Advice for new enthusiast starting 28 gal tank
- Thread starter clawlan
- Start date
GirlieGirl8521 said:
I have a 25 pack of the 5-way test strips. Those probably wont last too long and getting these test solutions in the kit like that is probably a better way to go overall.
H3D said:
Hm. The 150 says its rated to 30 gallons...If you think i should go bigger, wouldn't the 200 be fine (rated to 50 gallons). I guess what I'm asking is what is your logic behind such a big power filter?
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Most HOB filters are rated at their highest flow rate, but when media is added they do not usually filter nearly what they are rated. IME a HOB filter that turns the entire volume of the aquarium over 10 times per hour works the best. I use an AquaClear 70 on my 29 gallon and have had great results.
if you do cycle using fish..bio spira helps as long as it is good. you may see a slight increase in ammonia but it should go away pretty quickly as well as a small spike in nitrites..usually the spikes are pretty small.
you can also use media from an existing tank.
or a hardy species like zebra danios.
if you do , it is important you monitor the water parameter(ammonia,nitrite and nitrates) . you may need to do water changes if the concentrations gets above .25 ppm (20 or more for nitrate).
with a fishless cycle you still need to monitor so you can log the events and know when the tank has cycled.
you can also use media from an existing tank.
or a hardy species like zebra danios.
if you do , it is important you monitor the water parameter(ammonia,nitrite and nitrates) . you may need to do water changes if the concentrations gets above .25 ppm (20 or more for nitrate).
with a fishless cycle you still need to monitor so you can log the events and know when the tank has cycled.
Alright, here is my plan. I will add ammonia and bio-spira to the tank to do a fish less cycle. Once the ammonia and nitrates are 0 and the nitrites are fine, I'll begin adding fish a few at a time. Sound good?
