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I started by dosing the tank with Tetra Safestart just to see if it worked, but I don't really know if it had an effect on the cycle. The hob filter was loaded with a piece of sponge, poly fil, and a media bag. For starting the cycle I tried the fishless cycle method with some fish food. I do have and use the API master test kit and I tested every other day to see how the ammonia and nitrites were doing. After a few days I did see ammonia and nitrites, but it went away and nitrates started to show after the two weeks (Tbh it was probably longer, two week is just a guess). Just to be safe I dosed the tank with prime and stability every 1-2 days for about a month and my parameters were good.

This post isn't about breeding but I don't know what other topic to label this as. I have a 10 gallon planted tank with 6 albino juvenile corydoras that I added around 3 months ago. Would I be able to safely grow them out and keep them in the tank? They were gifted to me by my brother-in-law because he had to get rid of all his tanks and the 10 gallon is my only tank slightly big enough for them. I cycled the tank for about two weeks before adding them and they're doing good so far. The tank is now full of rotala, dwarf sag, red root floaters, salvinia, and duckweed (the floating plants don't cover up the entire surface). I love my corys and I'm willing to upgrade, but I'm only 16 so a new tank, stand, substrate, light, heater, filter, etc. will definitely hurt. My last resort is to go to my lfs and trade them for store credit so I do have options. I'm relatively new to the hobby so all the advise and criticism will be appreciated 🙏. Maintenance: 25% water change every 1-2 weeks or when nitrates get above 15. Feeding: Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and frozen baby brine shrimp.

Not sure if this is normal, but why is my salvinia turning purple? I use a 14w led light for this tank and there isn't much flow. I've heard of plants turning purple by having a phosphorus deficiency so that might be why. Does anyone know how this happened?