Is that it? Is my tank cycled?

Andyandsue

I'll be putting live plants back in the tank for sure, it's not that I don't want them. Not only is this a new tank, but I am new at this. I'm trying to get cycling over, to undersand what I'm doing, and I'm working with a 3 gallon tank so the changes are lightning fast. I'm testing the water 2x a day right now. So you see, it's more than inconvenience; It creates too much of a variable right now.

Once I'm confident, I'll put a plant back in. I also think I'll be getting a larger tank since I like this so much.

Amphitrite

I know what you mean about wanting a bigger tank already. Within a couple of months of getting my first tank I was desperate for another, bigger tank.

The advantage is that you will have so much more choice in the variety of fish you can keep. I also find that a larger tank is much easier to maintain.

FDStation152

The larger tank will be a good idea. Makes things a lot more stable and thus enjoyable. Go for 20 gallons or more however, as a 10 gallon tank has its own inherent problems. I know there's plenty of people here that have 10 gallon tanks but IMO they arent good for much other than quarantine, temporary housing, and raising fry. Speaking of getting a larger tank I just remembered that I have a 40 gallon tank sitting in the tool room. Guess those praecox rainbowfish don't have to go afterall. I'll turn that tank into my breeding tank for them. Which will give the young angelfish that are also currently stuck in a 10 gal with them much more room.

Andyandsue

Yesterday I saw algae magically appear. I researched that and decided to add back the smaller of the 2 plants (it's really small) after cleaning the gravel a bit, the plastic plants and the decorative natural rock (yes, water only). This morning, the algae doesn't seem to have gotten any worse, and my readings are PERFECT! ammonia/nitrite are 0, and nitrates are 5! Hooray!

I am definitely getting a bigger tank in the next few weeks. This is such fun! :D

Amphitrite

I'm really glad to hear it's all going well for you - that's great news! :D

Have you decided yet what size of tank you are going to go for?

Andyandsue

10-20 gallon. We have the perfect spot for an aquarium, but we are limited to space the spot allows. It's in the corner of the kitchen with not much direct light, no hot/cold drafts, granite base so it's sturdy... it's perfect, but it's limited in space. Put it this way, I'm going to get the largest tank that fits in that spot, practically speaking! I don't want a tank that is 4 feet high.