Hello All-Newbie from Nepean

[Furtrader]

Hello everyone.
I have had freshwater aquariums years ago, and decided to get back into it.
I started my 26 gallon freshwater tank at the beginning of February.
Cheers,
Jeff

[Furtrader]

Thought you may like this photo...

[cdylnicki]

The tank looks awesome and the kitty is adorable!  I have a few questions/comments to see if I can help.

How often are you feeding?  I tend to suggest a small pinch every second day for a newer system.  Stomachs are about the size of their eyes.

I see more than 3 fish in the pict.  How many are actually in the tank?

Did you clean the gravel before use?  How about the red rocks?

Suggest leaving your filter pads alone.  No need to touch them unless the filter is clogged or your system is well established and in need.  Personally, I rarely touch my filters.

Is your tank becoming cloudy after a water change?  If not, no need to add in the clarifier (IMO).  It may be messing with your bacteria.  If so, thats a sign you are removing too much "good" bacteria in your system. 

Try doing changes without the stability product.  Maybe the product is old, or a bad batch, or just doesnt mesh well in your system. 

How old are the tests you are using?  Could they be giving you false readings? 

[Shawn84]

How did you do your fish-less cycle? That is probably the key information

[Furtrader]

Hi,
The fish in the pix were Zebra Danios that didn't survive.My goldfish is in the pics as well.
Right now I have one goldfish and two sunburst platies.I feed them incredibly small amounts, virtually pencil point size amount, twice a day.I'll cut back to once a day.I cleaned the tank and sloshed the gravel around in the water and dumped it out.I actually forgot to wash the red rocks before putting them in.The tank doesn't go cloudy after changing  water.I actually meant to say I've used the water clarifier, I  haven't used it in a while.
I get my water samples tested at the local store.I ran my tank at startup with used filter inserts, then put new ones after about two weeks.
Thanks,
Jeff

[Shawn84]

Used filter insert from an establish tank? You tank is going through cycle again. Can you explain your process on how you did your fish-less cycle. 

[exv152]

Welcome to ovas, and nice tank!

[sas]

Hi and welcome to OVAS .
Have fun touring around the forum and if you have any questions
at all feel free to post in the appropriate section, since there is
more traffic there and you will get more responses.
Welcome again .

[daworldisblack]

Welcome!

[Furtrader]

I'm moving my photos and tank issues into the Freshwater General Discussion section.
Jeff