The sea monkeys Rock
Aquarium Advice Regular
Hello, in the middle of Fishless cycle. Bought a small tank so I can learn about the chemistry of the aquarium. Was thinking of getting two danios in a few weeks time once my tank has completely cycled. Using API master and digital PH meter to monitor water. Tank is well planted. Cycling is taking ages, 5 weeks so far. Ammonia going to nitrite and nitrate too but ammonia and nitrate never seem to reach zero, ammonia gets weaker, nitrite stronger then it just stalls. I am being patient and have added more bio rings plus packed more filter wool in to encourage bacteria.
Flow is good, tank cycling ten times an hour aprox, air pump in place with air line so plenty of oxygen for bacteria. PH high due to water hardness and crap tap water. Not ideal for bacteria. Was 8.1, now 7.8 after intro of plants.
Temp was 30C purely for bacteria. Now I have plants I've reduced to 26C. Will adjust temp according to fish choice.
My filter media contains :
-sponge / wool stuff
-bio balls
-bio rings
-activated carbon
Questions I really had were:
-Tips for cycling, can't seed it not an option as I do t know anyone with a tank!
-Is the activated carbon a problem? Read it can slow down cycling process
-Tips for stocking based on tank size?
Many thanks
Flow is good, tank cycling ten times an hour aprox, air pump in place with air line so plenty of oxygen for bacteria. PH high due to water hardness and crap tap water. Not ideal for bacteria. Was 8.1, now 7.8 after intro of plants.
Temp was 30C purely for bacteria. Now I have plants I've reduced to 26C. Will adjust temp according to fish choice.
My filter media contains :
-sponge / wool stuff
-bio balls
-bio rings
-activated carbon
Questions I really had were:
-Tips for cycling, can't seed it not an option as I do t know anyone with a tank!
-Is the activated carbon a problem? Read it can slow down cycling process
-Tips for stocking based on tank size?
Many thanks