Hi,

This is my first planted tank. 30G.
42W Lighting, Its been up for couple of days.
Based on todays reading.
PH 7.4
GH 8
KH 4
Ammonia 0.5
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 4

I was trying to do fishless cycling. I added some fish food to get ammonia. I am assuming some bacteria must have come from plants to start the process. Since I see Nitrate already, I am guessing its working.

Questions:
1. Is the GH of 8 good...bad?
2. I haven't added any fertilizer yet, but I am planning on using EI method. Can I add fertilizer right away or should I wait for few weeks since substrate should have lot of nutrients.
3. I am planning to add few algae feeders like shrimp. Will they survive during cycling? or is there any alternative choice?
4. I know I am running low on CO2. probably have to get a setup. Any idea on what's the best pressurized CO2 setup under $150?

This is my tank currently.

1) Should be fine.
2) Dose right away.
3) They will absolutely not survive the cycling process.
4) Buy someones set up from on here.

Awesome.. Thanks..