Newbie here, who learned the hard way about "cycling". Our local pet supermarket really didn't provide us with all the info we needed to truly be successful. I got the tank for my 6 y/o and we've had to go through losing several fish...finally i think we are fully cycled now.
I understand the cycle process NOW, but sure would have been helpful to know up front. However, my question is this: Why is having a fully cycled tank important? Does this mean less frequent water changes and/or gravel vacuuming?
Also, I've been reading all over the internet about "live plants" and how they help with the nitrification process. Right now, we have all fake plants. Should I consider a live plant or moss ball?
We have a 10 gallon tank, 1 black Mollie (one of our first fish, made it through the whole cycle) 1 dalmation mollie, 2 tiger barbs, 1 sword tail, 1 cherry barb, 1 pleco.
Tonight tank showed 0 ammonia, 0 nitrIte, small amount of nitrate...
I understand the cycle process NOW, but sure would have been helpful to know up front. However, my question is this: Why is having a fully cycled tank important? Does this mean less frequent water changes and/or gravel vacuuming?
Also, I've been reading all over the internet about "live plants" and how they help with the nitrification process. Right now, we have all fake plants. Should I consider a live plant or moss ball?
We have a 10 gallon tank, 1 black Mollie (one of our first fish, made it through the whole cycle) 1 dalmation mollie, 2 tiger barbs, 1 sword tail, 1 cherry barb, 1 pleco.
Tonight tank showed 0 ammonia, 0 nitrIte, small amount of nitrate...