Help On 12ga Fw

[FLcracker94]

Ok, I recently got a 90ga SW tank, and moved everything from my BC12 to the 90. I want to make the BC12 into a FW tank. Here is what I've done, and my ideas.

What I've done:
Took out all the filters, carbon, ect.
got all the sand and SW out
Cleaned the tank (rinsed with water, then let it run with FW to get sw out of pump)
let it dry out so the algae and corraline died.

My ideas:
get black (or any other color) gravel
Get the decorations
Use regular RO water from the store.
Let it cycle for about a week (1 week right?)

Fish I want:
Pair of Platies
Maybe a weather or dojo loach

Is my "plan" right on track? Is there anything wrong, or anything I still need to do? Are these fish ok for a BC12? Are these fish expensive or don't like each other?

Thanks for any info, I might be a good SW person, but I suck at FW lol.

 

[afishdude]

yea, it will take 6-8 weeks to cycle a tank,
follow this for cycleing: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=113861

 

[FLcracker94]

I thought FW tanks didn't have to cycle as long as SW?

 

[dizzied]

I've never had a cycle take more than 2 weeks. Different people get different results though.

Don't bother with the dojo loach. They'll get too big for the tank, and are coldwater as well. Don't bother with RO water either.

I like your sig BTW.

 

[FLcracker94]

Thanks lol

Why not RO water? its only $0.59/ga will only cost me around $7.51 for 12ga ($7.08+tax, FL tax is $0.06)

 

[dizzied]

It lacks nutrients that fish and plants, if you decide to keep them, need.

 

[loachman]

Thanks lol

Why not RO water? its only $0.59/ga will only cost me around $7.51 for 12ga ($7.08+tax, FL tax is $0.06)

You then have to add back important minerals to the water...which is more work and cost.

Tap water is essentially free and contains the required minerals.

If your water hardness is way off what is appropriate for the fish you keep, you may mix some RO with tap to bring it down but in most cases pure RO is a waste of money in FW.