Kat's 29g Adventure!

**kattiq** · 02-06-2012, 04:06 PM

So, I bought a TopFin 29 gallon tank about two weeks ago. It's running a TopFin 3000 Filter, a 100w UL Heater, and the Dimensions: 30-3/16"L x 12-1/2"W x 18-3/4"H.
I also have a bubble wall, but I am in between pumps right now because I've bought two and both are ridiculously too loud for my bedroom!

I had it up and running the first week thinking "Oh, I can totally put fish in there in about a week! Woohoo!" Well then I found this site that told me all about a "fishless cycle." Needless to say I am so glad I found it out before I hurt any fishes!

I have already bought plants, natural looking gravel, one live java fern, and a cute little lantern thing. I also found some flagstone at my local hardware store to make a little cave. Here's the final product:

I am day 4 into the fishless cycle. I got pure Ammonium and have putting 1/2 a cap full in for the last few days. I tested the water last night with my API master kit and the Ammonia level was 4 ppm (I hope that's right!). I have yet to test for Nitrites or Nitrates yet and figured I could test it a little later this week.

Thanks for reading! And any tips would be very appreciated!

**Fishkeeper** · 02-06-2012, 04:11 PM

Very nice! What are your stocking plans? I advise cories; little active schooling catfish that are cute as buttons!

**kattiq** · 02-06-2012, 04:21 PM

I'm still on the fence about stocking. I REALLY want some little neon rainbows and maybe a pearl gourami. I've heard rams are good too and they are really pretty! But I keep hearing different opinions, so to be quite honest I'm a little confused.
I do like cories though they do look super cute! I'm just not sure what will be good. I want fish that are very fun to look at but not a fish you'd see everyday (like goldfish).

And it also depends on what my pet store has. I really wished there was a locally owned place around were I live but all I have is Petsmart :( However, my dad knows the company that actually sells them the fish and he says they are good. But I know not to trust the employees regardless. I haven't had a chance to go and see what types of fish they have yet because I live close to 30 minutes away and I try not to make too many trips (gas$$)!

Also does any one know how the Aqueon Aquarium Water Changer works? I NEED to get one before I have to start making water changes because the aquarium is in my room and I'd like to keep the water spillage to a minimum.

**ElizabethJKR** · 02-06-2012, 05:56 PM

Cories are adorable. I've got Skunk and Julii Cories in my 10 gallon. I love Panda Cories though. They are the cutest.

Maybe try some male guppies? They are pretty colorful.

**Fishin Phil** · 02-06-2012, 05:59 PM

Tank looks great. Glad you found the fishless cycle thread useful, it sure helped me.

**kattiq** · 02-06-2012, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the suggestions! I am definitely going to add corys :)

Does anyone know when I should start testing for nitrates and nitrites? And should I test for ammonia levels everyday from now on? I tested ammonia last night and it was 4 ppm. But I didn't test for the others.

**KaylNeko** · 02-06-2012, 08:42 PM

If your ammonia is still 4ppm, you're probably not converting to nitrites yet. I'm pretty sure it's recomended give it a week and a half or two weeks before you bother try testing for nitrites. Testing won't hurt if you really want to do it early, though. :)

**kattiq** · 02-07-2012, 12:07 AM

Okay thanks Kay!
I guess I'm just a little giddy and wished the cycle would be over by now!
I guess I'll test later this week and research about some fish.:)

I did go to http://aqadvisor.com/ and came up with this set up.

I think those might work well in my tank. But I will probably have to order the rams and rainbows online because I'm not sure my petstore carries those. :(

**ldoerr** · 02-07-2012, 12:20 AM

The way that I learned how to use my python was to look up youtube videos of it. I found that the one made by Aqueon was the most helpful. Your tank looks nice btw :)

**kattiq** · 02-07-2012, 02:07 AM

Thanks Idoerr! I like a clean and simple look. Although I want to get another hardly live plant to add some more depth. But obviously can't do it until the cycle is over!

I never thought of looking up youtube videos of how to use it. Great idea!
I have to wait till my next pay check to go ahead and buy one but it's not like I need one right now anyways.

Okay so I did another ammonia test today. I'm assuming this is between 2-4 ppm.