New to this and confused.
Three months ago I put together a 20 gallon, flatback hexagon, freshwater tank. I have since changed from artificial plants to live ones (which I LOVE!), purchased a new filter 2 weeks ago (Penguin 200 Biowheel) and raised the temp.. You see, I wanted the health benefits and beauty of live plants, a larger filter with a biowheel, and I learned that my old thermometer wasn t really the correct size for my original set-up. The tank was purchased as a “Kit” from WalMart. Since I am new to this I’m all confused about tank parameters, cycling, etc… I really have no idea if my tank has cycled or not. Having completely changed it since original set-up only adds to my confusion. I test the water with Jungle Quick Dip 5 and don’t know the exact numbers of the results because it is color based and not number based.. My Nitrate seems a little high, Nitrite 0, Hardness is hard, Alkalinity a little low and PH low. Now I have the beginning of Diatoms on my gravel. My plants are thriving and my fish are very healthy. But I’m all confused about my tank parameters, cycles and the brown stuff on my gravel. Whats going on? Have I cycled? Am I cycling? Should I vacuum the diatoms out or let them go? I’ve read so many conflicting things. I leave my light on for about 10 hours a day. I can’t put anymore fish (algae eaters) in the tank because I’m trying to give some fish away now. In my excitement and lack of knowledge I over-stocked my tank but now know better. I already have one common pleco and one catfish Cory. I read where oto’s would eat the diatoms but really can’t have more fish. My water is absolutely crystal clear to look at it. Really beautiful. I’ve been doing 25% water changes weekly. But the water parameters, diatoms and cycling is where I get all confused and just can’t seem to get a grip on what is good, normal and bad. And I have no idea if it has cycled. Do I vacuum the diatoms? I apologize if this seems like a lot of questions and it seems I’m rambling. Im feeling a little frustrated at myself and defeated about it all. Thanks so much. Lisa
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Category: AquaticLife
