LogFAQs > #948621514

Oh and also, TC since Mabus didn't mention it, Don't put fish into your tank for at bare minimum a week, since the first week or so is when the whole nitrogen cycle takes place. The levels will be all over the place, the water might be cloudy, etc...
As far as levels go, the most important thing to monitor in your tank is pH. You want it to hover around neutral for a community tank, but slightly alkaline or acidic is fine for most common species.
Like Mabus said though, don't bother with chemical stuff to alter levels, like pH up/down. If your water is acidic and you need to raise it, you can put in a cuttlebone or seashells. If your water is too alkaline and you need to lower the pH, put in driftwood that you buy from a fish store. (Note: Some types of wood will tint the water a yellow color, though YMMV on that since some people like that natural look, and others don't)

Also, don't bother with live plants unless you want a challenge. I have a paludarium tank with live plants both above and beneath the surface, so I'm being a huge stickler for it, but TBQH live aquatic plants are huge pain in the ass.

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ForestLogic alt.