bolivianbaby

I think I've finally made it through! I just checked my water parameters (as I've been doing all week). I haven't gotten a nitrite or ammonia reading in a week and when I PROPERLY tested for Nitrates (didn't know about the whole shaking of the bottle #2 thing-oops should've researched more), they are showing up as 5.0. The only bad news is I lost one of my cory's, but the other 4 are perky and happy.

Can I safely consider my tank cycled?

Also, when I "correctly" checked my pH on my tap water (leaving it out for 24 hours), it comes out at 7.6, 24 hours later, it's at 6.8 and 48 hours later, it's 6.0. Should I consider adding some crushed coral to prevent it from dropping below 6.4 so I don't lose my bacteria? It hasn't been a problem yet, but obviously I'll be doing less water changes now if my tank has truly cycled and I would hate to have a backslide.

Thanks to everyone for their great advice!

serissime

I think you can treat the tank as cycled. Make sure you stock slowly to avoid a mini-cycle due to overloading your beneficial bacteria. I don't think it would hurt to slowly introduce crushed coral. (So you don't accidentally make it way too high or something. and by slow, I just mean a little bit at a time with testing, then add more if needed, repeat until at desired pH.) You can add it as substrate or in a mesh bag in your filter.

bolivianbaby

Thank you very, very much

serissime

you're welcome. tell us how it goes!

bolivianbaby

I will definitely do that. Apparently, I was on the brink and didn't know it. I was testing the Nitrates wrong, so maybe all it had to do was resolve the ammonia issue.

I don't know if I should start a new thread or if I can continue with this one for this next question.

I DO want to give my tank another 2-3 weeks to make sure that everything is A-OK, but my daughter wants an aquarium. We can't afford to do that for her right now. She really likes guppies. AFTER I verify that everything continues to go well in my current 20 gallon, could I possibly add 4 or 5 guppies to my aquarium without overstocking it? If I can't, then we'll wait until she gets her aquarium, but that may be 6-12 months away. I am running two Penguin 150's as filters, so maybe that would help with filtration.

serissime

I would maybe add 3 or 4 male guppies. As long as you keep up with water changes, you should be fine. Your middle/upper area isn't crowded at all, and I feel like you have room waste-wise since you're running two good filters.

Bettawana

Welcome, bolivianbaby! Does your set-up have plants? If it does, let nature take care of itself.

75 G community planted with live rock. Generic overhead filter (1,000 liters/ hr).
7 swordtails
10 German guppies
2 pearl mollies
2 dalmatian mollies
7 Glass fishes
1 Red Oranda (5 inch)

PS: Will post pics later on new set-up. Will soon add miniture "Bermuda grass" (for aquariums) in tank.

Bettawana

Welcome, bolivianbaby! Does your set-up have plants? If it does, let nature take care of itself.

75 G community planted with live rock. Generic overhead filter (1,000 liters/ hr).
7 swordtails
10 German guppies
2 pearl mollies
2 dalmatian mollies
7 Glass fishes
1 Red Oranda (5 inch)

PS: Will post pics later on new set-up. Will soon add miniture "Bermuda grass" (for aquariums) in tank.

bolivianbaby

No live plants. I kinda don't have a green thumb. I AM going to do research though and whenever I can set up another aquarium, I'll look into the proper way to take care of live plants and maybe try it under the wonderful guidance of Fishloreans. It's gonna be a while, though.

Thank you for the warm welcome

harpua2002

There are types of plants you can buy that don't require a lot of light and are very easy to keep. Look into anubias, java moss, java fern, and possibly cryptocorynes. Vallisneria may also be a possibility.

bolivianbaby

Thanks, I'll look into those

catfishlover123

I agree with serissime. Good luck with the new guppies!

P.S. I know how your daughter feels. I have to wait 2 years until I can get a 55 gallon tank!