Forced guppy adoption

[Jeff likes fish]

No but I'll get one of those food things, and do a water change before I leave. And so the guppy should be fine alone and I should get two more tetras is the sum of all this?

 

[MABJ]

Yes!

 

[MABJ]

Don't forget the corys tho!

 

[jenatron]

I just want to clarify that bottom-feeders do typically add to the bio-load. Plecos for instance are dirty, and add a lot more to the bio-load than people think.

 

[MABJ]

Jenatron, I only say they don't if there is a filter that would remove their small load. They are helpful and cute little guys

 

[Jeff likes fish]

I have a filter a well established bio filter. I do regular 30-35% water changes every 10 days or so

 

[Jeff likes fish]

And* a well established bio filter

 

[MABJ]

That is very good and sufficient.

 

[Jeff likes fish]

Thank you very much

 

[Coleallensmom]

I just want to clarify that bottom-feeders do typically add to the bio-load. Plecos for instance are dirty, and add a lot more to the bio-load than people think.

Agreed.

Make sure you are keeping an eye on your water parameters, especially nitrate levels. Ammonia and nitrite might not be a problem in an established tank, but nitrates can build up w/o weekly PWCs.

 

[Jeff likes fish]

I check it every other day. Nitrate is always very very very low "0"

 

[jenatron]

What kind of test kit do you have?

 

[Jeff likes fish]

Well I had a nice kit but ATM I'm using test strips

 

[jenatron]

Test strips will give you very inaccurate readings. I suggest you get a liquid test kit ASAP.

 

[Coleallensmom]

+1 Test strips can be very unreliable. It's almost impossible to have an established tank with 0ppm nitrate, unless of course it is very heavily planted.

 

[jenatron]

That's exactly why I asked, Alisha! +1 to you as well!

 

[Jeff likes fish]

Yup I have been using one til a week and a half ago. But thanks

 

[Coleallensmom]

If your nitrate was 0ppm even with your liquid test kit, then I can only assume that your tank is not cycled? Do your fish a favor and wait until your tank has finished cycling before adding any more fish.

 

[Jeff likes fish]

No, it was low. I believe below 40 ppm for sure.

 

[Coleallensmom]

Ok, That sounds much better than 0ppm. Like Jen mentioned, test strips can give you inaccurate readings. Anything <40ppm is acceptable as far as NitrAte is concerned (although <20ppm is even better!).