Aquarium Forum - Beginner Freshwater http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/ For those just getting started. en Thu, 23 May 2013 01:44:03 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/images/misc/rss.png Aquarium Forum - Beginner Freshwater http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/ 20Gal stocking http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112421&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 01:26:12 GMT So I got a message from a friend today selling a 20gal with lights and a nice stand for $40. I would like a chichlid stock of some sort but have no... So I got a message from a friend today selling a 20gal with lights and a nice stand for $40. I would like a chichlid stock of some sort but have no clue what would be suitable. Also was wondering if I could skip the cycling proccess by transfering some bacteria from my two cycled AC 50's to a new filter. ]]> Beginner Freshwater Wicksy http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112421 Fish tank in a media room??? http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112419&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 23:09:10 GMT My wife does not like how I am planning on decorating our new 55 gallon, so she would like her own tank. The only other area in our home suitable for... My wife does not like how I am planning on decorating our new 55 gallon, so she would like her own tank. The only other area in our home suitable for a large tank is in our finished basement HOWEVER the is set up with a 96" wall mounted movie screen, ceiling mounted projector and 7 speaker surround sound. No windows in the room.

We only use it to watch one or two movies per week, no TV.

My question is: Would the movie and speaker sound bother the fish? I am thinking I need to locate this in another room

Thanks for all the help ]]> Beginner Freshwater 2life http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112419 Guppies in a 5 gallon? http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112417&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 21:51:24 GMT Hi, I was wondering if it's possible to keep a pair of fancy guppies in a five gallon tank?
thanks ]]> Beginner Freshwater Fishosaurus http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112417 sand http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112411&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 15:09:43 GMT is there any specific sand i can use for an aquarium, thinking of redoing my 64 gallon 4 foot, with normal garden sand is there any specific sand i can use for an aquarium, thinking of redoing my 64 gallon 4 foot, with normal garden sand ]]> Beginner Freshwater coarb34 http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112411 No email notifications last few days? http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112410&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 14:15:12 GMT I'm not sure this is the right forum to report in, but the last day or so I am not getting e-mail notifications, all of a sudden, for posts to my subscribed threads. I used to receive them just fine....I went back to my subscribed threads and checked (re-checked) the boxes to receive the notifications via e-mail, but it is still not working.

Anyone else having this issue?

Thanks ]]> Beginner Freshwater Slaphppy7 http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112410 Reverse osmosis and testing for pH/Hardness. http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112407&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 13:22:48 GMT Just getting a few things ironed out before I get the RO unit installed... Trying to future proof myself a bit so have decided to store my RO... Just getting a few things ironed out before I get the RO unit installed...

Trying to future proof myself a bit so have decided to store my RO water in something like a large water butt. I'll just systematically fill it up every few days from the RO tap. I'd love an automated system but living in a rented flat I can't get away with drilling holes. Unit will be underneath the kitchen sink and due to design there's just no way of rigging up rent-safe piping unfortunately.

First question is, how long can the water be left standing? I know that in terms of safety to drink you can leave water in a closed container for decades before it's actually bad for you. It'll taste bad, but it's still safe. However not sure how this translates to aquarium water. Would water be OK to be left standing for a week in a water butt? I'm assuming it will be fine, but just wanted to double check.

Question the second was about re-mineralising. Second reason I wanted to go for 'mass storage' was the ease of re-mineralising. Instead of doing it bucket by bucket I can just fill the butt, re-mineralise the entire thing and know there's zero variation in water conditions. However, what is going to be the easiest way of testing the parameters of the water?

I'm thinking a digital pH meter because as I understand it, the pH will raise as the hardness does when you re-mineralise. I'm thinking from the stand point of if I have a half empty butt of re-mineralised RO... topping it up with pure RO and then re-mineralising again is going to be fiddly to get right if doing it via calculations and weight. I also don't trust my eyes when it comes to using the liquid test kit, don't see the colours all that well. If I could use a digital pH meter it'd just be a matter of filling the butt back up, taking a reading, then just gradually adding the minerals until the pH is the same as it was before and the same hardness as well?

