New To The Hobby And Have Some Questions.

[Mamashack]

Good heavens - pages of repeats for a single sentence! 
Perhaps some judicious editing would have been a good idea! lol

 

[508]

Thank you both, but I would call myself far from a pro lol. Good lighting and ferts is all you really need for a sword to grow that big. 

 

[daizeUK]

Welcome Ciddire!  Lovely to see that you want only the best for your fish!
 
API tap water conditioner isn't actually too bad - it doesn't do all the fancy things that Seachem Prime claims to; but it's still a decent water conditioner and good value for money too.  API is a good choice for fishless cycling as it won't remove the ammonia you add to your tank.  When you get fish, switch to the Seachem Prime but then once that's used up feel free to switch back to the API stuff - don't throw it out!
 
You've got some good plants in that mix.  Be sure to show us a picture when it's planted!

 

[Ciddire]

Welcome Ciddire!

 Lovely to see that you want only the best for your fish!
 
API tap water conditioner isn't actually too bad - it doesn't do all the fancy things that Seachem Prime claims to; but it's still a decent water conditioner and good value for money too.  API is a good choice for fishless cycling as it won't remove the ammonia you add to your tank.  When you get fish, switch to the Seachem Prime but then once that's used up feel free to switch back to the API stuff - don't throw it out!

 
You've got some good plants in that mix.  Be sure to show us a picture when it's planted!

I actually have both and have been using the API during my fishless cycle. I took the advice from the guides about getting Seachem Prime as the 'best of the best.'
 
I also picked up one of those nifty ammonia badges that seachem makes (they seem so much better than API, LOL) 
 
I'm super excited about getting my plants in and planting them!
 
Also that Eternal cycle tank of yours is STUNNING! I hope one day I can get a setup as stunning as yours.

 

[hobby5]

Welcome to TFF!
 
Be aware that adding plants to your tank will change the cycling as they will use ammonia and nitrate. Furthermore high ammonia concentrations are toxic for plants too, so don't dose it as high afterwards. If I remember correctly, 3 ppm should be max. But hopefully some plant expert can clarify that.
 
Imho you should first get your water parameters measured exactly. Then decide which fish you want to keep and if your water parameter fit  their needs. Then set up your tank accordingly too the needs of your chosen species. For example, your gouramis would love a heavily planted tank with no current. So there is absolutely no need for an airstone as they can breath atmospheric air.
 
What kind of substrate did you use?

 

[Gruntle]

It appears I am undergoing a bacterial bloom. The water has taken on a cloudy appearance.
 
I've been dosing as per the fishless cycle instructions. I assume this is to be expected?
 

A bacterial bloom is normal at this point, there's nothing you need to do, it will clear up in a few days. I think most tanks get them, I certainly did for all of my tanks so far. You can try some of the products at your LFS but that will just mean you have less money for fish.