Ok...final water change was done this morning and the ammonia level with the API test is now reading .25ppm.
1) what should be my plan going forward? How often should I test the water? What actions do I take based on the levels I may read?
2) how long would you suggest waiting before introducing more fish? Right now there are 2 gold gouramis, 2 red dwarf gouramis, 3 blackveil tetras, 1 sunburst mickey mouse platy, and 1 plecostomus(the only survivor from the original fish when i set tank up).
3) regarding filter pads...is it your suggestion to rinse pad monthly in water extracted from tank and then reinstall?
Any more guidelines that I need to be aware of???
1. Test the water daily or once every 2 days, basically what mebbid said.
2. I would wait until it's cycled, and you get no nitrites or ammonia for about a week straight without the need for water changes (for that week). So again, what mebbid said.
3. Yes. You just swish them around a bit, to get the gunk off.
Other guidelines:
Do a water change when ammo/trItes are over .25ppm.
Don't add fish until cycled
Add less than 5 inches of fish at a time, unless the fish need to be introduced together or have very low bioloads, both of which are unlikely, especially the first.
Feed once a day to every 2 days, and if you feed once a day having a fast day (a day without food) is good, one or 2 a week.
Test levels once a week after the tank is cycled (at least once a week, I mean)
Set your lights on a timer, if possible (it's much easier, but not necessary).
Thats all I can think of off the top of my head.