The reason why I love this hobby

I purchased an IBM thinkpad specifically for my programming needs. It sucks for games, but I have yet to make an infinite loop that has crashed it. I use to run the folding stuff on it when I was AFK. As far as I know of no blue screen of death and no coming back w/ it not performing its tasks.

 

There are cycles with all tanks, but in freshwater you don't really need to wait for a cycle to complete. Just set the tank up for a few days then slowly add fish.

 

a fishless cycle is what I would recommend, all it involves is setting the tank up, filling with a good tap water, and adding a pure ammonia (found in the ammonia cleaners at hardware stores, make sure its 100% pure ammonia!) This one is used by probably 99% of hobbyists. Addition of X amount of NH3 drops until Ammonia level of 5ppm is achieved. This X amount of drops has to be added daily until NO2 spike. Afterwards follow up with X (from previous step) amount of NH3 drops daily until NO2 is 0ppm causing NO3 peak. ~50% water change should follow -> cycled tank. (this recipe uses regular Pure Ammonia 4-15% strength)

Depending on if you have plants in the tank (plants can be added immediately) you might see the NO2 spike or you might not see it at all. The fishless cycle can take as little as 3 days or as long as 2-4 weeks. Raising temperature to about 80F also helps raise bacteria to proper levels faster

 

Until it finishes the moment before alt-f4 registers, then you breathe a gigantic sigh of relief.

 

I know I used to watch TV alot now maybe 30mins a day if im lucky. now my entertainment is the reef tank.. always making sure my babies are well fed and happy..