I just started my Aquarium yesterday (65 Litre / 14g) and the nitrate cycle along with it, before starting I made sure PH levels and Temperature were correct, the tank wasn't leaking and the filter was running smooth, I assume I couldn't have done much more than that?
When I started the cycle, I did it when I put the 3 fish in (LPS told me to do this, I wasn't sure if it was too much but figured they know better) and used the filter start. My plan now is to monitor the Ammonia/Nitrate levels daily (probably overkill but hey-ho), every two days take out ~50% of the water, treat the same amount of fresh water with tap safe and then pop that back in (heated obv).
My concern is that the fish I've bought will not be perhaps the most hardy of fish:
I was also told that the "flakes" would be fine, so I got the big expensive (£20) tub for them instead of the cheaper brand, now I'm seeing that the catfish would rather pellets, algae and/or bloodworms, so I'll need some of them. I've ordered all bar the bloodworms for delivery tomorrow, the bloodworms I think I'll wait until after the nitrate cycle and once I have more fishies - does that sound good? Also, how much food should I be feeding at the moment? The problem is the molly, she grabs all the flakes before they can settle, so how many flakes? I've done 3 or 4 and fed them three times so far.
Now, the nitrate cycle is going to take 3 - 4 weeks, but being excited and wanting to get into the hobby for years, I've already started looking at "what's next". When should I add live plants? What kind should I get? I want something to float but I don't want to have so much I can't see my new best friends, so I was thinking just a couple in the back corner so that can hide if they want too. Will floating plants rise to about ~50% up?
Potential next fish:
Eventually I want to maybe introduce a Betta if possible. I want a nice, colourful tank and I don't mind putting hours a day into making sure the fish are well cared for.