Newbie making all the wrong moves

[steelspy]

Java Fern

From what I've just read,
http://www.netpets.org/fish/reference/freshref/javafern2.html

The growth on my java ferns are new plants. The black spots are where new fernlets will grow.

I'll be patient and let these new plants grow. I like the Java Ferns!

As far as the algae eaters:
I'm hesitant to add any more fish to the tank until I get a balance struck. I'd like to get through a month with some semblance of stability. I especially don't want anything that will grow to sizes up to 8 inches!

I thought that the filter media needs to be rinsed out to get rid of the additional waste caught in it. I'll keep posting, but I really believe I saw an immediate improvement in the pH and Nitrates by rinsing those filters.

Because I have four filter packs in my two filters, changing one out at a time, every few weeks, shouldn't upset the balance. But I still want to know what the benefit of the charcoal is?

 

[plantling]

Hi. I've just recently restarted my planted fish tank at the end of Jan and I also have a kid, 4 yr old, pestering me about getting fish so we got some from day 3. I find that having plants help keep the ammonia and nitrates in check (the levels don't get too high), although regular water changes are still necessary. If you still want more plants, you should research and see what kind of plants will do well with your lighting and water parameters. I think www.plantgeek.net does a good job. I also found www.aquahobby.com garden section helpful. There are many online retailers you can order from with good prices, but most will understandably want you to use overnite to 2 day shipping.

I think that charcoal just absorbs up unwanted chemicals in the water but will loose effectiveness when it reaches capacity and even start leeching out the chemicals if not replaced. There are arguments for and against having it, so it's up to you. And do rinse your filter medium, just not with tap water but a bucket of your tank water.

 

[Reddog80p]

If by Charcoal you mean Carbon. It polishes your water, removes water impuities and odors. Many people don't run carbon at all considering that after a few weeks it losses it's effectiveness. The only time I run carbon in any of my filters is to remove meds from my tank.