Hi folks,
I'm a novice aquarium keeper, I have a Top Fin 3.5 gallon desktop tank that has been fishless cycling for three weeks. It is the second tank I've ever kept. My last tank was over five years ago and was a 6 gallon Marineland with a BioWheel, I liked that tank a lot and it was a beautiful aquarium for years. My current tank came with its own filter and carbon filter cartridges I am supposed to purchase. I found Fluval/AquaClear BioMax Filter Inserts on a clearance sale, as well as SeaChem Purigen. I'm unsure what to do with each of them yet.
For my current tank I added gravel to the tank and treated the water with SeaChem Prime. I added in Dr. Tim's ammonia, then I added Stability several times along with an airstone/pump and a heater set to 85 degrees F. I purchased an Aqueon 50w heater but I'd like one a little more reliable so I ordered a Cobalt Neo Therm 75w and am awaiting its arrival. I saw a video that stated the beneficial bacteria grew quicker with aeration and at a warm temperature.
I have the API freshwater test kit, and I was excited several days ago when I saw the ammonia drop a little, then drop to zero the next day. The nitrites currently test at over 5ppm. I guess I'm just waiting now. I test nitrites daily because I am impatient, Dr. Tim's video states that I shouldn't add any more ammonia until the nitrites reach zero.
I have all my decor ready...a lot of silk-like artificial plants because I like the look of a heavily planted aquarium, and I think it is more humane to offer security to the fish. I've also purchased slate-type rocks that I'd like to use for landscaping but I think the rock may be too large for what I have in mind regardless that they are only a few inches in size. I also would like to add one real plant because I understand they are good for water quality. I have purchased potassium permanganate as a plant dip for a snail-free aquarium. I have not yet decided what type of plant I want, I suppose I will see what looks robust and healthy on the day I decide to purchase it. I have purchased SeaChem Flourish Tabs for the plant.
I originally purchased the tank for a single Betta, but the tank I had in the past housed male Guppies and male Endler's Livebearers. I really like how small and cute and fun Guppies and Endler's are so I think they may be my choice again. Unfortunately it is increasingly difficult to find Endler's, and the shops that claim to have them actually carry Guppy/Endler's hybrids. I have no room to breed, so it isn't cost effective for me to order true Endler's online. I have purchased Zoo Meds Betta Dial-a-Treat...a container with freeze dried mysis, daphnia, and bloodworms. I have also purchased Cobalt Guppy Nano Pellets and Fluval Bug Bites for small tropicals. I used New Life Spectrum in the past but thought I might try a pellet that is breed specific.
I'm so excited to have my tank on its way to cycling, I'll keep everyone posted when the big day happens. As well, if anyone has any advice or think I can improve something, please let me know as I don't personally know anyone with an aquarium and I'm doing my best with information available on the internet.
Nice to meet you all!
WeeFishies
I'm a novice aquarium keeper, I have a Top Fin 3.5 gallon desktop tank that has been fishless cycling for three weeks. It is the second tank I've ever kept. My last tank was over five years ago and was a 6 gallon Marineland with a BioWheel, I liked that tank a lot and it was a beautiful aquarium for years. My current tank came with its own filter and carbon filter cartridges I am supposed to purchase. I found Fluval/AquaClear BioMax Filter Inserts on a clearance sale, as well as SeaChem Purigen. I'm unsure what to do with each of them yet.
For my current tank I added gravel to the tank and treated the water with SeaChem Prime. I added in Dr. Tim's ammonia, then I added Stability several times along with an airstone/pump and a heater set to 85 degrees F. I purchased an Aqueon 50w heater but I'd like one a little more reliable so I ordered a Cobalt Neo Therm 75w and am awaiting its arrival. I saw a video that stated the beneficial bacteria grew quicker with aeration and at a warm temperature.
I have the API freshwater test kit, and I was excited several days ago when I saw the ammonia drop a little, then drop to zero the next day. The nitrites currently test at over 5ppm. I guess I'm just waiting now. I test nitrites daily because I am impatient, Dr. Tim's video states that I shouldn't add any more ammonia until the nitrites reach zero.
I have all my decor ready...a lot of silk-like artificial plants because I like the look of a heavily planted aquarium, and I think it is more humane to offer security to the fish. I've also purchased slate-type rocks that I'd like to use for landscaping but I think the rock may be too large for what I have in mind regardless that they are only a few inches in size. I also would like to add one real plant because I understand they are good for water quality. I have purchased potassium permanganate as a plant dip for a snail-free aquarium. I have not yet decided what type of plant I want, I suppose I will see what looks robust and healthy on the day I decide to purchase it. I have purchased SeaChem Flourish Tabs for the plant.
I originally purchased the tank for a single Betta, but the tank I had in the past housed male Guppies and male Endler's Livebearers. I really like how small and cute and fun Guppies and Endler's are so I think they may be my choice again. Unfortunately it is increasingly difficult to find Endler's, and the shops that claim to have them actually carry Guppy/Endler's hybrids. I have no room to breed, so it isn't cost effective for me to order true Endler's online. I have purchased Zoo Meds Betta Dial-a-Treat...a container with freeze dried mysis, daphnia, and bloodworms. I have also purchased Cobalt Guppy Nano Pellets and Fluval Bug Bites for small tropicals. I used New Life Spectrum in the past but thought I might try a pellet that is breed specific.
I'm so excited to have my tank on its way to cycling, I'll keep everyone posted when the big day happens. As well, if anyone has any advice or think I can improve something, please let me know as I don't personally know anyone with an aquarium and I'm doing my best with information available on the internet.
Nice to meet you all!
WeeFishies