What Are Your Thoughts Please.

[Paul70]

I have updated my sig with a piccy of my tank as it is now.

Day 19 of fishless cycle and this is my 2nd day now where ammonia and nitrites have gone to 0 in 12 hours. Nitrates mega high at the minute tho so i've took a gamble and put 4 sword plants in the tank to try and help the nitrate levels. As stated in another post, my background nitrates in my tap water came out when tested today at 40ppm but the water company say on their website that locally they are at 31ppm so my reading is not far out considering how hard nitrates are to read on the api kit.

Anyway I intend to give it 5 more days and if I continue to get these readings then I am going to go to my LFS and get my first batch of fish.

I would like your thoughts on the aesthetics of my tank. I am also wanting to get a plant that will grow to the surface and then across to create shade for my intended pentazona barbs.

thanks in advance and thanks for all the advice received so far.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Hi Paul - tough deal on the nitrates right out of your tap water. Depending on how well your live plants keep up with nitrates, you will have to figure out what level of weekly water changes will keep the nitrates low.

For plants that grow easily on the surface, you could consider Water Sprites. They grow in any type of light and expand quickly. the roots would extend down into the water from the surface. My fish like to swim around the branches and roots of my plants. Sprites can also be tied to rocks and make good background "tall growers". You can see Sprites in the middle background of my signature picture, and on the upper left surface.

 

[Aqua Tom]

My tapwater is 40ppm NitrAte.

Dont stress over it.

 

[Paul70]

thanks for the advice. have been told by 2 members that the reddish plants are non-aquatics and will rot eventually. I am annoyed with the shop who supplied them to be honest and will not use them again. they are being removed very soon. those sprites look nice. think I will look for some. thanks again
paul

and thanks for the advice over not stressing, much appreciated