Hi guys first post on this forum, joined as I have been browsing the posts a lot and it seems there are some really knowledgeable and helpful people here.
First of all I have been going around the web and come across a lot of conflicting information regarding a lot of things. I would like just a few pointers of getting started tailored to my tank.
I have a 24l/5.5 gallon superfish tank with a couple of fake plants in a 50W heater and Aqua internal 100 filter (picture to follow).
First of all I would say I understand the nitrogen cycle rather walk after spending hours reading about it on many different forums and websites.
I have had the tank for a week now and have been adding fish flakes to it every day to produce ammonia to start the cycle however the test results are still showing at 0. PH in the tank is around 8 and 0 nitrite so far as well. The thing that is bugging me is that my nitrates in the tank are showing between 20-40 ppm and I have tested my tap water and it does appear that my tap water contains nitrate.
What I want to know is will this effect the cycle or help it?
I'm considering getting a Betta in a couple of days to help start the cycle properly or start with 3-4 zebra danios as I have heard both these are hardy fish. I am quite aware that I would need to keep a close eye on the water conditions and do a PWC every couple of days to keep everything in check. I couldn't afford to start with a bigger tank otherwise I would have but now I have this one I want to make sure I can take of the fish I decide to get.
I will never be putting anymore than five fish in the as I know this will put strain on the bio load. I would love to hear what you guys think I should do next
Thanks in advance
Lewis
24L/5.5 gallon tank with heater and superfish Aqua internal 100 filter
**Beginner**
First of all I have been going around the web and come across a lot of conflicting information regarding a lot of things. I would like just a few pointers of getting started tailored to my tank.
I have a 24l/5.5 gallon superfish tank with a couple of fake plants in a 50W heater and Aqua internal 100 filter (picture to follow).
First of all I would say I understand the nitrogen cycle rather walk after spending hours reading about it on many different forums and websites.
I have had the tank for a week now and have been adding fish flakes to it every day to produce ammonia to start the cycle however the test results are still showing at 0. PH in the tank is around 8 and 0 nitrite so far as well. The thing that is bugging me is that my nitrates in the tank are showing between 20-40 ppm and I have tested my tap water and it does appear that my tap water contains nitrate.
What I want to know is will this effect the cycle or help it?
I'm considering getting a Betta in a couple of days to help start the cycle properly or start with 3-4 zebra danios as I have heard both these are hardy fish. I am quite aware that I would need to keep a close eye on the water conditions and do a PWC every couple of days to keep everything in check. I couldn't afford to start with a bigger tank otherwise I would have but now I have this one I want to make sure I can take of the fish I decide to get.
I will never be putting anymore than five fish in the as I know this will put strain on the bio load. I would love to hear what you guys think I should do next
Thanks in advance
Lewis
24L/5.5 gallon tank with heater and superfish Aqua internal 100 filter
**Beginner**