Brand new 20 gallon

I go into my LFS almost 3 0r 4 times a day. they try 2 teach me things and help me out it seems. by learning online and with the help of others on this site i should be able 2 see if there a good store. How long does a cycle usually take?
 
Im sorry if i came across jumpy just trying to get to the point.And i did alot of research before i even purchased tank. Just cant believe how LFS just dont care.
 
I think you are on the right track. Get your knowledge and answers here.Then see what your LFS has to say if they agree with what you learn here you have an Honest LFS.There are a few out there. Nice tank too !!!!
 
The cycle depends on what you put in it. If you have uncured rock (rock that has not been in a tank for several weeks prior to you purchasing it) then it will take longer than if you have cured (rock that was in a tank for several weeks) rock. You will want to monitor your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. You will see spikes in each of them but they should come back to zero. Once you have done that you have "cycled" the tank. After the cycle you won't want to take all the water out and replace it but you would rather want to continue doing your water changes. Again, the amount and frequency of water changes are kind of a preference because some do weekly, some do bi weekly, and some do monthly. I think small weekly ones are best but that is just an opinion :) Good luck!
 
I would however go buy some more live rock, maybe another rock, 5lbs or so, and make a shelf between the two already in place rocks. Then get a small powerhead, $10 MJ, This is the bigger one and it is only$20. http://www.mjmods.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8&zenid=adf2e21b994de2b17835fb8a8c0862f8 this will probally be way to much for your tank. Just read the ratings.

And buy 5 red or blue legged hermit crabs, and a few turbo snails. they will clean up the brown algae you have on your sand and the powerhead will increase the flow, which will help for hang on filter work better.
 
Brand new 20 gallon

Hi,
I know it is so tempting to want to hurry to put "cool" things in the tank. It is hard not to resist. Unfortunately, a little patience has to also be involved in the cycling of a new tank. The advice that has been given is great.
One thing that came up on the forum yesterday was a person had put CopperSafe into the tank to cure ick on a fish. This is fine if it is ALWAYS going to be a fish only tank or if it is used in a quarantine tank. The copper is detrimental to most inverts and corals. Even if the water was completely changed, it will still leach out of the rocks and sand and it is very hard to get rid of. Hopefully you wont have any ick problems. If you dont have a quarantine tank, be careful what remedies you use in it. Good luck with the new tank.
Renee
 
Thanks for the info. I will have to look into it if there is ever a fish that gets ick and I cant catch it without tearing the tank apart.
Renee
 
All very good info. In fact, we plan on placing an order from Drs. Foster & Smith. We have been ordering from them since 1990 when they were called Pet Warehouse.
Renee
 
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