The Puffer Forum

Looks fine to me.

Thanks! After getting a broken tank for Christmas, I took it back and got a new one. I set it up today! Cycling has begun!! Looks a little bare even though there are five plants. WIll be moving them around.

CONTENTS:
-Anubis
-Java fern (2)
-Dwarf Onion (2)
-Large driftwood
-Fake plants (2)
Thanks for your help and guidance!!!

Hi! So I've been stressing so much about decor and salt I made a big mistake... I forgot to purchase a test kit! The LFS near me can test the water (Price and what they test for are unknown) and I wanted to know which test kits I should buy and how often I should test the water.
Should I:
A. Have the LFS check it in the beginning and then just buy single test kits for things like nitrates and ph.
B. Buy a whole pack of kit stuff (Includes pH, High Range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate.)

Also, if I buy a kit I should buy the freshwater version right because brackish is closer to fresh??

You'll need the API liquid test kit.

Ok thank you! How often should I test? It it true I should test 1-2 times per week the first few weeks and then every other week and then every three weeks? I read this, but I wasent sure if it was factual.

Thank you!

How exactly did you cycle their tank?

I am still cycling it in a "Plant cycle" or "silent cycle". I will then add some "safe start" to make sure the water is safe.

You don't have any fish in there, do you?
Is there a source of ammonia? I'm not sure how you're cycling without test kits?
library/water-filtration/fishless-cycling/
library/water-filtration/emergencycycle/

Hi. I am cycling with no fish but plants. It is day #4. I have purchased a test kit. I received these numbers.

Ammonia- 0
Nitrites- 0
Nitrates- 0
PH- 7.6

I think I'm going to add some Safe Start or Quick Start to speed up the process.

How long do you think I should cycle with one of these products??

Those products may have live (or not) bacteria in them but then you need to feed the tank ammonia. Did you read those cycling articles?