Just an update

[Dixie]

The bio-wheels for my filter came in & I picked them up today. The other filter I am now running with the first one doesn't take the bio wheels:(
I have 2 other filters for undergravel filtration that I'm going to try to get sponges for so I can run them in the 55g. too.

I took a water sample into the LGS with me today and she tested my water and said it looks likes it's on it's way cycling and nothing looked dangerously high to her. She didn't sell Seachem stuff so I bought a bottle of API Stress Zyme(*Super concentrated formula contains 15% more bacteria than original Stress Zyme) and added the required amount for a new tank (directly to the tank stirring like mad with my hand as I added it).

I wanted to buy some more fish today but she(LFS lady) said she thought I should wait another week or so.

I hope I'm on my way to a healthy happy tank now but will still be in here. Just cause I likes ya's lol and can always learn more:c4: .
Dixie

[Lady Hobbs]

I don't use my bio-wheels. Run the filters without it.

Watch the stress zyme that you use as directed or you'll get algae.

[Dixie]

Thanks for the info Lady. I was already getting a little on the inside of the front glass anyway. Tiny black dots that I couldn't even see without my reading glasses. Maybe I should lay off those H2O Stable wafers that was recommended for the 2Placos since it's a new tank and shouldn't have alge yet lol, and let the plecos do their job. I've been leaving the light on 24-7 too. Would it help the alge issue to turn it off at night?
Dixie

[kurly]

Wow, I don't think you should leave your lights on 24 hours a day.

[Dixie]

Yeah I'm starting to think that now. They might want to sleep too huh? lol Probably the reason for the alge starting too:(
I'll turn them off when I go to bed tonight.
Dixie

[Nick_Pavlovski]

Yep, definately leave the light off for 12 hours. Try to give them as much "natural" feelings as possible.
Also, try to avoid any sunlight hitting the tank - that'll spark off algae too.

[mitcore]

i am the same i dont run biowheels all my external filters run without them and it seems to be fine

[Dixie]

Is there are reason the two of you don't use biowheels? Do you know something negative about them?
Dixie