Another Stocking Question.

[Ohdee]

Regarding the sponges - if you are worried about grocery store sponges, just go to the LFS filter aisle and get a sponge made for filters - you can cut to fit the space. In one of my two filters I used plastic scrubbing pads - they seem to do a great job growing good bacteria. They look like this: (a shot from above the filter)

Thanks, I'll definitely look for them. So far I've left my charcoal in. After researching I decided to pass on using the blackwater extract. My gut told me to not mess with my ph. I'd rather my fish have to adjust to a constant ph they may not love than try regulating my ph and have it fluctuating all over the place. So far my Ram's are doing great!

I dropped a Bristlenose into my tank today at lunch already I can see two totally green leafs.Completely clear of the green and brown algae that's smothering the live plants in my tank. All she does is work... and CRAP! But I'll take the trade off. I can easily clean the substrate and that Algae is a PITA!