I sense a bit of "urgency" to add, alter, and adjust...I know, I've been there ! I kinda' agree with Bob in terms of tank cycling time. A "bit" long but that's not going to hurt provided the tank/filter is "biologically" fed. "Loss of money and heartache..."??? What would this hobby be without that ?
My belief is a tank takes at least 12 months to establish itself. Any change during that time effects the entire system as it needs to accomadate that change. Changes must be made slowly as the tank will only accomadate it slowly. Ironically, "bad changes" happen really fast.
Ya' gotta' get a heater ! You're trusting your entire systems "well-being" to an external source that could fail at any time...usually on the coldest day. I don't trust running with a single heater on my tanks.
Oh ya', who cares if you're supposed to be painting.Isn't it better you're here "amongst friends" trying to solve an urgent problem. If ya' get any "flack", have Tony call her and explain...
