u/Defiant-Award2443

So I’ve proceeded with a quote, and one of my big points was I wanted a Tesla Powerwall3 and a Gateway2. I specced the system to be able to generate enough energy for my home, and work as a backup in the event of power outages (we’ve had a few recently, and I have a fish tank and other appliances ect that needs power)

These have been quoted, as have the panels, and I’m happy with the price.

However, I’ve since noted that the Gateway2 is listed as ‘No-Backup’.

Forgive me, but is the whole purpose of the Gateway2 not to be a backup? What’s the score.

I’ve got a well established tank, with consistent parameters (0 ammonia, 0nitrite, 1-2.5ppm nitrate).

Heavily planted, with good biofilm buildup.

Weekly 15% water changes.

Supplement biofilm with algae pellets, and balanced vegetables.

They’re all active, pea shaped bellies, and don’t appear stressed.

I keep finding them die off after around 4 weeks.

Are these just hard to keep, or am I doing something wrong?

I should note, my other community fish (tetra, guppy and corydoras) have all been fine, haven’t lost a single one since introducing them over the past 6 months.

I introduced 5 dwarf ottocinclus to my tank on Sunday, and sadly two of the unsung heroes fell overnight Monday.

It’s a shame as they’re adorable little creatures.

Water parameters are stable, nothing suspicious. 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and 1-2ppm nitrate. Readings holding steady for the last 6 weeks.

Rest are all doing fine and not showing any signs of medical issues, nor are the guppies, or cardinals they share their home with.

Returned and swapped for 2 more, the aquatics centre tested my water and confirmed no issues either. Just one of those things ‘stress’? First time losing anything.

So I’m very new to this, but being guided by people who have kept tanks, as well as local aquatics centres.

I’m getting a lot of conflicting advice though, regarding cycling of a new tanks.

I’ve got a 105l tank, fresh water, a mixture of real and artificial plants. Substrate is sand and pebble, majority of sand. Temperature steady at 25*c.

I have been using NH Labs Optimus (as per instruction), and NH Labs Satus (again, as per instruction). Satus says add fish after 7 days if followed. I went through a ‘bloom’ the second day, and the water is now crystal clear again.

I’m on day 6 of the cycle and for 3 of those I have been getting readings of; 0 ammonia, .3 nitrate and .25 nitrite. This using NT Labs water tester kit.

My Nitrite has come down from the .35 (ish).

Is all this normal, should I expect to see the nitrite drop rapidly over the upcoming time, or what? I have been advised to do small -10-15% water changes, which 2-3hours post change sees my ammonia stay at 0, nitrates fluctuate between 2-2.5, and my nitrite drops to near 0, the following morning everything remains the same, bar the nitrite which spikes.

Conflicting information from various aquatic stores; wait 6 weeks total, wait 8 weeks total, wait until the nitrite drops to 0, add fish and speed up the cycle whilst adding Optimus (or equivalent) to bond the nitrite whilst accelerating the process.

What’s right here? Am I on the right track?

Again, thanks for reading and apologies for the probably most asked questions on this Reddit.