New tank

[Syn]

I just bought a new tank, Size 10. No idea how many gallons that is which is one of the things i wanted to ask about. I bought it to give my gourami more room because he grew, and fast, and i figured i should buy him some companions. Cant put him with my betta, even though he is larger, the betta beats him up. So i bought 2 cory cats, an angelfish, a cichlid which i think is albino, and another betta. Once i set up the tank and gave them time to adjust ot the water temperature, i put in the cichlid, angelfish, the albino cory i already had, the other 2 cory, and the gourami. Tried putting my oldest betta in, but the filter that came with the setup seems to create too much current, and he just hid in a corner, only surfacing for air. I couldnt put either betta in the new tank, so they are in their own tanks. Oddly the cichlid hasnt been even slightly aggressive.

The questions i have are, How many gallons does my tank have; And reccomendations as to fish to place in it; What type of pants, fake or real, and such should i use.

[William]

I need more info tah size 10 to know the size of the tank in gallons. Do you have the measurements.

Which type of cichlids did you get. Many cichlids are to agressive for gouramis (ps the angel is also a cichlid)

I prefer live plants.

[Syn]

The tank is 20 in long, 12 1/2 in tall, 11 in wide.

I know angels are also cichlids. It got along fine with the gourami, as does my other cichlid. The angel died today though, it was fine when i fed them this morning, but a few hours later i found it dead. No idea why and im keeping a close eye on the rest of my fish. It didnt look like it was hurt or anything, it just looked like it suddenly died.

Im unsure of what type of Cichlid mine is, i havent been able to figure it out. So i took a pic of it.
The Cichlid
http://photo-origin.tickle.com/image/122/2/5/O/122251494O447821020.jpg

The Gourami
http://photo-origin.tickle.com/image/122/2/5/O/122251479O624470552.jpg

The Betta
http://photo-origin.tickle.com/image/122/2/5/O/122251529O055437836.jpg

Sorry about the poor quality and i hope they arent too big.

[Richalds]

are you checking ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels and doing water changes accordingly?

[William]

Hard to say what kind of cichlid that is from the picture put i think it might it is a malawi cichlid.

[Syn]

Sorry it took me so long to get back this reply, work limited my time to reply. I checked the nitrites, nitrates, and such, everything was good except the nitrites were slightly high, nothing to worry about yet. Im going to get something to get rid of them when i go to the store today or tomorrow.

[Jammy]

Have you done any water changes to the tank yet as that will solve promlemes with minerals and vitamins in the water that you cannot test for

Hope this helps

Jammy

[scrumpot]

Hello to all from the middle of the US. I hope that you all can help me. I have been given a 55 gallon tank with all the stuff. I have scrubbed the good parts and thrown out the bad stuff. The tank is currently outside in the hot sun. Hopefully, that will take care of all the bad critters, if any. I have never had a large tank. Right now, I have a small tank with a betta fish. He is still alive after three months or so. I wanted to get a larger tank and try my hand at that. Was ready to buy something and then was given this big tank.

Am I in over my head Should I discard all the parts and start over with just the tank? I am unsure of what some of the parts are for. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I love the website and am reading the ebook. Just anxious to start. I am not buying any fish until the tank cycle is done.

[William]

I don't think your over your head. A bigger tank is easier to care for. If the stuff you got works use it.

[scrumpot]

Yeah! That makes me more excited.

There is one item that came with the tank that I am not sure how to use. It is a ground? filter? It had what looked like charcoal under it. It is vented and has large holes to one side of it. There were two pieces. One is broken. Can I just use the one and put it more in the middle? Is this sort of filter good/better than the hang on the side type filter? There is not one of those types. I plan to go buy one before I set up the tank. The guy at the pet store said that I can use both types for better tank care. Is that your opinion too?

What about air stones? The tank came with one round flat type. About 4-5 inches across. Is that big enough? Is there a better set up that I should use? I like the idea of the long bar type for extra bubles in the back of the tank. What do you think?

Can you come over and set this up for me? :D It would be sooooooo much simpler.......................Some one should do that for a living? :?:

I have so many questions, sorry. The people who gave me the tank had bad times. I don't know what they did or didn't do.

[William]

don't say your sorry. Its better to ask than to assume.

Regarding the undergravle filter. Are you going to keep plants in the tank? A few, many?

The airstone is large enough. yucan use a long bar in the back but it doesn't give better results.

Which I could come over and do it for you, hell pay the airline ticket and I will ;-)
Thre are people that setup and maintaine aquarium for a fee.

[scrumpot]

Thanks for having patience.

Yup. Really plants. Not fake, yuk.

Check on the air stone.

Sorry about the ticket.

Maybe we are in the wrong line of work.

The tank is on hold at the moment. Can't find a cheap stand. Maybe in a week or so. I am checking the paper, online swap places, etc...............

I may not check in for a couple of days. But I WILL be back. You have already given me much help.

[William]

You are welcome whenever you return ;-)

[Jammy]

Yes the undergravel filter is a good filter but i prefer to use the internal filter of have one of each (thats more reliable)! :)

Air stones, you dont even need airstones so i think they will be great for the tank! :)

And, Sorry i would love to come and set up your set but unfortunatly i live in the UK not the US sorry. :(

Jammy :P

Ps. sorry i took so long to tlk!!

[scrumpot]

Hello to all!

I am out to the store in a little bit. Stand, rocks, etc. I am so excited! :lol:

I read the online book and plan to follow the directions there as to the set of my tank. They are very well written, by the way, for us starters. I will take it slow. I still have some questions, though.

I want to do the ground filter and the hanging filter. What do I need for the ground filter? I have the plate. There are two, but one is broken. So, I plan to only use one more centered. I know to put gravel under it. What else goes under it? The plate has large holes along one side. I assume that some sort of tubing goes there? Not sure what to do? If tubing goes there, where does it lead?

I plan to purchase a hang on the side filter for the 55 gallons. Does it matter what brand?

I have a pump for the air stone and have wash it. I think for that all I need is tubing.

There is also a heater. What is the best sort of thermometer? Right now, there is a stick on strip stuck to the outside of the glass. I wouldn't think that is a very good type.

I think the hood is okay too where the lights are. The other part may have to be replaced not sure yet.

Hope you all are well and are not frustrated with all of my questions.

Lauren