Would this be an acceptable method of bringing the RO water up to scratch? I'm a little sketchy on how reliable it'll be to use pH to measure hardness as I know the two aren't precisely indicative of each other and that's the main concern really.

Thanks for your help as always. Looking forward to the day I'm not such a newb and can actually contribute to the forums! ]]> Beginner Freshwater Sligg http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112407 Help, confused on dwarf gourami http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112401&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 02:04:29 GMT I want to add dwarf gouramis to my 29 gallon tank, I'm trying to figure out how many. Browsing the Internet and various books I keep getting answers from as many as you want, to one male to two female, to only one male. Could anybody clear this up for me? Thanks ]]> Beginner Freshwater Drose11111 http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112401 need help on new 55gl setup, http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112400&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 23:15:55 GMT At some point in the future I would like to try live plants however right now my budget only allows for the fake plants. Does it make sense to use... At some point in the future I would like to try live plants however right now my budget only allows for the fake plants. Does it make sense to use the Eco substrate (used for plants) so if in the future I want to change to live plants, I can just pull out the plastic ones and put in the live plants rather than pulling out all the gravel and putting down the new substrate.?

also, what size heater would you recommend for a 55 gl tank? I sit better to have two smaller ones at each end of the tank or one larger one?

thanks for all the help

Richard ]]> Beginner Freshwater 2life http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112400 Species tank for new BNPs http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112394&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 18:07:29 GMT I really miss my BNPs, so within the next couple of months, I want to set-up a species tank. If I do a 20 long, can I do 4 BNPs? Will they... I really miss my BNPs, so within the next couple of months, I want to set-up a species tank.


If I do a 20 long, can I do 4 BNPs? Will they get along? AqAdvisor says I will be 85% stocked with 2 AC30s or 1 AC50, with obviously better filtration with the 2 filters.


Do I need two filters on a 20 long or is one sufficient for the BNP's bioload? Would the AC50 provide enough surface movement in a 20 long? ]]> Beginner Freshwater gronlaura http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112394 API Test kit questions http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112392&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 14:13:21 GMT I contacted API with a couple of questions I had about the master test kit, the results are below, just an FYI if anyone is interested: I have a... I contacted API with a couple of questions I had about the master test kit, the results are below, just an FYI if anyone is interested:

I have a few questions regarding the API Freshwater Master Test Kit:

1. After mixing the solutions, does it make a difference whether or not you leave the tubes capped or not while waiting for results?..I know that some chemical reactions need oxygen to fully react, it would seem that leaving the tubes capped would limit the amount of oxygen

2. When testing Ammonia, Nitrates, and Nitrites, you are required to allow the solution to sit for 5 minutes before interpreting the results...Is this AT LEAST 5 minutes or EXACTLY 5 minutes...I ask because I like to do all 3 tests at once, and since I don't start timing until the 3rd solution is mixed, the first solution mixed will be sitting an extra few minutes...

Thanks for your time!



Thank you very much for contacting us regarding our products. All of your comments and questions are valuable. We use your feedback to create the most effective line of aquarium and pond products available.

Matt if you keep the tubes capped or uncapped it will not affect the readings for each level that you are trying to determine. As far as test time is concerned you will want to be as close to the 5 minute mark as possible to determine the accurate level. If the tube sits past the 5 minute mark it may give you another reading that may be incorrect but you will be very close to the 5 minute mark so the level should be accurate. I personally have never seen a difference in that + / - minute when waiting to read the test.

