eh-up Folks!!
Couple of Fry Lover tips here
--> If you are concerned that your filter may be "borderline" in terms of running the tank (water) effectively, then it's important to be cautious with your stocking (under stock slightly) and very good on water changes. My personal practice is to recommend a minimum of
25% water change per week. If this slips and you end up doing it 10-14 days later,
go for 30-35%. I actually average about 40% every 7-8 days in my Malawi and Parrot tanks, and a bit less for my planted community (30% every 7-10 days).
You mention that it was a bit bothersome doing water changes, well i cant exactly say i love it or look forward to it, but i do take pride in it, knowing that my effort is reaping rewards for my fish, i am a massive fan of promoting a thorough water change routine, with correctly "conditioned" tap water (i.e. treated for chlorine and chloramine if required and heavy metals) i have seen the difference in my fish with larger and more frequent water changes (more breeding, better colouration, less disease, more active behaviour)
Thankfully Webmaster (aka the Mighty Admin) allows us to recommend other forums, and as far as i know post links.
This is an excellent thread on cycling written by someone well respected in the fish keeping community for his experience and knowledge, dont be put off by the size of the thread, focus on reading the initial parts and then if you have time browse the rest of the thread. You can't go wrong with it.
http://www.fishforums.net/content/Ne...hless-Cycling/
This seems an interesting debate on maintenance although i havent read the entire thread.
http://www.fishforums.net/content/Ne...y-Maintenance/