gemelee

So I just started seeing some Nitrites and then had a bit of a set back. The tank bowed and the middle brace broke off today. Any idea how to prevent this happening again?

Just tested again and got the same results 0.1 ammonia, 0 nitrate, 10 nitrates. I also tested the tap water again 0 nitrates. There is a noticeable difference between the tap water and tap water, with tap the test is yellow and tank it's orange. I did use some bio balls from another tank but the goldfish didn't go in until about a week after so I guessed all the bacteria would have died off in that time and the cycle would be started from scratch.

Its a 5 foot, 150L and I'm using a small goldfish.

This is far from my first tank so I'm well aware of how the cycle process works but my tank I've just started cycling a few days ago is barely and I mean BARELY showing ammonia, about 0.1ppm. 0 nitrites but has 10ppm nitrates!? I made sure it was well shook (of that's a word :slfg: ) Can someone please explain how this is possible? Tap water is showing 0 nitrates

Does anyone have an idea whether this Bolivian Ram is male or female? From what I've read online I'm leaning towards female but I could be completely wrong

Got this little black and orange goldfish today, my son named him Owen

This is high range pH. Is this about right for Malawi?

Thanks for the advice bananalobster, :gpo2: but I've cycled a small 21L before using fishfood but found fish-in cycles to be a bit more reliable source of ammonia. I think I am going to put in the yellows first but only once it's completely cycled. I was more checking that I'm not going to be hanged for doing a fish-in cycle, I understand some people are very against it. I also want to know how much longer it would take to cycle it coldwater?

:slfg: Godly, yes I do but I was sneaky about it, I painted the edges of it black so it blends in with the stand, but it wasnt there in the first lot of pics, I didnt put it under until I put the background on. And thanks for the stocking help smidey. Any idea what order I should put things in after the cycle is comple? Yellows first as dems are more agressive?? Now cycle question, whats everyones thoughts on cycling? Ive only ever done fish in cycles using seeded media. And was considering maybe a goldfish but heard cold water takes longer to cycle?

I might just stick with the dems and yellows then, unless there is something else I can have just a single fish along with dems and yellows, if not that's fine I want to make sure my fish will be happy and healthy. I think it works out to be about 148L.

Tank being filled

If I ditch the red tops, what is there available at a more suitable size?

So after asking lots of questions, I've finally gotten around to getting the tank set up, it's 154 x 32(h) x 30(w), a bit smaller than what's usually used for Africans but I think because of the length I should get away with it. I currently have an aquis cf1200 but am thinking about adding another smaller canister filter maybe 700lph As far as stocking goes I'm still not 100% sure and would love some suggestions. I'm thinking (if possible) demasoni, electric yellows and red top trewavasae. I know the dems need to be at least 12 but I'm not sure how many of the others I want. My partner built the steel stand for me and cut out a fish in the front. Unpainted Tank and stand in place The tank was braceless, so I added some just for peace of mind more than anything I have also added black material for a background.

The solid plastic ones that come in like packs of 4 or 5, i think they are only 2 or 3mm but I will have to check the thickness

Would some thin food-safe chopping boards work?