Starting new tank next week

[clfmack]

Hey now, I'm starting a new freshwater community tank next week . I have an existing tank and have been seeding a small amount of Bio max in my aquaclear filter for 2 weeks. I will have good media including gravel to start the cycle. I do not expect bad ammonia spikes especially since I will be adding about 10-12 plants. I am just getting an opinion on the best fish to cycle with. Danios are the most popular but I don't want to keep them, White Clouds seem to be next. Some say Black Widow Tetras. I would probably like to keep a small shoal of these..Any opinions on how many. The new tank will be 30 gallons.

[Jervis]

Can't wait to see your new setup... remember to post it here

[clfmack]

Hey now, well I started cycling my 28 gallon bowfront March 24, 2008. I put my plants in and ran the filter 2 days. On the 26, I added 10 tetras and 1 oz of Biro Spira to start the cycle. To make a long story short I cycle in 13 days, with only minor spikes in ammonia or nitrites. .12 and .15 respectively. I never reached the .25 mark on either so the fish were not exposed to a toxic level. I have tested 0 am 0 nitrate for the last 7n days. On the 15th day I took out the 5 Serpae Tetras, I feared they would bother the Habrosus Corys I was going to put in. These have been my aim all along and a LFS had some nice ones for 6 weeks, I felt they would be hardy and they have been.
Here is my one problem. particulates in the water. I am using a HOB Aquaclear 50. I have one on my other tank and it is excellent. With some advice form experts they have advised me to add a sponge filter. I have decided on a Hydo Sponge, which all the LFS in Detroit area use. I am hoping with the 2 filters going and the extra added biological filtering I will have soon will help this particulate problem.
Any other advice I would be glad to hear.

[C_Aquatics]

Hankering to see this setup...got any pics?