New to this forum! Not new to aquariums...but bringing back an old hobby and boy! have things changes since the 70's! So, I am a quick study and learning fast about the aquatic science in water chemistry...also learned not to be clean crazy with my filter. A bit of History...had the good fortune to aquire an Odell 20 gallon, hood, light, aquaclear filter. Old stuff...FREE! Did the big tank clean up, light, filter...complete break down and reassembly...old filter sponge, cleaned in tap water (O NO!!!) but that is all I had. Had the tank for nearly two weeks and started stocking cichlids. I have one acei, 2 auratus, 1 jewel and 1 orange zebra, 1 small pleco...all fish no longer than 1 inch except the jewel...I am planning to transfer cichlids to a 55 gallon and perform fish in cycling....which of these is good to start the new 55 ciclid tank. Plan to transfer water over from 20 and filter media once cycling in 20 is complete. Have not lost any fish as of today...- had high nitrites, yesterday. I did 60% 50% 50% water change. Test srtip still read nitrites present in water. Went out for master kit today: results today: 0 ammonia, 20 ppm nitrate, 1 ppm nitrite. Cycled out 40% of water after taking this reading...repeated nitrite and still at 1ppm. Added plant stock tonight. Keeping fingers crossed.
Also getting situated with nomenclature...is conditioning salt the same as aquarium salt?
I keep ph around 8.0- cichlids happy...gravel is crushed coral, oyster "florida" mix..can't find dolomite anymore.:headshake2:
Fish enjoying the plants...have not fed them either in two days....was feeding twice a day...a pinch in the am and a pinch in the pm. Air going into take as well...two air lines.
Also getting situated with nomenclature...is conditioning salt the same as aquarium salt?
I keep ph around 8.0- cichlids happy...gravel is crushed coral, oyster "florida" mix..can't find dolomite anymore.:headshake2:
Fish enjoying the plants...have not fed them either in two days....was feeding twice a day...a pinch in the am and a pinch in the pm. Air going into take as well...two air lines.
