lefty o

i dont think its very toxic, i would be most concerned with several hundred degree glue touching the plants. i figure it would cook the section of root that its applied to. really hard to say, but might be something to try with a trimming or at least a plant you dont worry about losing.

i myself would not be overly concerned with that. as long as the surface the tanks sits on is flat, and somewhat level, its all good.

the bacteria is on every surface in the tank, including in the filter, but here's the kicker there is a set amount based on how much waste there is for the bacteria to feed on. if there isnt enough waste for the bacteria to feed on it dies off to a level where there is sufficient waste for it to feed on. where the bulk of the waste is, is where the majority of the bacteria will be found. so you will likely find the substrate has a good portion of the bacteria, inside a canister, or hob will likely be next in line, then everything else will have some. bacteria multiplies very fast, so if you want more bacteria, lightly over feed.

they make these kits in all kinds of sizes, but its just a clear plastic film you stick around the window, and take a hair dryer, and shrink it tight, and clear. makes a big difference on modern windows, huge difference on old windows. https://www.amazon.com/3M-Indoor-Window-Insulator-5-Window/dp/B00002NCJI/ref=rvi_sccl_1/130-2953092-5881650?pd_rd_w=iN2cG&content-id=amzn1.sym.f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_p=f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_r=ZJW9S65M4X4CN96EWCZQ&pd_rd_wg=OoHTP&pd_rd_r=128fc226-c5c5-44b3-bb7d-f375994d9aca&pd_rd_i=B00002NCJI&th=1

3 days is a good start. cant go wrong with longer, but if in a hurry, give it 3.

you could definately put some kind of foamboard insulation against the tank. best bet long term is to work on the house insulation. plastic window film is a fast easy, and inexpensive first step. particularily in the room you keep your fish tanks.

mine run from 68-72 year round, and as long as they can find a place to hide, they breed.

id suggest waiting on the shrimp. they truly need a fairly well established tank to survive.

yes, you can get your bacteria colony established with just 1 fish. id be most concerned with your ammonia level at this point.

not bad at all.

hard to go wrong with either option. they both work just fine.

it depends on the construction of the building.

you're doing fine, dont panic.

i believe theres some form of mini val, but the standard val's are way too tall for a 20 long imo.

for me, java ferns, crypts, and jungle vals are fairly easy, and look good in a tank.

if the plants are staying healthy, and you are happy with how they look, id not change them out. flourescent tubes do start degrading the second they are turned on, so its something to watch, as they do lose their brightness, and color.

if you dont find a commercial offering, look into a local welding/fabrication shop. a fab shop probably wont be very cheap though.

i agree with the above. murky hazy look is normal for a day or two on a new setup, but the brownish tan color is most likely from the wood. be more concerned with getting the bacteria colony established. over time with water changes, you will get rid of the tea color from the wood.

there's a big thread on them somewhere in here. its a semi common issue.

im fairly anti snail, but i keep a few nerites in my tanks. the only downside to them are the eggs they leave behind.

its possible, but they will run her ragged. if you try it, make sure there are plenty of hiding places for her.

my opinion, cut an hour of light, and lower the intensity. this will make them need to try and reach the light vs having tons of light.

that looks fantastic!