Background Info
Equipment
I have a 90 gal (48x18x26). On the tank is an established Magnum 350 (from an established tank, the magnum has been running for at least 6 weeks - I'm using that to seed the aquarium, also put a bottle of savestart 30 gal size). I'm experimenting with no U/G filter. I have 2 inches of eco-complete substrate, with 1-4 inches (tiered 'for looks' in places) of gravel from a previously cycled aquarium (but sat in a container for a couple of months outside). Several pieces of large driftwood and some rocks from an established aquarium (had algae on it, but had been dry for months). Gravel originally (8 years ago) came from Lake Michigan beaches. I have a 900gph powerhead (circulation, and aeration until I get plants going). I have a typical 36" T12 lighting fixture and a 300 watt submerged heater. I will be buying a new lighting setup (going for around 2 watts per gallon of 6700k light) - in a DIY suspended hood setup (I want emergent plants).
Current Population
In this tank (from my previous tank setup) 6 tiger barbs (lg), 2 small bismani rainbows. 1 large chinese algae eater, 2 lg Raphael cats, 1 old, but very small pleco. All the fish are active and healthy.
Wisdom Sought
I'm in the process of cycling the tank. Been going for 4 days (doing water change today). All the fish are doing well. I'm getting ready to put a lot of plants in place (originally I wanted the plants in first, then cycle the tank, but the person who is providing the plants has been hard to connect with. So I'm looking for wisdom/experience in a couple places.
1. I've kept fish for 20 years, always had a U/G filter, so I'm learning how to cycle without the U/G. Is there any things I need to do differently when cycling a setup like this. Give my setup/circumstances, is anything about to blow up!
2. Normal process for things I've read on your site is that you put the plants in first, let them establish, then add fish. Given my circumstances, I've had to put the fish in first (or leave them in the bucket!). Do you have any wisdom/experience for putting plants in last?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Jeff...
Equipment
I have a 90 gal (48x18x26). On the tank is an established Magnum 350 (from an established tank, the magnum has been running for at least 6 weeks - I'm using that to seed the aquarium, also put a bottle of savestart 30 gal size). I'm experimenting with no U/G filter. I have 2 inches of eco-complete substrate, with 1-4 inches (tiered 'for looks' in places) of gravel from a previously cycled aquarium (but sat in a container for a couple of months outside). Several pieces of large driftwood and some rocks from an established aquarium (had algae on it, but had been dry for months). Gravel originally (8 years ago) came from Lake Michigan beaches. I have a 900gph powerhead (circulation, and aeration until I get plants going). I have a typical 36" T12 lighting fixture and a 300 watt submerged heater. I will be buying a new lighting setup (going for around 2 watts per gallon of 6700k light) - in a DIY suspended hood setup (I want emergent plants).
Current Population
In this tank (from my previous tank setup) 6 tiger barbs (lg), 2 small bismani rainbows. 1 large chinese algae eater, 2 lg Raphael cats, 1 old, but very small pleco. All the fish are active and healthy.
Wisdom Sought
I'm in the process of cycling the tank. Been going for 4 days (doing water change today). All the fish are doing well. I'm getting ready to put a lot of plants in place (originally I wanted the plants in first, then cycle the tank, but the person who is providing the plants has been hard to connect with. So I'm looking for wisdom/experience in a couple places.
1. I've kept fish for 20 years, always had a U/G filter, so I'm learning how to cycle without the U/G. Is there any things I need to do differently when cycling a setup like this. Give my setup/circumstances, is anything about to blow up!
2. Normal process for things I've read on your site is that you put the plants in first, let them establish, then add fish. Given my circumstances, I've had to put the fish in first (or leave them in the bucket!). Do you have any wisdom/experience for putting plants in last?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Jeff...