If you have any other questions or wish to discuss this further, please email back or give us a call at 1-800-847-0659.
Best Regards,
Nathan Fekula
Technical Service and Research
Mars Fishcare ]]> Beginner Freshwater Slaphppy7 http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112392 Stocking up tank http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112372&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 03:24:27 GMT Hello Everyone, I have been planning to stock a 10 gallon tank. I have been reading up about the fishless cycle... of course right after I got 6... Hello Everyone,
I have been planning to stock a 10 gallon tank. I have been reading up about the fishless cycle... of course right after I got 6 neon tetras and a cory catfish. I also recently read that cories like to be in groups so I will hopefully get some more. So anyway, my tank was filled with 6(Petco) neons, one goldfish (had her for 6 years and she's a fair goldfish:19:) and one cory. I also realized after I bought the neons and cory that the goldfish is a cold water and tetras are tropicals. Anyway one day later, I had 0 tetras but, my goldfish and cory are fine. I have a feeling my goldfish is going to pass away soon as she is not swimming as well as normal(she's been swimming like this for a while). So I have been developing plans for a new tank. Sorry for the long intro. I don't know how many of each fish I should get but here's my list: Scarlet Gem Badis(s), Zebra Danio(s), Amano shrimp(s), and dwarf gourami(s). Will all these fish be compatible and would I be overstocked. Thanks, Michael ]]> Beginner Freshwater 00mikey03 http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112372 <![CDATA[Pretty sure I'm overstocked - but how bad?]]> http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112370&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 02:47:56 GMT Hi all - have a newly (re)cycled 10 gallon tank that I finished stocking today. Due to bad advice from uncaring or unknowledgable pet shop employees,... Hi all - have a newly (re)cycled 10 gallon tank that I finished stocking today. Due to bad advice from uncaring or unknowledgable pet shop employees, I think my tank may be over stocked - but I'm trying to figure out if it's bad enough to return a fish or two or if I should just stick it out and see how it goes. Here's what I currently have:

- 1 white cloud minnow - (I know its a schooling fish - this guy is the last hold out from my tank before it had a crash a few months ago.)
- 1 2" neon sword tail
- 1 rainbow platy
- 1 male betta
- 3 rasbora harlequin
- 1 cory punctatus

So far the betta seems to be getting along fine with the other fish, although it's only been one day. The main things I'm concerned about are:

1) Is this just too many fish?
2) Is it ok to have only 3 rasboras?
3) Is it ok to have a lone cory catfish? (The store employee did not tell me this was a schooling fish - I only learned it after reading online when I got home. I should have done my research first but this was an impulse buy)

I'm running an AC20 filter and as of today my water levels are all normal.

Thanks!

H ]]> Beginner Freshwater hominamad http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112370 Just at the end of a cycle, something in my water slowly killing my tetras :( http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112352&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 05:21:01 GMT So it's been 2 weeks now. I had 2 tetras in the water who were living fine for over a week. Today I added 3 more. They all seemed fine the first 8 hours or so. The one slowly moved away from the pack swims around all disoriented and then maybe 10 mins later dies. Now a second one of the 3 is starting to do it.
My ammonia is low-0, hardness is fine, nitrates and trites are fine.
The only thing a bit off if it is at all is my pH which is at 7.6. I added seachem neutral ph to fix it.
It's a 20 gallon tank. ]]> Beginner Freshwater Impulse155 http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112352 Current Tank. Looking to upgrade. Request Feedback! http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112336&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 11:12:17 GMT To give you a quick background, i live in Okinawa Japan. I've had a tank at one point in time before, somewhere around 8 years ago. When i got to japan, i kind of wanted something to do that wasn't too time consuming but kept me busy over time and wasn't going to pee all over my carpet. So i decided to get a small starter tank as i didn't have a whole lot of money to spend and i have a fear of having the tank break like my parent's 55 gallon did one morning (i live in government housing, replacement costs are high).

So, here's what i got... I've already got some feedback, but more is great from different points of view!

Here is the front view.


Tank F by Dead_Last, on Flickr

You'll see that i have a few decorations for hiding. Not much, but i don't exactly have a lot of room either. You can see that whatever that plant is, is dying. When i got it from the store, they cut the roots off and re-wrapped it in foam and small band to hold everything together. I put it all in that small bowl with premium soil to help keep it planted and to keep the dust from that soil down. (When i first set up the tank i learned that the soil is not appropriate as a gravel alternative.) You can also see part of the Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel 100B filter. (apparently not enough for adequate filtering)

Left Side


Tank LS by Dead_Last, on Flickr

Here you can see the heater. I forget the wattage (55w?) but it's supposed to keep the water at 26.5*C. It does a pretty good job. You can also see the small air stone as well. I think the amount of bubbles is quite turbulent for such a small tank.

