Complete Newbie

[eaglesaquarium]

This is fairly normal. The nitrite spike doesn't happen for 3-4 weeks many times.  The entire process takes about 6 weeks, give or take a few weeks.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Do you know anyone who has a mature tank who might be able to donate some established filter media to you?

 

[Arcticfox1977]

Members have asked me that before. I'm afraid not. I will just be patient.

 

[Arcticfox1977]

Hello again. I understand that this question has been asked so I m sorry. I have had my fish in for 3 weeks now. I am wondering when should I clean my filter? There is also very small algae starting to develop. Should I have an algae sponge to clean it, or could I buy a loach to eat the algae? My tank isn't fully cylced as I am doing the fish in cycle. My fish are are in my SIG.
Thanks.

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Those fish seem good although I would up the number to 6 of each if possible.
I personally wouldn't clean the filter until after the cycle is finished, although if you do clean it make sure you clean it in tank water. NEVER USE NORMAL TAP WATER. The chlorine in the tap water will kill off any bacteria that have established thus meaning you have to restart your cycle, you could also potentially lose some fish.
It is very normal to have algae, algae is actually a sign that your tank is healthy. You could add some plants which would help to reduce the algae as they will be competing for the nutrients in the water.
If you don't want to have any plants then you could buy some Otocinclus or Bristlenose pleco. I personally wouldn't add them until after the cycle is finished though as they are often more sensitive than the other fish and it could stress them out being in a unmature tank.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I'd not suggest that you add a fish to deal with algae.  You can clean it. 
 
 
As the filter goes... be patient and leave the filter completely alone until you are fully cycled.  Then just a gentle swish in a bucket of old tank water is all that's necessary.
 
 
 
Your numbers of fish are pretty good, but adding an extra neon or two would be nice for them.  The platy and molly numbers are fine.

 

[Arcticfox1977]

I'd not suggest that you add a fish to deal with algae.  You can clean it. 
 
 
As the filter goes... be patient and leave the filter completely alone until you are fully cycled.  Then just a gentle swish in a bucket of old tank water is all that's necessary.
 
 
 
Your numbers of fish are pretty good, but adding an extra neon or two would be nice for them.  The platy and molly numbers are fine.

Thanks for the advice on the fish. I was planning to pick up 5 or7 neons.
My final stock of fish would be
10-12 neons
3 platys
2 molly's
1 loach
2 guppies
I am thinking that is comfortable for my 95l tank.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Those look like good numbers. How are your water stats?

 

[Arcticfox1977]

Ever since introducing fish 3 weeks ago stats are

Ammonia 0-0.25 (20% water change at 0.25)
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
PH 7.6
High pH 7.4

 

[Arcticfox1977]

Is there a decent algae cleaner for a 95l tank? Also how long should I have my lights on? I have no real plants.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

1 loach

Do you have any more details on the loach you want?

 

[Arcticfox1977]

No I don't know yet. Just saying the fish I would like for a fully stocked tank. I won't be buying anymore till the tank is cycled. The last 48hrs I've been having ammonia readings of 0.25. Been doing 10-30% water changes that have been getting it back to 0.

 

[Arcticfox1977]

Is there a decent algae cleaner for a 95l tank? Also how long should I have my lights on? I have no real plants.

I am also looking for a good fish food for my tropical fish. Currently feeding them British king flakes. This was supplied with our tank.

 

[Arcticfox1977]

Sorry another question, but when should I take out my decorations to clean them? I've noticed a bit of algae starting to form.

 

[Blondielovesfish]

You can do it any time that you want really. Depending on your decorations often a bit of algae can look good but it depends on your personal choice really.
The way I get rid of algae on my decorations and fake plants is I soak them in a bucket of 1:20 bleach to water, this often works but if it doesn't then I dry the decorations/fake plants and then I soak it again and that normally does the trick. Just make sure you wash them well after! I try to use dechlorinated water to rinse them but I'm not sure if that is necessary its just something I've always done.
Another way to do it is just to get a normal kitchen sponge and scrub the algae off. The only thing with this is you need to check that there aren't any warnings on the packet. Some kitchen sponges have in small printing "Do not use in aquariums" so obviously don't use those ones.
Hope this helps and other members probably have other suggestions as well but the above is just what I do!