You’re doing a great job Jordan. We all lose fish in the beginning. It’s sad, but it’s part of the process. And no matter how hard you try, it’s going to happen. And a lot of times it’s not even your fault. Live plants are definitely your friend. Floating plants will help remove nitrates and nitrites really well. Personally I avoid duckweed. But dwarf lettuce and red root floaters are really nice.
Thanks Claywise! It’s definitely been a journey! A lot of great moments recently, and feeling more comfortable recently after the first intense couple weeks. I’ll look for more floating plants!
From my experience I think cycling a tank can take far longer than stores will suggest. I’d advice investing in some liquid ammonia/nitrite/nitrate tests and trusting your own findings on if a new tank is cycled. The last scape I set up I used recycled aqua soil (so it shouldn’t have leached much if any ammonia) and it was heavily planted. Even after 2 months I was getting ammonia readings.
I'd love to see some nice, close up shots of the tank ^_^ Maybe some b-roll footage to overlay with you talking here and there. Love the way the plants are coming along! I had no luck with neons an a betta; the neons sadly killed her overnight. Any time I observed them they were completely fine, then one morning, only a couple days in, she was gone. It's a tricky balance with fish for sure! If you can get more plants, that will help with water parameters. Many aquarists (myself included) put pothos clippings hanging out of the tanks (put the roots in the water, leaves hanging out) and they do a fantastic job using the nitrites, nitrates, and ammonia. Be careful falling down the chemical rabbit hole. They will also take away nutrients your existing plants need and can potentially crash your tank.
You’re doing a great job Jordan. We all lose fish in the beginning. It’s sad, but it’s part of the process. And no matter how hard you try, it’s going to happen. And a lot of times it’s not even your fault.
Live plants are definitely your friend. Floating plants will help remove nitrates and nitrites really well. Personally I avoid duckweed. But dwarf lettuce and red root floaters are really nice.
Thanks Claywise! It’s definitely been a journey! A lot of great moments recently, and feeling more comfortable recently after the first intense couple weeks.
I’ll look for more floating plants!
@@BesidePeacefulWaters floaters are an easy and awesome addition to
From my experience I think cycling a tank can take far longer than stores will suggest. I’d advice investing in some liquid ammonia/nitrite/nitrate tests and trusting your own findings on if a new tank is cycled. The last scape I set up I used recycled aqua soil (so it shouldn’t have leached much if any ammonia) and it was heavily planted. Even after 2 months I was getting ammonia readings.
I'd love to see some nice, close up shots of the tank ^_^ Maybe some b-roll footage to overlay with you talking here and there. Love the way the plants are coming along! I had no luck with neons an a betta; the neons sadly killed her overnight. Any time I observed them they were completely fine, then one morning, only a couple days in, she was gone. It's a tricky balance with fish for sure! If you can get more plants, that will help with water parameters. Many aquarists (myself included) put pothos clippings hanging out of the tanks (put the roots in the water, leaves hanging out) and they do a fantastic job using the nitrites, nitrates, and ammonia. Be careful falling down the chemical rabbit hole. They will also take away nutrients your existing plants need and can potentially crash your tank.