[Samson15]

I am new to fish keeping and recently received a 20 gallon tank. I've been doing a lot of research and I'm ready to get things going. I have some fake plants and some driftwood in the tank.I'm using fake plants for now due to being easy to manage.i would like to start with a honey gourami and eventually some tetras, probably ember tetras but I'm wondering about my tank set up. I've read where gouramis need a lot of plants but my tank was a bit crowded with not much room for the fish. I took some plants out and this is what it looks like so far. I can take the big piece of wood out if necessary and just go with more plants on that side, t

hanks for any advice.

 

[Samson15]

I am doing a fishless cycle on my 10 gallon QT. I am on day 4, I added 4 drops ammonia and my water conditioner on day 1 and today my ph is 7.6, ammonia is 0ppm, nitrite is 0ppm, and nitrate is 5ppm. Does this look like I'm on the right track?

 

[mistergreen]

It looks you are cycled but that’s pretty fast, too fast. Did you add cycling bacteria in a bottle that might help?

 

[Samson15]

It looks you are cycled but that’s pretty fast, too fast. Did you add cycling bacteria in a bottle that might help?

No,it said it reduces bacteria and I read where you add ammonia to start bacteria. I do have some bacteria starter but I didn't think I should use it because I had read where you could do it (cycle)with ammonia. Whatever you think I need to do,if anything, let me know,if it's ready for fish let me know too. Also, did you see my pics of my tank,what is your opinion on my plant situation? Thanks for your help!!

 

[Michael]

Some species of fish like open spaces for fast swimming, others like lots of plants for security and cover. Honey gouramis are definitely happier with lots of plants. Your first layout needs more plants. Put the ones you took out back in, and double that amount.

Your water chemistry should be stable for at least two weeks before you add fish. Experienced aquarists can do it sooner, but even they must monitor conditions and take very quick corrective action if needed. New tanks are inherently unstable and can change greatly in 24 hours.

 

[Samson15]

Some species of fish like open spaces for fast swimming, others like lots of plants for security and cover. Honey gouramis are definitely happier with lots of plants. Your first layout needs more plants. Put the ones you took out back in, and double that amount.

Your water chemistry should be stable for at least two weeks before you add fish. Experienced aquarists can do it sooner, but even they must monitor conditions and take very quick corrective action if needed. New tanks are inherently unstable and can change greatly in 24 hours.

Thanks so much for your help,I I really appreciate it, I'll add the plants and post another picture,it just didn't look like they would have enough room to swim but I'll try it and send another pic. Also, should I leave the water alone and only add something if things change or is there a protocol for adding ammonia or bacteria starter each day or so,thanks again for the advice.

 

[Samson15]

What are some fish that can be in a 20 gallon tank that don't need a lot of plants in case I want to not have a heavily planted tank, thanks.

 

[Samson15]

What are some fish that can be in a 20 gallon tank that don't need a lot of plants in case I want to not have a heavily planted tank, thanks.

Hi everyone,I need to get my regular tank starting to cycle,it will be a fishless cycle, I was going to add some live plants to my driftwood along with the plastic plants. Is it ok to begin a cycle with live plants?, and does it make cycling easier? I guess I still add water conditioner and nitrifying bacteria,but do I wait on the liquid plant fertilizer for a little while? Thanks!

 

[Samson15]

Hi everyone,I need to get my regular tank starting to cycle,it will be a fishless cycle, I was going to add some live plants to my driftwood along with the plastic plants. Is it ok to begin a cycle with live plants?, and does it make cycling easier? I guess I still add water conditioner and nitrifying bacteria,but do I wait on the liquid plant fertilizer for a little while? Thanks!

P.S. My nitrifying bacteria is Fritz zyme 7 if that helps with any information.

 

[mistergreen]

Cycling with plants is fine.

 

[Samson15]

Cycling with plants is fine.

I'm 3 weeks into a fishless cycle and my numbers are looking good except that I still have 1ppm nitrites, I've done water changes, added bacteria and it's still at 1 ppm. Do I just need to give it more time or is there anything I can do to get it to 0 ppm,thanks

 

[mistergreen]

Wait it out. Nitrite should be zero.

 

[Samson15]

Hello everyone, thanks for all the advice and helping me get started. My water finally reached the point where I can add fish, I really like the Honey Gourami and would like to have 2 in my 20 gallon tank with some other nano fish. I have some driftwood and live plants but I feel there is enough swimming area. My LFS will be getting the Honey Gouramis in an a few weeks but I went ahead and purchased 3 zebra danios and 3 neon tetras based on the LFS owners recommendations, my question is when I get the Honey Gouramis, how many more of the danios and neon should I get?,I know they should be in bigger groups than just 3 but I know you should add fish slowly at first.