Yes, start right is stuff to put in the water to balance everything. We use it weekly. We have a filter from Walmart, I think it says Tetra whisperer on it... i dont know if that helps or not. it's a large filter, but probably not large enough.
About the nitrates etc: I did test the water almost a year ago when we first got the tank, but i kindof gave up on the idea since nothing seemed to help. we practically bought out walmart of all the chemicals, which i also heard is unnecessary.
Yeah, i wish we could get a bigger tank, but i doubt that will ever happen. We got this one for free!
Thanks for ur help, i appreciate it, and wil gladly listen to other peoples'!!!!