Ammonia

[Claire121]

Clearer still !

So for any other newbie following this thread;

Add and wait 24 hours then test. Daily. Day in day out. When Ammonia drops to 0 top up to 3-4ppm.

When both ammonia and nitrite reach 0 within 24 hours start 12 hour testing.

eg add at 8pm (once a day) and measure at 8am.

When you get double zero's at 8am you need to continue for your 'qualifying week'.

So close and yet so far..........

 

[eaglesaquarium]

You'll get there. I'm still waiting for my tank to fully cycle. It is a difficult thing, but I have started to hardscape the tank. Added fluorite last night. I'll be adding sand this weekend. I've got some large rocks ready to go in once the sand is in place. Then I can start to think more seriously about the plants, and finally I've almost got my entire fish stocking plan in place. Just one school of fish left to decide on.

It's a long road, but the learning curve is nice because it doesn't threaten any fish (economically savvy as well).

 

[Claire121]

Me too

I have sand, rocks and air stone in place cycling and have just puchased some ready soaked bogwood which I have cleaned and dried in the sun.

Plants next week I think and fish the week after all being well.

Just noticed on your list - Dwarf Corys and Tetras - let me know how you get on they are top of my son's list but we have been advised to stock with other fish 'first' as they are not too hardy.....

 

[eaglesaquarium]

That's true. My first fish in will be the rasboras, which are hardy. My second group very well could be the corys. I think one of the biggest concerns with corys is their ability to find food. The other thing is that the dwarf corys themselves are fairly delicate (hence the scientific name: habrosus). They need a slow and careful acclimation period, but I've heard once acclimated that they are fine.


My last two groups to be added will be the second mid-water schoolers (tetras or barbs) and finally some cichlids - apistogrammas or rams.