First Tank

[Rpvance]

Super excited!

Just got my 26 gal bowfront tank kit up and running. After 2 days added a few fish, currently on day 3 and monitoring ammonia waiting for the tank to cycle.

Interested in doing all the research necessary to make this a successful and happy place for my fish.

A few questions I have:

1) My ammonia levels have not started to rise yet. Besides the weekly water change coming up (I'm only on day 3), should I do any water changes before the ammonia goes up? Or wait for this?

2) I introduced a blue gourami and 3 neon tetras to the tank. After adding the tetras I found out they require (or prefer?) a lower pH than my tank, which has been reading 7.6 + every day since I started. All the fish seem happy and have been increasing in activity. Should I get any product to slowly lower the pH to a specific level, or should I leave it since there are no problems?

3) The light that came with the kit hood is an 18" 8000K 15 watt. I have read advice that a tank my size (and keep in mind mine is more like a 20 gal + 6 gal in height) should have a much higher wattage. I do not have any live plants yet. Do I need a stronger light for live plants? Should I wait until the tank has cycled before adding live plants?

4) Maybe a stupid question, but my Petco air pump came with NO instructions and I am new at this. Is there a way or technique to change the intensity of the bubbles? Also, mine has 2 outputs, but since I read that Gourami's dont like strong currents, I am only using one. Should I let the air flow freely out of the unused output? My only concern is the longevity of the pump...

5) Last question After learning about the tetra's tank preferences, I am going to further research any fish species before I buy, and not rely soley on the pet stores willingness to put fish in a bag for me. Is there a one-stop-answers-all website or resource with detailed information on different species?

Excited to be part of this. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Super excited!

Just got my 26 gal bowfront tank kit up and running. After 2 days added a few fish, currently on day 3 and monitoring ammonia waiting for the tank to cycle.

Interested in doing all the research necessary to make this a successful and happy place for my fish.

A few questions I have:

1) My ammonia levels have not started to rise yet. Besides the weekly water change coming up (I'm only on day 3), should I do any water changes before the ammonia goes up? Or wait for this?

2) I introduced a blue gourami and 3 neon tetras to the tank. After adding the tetras I found out they require (or prefer?) a lower pH than my tank, which has been reading 7.6 + every day since I started. All the fish seem happy and have been increasing in activity. Should I get any product to slowly lower the pH to a specific level, or should I leave it since there are no problems?

3) The light that came with the kit hood is an 18" 8000K 15 watt. I have read advice that a tank my size (and keep in mind mine is more like a 20 gal + 6 gal in height) should have a much higher wattage. I do not have any live plants yet. Do I need a stronger light for live plants? Should I wait until the tank has cycled before adding live plants?

4) Maybe a stupid question, but my Petco air pump came with NO instructions and I am new at this. Is there a way or technique to change the intensity of the bubbles? Also, mine has 2 outputs, but since I read that Gourami's dont like strong currents, I am only using one. Should I let the air flow freely out of the unused output? My only concern is the longevity of the pump...

5) Last question After learning about the tetra's tank preferences, I am going to further research any fish species before I buy, and not rely soley on the pet stores willingness to put fish in a bag for me. Is there a one-stop-answers-all website or resource with detailed information on different species?

Excited to be part of this. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Hi and welcome!

What are you using to test your water?
You will need to do a water change when your ammonia reaches .25 or more to bring it down.

The pH is fine where it is. Most fish will adapt to pH. A stable pH is better than a chemically altered one that can fluctuate.

I'm assuming it's a t8 light? It will be enough to grow the lowest light plants, like java fern, moss and anubias, but not much else. You can add plants at any time during or after the cycle. Plants actually consume ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

I have no idea about the pump. Sorry.

Basically google everything and read info on many sites. Then take all that info and what ever is repeated the most assume that's the correct info. And also ask on here!

Here is a link on basic tank care. It includes the links to fish in cycling.
BEGINNERS GUIDE
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f15/guide-to-starting-a-freshwater-aquarium-186089.html

Any questions don't be afraid to ask!

 

[Rpvance]

Thanks!

Using API Ammonia test kit, still on the yellow color, will monitor and am ready/willing to change as much as necessary.

The light is a t8...

Thanks for the info!

 

[Hobgob]

Your neons will be fine. I keep my neons at 7.5 and they do fine. Had my first one pass in two years the other day. Just keep the ph stable and you won't have any problems.
For you air pump. You can purchase a valve that your air line slips onto allowing you to control how much air gets through. Although, if you do not allow enough air to go through it can decrease the life span of your air pump.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

I have 8 living in pH 7.8
I forget to add when your finished cycling you'll need to up your school to 6 or more.

 

[Rpvance]

The airpump info makes sense...Ill just let air run through the unused output - its just a little louder

Good advice on the tetras - 3 is not a suffecient school. If I do add more they will be the last fish I add until the cycle is complete.

Thanks!

 

[Mumma.of.two]

The airpump info makes sense...Ill just let air run through the unused output - its just a little louder

Good advice on the tetras - 3 is not a suffecient school. If I do add more they will be the last fish I add until the cycle is complete.

Thanks!

The three you have will be ok until the cycle finishes.

 

[Rpvance]

Got it!