New to Aquarium Advice

[Barbee236]

Hi, I have just set up an Aquatop 3.9 gal aquarium. It has a gravel substrate and planted. I have talked to several people in lfs's and everyone gives me different advise. Tank is about 2 weeks old. I did buy three small green tiger barbs on about day 5. They only lived 1 week. I did 1/3 water changes every other day. Water was treated for Chlorine/chloramine. Plants are growing well. I have been testing water and yesterday and today, ammonia was negative, Nitrites were 2.0 ppm and nitrates were 5.0 ppm. My question is; Will the tank continue to complete cycle without fish and what do I have to do? thanks, Barbee236

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Welcome to AA!

No it won't complete you'll actually make it go backwards. Bacteria needs an ammonia source to live. You have a couple different options such as a fish in cycle or a fishless cycle. This article here will be a big help to you
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/guide-to-starting-a-freshwater-aquarium/

 

[Convict2161]

Welcome to the family. Andy have you some helpful advice and a great link! Enjoy!!

 

[librarygirl]

Welcome! The link Andrew gave you will help with the cycling questions. A 3.9 gal is really too small for most fish though. You can maybe get away with a single betta or a shrimp tank.

 

[molliwopp]

12 litres is too small for most fish I too would recommend a male betta. Have a look at them theyre beautiful i think youd like them.

 

[redsea]

Welcome to Aquarium Advice!