New freshwater tank

[NickFish]

I have a new 10 gallon tank cycled and ready for fish. I am thinking about
5 harlequin Rasboras
3 Neon Tetras
1 Dwarf Gourami

i know it is slightly overstocked

2 questions...
How often would i have to do water changes
what implications would there be to this tank setup if any.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appriciated.
Thanks

[Drumachine09]

Once a week, about 50% would be manageable.

[gm72]

...also depends on filtration but agreed with Drum, 50% weekly and you should be in good shape.

[KcEE]

Yeah, maybe you wanna tell us what filteration you're using. For now I'll have to echo Drum and gm72.

[spudbuds]

I would think you'd want more neons since they are schooling fish. You'd want at least 6. There bioload is pretty small, so you might be able to do that in addition to your existing plan, but others will correct me if I'm wrong.

[NickFish]

oh ya sorry...
the filter i am using is an Hagen AquaClear 20 gallon power filter.
Max output is 100 gallons per hour.
Here is a link to the exact filter i have http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3610

Would it be ok if i added 1 more tetra so that i have
5 harlies
4 tetras
1 male dwarf gourami

Oh and one more question...i use aqua plus to condition my tap water, how long does the aqua plus have to stay in the water before it is safe for my fish?

Thanks for your help:c5:

[TowBoater]

You have to cycle it before adding them fish so just add it now and cycle it.

[NickFish]

no, sorry, my tank has been going for almost 6 weeks now. it has definetly been cycled i tested it and it was perfect.
Thanks

[shockshockshad]

Are you SURE you cycled it? or did you just "stablize" it by leaving it sit there. You would either have to fishless cycle: http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=2678

OR cycle with fish: http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=5781


If you didnt cycle, and you only stabilzed (which does absolutley NOTHING), please please PLEASE do a fishless cycle. Since there are no fish in the tank, you dont have to torture them with toxins. Fishless cycling is a MUCH more humane way.

[gm72]

Agreed with Shock. Unless you have been adding a source of ammonia it is impossible for it to have cycled.

So, let's get some more information. How did you cycle the tank?

[NickFish]

yes i have been adding pure ammonia to the tank for sometime now and i have had 2 zebra danios in there also. I am 153.7% sure that it is cycled.
For the first 3 weeks i added pure ammonia then i added 2 zebra danios and toned down the ammonia a little. The zebras have been in there 3 weeks and seem to be doing fine.
It is cycled i am sure.
Thanks:c5:

[kurly]

153.7% - lol. I've never seen that before and got a little chuckle from that percentage....

[lasm]

I do agree with the 50% weekly water change. I do it in my two tanks.

I would only advice you to do water changes twice a week. 25% each. I find it more easier than only one of 50%. Some say it's also less stressful for the fish.

[NickFish]

ya i guess i would be less stressful.
And yes 153.7% is the exact calculation of how sure i am that the water is cycled.
Thanks for all the help!:19:

[gm72]

153.7% sure is not nearly enough. We only accept people who are over 200% sure. Better luck next time! :ezpi_wink1:

Seriously though, just kidding. Sounds like you did a good job cycling the tank.

[NickFish]

Would it be possible to add one more tetra to the tank so
5 harlies
4 tetras
1 male dwarf gourami

Or would that be too crowded. I want the fish to be in big enough schools.