New 10 Gallon Tank, Right Steps?

[eCastell]

Hey guys, I am completely new to the fish hobby and would like to get some questions answered.

I recently got a Marineland 10 Gallon kit, and after carefully following the instructions and setting it up, I would like to know how to properly cycle it before adding any fish.

I added tap water and then put in a teaspoon of a Big Al's Multi-purpose Aquarium water conditioner that I bought from my local fish store. It says to add one teaspoon to remove chlorine and two teaspoons to neutralize chloramine. I'm confused to whether or not I should add one or two teaspoons so I add a one teaspoon last night just to be safe. I also have a Multi-purpose Bio-support which apparently has 300 million live bacteria per teaspoon so I also added one teaspoon last night as well.

I don't know if I am following the right steps but I want to make sure I have somewhat of a cycle tank before I add any fish to it. I currently have the filter running and the heater set at 78 F but aside from the two teaspoons I put in, that is it. Should I be doing something else or is it safe to add fish after a couple days?

I want to add platys in my tank.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
Here is a picture of my tank:

Eddie

 

[SombreroBanana]

Cycling can easily take upwards of two months. Here is a good link to read.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/113861-fishless-cycling/

 

[wrighty8529]

and also u will need a thermometer if you have not got one just bob in to the pet shop they cost bout £2 just in-case u ant got one as i cnt seem to see it nice tank

 

[eCastell]

I have a stick on thermometer on the left side of the tank but I heard they are not quite as accurate so maybe investing in a better thermometer would be best?

 

[DreamertK]

I would reccomend Sombrero's thread along with getting a bottle of ammonia. If you just sit there with water in the tank nothing is going to happen.

 

[LucyB]

Well done to you, for actually reading up about cycling and not just throwing some fish in and having them die. Your fish will thank you for it!

 

[knot4reel91]

I have the same tank in my dorm room at college (along with a 46 bow at home), and that thermometer works just fine. I have two small African Cichlids in the tank (Venustus and Compressiceps). I put the fish in there right away the day I added water, and not a thing has happened, of course I took a few gallons from my set-up at home.