A Newbie's Cycling 20g Tall
 

This is my new tank. I've had 4 danios in it for 10 days now. They are doing good but no ammonia yet. I'm currently suffering from wishitwouldcycle-itis. Any suggestions for the tank?

Nice looking tank. I like all the tall plants.

Have patience. That's a fairly light bioload but eventually the cycle will start. Are you using a liquid test kit or strips? Have you done any water changes yet?

Well this is more on the equipment side. It would be best to rotate your heater to about a 45 degree angle or more. That way the thermometer in it isn't bathed in the warm water coming off the heater portion and shutting off prematurely or cycling excessively. Also, I'd move your thermometer to the other side of the tank so that you get a better idea of the all over temperature of the tank.

Aside from that, just be paitent. The cycle will happen. Once your tank has cycled it will be much more forgiving on you and your fish.

Really like your setup, especially that artifical piece of driftwood.. I think it's fake right?

Thanks! Yes, it's fake. I like it cause it looks cool and has some hiding spots.

Thanks so much! I can't believe I didn't think about moving the thermometer before! It's on the other side of the tank now.


I'm using the API liquid kit. I had to do small water change today because I had an accidental feeding incident. I dumped WAY too much into the tank! I was able to clean most of it out though. I'm not planning on doing any changes until I start getting an ammonia reading though.

Thanks everybody!

Looks good! How about a background? I'm always a fan of plain old black, but some of the ones with plants look pretty good, too.

I agree w/ batman. A black background would look awesome for your tank. It's looking good. Love the tall plants.

Ooooh, good idea!! Maybe a black background will make this stupid thing cycle faster.... :-P

hello,
wow !! what a lovley tank.
i agree with the others about a black background,it would look
great. :)
do you have any friends with a tropical tank ?

Good point, if you could get some established media to add to the tank that would help things along.

Is this your first ever tank? It looks fantastic and you've taken a great picture of it, it's really clear. :-)