Hi to all !! I have had my 2 fisheys since Feb. and I recently moved them to a 29 gallon tank. I had never tested my water, but went ahead and bought some of those test strips at the store tonight. I know, I was already advised that I should use something else, but I figured I'd just get something simple at first, to learn with. SO ...here are my results, and I was wondering if any of you "old pros" might be able to advise me. As far as I can tell everything looks alright .... they have just been in their new tank for a week now. Thanks guys !

Nitrate 20
Nitrite .5
Water hardness HARD
Alkalinity 80
pH 7.8

Did you get ammonia test kits? That one is really really important especially since it looks like you still are cycling.

Remember if you're using Amquel for a water condition you'll have to get the test tube kit for ammonia.

I have something in a bright yellow bottle, called AquaSafe. Brand is TetraAqua. I'll be sure to pick up an ammonia test kit while I'm out. I was thinking of going Pleco shopping today ??!! I looked at our WalMart last night, and the Plecos were actually EATING off of other DEAD fish that were in the tank !SOOO ... we thought that we would try Petco today ... First Pleco I had only lasted like 2 days ... I already have my 5 gallon tank ready for the quarantine period. Not to change subject, but what is a good time rule to go by, as far as keeping a new fish separate from the others ?

Common plecos can get 2 FEET long and get rather aggressive as they age. Unless you have a HUGE tank, don't get a common pleco. They've been known to hurt goldies.

I generally QT for 30 days.

WOAH ! I definately don't want a 2 foot pleco !! So I should be looking for a rubbernose Pleco or a dojo ???

A rubberlip pleco go well with gf. I have one myself. They don't get that big and are pretty mild in temperment.