Recent content by Slade

Adding rock work and having more than two are good suggestions. You didn’t say what size tank or what are other occupants.

Fish Hut in Saddle River is worth the trip. Fish Hut of New Jersey – Freshwater – Saltwater – Reef

Welcome to AA!

You don't even need to keep that much old water. Just make sure you match temperature & ph, and of course treat with prime or other dechlorinator. Let the sand settle before running HOB filters to save your impellers. Plants are a good idea, make sure you give them enough light.

We really need more information on which specific species and tank size. Generally, you don't want to mix them because of different mineral/ph levels between the lakes regardless of temperament. Even within Lake Malawi you should be careful mixing aggression levels between mbuna & hap species...

Just moved to Leland near Wilmington from NJ. Haven't started back up yet. Anybody good LFS near me?

Water changes don't remove much BB, it's retained in gravel & filter media. But multiple 25% water changes is less stressful than 50% so that temp and pH don't change drastically. I don't know that bettas are particularly susceptible to that.

Filter floss of fine filter, change with every cleaning. With a canister that should be between 2-4 months. Bio media and coarse sponges, rinse well in tank water and reuse.

Welcome to the forum. You won't regret going with higher filtration.

So you have an air pump working, and media with BB. I don't think you have anything to worry about for this short amount of time. Doing a small daily water change will keep parameters in check and add to water movement.

Welcome to the fish forum.

I can't say what's best for cories, but I prefer sand - even better what Caribsea sells as cichlid mix (arogonite) which has larger granules. If you have an HOB, raise your intake or use a prefilter or the sand will mess up your impeller.

Agree with Aquaclear. I'd keep the tetra 60 with filter floss, and add an AC110 with sponge and bio media. In close quarters like yours, keep an eye that the oscars don't turn on your parrot.

You can add a small amount of Epsom salt during water change to avoid constipation which can lead to bloat. But judging from your picture, I wouldn't worry.

Welcome to the forum Mike. I'm in central NJ but we just started looking at NC for when we retire next year.