I still think the best way to start a large tank is to leave it alone for a year excet for removing algae from the frony glass. You want to see the fish. Most fish are pretty hardy and will survive. I still have several of my original fish.
Today the water test saw little to no change. The phosphate however is a definite 2 parts per million. I added a second phosphate filter hoping to get the level below 1ppm.
This was a $400.00 week. I just found and ordered a nitrate filter pad. It works the same way only it removes nitrate. The reviews say it doesn't work. I will see about that. I also purchased Amquel, but that's the last reort. I read ist only neutralizes it harmless to fish and will still register on tests.
I also have a new toy coming next month. It's a water circulation pump. All it does is provide current. It will serve to exercise the fish unless that avoid it like the gym, and will keep solids afloat longer so that the HOB filters will collect it, or more of the fish waste.
An aquarium makes a great gift for the family if you have some time to put into it. The most important rule of thimb is, go big or go home. Big tanks are easier to manage that small ones, but small one can provide younger people a chance to have their own place to garden.
Remember:
1. Bigger is better
2. for a 10g tank, you want a filter for a 20 gallon tank. For a 55 gallon tank, 100 gallon filter. This will keep the water clean visually.
3. If you want live plants, you need special gravel with minerals.
4. Learn about the water cycle and which fish can live in peace together.
Lastly, next month, petco will have a $1.00 per gallon sale. I think 55g is the biggest they sell. If you really want to go big, glasscages.com. That's where I'm going next.