10 gallon tank update thread

So I'll use this thread to post updates on how the cycle's going once the tank is set up. (it's still in a box in the car, I need a bigger table to put it on)

Plugged in the air pump to make sure it worked and figured I'd make the filter too while I was at it. So this is using a dish scourer for mechanical filtration(very basic prototype, would be fine tuned and improved)
(decided against using this as it's already falling apart!)

This is using a Fluval Water Polishing pad (Petsmart didn't have filter fiber) (the airstone wasn't completely at the bottom
in this setup)
again this isn't the final design.

(I'm not expecting any replies, this is just so I can keep track of my progress. But if you have suggestions on the DIY filter, please don't hesitate to suggest!)

 

Design 2

The last scouring scrubber I used I cut, this one I did not, so far it's not falling apart. I think this design might be the final design. (feedback is appreciated but not obligatory!)
(I should add that the air stone is still not completely at the bottom, but that would be adjusted)

 

Getting excited!!
just an idea of what it could look like. I would also add Python's current plant(see picture below)
And probably a tall silk plant by the vase filter

 

So ready to move Python to the big tank. Hopefully I'll be able to start cycling it soon!

Pretty sure the stuff I've seen floating in Python's current tank is some sort of algae... Would putting a piece of Fluval water polishing pad in the tank help at all?

And a question about the 10 gallon: is a special aquarium stand really necessary? they're so expensive... And once the tank is back at school the table won't be used as there's already a place to put it.

I think that's all the questions I had for now, thanks in advance for any answers! Happy 4th of July!!

 

looked up Petsmart's price on TSS+... that stuff isn't cheap! If they have it at petco I might be able to get it with my store credit, even though I was hoping to save it for more stability (if necessary) and plants.

Been researching live plants, snails, and shrimp lately. I'd love to get live plants but I'm not planning on using much substrate(easier to clean). I'd love to get a ghost shrimp but the reviews they get on petsmart are all horror stories about them being aggressive... snails seem like a good option at this point. But how do they eat and how would I feed them? And I heard something eats detritus, is it shrimp or snails?

Lots of questions right now!

 

not really an update on the big tank but I got a bare bones 2.5 gallon, minI airline tubing, a small airstone, and another bottle of prime (at $4.69 how could I not!) TSS is way out of my budget so I'll cycle with Stability. Can't believe the guide on the 2.5 says to do 25% water changes MONTHLY! Makes me hope people do their own research.

 

Decided to return the 10 gallon. just don't have the room for it and I think it would overwhelm Python. Might eventually upgrade her to a 5 gallon but 2.5 is fine for now