Hi there,
I have 26gal tank and it is a planted aquarium. These past two weeks I have been trying to get the nitrites and nitrates levels down: nitrates = 40ppm; nitrites = 5.0ppm. I was told at both pet stores I visited that I need to get the nitrite levels down so I can then add some hardy fish to get the cycle truly going. Yesterday I did a 30% water change in hopes this would lower the nitrites and nitrates. I have also added marine salt to the water readying the tank for fish.
Tomorrow morning I will test the water in hopes to see the levels lower. I am not sure about the ph level - it was at 7.0ppm, and now reads 7.6. I am planning to add either some white cloud minnows, ghost tetras or zebra danios to start. I am eventually planning to add algae eaters such as oto catfish or siamese algae eaters. It was recommended not to add the algae eaters until the tank is cycling. And finally, I will be adding African Dwarf Frogs.
I am hoping that I am heading in the right direction. Have read many articles about planted freshwater aquariums, and what fish do well in these. Please feel free to add anything more I may be missing or things you believe would be a better approach.
Definitely a newbies, and one that is excited about this new adventure, and wanting to make sure everything can work together. Any thoughts or questions would truly be appreciated!
Jessica
I have 26gal tank and it is a planted aquarium. These past two weeks I have been trying to get the nitrites and nitrates levels down: nitrates = 40ppm; nitrites = 5.0ppm. I was told at both pet stores I visited that I need to get the nitrite levels down so I can then add some hardy fish to get the cycle truly going. Yesterday I did a 30% water change in hopes this would lower the nitrites and nitrates. I have also added marine salt to the water readying the tank for fish.
Tomorrow morning I will test the water in hopes to see the levels lower. I am not sure about the ph level - it was at 7.0ppm, and now reads 7.6. I am planning to add either some white cloud minnows, ghost tetras or zebra danios to start. I am eventually planning to add algae eaters such as oto catfish or siamese algae eaters. It was recommended not to add the algae eaters until the tank is cycling. And finally, I will be adding African Dwarf Frogs.
I am hoping that I am heading in the right direction. Have read many articles about planted freshwater aquariums, and what fish do well in these. Please feel free to add anything more I may be missing or things you believe would be a better approach.
Definitely a newbies, and one that is excited about this new adventure, and wanting to make sure everything can work together. Any thoughts or questions would truly be appreciated!
Jessica