Sorry I haven't gotten back to this post sooner, as I have been very busy the past couple of weeks. I haven't made too many changes to my setup. My 500 W heater arrived. Between the total of 800W, the water is staying just below 60 degrees, compared to the 50 degree garage. I am happy with this temperature, although it is not ideal. Based on the link Cecil provided, the bacteria growth will be around 50% of what it would be in ideal temperatures. Does this just mean that it will take twice as long for my tank to cycle? If so, I'm not too concerned if I just have to wait a little bit longer. I also received one square foot of the biomedia that Cecil recommended for my MBBR. I am starting to think I am going to need to order a larger air pump because the media isn't circulating how I would like it. If I do buy a new air pump, I would consider switching over to an airlift. I have decided that I will cycle the filter fishless, and use the ammonia without sudz. The water test kit that I ordered from Amazon has arrives, so I will keep a close eye on the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
As far as the species I am planning on, I was wondering if anyone has experience with pumpkinseeds? I would think they would be similar to raising bluegill. The reason I would like to use PS is because I am planning to dig a pond next summer in one of our pastures, and I would like to make it a SMB and PS pond.
