Newbie question for 55 gallon...

S

Silvyn

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Sep 8, 2004
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I've been reading on here for the past month or so, trying to figure out how to get everything I want going, and now I've got a few questions left that I'm hoping someone can answer for me.

I've got a 55 gallon glass aquarium that I want to make into a planted aquarium eventually. My questions are:

1) The aquarium came used, so it has a tiny bit of green residue on the glass and a bit more in the filter. Should I scrub this down, or is that good for helping the cycling?

2) I've read back and forth about how you should (fishless) cycle first, then add plants, or add plants while cycling. My intentions are to add a few plants first, before going crazy with lots of lighting and DIY CO2. Right now I've just got a single 40W light. Should I go ahead and cycle it before adding any plants, or should I add a few plants at the beginning?

3) Last question... the guy at the LFS was adament only cycling with fish, so he wasn't much help about products to start the fishless cycling. Finally I got him to point out "Cycle". It says to add some every 7 days for 2 weeks. I'm wondering if I should use this, plants, ammonia, or some combination of the three. (I know this is contingent on the previous question).

Thank everyone so much for their help in advance,
Jamie
 
2) Cycle first, then add plants. The plants use some of the ammonia that will cause your bacteria colony to grow.

3) Don't bother with "Cycle". It's just another snake-oil product. The only thing that speeds up tank cycling is Bio-Spira.

Also, you should really consider adding more light. I have a 55G and tried to get by with the standard lighting that came with the tank, and I'm only able to grow extremely low light plants. I've already ordered myself a 110 watt CF strip light after only a few weeks with live plants.
 
mcps95 said:
Also, you should really consider adding more light. I have a 55G and tried to get by with the standard lighting that came with the tank, and I'm only able to grow extremely low light plants. I've already ordered myself a 110 watt CF strip light after only a few weeks with live plants.
Click to expand...

You MUST have more light. I cannot stress it enough. Even the 110watt strip for your tank mcps95 is still considered low light...but definatley doable. 40W will just not cut it. Trust me I have tried and failed many times before breaking down and buying a Compact Florecent light strip. Right now I have 160W over my 55 Gallon...DYI C02 and the results have been very good. Also..consider laying Laterite underneath your gravel to give a good root nutrient source
 
Thanks for your fast reply. I'll return the "Cycle" stuff. I'm not concerned about a fast cycle at all. I'd actually like some time so that I can put together the lighting system for it and research the plants.

So, if I don't use bio-cycle, don't use plants, and go with the ammonia method, what can I use to start the bacteria? The only aquariums I have access to are salt-water. The only things I've read are using shrimp (that can stink), plants (that can die), or fish food (I think I read that), or fish (which I won't do).

Also, as far as the first question, should I clean out the barely noticible green left over from the previous owner? I've decided to replace the filter, as it's a penguin 360 Bio-Wheel and missing some parts.

Thanks again!
 
You dont have to have any bacteria to seed a tank. Without it will just take longer. Using PURE ammoia is the best because you can control what kind of levels you will be getting, while with other rotting stuff you can not.

The green stuff is agale and wond do anything for your cycle. If possible use a clean rag and go at it. If that dosent work get a knife and take it off.
 
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