Recent content by Coyne

Still a mystery. Since this is a new aquarium, I havent done any water changes yet. There's no fish, so there's no reason to change water. Also, Im using remineralized RODI water, so the hose I used to fill this aquarium is different from the one that I use for my other two tanks. I saw it...

I'm in the process of setting up a new aquarium. It's something I've been wanting to do for the past couple years, but I kept getting sidetracked or forgetting. This will be important(ish) information in a little bit. I started a Fishless cycle a couple weeks ago with a bare tank. New filter...

The nitrates are removed by doing water changes. The more water you change, the more nitrates are removed. Some people prefer to do large weekly water changes, some like to do a few smaller changes throughout the week. There's pros and cons to both. I'm not really sure how adding plants will...

I'd think cardboard would compress and make things off balanced in the long run. Once you get a full aquarium set up, thing will get heavy. Now that you know that it can be leveled, maybe get something more permanent.

Just to clarify any confusion: doing water changes of any size won't (or at least shouldn't) be changing your pH. Also, it looks like the pH is 8; which isn't bad. The mollys and platys probably prefer it. My tap water is very hard and alkaline. Before I started using remineralized RODI...

I wish somebody would tell my BNs that they're supposed to be good algae eaters.

It looks the same as my lyretail albino bristlenose pleco.

You can add some circulation pumps to the aquarium to help move the floating debris toward the drain.

I haven't kept one in a while, but I recall them being both shy and nocturnal. If you're not already, I'd suggest dropping in something that sinks (i.e. shrimp pellets) when the lights go out.

Oh jeez... I thought they were Ryukin or Shubunkin goldfish... the smaller, rounder type. If these are Common type, like you'd win at a carnival, then that's another problem. First I want to say something nice: Congratulations on keeping them alive for this long. Whether theyre at the...

Pygmy Corys are about as small as they come. Anything you get should still be fed a dedicated diet though. Don't let anything live on leftovers.

I suppose it depends on the adult size of the goldfish. I've always heard, with fancy goldfish, it's 20gallons for the first and 10gallons more for each additional. Just as importantly, you need an aquarium that is cycled. The stuff you added likely did little to nothing. Cycling a tank with...

In low light conditions plants tend to grow up ,to get closer to the light, rather than out to cover the surrounding area. I don't now if there is an "easy" carpeting plant that will thrive in the conditions you describe. I suppose you could try growing Java Moss tied to some of that plastic...

That bacteria-in-a-bottle stuff isn't a reliable way to cycle your tank. If all you did is empty the contents of the bottle and the add fish, then we have found the root of your problem. The majority of ammonia produced by fish isn't in the form of poop. That's a common misconception thats...

Sound like your hearts in the right place... just got in a little over your head. I went through the exact same thing when I bought my first aquarium (impulse buy). The advice above is solid. The only thing I'd add is to be patient. With the cycle, with every thing. You'll be tempted to try...