Just out of curiosity about my tank conditions?

Question

Just wanting to make sure I am doing everything right. I know I have already made some mistakes but luckily so far they haven't been fatal to my fish. Some of the things I've done I've gotten from advice here. Here's the info.
I have a 29 gallon long with 5 guppies (2 males/3 females will add more females when ammonia drops) and 2 cory cats. Have had tank running about a week.
Temp stays between 80 and 82 degrees F.
Ammonia is currently between .25 and .50 which I am controlling by doing water changes at least every other day until the bacteria can catch up. I have 0 nitrites or nitrates. I don't use any chemicals besides 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt (keeping it low until I'm sure my corys can tolerate it) and Tetra Aquasafe to get rid of chlorine.
PH levels stay between 7.8 and 8.4 despite using peat moss from the garden center which I have in a nylon bag and I either hang it on the side of the tank or set it in my HoB power filter. (additional details)

My water is also reading as being hard so I may add some drift wood but I don't think I have room with the decos..I'll have to see..I am also considering adding distilled water in my next water changes.
My aquarium is planted, but not heavily..I have about 7 background and midground plants tops but I will be adding more later.
I made the mistake of adding a sick cory so I'm medicating the tank with Melafix to protect the other fish and removed the sick fish to a hospital tank to be treated accordingly (nothing in it but him and the medicated water and his food aside from filter and heater).
I am considering adding a sponge filter or adding a sponge to my HoB filter. Will the latter help with the cycling? Also how crucial is a undergravel filter or sponge filter to cycling? Would appreciate your opinions. Thanks!

Answer 1

I'd agree the water is a little on the warm side. The guppies can handle it, but the corys would probably prefer it lower. I would suggest lowering it a little (to around 74-76o) once the tank has cycled. The increased temperature will benefit the bacteria and they'll reproduce faster (which speeds up the cycling time a little), but it also lowers the dissolved oxygen content in the water and increases your fish's metabolism, so they need more oxygen.

I wouldn't be overly concerned about your pH. I once lived where the tap water was like yours, but I never bothered to adjust it and my fish all did fine. I just spent a little more time than recommended when I acclimated them to the tank. I would actually worry more about the plants you're using, since many don't like higher pH. I'll add a list at the end so you can see which plants will do well in your pH.

As far as the undergravel and sponge filter, the sponge will give you added surface area for the bacteria to grow, so in that sense it may help your tank - but it won't increase the speed at which the bacteria reproduce. And you might find that it's necessary to rinse it frequently depending on how and what you feed to keep good water flow. I do use undergravel filters in my larger and taller tanks and they do serve a purpose, but again, it won't help with your cycling. It will provide some extra filtration and move the water through the substrate where the bacteria ar growing better. To avoid building up organic wastes under the filter, get a reversible powerhead to power the undergravel and set the flow in reverse. This way, all the gunk is blown up out of the filter so your HoB can remove it.

Answer 2

Excellent ideal to get filter sponge or floss just remember when you rise your sponge remove some of the tank water to rinse it in. Why? because the chlorine in tap water destroys good bacteria median in the sponge & it can be reused to prevent you from returning to mini cycles. To boost you Cycling and help with the amonia use seachem prime/ and also and a product called cycle which will help speed up establishing your tank. with guppies you can add a air stone but remember plants are a source of 02. You can use Kosher salt with NO iodine in it to help with ph

Answer 3

Do not add an underground filter. They build up toxins. The sponge filter in your HOB is very important, traps impurities, lots of space for nitrifying bacteria to live.
The water is a tad warm...but not overly warm. The warmer the water, the less oxygen it can hold.
Good job so far :)

Answer 4

Advice!
Cory cats eat guppys!