Hello All.... Can use some ideas here :)

[Jethro702]

Seriously, get the API Master Freshwater test kit. This kit has liquids you mix with tank water in test tubes. Test strips do not test for ammonia and you are going need that for going through the cycling process properly.

I sure will.... I have not set up the 37 at all yet. Waiting for money *lol* and to get a good solid plan together, I just got this to test the existing water in the 20Gal.... I sure will be getting the big test kit when I set this new tank up.

[wayhilc]

Real good article to act as primer to water parameters, what they and how to adjust if needed at this link, www.chelonia.org, then just select water chemistry. GH of 30 ppm = very soft water, KH = the buffering capacity of
of your water, and determines how stable you pH is.

[Jethro702]

Hey All!

Update: I was able to get the API Test Kit to check the water parameters in my existing 20Gal.... Everything checked good!

pH: 6.4 -6.6
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: In between the colors of 20-40ppm

I also checked the pH of my tap water *came in very close to the 6.6 color* and was able to get a Versa-top for the 37Gal... Next I shall work on lights, then decide plants, let it cycle then come back for stocking ideas... So excited :)

[afro123]

Hey All!

Update: I was able to get the API Test Kit to check the water parameters in my existing 20Gal.... Everything checked good!

pH: 6.4 -6.6
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: In between the colors of 20-40ppm

I also checked the pH of my tap water *came in very close to the 6.6 color* and was able to get a Versa-top for the 37Gal... Next I shall work on lights, then decide plants, let it cycle then come back for stocking ideas... So excited :)

Good for you :)

[showmebutterfly]

Congrats on the cycle!

[Jethro702]

Ok All! Long time no chat... Have been really busy over the holidays, but I wanted to come back to tell you about the tank!
IMG_20150102_1602141_zps37e3f942.jpg

There it is!

My 37Gal, with 1 T5 10000k and 1 T5 6700k. Low light at 1.6ish wpg. Low tech tank. currently cycling.
Flora:
(5-7in) Echinodorus argentinensis
(2-3in) Microsorium pteropus
Cryptocoryne wendtii
2 golf ball size clumps of Vesicularia dubuyana
Bacopa monnierii
Egeria (Anacharis) densa
Hygrophila salicifolia
Ludwigia repens

I def need some help with stocking this tank... I have no clue what I want... lol. I plan on giving detailed parameters later since atm I'm having some pH swings in this thing. I know I want some clean up crew (shrimps and algae eaters). and maybe Dwarf Rainbows but that is about it. lol Thanks!

[RiversGirl]

Welcome back, always good to see an update.

I love that piece of driftwood you've found. Are you considering a background for the back?

Your local water (tap) is very soft, right? What do you mean about the pH swings in your tank, please?

[Jethro702]

Yes, There is very soft water here... When I checked tap last it was around 6.5pH but last night the pH of the tank came in around 7.6.

I haven't thought of a background yet. I was hopping the plants would cover the bulk of it.... it I do get one... I'd just want black probably.

[RiversGirl]

A great many people go with a black background. It makes colors stand out well.

You are still doing your fishless cycle, correct? Reading in here, many folks report that it is normal for the pH to fluctuate while cycling.

[gronlaura]

What is your dGH - the general hardness of your water? Neon dwarf rainbows like a bit harder water, with a dGH of 10 (180 ppm)