Doc7's Fishless Cycle - 20 Gallon

[Doc7]

0 ammonia, 3-4 ppm nitrites, been like this for several weeks now

 

[Doc7]

0 ammonia, 3-4 ppm nitrites, been like this for several weeks now

Now that I am off of night shift, I am quite capable of performing multiple daily water changes if necessary. I don't plan to stock the tank near capacity to start (I am fairly confident I will get 6 Sterbaii Cory to start - unless 4-5 is better and then I will build up to 7 I think total before figuring out a small shoal of upper swimmers) and I think the fact that I'm now killing 5 ppm ammonia in 14-16 hours and have been doing so consistently for weeks is going to be able to handle that. Not quite sure on the fish, it will depend on availability (I know the Sterbaii are available but maybe there will be another fish there that is OK to put in a non-mature tank)

I will very closely monitor the parameters and keep you up to date.

 

[Doc7]

24 hours after adding fish I have double-0s. 6 small corydoras sterbai. How does the decor look for these fish? They are quite active, much much more active than I anticipated cories to be, which I saw in the store but presumed it was because of the very high filter flow etc there. They are fun to watch thus far and they are definitely "snuffling" the sand around leaving it quite dimpled overnight. I put some sinking tropical pellets in earlier (they were acclimated and added yesterday and left lights off etc and didn't feed) but after 30 mins I only saw one piece get eaten so I ended up vacuuming the food out. I will put some in tonight before going to bed as I have read that they may be more comfortable eating with the lights off.

Here is a pic of one and the tank with the hollow plastic log i added yesterday. i haven't seen the cories use it as a hiding spot yet. Is this suitable decor (type and quantity) for these fish? Thanks for all the help so far!!