rshock
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Hi all,
I purchased and setup my first tank at the end of May after a TON of research online and reading a number of books. I know there are mixed feeling about the tank I have (Fluval Edge) but the research I have done suggests it can work well if it is properly maintained and stocked.
I am currently able to convert 4ppm Ammonia (Ace Hardware brand) in a 24 hour period to 0ppm Ammonia > 0ppm Nitrite > Nitrate. My current Nitrate levels are high but I will take care of that with a large WC before adding stock. I am using API stress coat de-chlorinator and have a API freshwater master test kit that I use on a daily basis.
I have been having minor issues maintaining pH as my tap water is ~7.6. I have noticed some drops in pH during cycling, going from as far as 7.2 to 6.6 in 24 hours towards the end of the cycle. I have been adjusting via WC and API pH up. I have also had a diatom problem but my research indicates that it will clear up with regular wc's after some time.
As for stocking, I really wanted neon tetras when i started but I realize that is a bad idea now. So i did more research and found that a good choice would be galaxy rasbora/celestial pearl danio. I think they only grow to approx. 1" and are not a true shoaling fish so they can handle a smaller tank unlike the neons. I intend to maintain six in the tank.
My questions are...should i get an algae/waste eater for the tank such as amano shrimp, ghost shrimp, etc? What is a good number for my small tank? Are there compatibility issues with the CPD's?
Lastly, does anyone know what feeding amount/type/routine I should follow for the six CPDs?
Appreciate the help!
I purchased and setup my first tank at the end of May after a TON of research online and reading a number of books. I know there are mixed feeling about the tank I have (Fluval Edge) but the research I have done suggests it can work well if it is properly maintained and stocked.
I am currently able to convert 4ppm Ammonia (Ace Hardware brand) in a 24 hour period to 0ppm Ammonia > 0ppm Nitrite > Nitrate. My current Nitrate levels are high but I will take care of that with a large WC before adding stock. I am using API stress coat de-chlorinator and have a API freshwater master test kit that I use on a daily basis.
I have been having minor issues maintaining pH as my tap water is ~7.6. I have noticed some drops in pH during cycling, going from as far as 7.2 to 6.6 in 24 hours towards the end of the cycle. I have been adjusting via WC and API pH up. I have also had a diatom problem but my research indicates that it will clear up with regular wc's after some time.
As for stocking, I really wanted neon tetras when i started but I realize that is a bad idea now. So i did more research and found that a good choice would be galaxy rasbora/celestial pearl danio. I think they only grow to approx. 1" and are not a true shoaling fish so they can handle a smaller tank unlike the neons. I intend to maintain six in the tank.
My questions are...should i get an algae/waste eater for the tank such as amano shrimp, ghost shrimp, etc? What is a good number for my small tank? Are there compatibility issues with the CPD's?
Lastly, does anyone know what feeding amount/type/routine I should follow for the six CPDs?
Appreciate the help!