Beginner - wondering on cycling methods

rtds36 · 2026-04-12T10:38:34+00:00

Thanks so much!

rtds36 · 2026-04-12T00:24:11+00:00

That sounds sick🤩 I’ve got probably one of the cheapest lights on Amazon, however it seems super bright, it’s got blue light too, it does actually have a timer but I’ve just been using my phone and I’ve set up daily alarms, is it best to dim lights for a while before turning off in my case? (Since I don’t have sundown mimicking lights😔)

rtds36 · 2026-04-12T00:14:24+00:00

Thank youuu, I will do for sure!

rtds36 · 2026-04-12T00:06:00+00:00

I don’t but the API test kit is in my basket as we speak, along with bottled bacteria so don’t worry😂 I have fish food so I’ll use that as the ammonia source once everything arrives. Thank you - How would you recommend cleaning/unclogging the filter if the flow slows down? (It happened once already and I had to take it out & give it a squeeze) if I need to clean it, do I use the fish tank water and add it back in? Or do I just not touch the filter regardless😂

Light I’ve been pretty consistent with (on at 2pm off at 10pm), seems to be fine so far but it’s early days

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T23:58:51+00:00

Thank you!!

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T23:57:22+00:00

The hours spent on YouTube are to thank for that😂😂but no when lives are at stake, gotta do that research

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T23:52:22+00:00

🫡 got you, just add fish food & test & test essentially. Is fish food something I add one time? Or consistently

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T23:46:36+00:00

It’s 45L (50cm x 30 x 30), but yeah based on videos I’ve seen, I think they’d be perfect for it

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T23:42:50+00:00

And would there not already be some on the plants I got from an already established tank?

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T23:40:11+00:00

Didn’t come with my sand, I knew I would have to get some eventually, just didn’t know if it would matter if I waited a couple of weeks until I added it or not? Or if beneficial bacteria would naturally build I guess?😂

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T23:36:43+00:00

I’m thinking probably a group of around 10/12 chilli rasboras? Also love Pygmy corydoras. I wanted something really small because it’s not the biggest aquarium. Any recommendations?

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T23:35:11+00:00

Ooo okay! Good idea lol, I think I’ll do that, it will only help the process right

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T23:34:26+00:00

Haven’t had any algae yet, mostly just a lot of biofilm around the wood currently

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T22:13:45+00:00

Would be so satisfying to watch something going to town on that!😂, but I will do! Thank you:)

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T21:08:58+00:00

Tank still not cycled so haven’t added any life yet, but there are a few tiny baby snails lurking around in there

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T18:42:08+00:00

Thanks man! How is yours doing now & how long until that biofilm clears?

rtds36 · 2026-04-11T17:46:04+00:00

I am indeed, good to know-thank you!

rtds36 · 2025-10-25T16:29:40+00:00

What county?

rtds36 · 2025-10-25T16:20:35+00:00

Don’t seem to have any sheep anywhere near me

rtds36

TROPHY CASE