My very first tank journal

[Jon-san]

As encouraged by bro JadeIceGreen, I finally got myself a small 1.5 x 1 x 1 Ocean Free tank to setup.

This is to document my journey towards the completion of this mini project, which is to scape a small tank setup for cories. Please feel free to add your views, if any. Objective criticisms very much welcomed.

Day 1:

My equipment thus far:

1 x 1.5ft x 1ft x 1ft Ocean Free tank
1 x Colourful CF-B2 250 l/hr Hang On Filter
1 x Driftwood (currently soaking)
5 x commando Platy feeder fish
Fine Volcanic Sand (from Jimbaran Beach, Bali)
Un-Ided Ceramic Rings (from my dad's aquarium box)
Ocean Free Blue Filter Sponge
Ocean Free A-Z Super Beneficial Bacteria

1. Washed and cleaned the tank and filled it with de-chlorinated water for the leak test.

2. 3 hours later, no leaks detected on the tank.

3. Took out the filter and washed everything up.

4. Removed the 2 Carbon filters that came with the Colourful HOF and inserted 4 layers of OF's Blue Filter Sponge. Decided to remove 2 layers when I found my HOF supply side overflowing. Added in 2 rows of ceramic rings which I found in my dad's aquarium box.

5. Added in 5 platy feeders from my dad's soon hock's tank to start the cycling.

6. Also added a small spoon of OF's A-Z Super Beneficial Bacteria at this point. Water clouded up (Is this normal?). Then after awhile, saw some whitish beige powder stuff still on the tank bottom. Looks like it came from the BB, is this also normal?

7. Filter set to max flowrate.

Questions:

1. Does lighting have any effect on the cycling process?
2. Should I include a cover and does it improve on the cycling process?

Tests taken just before last feed and lights out:

PH : 7.5
Nitrites : 0/0 mg/l
Nitrates : 10.0 mg/l
Ammonia : 0.25mg/l

Thanks for reading and sharing!

Wanted to post pics, but not entirely sure how to do it atm.

[Jon-san]

My cloudy tank after adding the Ocean Free A-Z Super Beneficial Bacteria



Residue from the Ocean Free A-Z Super Beneficial Bacteria. Don't know why it's like that. All got pushed out by my HOF to the corners.



The Driftwood to be used, now in soak treatment



The Colourful CF-B2 HOF Filter Media



This is the Ocean Free A-Z Super Beneficial Bacteria I used. First time using it.



The temp in the tank atm. Are alcohol thermometers accurate? Sorry for the blur pic

Nice setup detail, are u setting up a planted tank?

[fireblade]

your cyclingof tank got nothing inside but fish??

you should add in your gravels, wood and pants during the cycling period...
this is like waste of water and electricity... sorry about this comment...

[Jon-san]

Originally Posted by fireblade

your cyclingof tank got nothing inside but fish??

you should add in your gravels, wood and pants during the cycling period...
this is like waste of water and electricity... sorry about this comment...

Ahhh... Will do that. Thanks for the advice.

[Jon-san]

Have added the driftwood and volcanic sand. Test readings on the 3rd day have shown up the following results:

PH: 4.5
Nitrites: 0.0 mg/l
Nitrates: 10.0 mg/l
Ammonia: 2.0 mg/l

Water condition remains rather cloudy as shown



Temperature of the water is 28deg C



Adding in the driftwood appears to have pulled down the PH value further than I expected. Have mixed up a small amount of Sodium Bicarbonate with the tank water and slow-dripped it into the tank. Will keep doing this over the course of this week to see if it brings up the PH sufficiently. Wondering also if I should add some coral chips as a PH buffer.

I am rather worried about the spike in the Ammonia levels. this is only the 3rd day, is this normal? Does anyone have any advice? Was thinking of carrying out a small water change, around 10-15%, but read somewhere that this would only extend the cycling duration. Am also seeing some residue on the volcanic sand substrate. Should I carry out a substrate vacuum?

Thanks all for viewing and for any helpful advice given. This is my first attempt at tank cycling and I'm hopeful to learn more.

Rgds
Jonathan