Here we go...first 30gal planted tank

[kevinly]

What plants are you planning on getting and from what source?

ssrprelude is going to be trimming his tank and he is offering me some stems and crypts.

[Complexity]

Crypts will be perfect for what you have. You'll probably do well with stems, depending on which stems you get.

Be sure to take pics when you get it planted. It's fun to watch planted tanks as they grow and evolve.

[kevinly]

Here is a quick update on the tank:



I want to thanks srrprulude once again for giving me some starter plants.

Today I upgraded my filtration from an Eheim 2211 to a 2215. I have two t-5 lights now.

However my water is still very cloudy. I have been doing waterchanges everyday for 4 days now. I was told that it takes about a week for the water to be clear. I'm starting to get impatient. Should I be worried? The substrate is ADA Aqua Soil.

[Complexity]

That's cloudy, alright. What are your water condition readings (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)? I wonder if you could be having a bacteria bloom?

[kevinly]

That's cloudy, alright. What are your water condition readings (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)? I wonder if you could be having a bacteria bloom?

The only test kits I have are KH and pH. So I'm gonna take some of my water to get it tested. Also the filter is new so I can expect a bateria bloom.

[tnguyen]

co2 yet? If not, get one!

I also notice the lights are blue. Actinic? If so, you need to rid of them. How many bulb is on that fixture?

The sword and crpyt will do ok with your setup.

I would not put any fish/shrimp for another 3-4 weeks. Let the plant grow and do their magic.

[kevinly]

co2 yet? If not, get one!

I also notice the lights are blue. Actinic? If so, you need to rid of them. How many bulb is on that fixture?

The sword and crpyt will do ok with your setup.

I would not put any fish/shrimp for another 3-4 weeks. Let the plant grow and do their magic.

Yeah I have a total of four bulbs but the other light was not on so you couldn't see it. But tomorrow I am getting my co2 filled at whatever location is closest.

[Roujin]

How did you end up packing your 2215?

[Complexity]

When you get your water tested, pick up the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. You will want that in general, but especially with a new setup.

A new filter isn't the cause of a bacteria bloom. Basically, it's caused when the bacteria are multiplying at a very large rate. That may be happening because of the high ammonia from the aquasoil. High ammonia feeds a lot of bacteria. It all settles down as the ammonia and bacteria levels equalize.

But without any kind of test, you're running very blind. The tests would tell you what's happening inside your tank and how best to treat it. For example, if you have high ammonia, but no nitrites or nitrates, then I'd continue with water changes. However, if you're getting nitrites or nitrates, then I'd let it ride as is. Just keep a close watch on it. If it's cycling, it will clear itself in a couple more days.

Keep in mind this is only when there are no fish, as in your case. If fish were in the tank, then you have no choice but to keep changing the water to keep the levels fish safe.

Get your water tested and let us know what the readings are.

[kevinly]

How did you end up packing your 2215?

The way it showed me on the box.

[kevinly]

Another update on the tank:


Water is still cloudy. I figured it's trying to cycle itself. I used a brand new filter with no bacteria so its taking its time to cycle. However, I got a bottle of live bacteria and poured it in there, which should help. Still I am afraid the tank won't clear up. I have a molly in there to help cycle some more. The good thing is he made it through the night.

I'm starting to think I might have not soaked the wood long enough, maybe causing the water to be cloudy.

The good thing is that it looks better then a few days ago.

[tnguyen]

It's normal. I wouldn't worry too much. just have to be patience. Purigen works pretty good for tanning water.

[kevinly]

Purigen works pretty good for tanning water.

I'm sorry I'm not sure what that means? Is that some sort of thing I can add to the water?

[Mzungu]

Have you tested the water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate?
The AquaSoil will provide enough ammonia to cycle the tank. Be sure to test the water ASAP to find out those levels, because the molly could be suffering.

The cloudiness will go away. Like tngyuen said, patience is good right now. :)

[Mzungu]

Purigen is a substance that can be put into your filter to take out discoloration and such in the water. I think tnguyen meant "tannins," which leech out of driftwood and turn the water a tan-color. The driftwood is most likely not causing the cloudiness. And if/when you do see tannins begin to color the water, they are harmless, and only need to be removed if you don't like the color.