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So I've set up my tank 4 days ago with tap water and have since used sress coat & stress zyme.

I got one of those tetra 5in1 test kits ... is there a better way to do this?

My results were

ph 8.4
kh 15d
NO3 50
NO2 1
GH ]16 D

So I've added proper ph 6.5 and blackwater extract.

is there anything else I need before I put my first fish in (in about a week).?

BTW thank you all for you paitence in answering all my newbie questions this week.

Anita.

well your NO3 that is kinda high but once that goes down you should be good to go!

unless you are adding ammonia or have fish in the tank, there should be no ammonia or nitrite readings. Common sence should tell you why there should be any (there is no way for ammonia to be int he tank, thus no way for there to be nitrite [unless added]).

Rasco stress syme has that stuff in it so in a way he did add some it is to get the bacteria working!

Okay, without a constant ammonia source the tank won't fully cycle. Apparently you have hard water so it would be easier for you to keep fish that prefer these conditions rather than trying to adjust your water for soft water fish. Search in the profiles section of this site to see which fish would be "happy" in your water.

Using the "proper pH 6.5" will just increase phosphates in your water which will lead to algae growth. Do your homework (research) on fish you plan to stock and ask questions before you purchase them.

Finally, you can get lots of information in the FAQ sections of this site on the Nitrogen cycle and maintaining your tank.

Welcome to Fish Profiles and the wonderful world of fishkeeping!

well i really want

2 kuhli loaches (really really want)
4 teras (either neon or glowlight cant decide)

& for my first 2 fish I keep changing my mind, but today think that a pair of neon blue dwarf gourami's might do the trick.

I only have an 11 gallon uk tank.

i think you should try to get your water to 7.0 rather than 6.5! and this should be your stocking level !~

2kuli
6neons/glowlights neons are better

if you have algea problem you should get a couple of ottos like 2-3

for a filter if you dont already have one i would get a penguin 125 or mini something like that ! im sure you know what all of these fish eat if you dont just ask! also welcome to fish profiles!