Filtration questions...any help appreciated!

[Jessifish]

Hi everyone!

I just got a new small (5 Gallon) aquarium, and it is now home to two blackskirt tetras. The fish have been living there since last Sunday, and seem to be doing great. I want to make sure that they have the best environment possible in which to live, but I'm not sure of a few things. Maybe you can help me.

First, I have a powered in-tank water filter with a carbon filter cartridge. Should I also get an air pump, or is it not necessary if I already have the filter?

Secondly, how long does it usually take to cycle a 5-gallon freshwater tank like mine? And should I wait to add more fish until the tank is fully cycled?

Finally, at some point I'd like to add natural plants to further help purify the water. When would be the best time to add them?

Thanks for your help!

Jessica

[xoolooxunny]

put the plants in right now, to help soak up some of that ammonia that will be harming your fish during the cycle. an airstone would help too. Get some moss and elodea as far as plants go. make sure you are doing a couple of water changes per week, about 2 gallons every other day for the first month.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Well, first of all, welcome.

Any tank, no matter the size will take 4-6 weeks to cycle. It will take that long for the bacteria to become established to the point it can handle the fish waste. Do not add any more fish until the cycle is complete. When you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and your nitrates are rising, then the cycle is complete and you can add a couple more small fish. That tank is quite small and you really only have room for maybe 2 more small fish. As for the live plants, you can add them right away. What kind of light do you have? Is it a fluorescent light? That is what you are really going to need for live plants. Then I'd imagine that it is not extrememly powerful so you will be limited to low light plants ligh Anubias, Java Ferns and Hornwort. Once you determine what kind of lighting you have, you can add the plants right away. In fact it would be a really good idea to add them now because ammonia that builds up during the first part of the cycle is toxic to your fish (providing your pH is above 6.4)

[Jessifish]

I have a 15-watt tungsten (regular) light bulb in the hood of the aquarium. Will that still work with the plants?

[xoolooxunny]

nah, replace it with a cf bulb. Will last a lot longer, more efficient, less heat, and better for the plants. you'll notice you're tank looks better too, more of whiter light.

[pinsonpa]

Solid advice so far. Only thing I would add is that since you are doing a cycle with fish you'll want to be careful not to over-feed them right now. Too much food means more fish poop and more uneaten food (both will add to your ammonia levels which are toxic to your fish). While you are cycling you should feed them only what they'll eat in a minute or two and you might even try feeding them every other day if your ammonia levels get too high (You'll want to do water changes at that point too).

Do you have a water test kit? If not, you'll need one to keep track of your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels. Knowing when they're too high will give your fish a better chance of survival because you'll know when to do water changes, when to feed less, and when you are done cycling and can add more fish.

Adding live plants (which has already been suggested) will help make the water a little less toxic for your fish. If you can afford to put a compact fluorescent bulb in your tank that would be the way to go. ILMGB suggested some great beginner plants that are nice looking and easy to care for.