New Tank - Looking for feedback before i purchase livestock

Good Morning,

I hope you are all safe and well.

I kept fish when younger but without any water testing and had no issues keeping a variety of fish over a number of years. A couple of weeks ago i purchased an empty tank from a friend - I cleaned the tank / heater and have added a new filter (he previously had algae issues and the filter was dirty). Being older and wiser I've done more research around water testing and wanted to confirm a couple of things before getting my first fish.

I have set the tank (30 gal) with a sand substrate, a couple of pieces of wood and 20 plants. The tank has now been set up for two weeks but during this time none of the water parameters have changed since my daily tests started using an API Master Test Kit. I added Safe Start Plus when the water was first added and have done two 40% water changes and added Prime after each change.

My water readings are currently:
Temp 75
PH 7.80 / 8.00 (most likely a difference due to my eyes)
Ammonia 0.25
Nitrate 5.00
Nitrite 0

The numbers seem stable and acceptable to what is recommended (ammonia of 0.25 is as good as zero according to numerous posts). I've ordered some leaves to reduce the PH slightly.

I'm open to ideas/feedback/ criticism as i want to get this right first time before i order any fish. Am i ready to start thinking about getting fish?

Thank you in advance.

Hi there! I'm also a total noob so if anyone corrects me on this take their advice over mine, but when setting up my tank I've been informed that seachem prime kills off tetra safe start unless the primed water sits for 24 hours first. That may possibly be why your parameters haven't changed, the bacteria may be dead or of reduced population. Just something to think about, since I've only learned from the advice others have given me

Have you added any source of ammonia? The bacteria won't develop if they have nothing to feed on. This may not actually be neccessary depending on the plants you have. Post a pic and we'll have an idea.

Do you know what the GH of your water is? You may be able to get this on your water company's website. We need the number and unit. Some fish need hard water, some need soft and some need it somewhere in the middle. This measurement will determine what type of fish are best suited to your water. This value is usually stable so its not usually worth buying an expensive test for it. There is really no point in trying to mess with your pH.

seangee said:

Have you added any source of ammonia? The bacteria won't develop if they have nothing to feed on. This may not actually be neccessary depending on the plants you have. Post a pic and we'll have an idea.

Do you know what the GH of your water is? You may be able to get this on your water company's website. We need the number and unit. Some fish need hard water, some need soft and some need it somewhere in the middle. This measurement will determine what type of fish are best suited to your water. This value is usually stable so its not usually worth buying an expensive test for it. There is really no point in trying to mess with your pH.

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Hi, thanks for your response.

Taken from a quick google search of another Chicago resident who tested their water straight out of the tap:
Chicago tap water KH 6 | GH 9. If it helps i have tested tap vs tank water and comparing the test tube they are identical. I'll order a kit to get an accurate reading on my tank.

It sounds like my tank hasn't had the kick start that it needs? Thoughts on another dosage of Safe Start plus and then leave for 4 or 5 days before doing another water change and then adding prime? I've also read that Fitz Pro Ammonia Chloride is a good way to kick start the cycle?

I've attached a pic showing the tank and list of plants ordered

Thanks again for your help