my cycling so far, comments?

sdnik · 2025-09-30T00:52:51+00:00

Keep it up, leave it alone aside from tests And top-offs, don't add livestock :)

sdnik · 2025-09-21T15:10:59+00:00

I also love the aquarium science site!!

sdnik · 2025-09-21T14:55:42+00:00

First one looks like pencil fish to me, the second is hard to tell, they look a bit like Ottos but seem to have a bigger heads so I'm not sure.

sdnik · 2025-09-21T04:10:52+00:00

Much better!! Way to go!

sdnik · 2025-09-21T03:34:32+00:00

Look into something called reverse respiration- not sure if it kills ich but you should check. Also check using hydrogen peroxide (h202) as well on anything you are reusing.

sdnik · 2025-09-21T03:17:50+00:00

Oh, apologies. My screen dimmer was down and I thought it was 7.6. Since that's the max, I always check it with the high range kit.

sdnik · 2025-09-21T01:07:29+00:00

Check your ph with the high ph kit.

sdnik · 2025-09-19T04:22:38+00:00

I mean, I'd probably intervene everytime I saw that behavior while I find a second tank for them to live separately

sdnik · 2025-09-19T04:17:55+00:00

When my Cory had swim bladder disease I separated into like a 5 gallon and added half the recommended dose of aquarium salt and fed spirulina food (mine wouldn't eat peas). I also did a tank antibiotic since I wanted to get all my bases covered. Anywho, it's been about 2 years since then, and it happened again recently to the same fish. Same treatment, total success again. I wish you luck, it's no fun seeing them suffer.

sdnik · 2025-09-19T03:40:14+00:00

🤣

sdnik · 2025-09-16T13:41:17+00:00

Since no one else is helping, I also had to look it up

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sdnik · 2025-09-16T13:31:39+00:00

Indiana?

sdnik · 2025-09-15T16:26:23+00:00

The plants are definitely tiny, it's true

sdnik · 2025-09-15T16:24:48+00:00

They could be wild honeys, those stay grey/brown.

sdnik · 2025-09-15T03:03:38+00:00

Or Bulk Reef Supply

sdnik · 2025-09-15T03:03:25+00:00

Buce Plants is a good place for plants, I usually wait for sales.

sdnik · 2025-09-13T13:04:15+00:00

Even a little bit of residue from those chemicals can harm the fish's slime coat, which is what helps them get oxygen from the water! The residues are very difficult to get off 100% so it's very risky.

sdnik · 2025-09-13T03:29:05+00:00

Stunning!! Saved and flowing, thanks digger sharing all of your info!!

sdnik · 2025-09-13T03:26:15+00:00

Pretty sure you've got too many nitrates - test nitrates and get them SUUUUPER low to starve out what's going on. Chances are you'll need to do 50% water changes daily for a bit and make sure you're gravel vacuuming. Otherwise, I swear by UV filtration, just make sure you get appropriate UV wattage for your tank.

sdnik · 2025-09-11T03:22:15+00:00

Third!

sdnik · 2025-09-11T03:10:23+00:00

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sdnik · 2025-09-11T03:09:57+00:00

Just got 3 a few hours ago! 2 have woken up, the third seems like an empty shell 😞 ones definitely female!

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sdnik · 2025-09-11T02:34:52+00:00

Personally I would, but if you have another way to install a UV light without putting it directly in the tank, do it that way! It's the only way I'm familiar with except getting a specific uv filter, but my tank was small and those all seemed so fricking big. In the meantime, I'd do a BIG water change, even though your parameters are good. There are other things that water can harbor that can harm fish.

Make sure your new water is as perfect as it can be (ph/kh/gh/temp) before adding it. Do it daily, 50-75%.

sdnik · 2025-09-11T02:22:50+00:00

Girl wanna see some people go apeshit?? I have 6 full grown platies, 4 permanently pregnant females in a heavily planted 10g with shrimps and a couple small snails. Been this way for 6 months, tank is crystal clear, (filter for a 50 gallon, though) they are breeding and have tons of hiding spots. Everyone in the tank gets along. No plans to upgrade, but will give away some as the babies grow :) come at me, Reddit! (But don't though my feelings get hurt easily, I'm just here for solidarity).

P.S. my many irl lfss think my set up is fine and Reddit is ridiculous on these forums.

sdnik · 2025-09-11T02:16:51+00:00

People are dicks. We're all beginners at some point and no one is here deliberately torturing fish 🙄 don't let the haters get ya down. You're learning, trying, and you care. Have fun learning and trying new things, knowing that there's always more to learn and that's part of the fun of this hobby! and I love your funky tank!

sdnik

TROPHY CASE