Zëbulon wrote:


I got my first aquarium in the early 1950s. The changes are unbelievable
over the years. Pick up some Fish magazines and search the web. The new
knowledge is everywhere.


This is why I posted the current information about nitrifying bacteria
being sticky and adhering to the surfaces like glue. This *IS* the
current info.
If you take your own advice and pick up the January issue of Tropical
Fish Hobbyist magazine, you will read for yourself how sticky the
nitrifying bacteria are.



Keep in mind what works the best for one person and their set up and
conditions, may not for another.

Yes, that is true. However, new found information that is completely
different than once was thought can only benifit the hobbyist, and
mostly, the fish. Hence the reason for vacuuming during the cycling
period.


Is there a consensus in the group as the
most comprehensive, correct, and readable guide (either printed or web
page) for setting up a new tank geared toward the new hobbyist?

BTW, I am very impressed with the quality of posts in this group and
(except for a few notable but very rare occasions) the civilized way in
which the discussions are presented.

Hang out and learn......... we all are! :-)

That's good advice.
Seriously though, January's issue of TFH. This information about the
bacteria secreting a very sticky substance was only recently found
out...like within the past decade.
I too once thought if you vacuumed during the cycle you'd be removing
the bacteria. I also once thought that adding old tank water to a new
tank transfered some too. It does not, as the bacteria do not float
about in the water.
Some also thought that if you squeeze out a filter pad from an
established tank into a new tank that you would be "seeding" the new
tank. It does not. It only adds gunk.
I realize you've been in the hobby since the 1950's, but this is the
current information.
Science is an amazing subject that never gets dull.