Tank Cycling questions

"Beano" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello,

Since it has been 4 weeks, will it be safe to assume that the power
filter has taken up enough bacteria from the old filter? Can I
take
out the old sponge, or should I just leave it? It's hidden so it's
not
that ugly.


Probably safe to remove the old sponge. Small fish+large tank=long,
but easy cycle. You need a test test kit in a bad way. Hopefully a
fellow Aussie will point you to a good source for equipment.
Read he
http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-tests.html

This should give you all the info you need to get started on water
chemistry.

b



I ask these questions from your experience, since I dont' know much
about cycling and I still don't have a water test kit. Does anyone
know where I can get a cheap but accurate water test kit in
Australia?
I looked on ebay, but I can't seem to get one with all the
parameters
(like GH and KH - not sure what these even mean, and do they matter
for
oscars?)

Sorry about the long post.

Thanks!