Here's everything that i have. From chemicals to extra pieces.


Everything by Dead_Last, on Flickr

Items from top to bottom listed left to right
TOP: Coarse gravel, flexible bubble curtain, Premium soil substrate
MIDDLE: API Stress Coat+, Tetra AquaSafe, 150W Heater, 6 in 1 Test Strips, starter packs of chlorine remover and AquaSafe
BOTTOM: Bacteria (bacillus subtilis var.natto) varius foods by Hikari, TetraColor, and Tetra Betta (that i used to have)

Tetra Auto power filter AX-30 (JP model)


Bio-Glass Filter by Dead_Last, on Flickr

This filter uses bio-glass as well as carbon and other typical filter medium that you'd find in refilled cartridges.

http://www.aqadvisor.com/AquStockIma...:200911091057:

So if you click on the link above, you'll see that i've made quite a few no-nos. So, i want to upgrade my tank soon. What i have been thinking was about a 30 gallon tank. That'll allow me to add two more neon tetras, three more cory cats, some driftwood, and a few more plants.

My questions are as follows:

What kind of plant do i have? The ends of the branches or stems will close up at night after sundown. I have a CO2 kit that came with the tank, but i never used it. It seemed a bit counter-intuitive to purposely add CO2 to water of a fish tank. I also don't know if i should have bought some liquid fertilizer for the plant. I think that is why it is dying. Stems are breaking in the water from the current of the filter alone.

Would both filters (BW 100B and AX-30) be enough filtration for a 30 gallon?

I don't have a stand for a 30 gallon. I was just going to put it on my counter top, however, that'll add a lot of weight to it. I also fear the tank will break too, so i don't want to put it on carpet either. May just leave it in my kitchen on a stand...

Currently in the tank i have 5 black mollies (2 adult 3 fry), 1 cory cat, 1 Tiger Pleco?, 3 Neon Tetras.

As stated above. I'm looking to get a 30 gallon. Would everything that i have be good to start out that 30 gallon?
Am i missing something?
I want the 30 gallon to be planted as well. (three amazon swords or something that is okay with low light)

However, if i remember correctly a 30 gallon tank would come out to around 5,000 yen when a kit tank would come out to around 6,000 yen i just don't want to waste money with the filters that i already have and just use the one in the kit. Plus, with it being japan, i'm not able to find a website that sells similar kits and be able to read it. I do remember that GEX is a company that is dominant over here.


Any and all feedback is more than welcome! ]]> Beginner Freshwater deadlast http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112336 API test results...need recommendations http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112325&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 14:08:59 GMT
So my wife bought my 2yo son a betta. It will technically be a family fish so no worries I'll be taking care of him. In a rush to get the little guy in a home i rushed out and gpurchased a 10g aquarium kit. I know i should have cycled the tank first...no excuses but i need some help on my API test results which are listed below.

10 gallon tetra aquarium
whisper 10 filter
small bubble stone with regulator.....turned way down so not to disturb the little fella
Conditioner added to britta filtered water

5-11-13 Tank setup- added "cycle" per instuctions- i know..most say this doesnt work but i was desperate :)
5-12-13 Second dose of cycle
5-13-13 Third dose of cycle- Betta introduced to tank
5-14-13 PH- 7.6 Amonia- 0 N02- 0 N03- 5
5-15-13 PH- 7.6 Amonia- 0 N02- 0 N03- 10
5-16-13 PH- 7.6 Amonia- .18 N02- 0 N03- 20

What should i do today? I was planning on doing 25% water changes once a week starting with the 1st partial on Monday. Should i go ahead and do more per week?

Also, my son wants some schooling fish like 5 neon tetras. When would be a good time to introduce those guys with maybe a couple of amano shrimp.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
]]> Beginner Freshwater Whoaty55 http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=112325