frameaj1 Posted October 25, 2012 Report Share Posted October 25, 2012 Hi guys, Just purchased my first tank for freshwater. Hoping to get some hints and tips etc. I am looking to make it nice and green, any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calculator Posted October 25, 2012 Report Share Posted October 25, 2012 Hello and welcome to the site. I hope you have a fun and educational time here. What size tank is it, and what do you have/wanting to put in it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted October 25, 2012 Report Share Posted October 25, 2012 Welcome and enjoy your time here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frameaj1 Posted October 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2012 It's a 54L tank (16G) At the moment I have just setup the heater/pump and put gravel + water in. Hoping to go to the pet shop today and find grass like plants, and some biggerish ones for the back. Do I need to add some sort of fertilizer/dirt? Or is just gravel fine? Also I measured the ammonia this morning, but the test didn't change colour. What's the best way to start the Ammonia process? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calculator Posted October 25, 2012 Report Share Posted October 25, 2012 That is a nice size starting tank. In terms of the cycling the tank http://www.fnzas.org.nz/?p=1868 has all the information you should need. In terms of the actual cycling process near the bottom it goes into how to do fish less cycling, and cycling with fish. Plants wise it really depends on how much you want to go into plants. I have never been that into making my tanks planted tanks, so I have just only used gravel, and added the occasional bit of fertilizer, but if you want to go into making a full on planted tank I am led to believe that they work better if you use some sort of aquarium dirt under your gravel, but that is entirely up to you. But I should probably mention that I am not the best person to ask about plants as they always seem to die on me. I wish you the best of luck with your fish keeping endeavors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frameaj1 Posted October 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2012 Thankyou Calculator! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted October 26, 2012 Report Share Posted October 26, 2012 There is a very active, and friendly, aquarium club in Dunedin. Our Home Page has their details. They are also on Facebook. They will have plenty of people to offer advice locally and maybe even offer cheap plants and/or fish. There is no point testing the tank water if it has nothing else in it. You need an ammonia source to start the cycle and where you get that from depends on how you cycle. I suggest you contact the local club as I am sure someone could offer you some already cycled filter media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frameaj1 Posted October 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2012 Thanks for the info! Also is buying fake grass stuff from the pet shop, frowned upon in the fishroom? :oops: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F15hguy Posted October 26, 2012 Report Share Posted October 26, 2012 some people dont do it, I think its fine just don't be surprised if some people give you a bit of a ribbing, easier to just give some back than worry too much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calculator Posted October 26, 2012 Report Share Posted October 26, 2012 Personally I think live plants are better because they take nitrates and other chemicals out of your water, but fake plants are easier to work with, and sometimes look better. It is your choice, and people dont really care that much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F15hguy Posted October 26, 2012 Report Share Posted October 26, 2012 plus fakes allow you to have greenery and fish like silver dollars together Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caper Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 Hi and welcome Take care, Caper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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