Doing some research on how to lower the pH. I've researched a natural solution using Catappa Leaves -- apparently, I can put three or four of them in my filter and it will gently lower the pH. More research is required - unless some of you have some advice on this. I'm not even sure I can get said leaves anywhere near here.
Anyway, sorry for the rambling - but I'm excited to be back in the hobby. Wish me luck -- I'm gonna need all the help I can get.
Andrew
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