Galabar

chili rasboras Endler's guppies/livebearers

I would suggest getting that KH up. The nitrogen cycle consumes KH. A very low KH can lead to a pH swing. I'm not sure if that is the issue. However, that seems to be the thing that stands out.

Just a warning: I've never been able to keep neon tetras alive. I'm not sure, but I don't think it's my fault... 😉 On the flip side of that, my black neon tetras, ember tetras, and diamond tetras seem like they'll die of old age... 🙂

A canister filter with inline heating and CO2 would really clean up the look of that tank. I'm not saying that it doesn't look good now (it does). However, I'm imagining it without the heater or CO2 diffuser. :)

It looks like you are close. Just wait a couple of days to see if that ammonia goes to 0 (along with the nitrite). At this point, you can either wait or do a large water change and add fish. If you add fish, feed sparingly.

How are your plants growing? How big is your tank and what is it stocked with? You can encourage algae with slower growing plants and excess fertilizer (phosphate) and light (especially blue light). However, if algae starts growing on your rocks, it will probably also start growing on those slow growing plants. Also, if you have grazers like snails, otos, and SAEs, you can remove them from the tank. None of my planted tanks have any significant algae and that is probably true for most of us here with somewhat balanced tanks. So, growing algae might be a bit difficult (given that most of us are in your boat).

It could take up to 40 days for your nitrite level to go down to zero. Adding fish at this point (or ammonia) won't speed it up. The only way to speed it up (other than adding seasoned filter media) would have been to add the nitrite at the beginning. However, it's difficult to get nitrite and, unlike Dr. Tim's Ammonia, there isn't really a good, "packaged" version of nitrite to add to your tank. You should see your nitrite levels start to decrease in about a week.

I prefer two lights. With two lights, the fish are illuminated when they are at the front glass (and they are often at the front glass).

Found this:

Do you maintain a lower pH? That might have made the ammonia less toxic (you might also have hardy fish species). Definitely keep up with the water changes and the Prime (although, I think it's best to assume that Prime doesn't work, while still using it). At this point, I wonder if we can delve into what might have happened. How long has the tank been running? Were there any water changes or anything else different that might have happened (introduction of new fish, for example)?

My understanding is that a Beta is actually much happier in a 120 gallon tank as opposed to a 5 gallon. Just let your wife know that you want to make the Beta as happy as possible...

I think they mentioned only (a small amount of) nitrates: pH: 6.4 Ammo: 0 NO2: 0 NO3: 5.0 GH: 72 KH 36 Temp: 80 The presence of nitrate should show a cycle going on. However, again, I'd test it with a bit of ammonia.

It certainly could be ready. I would add some ammonia so that you get a non-zero reading. Then wait for the ammonia and nitrite to hit zero.

If you want lots of fish in a small tank, I would suggest something like chili rasboras.

I haven't used the Sicce Scube, but I agree that the Fluval 3.0 lights with Bluetooth and app have worked extremely well. It connects quickly and the changes are instantly transferred to the light. Definitely an A+.

Usually, I'd suggest two lights (front and back). However, for 12 inches of depth, one 36" light should do it.

Looks great. I also created a PVC UGF (run with powerheads). It has been bullet proof. I do vacuum the gravel every once in a while. However, I'm not sure I need to.

Possible these: https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Exterior-Waterproof-Floodlight-Playground/dp/B0CP9H8RWH I sure wish I had these many years ago when the only thing we could do was fluorescent shop lights... 🙂

Sounds amazing. I might wait until ACO or someone local starts selling them though... 🙂

Beautiful. What brand of lights are those?

I'm thinking, what would be my favorite fish? Maybe if I only could have one fish, what would it be? If that is the definition, definitely guppies. 🙂

First let me say that that is a very nice looking stand. Second, having built your stand, you have something that is better and sturdier than 99% of the stuff out there. I think you will be just fine. It looks like the bottom shelf is just slightly off. The 10 gallon tank isn't very long. So, you probably won't even notice a different in the water level. Also, for a framed tank (the 10 on the bottom), you won't need a leveling mat. I think you are good to go.

We are talking a QT period of March 5 to March 24, or around 19 days. That's not bad. So, I think you have several options (as stated above).

One thing I would say is that most new fish keepers will do a fish in cycle. They'll buy the equipment and the fish near or at the same time. Given that, we should have a good "story" for them on how to handle things. I think just daily water changes without testing is probably something that most folks can stick to. Also, telling them to feed lightly would probably be very helpful (and maybe to stick some plants in there). However, I'm wondering what percentage of water would be a good suggestion? Basically, you'd be looking for something that isn't too much, but would be significant enough to lower the expected ammonia.

I would agree that the best way to go is to use cycled filter media. Does ACO sell cycled sponge filters? It definitely gets easier: don't put fish in and don't do any water changes... 🙂