Today my Co2 tank was empty. Not sure what was up with that, but I got if filled, came back and checked the fittings and didn't find a leak.

The Nitrate test kit came tonight, so I ran water tests again today. Ammonia is almost gone, Nitrite is still on the rise, and I am showing Nitrates. I'm not sure if the Nitrates are from the tank or my ferts.

The fish seem to be doing well. The fry are starting to explore the tank. I've seen them from one end to the other today. I also noticed that they all have black tails. I didn't see this yesterday.

View August 23, 2016 21:13

Today I did water tests, and my nitrites were at 3. I decided to do a 50% water change. While I was doing that I lowered the dip tester to the bottom of the tank. I also found a few good suction cups for my filter inlet tube. Today was the first day that the temperature of the house was low enough that I could adjust the heater.

View August 22, 2016 12:31

Well I had my first loss today, let's say goodbye to my Clown Loach. I feel bad that I brought him into a cycling tank. He ate this morning, but by afternoon he was gone. I did have a few additions to the tank, The wife counted 6 fry in the tank. I, and the tank are not ready for fry, but what can you do.

The tank is cycling up. I'm still showing ammonia, but my Nitrites are high, so the process is working. I just wish I had a good nitrite test kit, but that won't be here till Tuesday, and by then the tank may be cycled up.

All the rest of my Ferts came today, so Tomorrow morning I'm going to mix up my PPS Pro so I can properly take care of my plants.

View August 22, 2016 03:19

Came home from work and fed the fish. I found one of the fry swimming in the back. It seems to be doing well. The Cory cats came out to eat, and they seem happy with the new setup. Mama and papa Platy are looking great. Their fins are up and they seem to becoming less shy.

All in all the plants seem to be doing well. I nave two new leaves on the banana plant, and about a half inch growth on the Anacharis. The dwarf hairgrass has cleared up, and I'm hoping it's going to make it. I feel like I've abused it twice now since I've redone my tank.

The Co2 is running at about two bubbles per second, and my drop checker is nice and green. I NEED to get my timers straightened out so I can have the Co2 come on about an hour and a half before the light starts. After today I'm off for three days and should be able to get everything neatened up and the Ferts going in the right direction. I ordered a few pounds of ferts to complete my PPS Pro feeding schedule. Now I just have to wait until everything shows up so I can mix a batch.

View August 20, 2016 12:00

Ordered K2SO4 and MgSO4 from Amazon today.
Once this comes in I will start doing the PPS-Pro dosing. I already had the other elements from my old setup.

View August 19, 2016 20:29

Today my ammonia was starting to get where I didn't want it. I decided to prolong the cycle to keep the fish healthy, so I did a 50% water change again. I also changed my timer to something a little more substantial.

View August 18, 2016 10:00

Added a Clown Loach, and did water tests.
Also added a new picture of the tank.

View August 17, 2016 11:30

Tonight I was looking for my Cory Cats, and noticed 2 Platy fry!! Not sure if they'll make it or not, but it's nice to see little ones in the tank. It's been a long time.

View August 16, 2016 18:30

Did a 50% water change, and re-arranged the tank. I wanted to separate the larger plants in the back, and give the fry a place to hide.
I also replaced the Co2 line and added a check valve on the inlet side of my bubble counter. I found water all the way down to the solenoid valve. In the process I broke my new Co2 deffuser, I had an old one that works. I will order a backup from Amazon tomorrow.

View August 16, 2016 11:29

Today I added some Anubias nana to the tank along with our first fish. Two Peppered Cory Cats and Two Sunburst Platys. I added some river rock and re arranged the plants.

View August 15, 2016 17:45