alienara2

I move to change the topic here to "Photos of JaSa's guppies"... Gosh they look magnificent!!!

This was my experience a few months ago... until I was told that I had to shake the test bottles until my arms were sore. Something about crystals having to break up before it could test properly.
Now, if you're having 0 nitrates, it could be 
1. The cycle isn't complete and you're still going from ammonia to nitrite, but the bacteria colony for nitrite to nitrate isn't sufficient yet.
2. The test may not be accurate (not shaken enough or potentially expired tests?)
3. If doing huge water changes and water is not dechlorinated, it may be causing the bacteria in the filter and tank to die, hence restarting or delaying the cycle.
Personally I use water straight from the tap when doing water changes but I only do 15%-20% at the very most so it's usually diluted enough that the bacteria aren't too adversely affected.

Sounds like a plan mate. My tank has fairly large gravel but all rounded with no sharp edges and the coolie loaches enjoy digging into them whenever I see them in the morning. Hopefully they don't compete too much for the food if I do decide to get cories =D.

Finally got to put up a photo of the tank. 
Water colour is funky due to tannin... Those blurry bits you see are most probably the guppies darting around. 

Coming from Caryl's aquarium, must be
Only issue is I bought a bunch of other plants and ended up with ramshorns in my tank now haha... makes it look a little more natural I guess. 
Also my tank seems to have a greenish hue to it. Don't know if it's algae or just due to the plants. I'm gonna say it's the plants coz it's so awesome and superior huh Caryl? =p

I could be wrong but I understood that double glazed windows had a vacuum between the glass to avoid convection currents of air.

Welcome Vinz! My love for fish started when I was around your age too and it has never subsided. You'll find awesome people here and great information to help you get the most out of your passion.
All the best!

When someone mentions oxygen plants, I automatically think coldwater oxygen weed.
It is somewhere between $12 - $15  usually to post to Auckland. I can offer rotala, Java moss and crypts.

guppy fry, is that like white bait fritters?
:happy1:

I have no idea about using garden soil but am happy to send plants as long as you pay the postage.

hot dang caryl, that's a beautiful tank.