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How long before i can put fish in my tank?
This is an easy question. It is too bad so many sources give bad info. Many sites tell you to wait 3 weeks until you have cycled your tank. THAT is not true. You cannot cycle a tank without fish if you are using biological filtration. There are some exceptions with reef-only systems. The easy answer is: add a very small amount of expendable fish 1 or 2 days after you set up the tank. You can add more fish, and sensitive fish after the 3 week cycle.
How much filter should i really have?
This is not an easy question. No matter what you hear, the size, complexity and amount of filtration is always a trial and error process. THERE is no such thing as too much filtration. Most successful tanks have at least 2 separate filter systems. Filters should be changed and cleaned alternately. There is no safe measure of GPH in terms of filter purchase. Any tank over 30g should have a large bio filter as a main filter. This might include canister, wet/dry, or modified sump. Power filters should often be used as secondary and more temporary filters. Buyers should become acquainted with filters systems before purchase. If you do not have any idea what size filter you need, you should wait and read about the systems prior to investing and making a mistake!
Is algae bad?
In most cases algae is actually beneficial. Some theories point to algae as a more stable filtration method. Algae serves as food and as bio filtration sites. It may have many other immeasurable benefits in the aquarium. Some exceptions do exist in saltwater aquariums and should be dealt with on an individual basis.
Should i test my water?
Yes. Remember, test as much as possible. Testing for ammonia serves as a pretty good indicator of many other likely problems. High ammonia means you will soon have high nitrite and nitrate. For more on this, read about the nitrogen cycle. Testing for PH may seem unimportant, but actually may mean the difference between safe or dangerous ammonia levels. In reef aquariums specific testing kits are more important, if not mandatory.
Can i skim freshwater?
Yes, it is possible to use a protein skimmer in freshwater. But it makes no sense. The freshwater usage of skimmers does not justify the purchase. The benefits of skimming are only profitable in saltwater - that is why it is commonly believed that skimmers only work in salt. Unless you have scientific information about why the skimmer will work in your fresh environment, it is not advisable to waste your money!
Do i have to have bio filtration?
In most cases, yes. In freshwater bio filtration works so well, and in salt well enough, to justify the claim that biological filtration should be your main type. There is some argument about bio filtration in reef systems, but bio filtration, when used properly, is sufficient to maintain any fish environment. Mechanical and chemical filtration should only be secondary filter types.
Do i have to have a heater?
It is important to note that the main advantage in having a heater is not in raising temperatures, but in maintaining a constant temperature. Even in temperate environments a heater should be a primary investment. The low cost of submersible heaters more than justifies their purchase.
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