I am currently half way through a fishless cycle which appears to be going quite well. (API tests indicate I'm through the Ammonia curve, and now I'm working on the Nitrite curve, in about 1 weeks' time.)
I have been doing research on my tank since September, regarding stocking etc., but every expert seems to have their own ideas on what overstocking is.
Stocking Questions:
1. Tank size
The tank is a 12g Eclipse. 21lx11.5wx17.5h. It's located in a no-window bathroom, conveniently right next to a toilet/bathtub. (I anticipate weekly, maybe bi weekly water changes.)
2. Current filtration
The filtration is the included standard HOB unit, (it seems to put out a lot of water), with carbon filter media. It includes a BioWheel. In addition, I have a bubble stone in the tank. (I had heard it helps if you have to treat a fish for disease.)
3. Type of substrate
The gravel portion of the Substrate is black gravel, with a sprinkle of white coated gravel (from earlier bacteria growth before I decided to redecorate to dark colors.) Also included is a clay pot and a rainbow rock.
4. pH of your water
The pH has been a slight challenge, because I have kH issues which I'm currently working out. It appears to range between 7-7.4. It usually stays around 7.4. (A piece of driftwood may have accounted for the slight drop.)
5. What type of fish you like the most.
I have tried to design this tank to be the best fit for Neon Tetras. Even though they can be a challenge, I'm drawn to them the most. I want to do whatever I can to make caring for them a success. I plan to order my entire stock of fish from Drs. Foster and Smith's live ordering site, Liveaquaria. I don't trust my LFS to have a good healthy stock of them.
Based on months of research, I am hoping the following will work:
Top Level: (1) Honey Dwarf Gourami and (2) Guppies
Mid Level: (6-7) Neon Tetras - I hear 1 Neon doesn't add much to the bioload. I'm wondering if they might be more comfortable with 7.
Bottom Level: (2) Otocinclus (Dwarf) Catfish and (2) Amano Shrimp
You can see a photo of the tank here. (Although I will be re-scaping the plants/floating plants around to accommodate the Gourami.)
Thank you for your comments.
I have been doing research on my tank since September, regarding stocking etc., but every expert seems to have their own ideas on what overstocking is.
Stocking Questions:
1. Tank size
The tank is a 12g Eclipse. 21lx11.5wx17.5h. It's located in a no-window bathroom, conveniently right next to a toilet/bathtub. (I anticipate weekly, maybe bi weekly water changes.)
2. Current filtration
The filtration is the included standard HOB unit, (it seems to put out a lot of water), with carbon filter media. It includes a BioWheel. In addition, I have a bubble stone in the tank. (I had heard it helps if you have to treat a fish for disease.)
3. Type of substrate
The gravel portion of the Substrate is black gravel, with a sprinkle of white coated gravel (from earlier bacteria growth before I decided to redecorate to dark colors.) Also included is a clay pot and a rainbow rock.
4. pH of your water
The pH has been a slight challenge, because I have kH issues which I'm currently working out. It appears to range between 7-7.4. It usually stays around 7.4. (A piece of driftwood may have accounted for the slight drop.)
5. What type of fish you like the most.
I have tried to design this tank to be the best fit for Neon Tetras. Even though they can be a challenge, I'm drawn to them the most. I want to do whatever I can to make caring for them a success. I plan to order my entire stock of fish from Drs. Foster and Smith's live ordering site, Liveaquaria. I don't trust my LFS to have a good healthy stock of them.
Based on months of research, I am hoping the following will work:
Top Level: (1) Honey Dwarf Gourami and (2) Guppies
Mid Level: (6-7) Neon Tetras - I hear 1 Neon doesn't add much to the bioload. I'm wondering if they might be more comfortable with 7.
Bottom Level: (2) Otocinclus (Dwarf) Catfish and (2) Amano Shrimp
You can see a photo of the tank here. (Although I will be re-scaping the plants/floating plants around to accommodate the Gourami.)
Thank you for your comments.