mcdonald.kk

Here are my latest water readings:
pH:7.0-7.2, nitrite 0ppm, nitrate 5ppm, ammonia 0ppm

3 days ago they were:
pH 6.8-7.0, Nitrite 1ppm, Nitrate 5ppm, Ammonia 0ppm

Do I have to wait until Nitrates are zero or is the only way to lower them to do a water change? Do my readings mean my tank has cycled? I also had a question about my snail problem. I was thinking of getting a yo yo loach but read they need to be kept in groups of three or more. Most online sources say they get to be 3-4" but loaches.com says they can get up to 6" Will I definitely have to upgrade my tank if I want to get this fish?

mcdonald.kk

I forgot to add, I had ordered a 24" 65 watt Coralife light before I was aware of my snail problem. Will this level of light be bothersome to loaches?

SereneReyn

looks like your readings are good. nitrates do not have to be 0. that light should be fine.

mcdonald.kk

I promise this is the last add-on question I currently have your run-of-the-mill sized gravel. Do I need to switch to sand for loaches because of their barbels? It would be a lot easier to switch substrate before any fish are added!

SereneReyn

i've had loaches of all kinds with the regular old gravel... they've always done fine. just make sure it's rounded and not sharp.

mcdonald.kk

cool. And you think 3 will be ok in a 20 gallon?