Only to get started. Once you have your tank established, and you have all the equiptment you want, all the fish you want. Then, all you have to buy is food, test kits, and maybe some meds, filter inserts, depending on what type of filter you use.
well.. i guess that is why it is expensive.. im just starting out! i am thinking of getting the blue led lights for simulating moonlight. that way i can enjoy the tank when the regular light is off.
UPDATE=
new test results this morning
ammonia 0.25
nitrite 2.0
nitrate 5.0
should i still change the water today? it came down from yesterday after the water change. does that mean that the tank is cycling correctly? i also cut back on how much i am feeding them. smaller amount of food twice a day.
Cycling a tank is a long and arduous process. The cycle will be done once you have gotten your ammonia and nitrites to zero and the tank can maintain that without daily water changes. Until that point, it's not cycled.
Has no one suggested Bio-Spira to you, DwarfGourami? It helps with the cycle by introducing the bacteria you need. It's hard to find, but, if you can find it (make sure it's refrigerated), it will help you out with all this.
it came down from yesterday after the water change. does that mean that the tank is cycling correctly? i also cut back on how much i am feeding them. smaller amount of food twice a day.