Have I Screwed Up Horribly Already?

[xRealNinjuzx]

Ok, so I work at home. It's nice and all, but sitting in my office staring at my computer can get boring. I have a puppy, but she just gets me worked up. I decided that to relax myself and have something nice in the living room, I would put together an aquarium. I havent had one since I was 6, and it didnt work out very well back then.

So yesterday, I finally broke down after thinking about it for a couple of weeks and just got something small to mess with until I move into a house where I can have a larger tank.

So, day 1. I bought a TopFin 10 gallon tank/kit thing from Petsmart. ($40). I also bought 2 test kits (a strip kit 5 in 1) and a good kit to do better tests with in case the strips get me concerned. I bought a thermometer, flake fish food, PRIME dechlorinator, a few small live plants (I forgot the names) and Brite 'n Clear water clearing stuff. I also got a few fish, which I will get to in a moment.

When I initially got everything, I didn't know what cycling was or anything. Unfortunately, I didnt find this forum until a friend of mine showed it to me when I told him about my new adventure. So anyway, I rinsed the gravel, placed it in with 2 inches layering the bottom, decorated, filled the tank, set the plants, and then used the dechlorinator. After a few hours of letting the filter run, getting the temperature (in my house and in my aquarium) set, and making sure everything was working properly, the water looked pretty good. I tested it for everything, and it all came out with good numbers according to what I have seen posted around, so I acclimated the fish and cut them loose.

I have just a few questions now so that I make sure I continue in the correct direction, since I have to be especially careful since I havent cycled my tank.

1. how is this for my initial stock?

4 - Buenos Aires Tetras
2 - Upside Down Catfish

2. The water is kind of cloudy I think. I mean, I can see straight through, but it doesnt look very nice. What can I do to clean it up? Can I use the Brite n Clear while the fish are in the tank? Should I just let it work itself out?

3. What should I do now, besides testing and PWC every day or 2 until everything is in order?

Thanks for your help in advance

[rich311k]

The water will clear on its own. Probably bacteria starting to form. All you can do is test your water levels and change water as needed. The upside down cats may get to big for your tank. Any idea what kind they are?

[xRealNinjuzx]

Originally Posted by rich311k

The upside down cats may get to big for your tank. Any idea what kind they are?

Unfortunately not.

Also, they both seem to greatly enjoy floating next to the heater. Is that an issue?

Will Petsmart take them back and let me exchange them for other fish that would be better suited for my size tank?

If they will, any recommendations?

Thanks

[DeFeKt]

Have I Screwed Up Horribly Already?

Not at all

It is more then possible to cycle successfully and with minimal stress to your fish, just be wary of ammonia and nitrite levels until the cycle is complete, as suggested, and do a pwc when nessicary.

I'm not a big fan of tetras and cats they seem to be to fragile for me, but I do have great success with ARLC 's(in a larger tank) I'm at the stage now where my fish will "tell" me when i need to do a water change. So testing is done but not entirely needed.

Sounds like your off to a fantastic start, well done

Matthew

[rich311k]

I dont know Petsmarts return policy. If they will take them back I would not replace until the tank is cycled. Cory cats would be a nice choice for the bottom of your tank.

[chotie]

Originally Posted by xRealNinjuzx

I also bought 2 test kits (a strip kit 5 in 1) and a good kit to do better tests with in case the strips get me concerned.

test strip kits are usually unreliable. get a liquid test kit such as the AP master test kit. you will find it cheaper online.

Originally Posted by xRealNinjuzx

Brite 'n Clear water clearing stuff. I also got a few fish, which I will get to in a moment.

dont need this stuff. let the filter and good W/C do their job.

Originally Posted by xRealNinjuzx

When I initially got everything, I didn't know what cycling was or anything...all came out with good numbers according to what I have seen posted around, so I acclimated the fish and cut them loose.

since its a new tank you would not have any "numbers". you will have to be careful the next few weeks as the tank will have ammonia and nitrite spikes.

Originally Posted by xRealNinjuzx

1. how is this for my initial stock?
4 - Buenos Aires Tetras
2 - Upside Down Catfish

looks good to me.

Originally Posted by xRealNinjuzx

3. What should I do now, besides testing and PWC every day or 2 until everything is in order?

buy that kit and enjoy your fish! wait till you get your first 125g one.

[Lonewolfblue]

Test strips are notorious about being inaccurate. Is your other test kit a liquid test kit?

Also, test often. Fir the benefit of the fish, you will need to keep the ammonia and nitrite levels below .5ppm, and not let it go over 1ppm max. That means PWC's as necessary.

I don't know Petsmart's policies, but if you took them to another lfs, they might give some credit towards another purchase. Never hurts to ask.

Also, never use any product that claims to clear the water. It doesn't.

[JustOneMore20]

I think buenos aires tetras get a little big for a 10g. The Upside down cats do also. When the tank is cycled, you may need to exchange them for something more suitable for that tank size.

Buenos aires are very nippy, so don't add anything else to the tank, especially anything with long fins.

[tropicfishman]

might wanna ditch the test strips and get a liquid reagent type test kits, there alot more accurate and aren't prone to go bad like test strips are

[xRealNinjuzx]

Thanks for the help guys.

I do have a liquid test kit also.

I just discovered how nippy they are when I fed them and they started playing rough with the cats. Im kind of disappointed, but its my own fault since I didnt read up on them as much since I was really pleased with the way they looked...

Can any of you guys recommend an active bunch that I could replace them with? I really enjoy watching them zip around and play