More newbie questions

AmyK

Why do tanks need to sit on a styrofoam base? Or am I just dreaming someone said this !?

Also, I started cycling my tank last Thursday (the 5th) -5 gallons - and I have been adding Stability. My readings are ammonia 3ish ppm and nitrites 0 this morning. Is this normal.??
Unfortunately I don't know anyone with some establish filter or gravel :( so I had to use the Stability.

I am using the "add ammonia - fishless cycling" method.

laeclaserind

I'm not sure what Stability is, the fishless cycle is a good method though. Make sure you don't use ammonia with surfactants in it though (foams when you shake the bottle), it's bad for fish. I think it's normal to not see anything in the first few days on the ammonia readings, once you see the ammonia and nitrate spike you are supposed to start watching for it to go down I think. This link should tell you better Fishless Cycling Made Easy

JohnnyD44

you can use thin pieces of styrofoam to balance out your aquarium if it sits unlevel

AmyK

Oh thank you! Cause it does sit unlevel (a tiny bit!)

Cody

If it is barley off, you are fine. My 10G reef was unbalanced for almost a year. If it is unsightly, then you may want to level it out.