So, my mom surprised me with a 38 gallon special for my birthday, since my 10 gallon has been going so well as of late.
Anyway, this is the first time I've cycled such a big planted tank, and like a dummy, did a fish-in cycle for my 10 gallon.
I want to do this right this time, so I've planted a java fern, thrown in a coconut cave with some developing java moss, a couple of marimo balls, and I've got a large prawn inside to provide ammonia. My heater's going, but probably not heating well enough since it came with the tank set., (got a 200 watt heater on the way).
I've got an Aquaclear 50 filter going, along with an air stone, and eco-complete substrate.
Since adding the prawn three days ago, my values have been holding pretty steady.
Ammonia- 0.25-0.50 ppm
Nitrites- 0 ppm
Nitrates- 5.0-10 ppm
I added some gravel from my established 10 gallon to help jump start the cycle, along with a little water, and I'm limiting the big tank to about four hours of light a day, standard florescent bulbs that come with the hood.
So, here are my questions:
How long do I leave the prawn in? Do I just let it degrade, or wait a whole months?
Why am I already getting nitrate readings, but no nitrites at all?
Is the tank already cycled from the 1/4 cup of gravel I've already added?
Can someone help me here? I really don't want to do anything wrong with this tank, given I've lost so many pretty fish in my 10 gallon.
Anything else I should know/change/do in order to set up my 38 gallon? Any help is appreciated!
Anyway, this is the first time I've cycled such a big planted tank, and like a dummy, did a fish-in cycle for my 10 gallon.
I want to do this right this time, so I've planted a java fern, thrown in a coconut cave with some developing java moss, a couple of marimo balls, and I've got a large prawn inside to provide ammonia. My heater's going, but probably not heating well enough since it came with the tank set., (got a 200 watt heater on the way).
I've got an Aquaclear 50 filter going, along with an air stone, and eco-complete substrate.
Since adding the prawn three days ago, my values have been holding pretty steady.
Ammonia- 0.25-0.50 ppm
Nitrites- 0 ppm
Nitrates- 5.0-10 ppm
I added some gravel from my established 10 gallon to help jump start the cycle, along with a little water, and I'm limiting the big tank to about four hours of light a day, standard florescent bulbs that come with the hood.
So, here are my questions:
How long do I leave the prawn in? Do I just let it degrade, or wait a whole months?
Why am I already getting nitrate readings, but no nitrites at all?
Is the tank already cycled from the 1/4 cup of gravel I've already added?
Can someone help me here? I really don't want to do anything wrong with this tank, given I've lost so many pretty fish in my 10 gallon.
Anything else I should know/change/do in order to set up my 38 gallon? Any help is appreciated!