Help

[trublekidd]

****************HELP********************

Hey everyone i'm new here. i have got few questions and will appreciate if anyone can break down the answer as some things i may need to purchase. i have got an 3 ft 180L aquarium and its going to be empty tomorrow as i want to get bigger fish.

Q1. how shall i cycle my tank and how long before i put fishes in?
Q2. What may i do to prevent any illness to my fishes ?
Q3. what do i need to purchase except filter,heater and pump?
Q4. save the last to the biggest question what fishes shall i buy to go with a knife fish?

 

[Zimmanski]

****************HELP********************

Q1. how shall i cycle my tank and how long before i put fishes in?
Q2. What may i do to prevent any illness to my fishes ?
Q3. what do i need to purchase except filter,heater and pump?
Q4. save the last to the biggest question what fishes shall i buy to go with a knife fish?

A1 it all depends on what your water parameters are. If you're using ammonia to cycle your tank then you should see a rise in nitrite, then nitrite will fall and nitrate will rise. When you have a reading of 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and see nitrates that's when you should be able to put in a few fish.

A2 maintaining good water parameters is the best way to prevent illness. Do weekly water changes of 20% to 50% and keep your parameters at 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and <20ppm nitrate.

A3 depends on what you want for your tank. I highly suggest a liquid test kit. Then lights substrate and decorations.

A4 your best bet for a 47 gallon tank is an African brown knife fish. Tankmates really depend on what you would like for your tank as well. Most peaceful community fish would do well with them.

 

[trublekidd]

Thank you very much for your answers I am finding a bit difficult with cycling my water. After I cycle do I need to put any Zyme or stress coat/water treatment. What's the avarge tap water test result

 

[Zimmanski]

Thank you very much for your answers I am finding a bit difficult with cycling my water. After I cycle do I need to put any Zyme or stress coat/water treatment. What's the avarge tap water test result

How are you cycling your tank? Are you checking your water parameters daily? What are they? Putting a filter on a tank and letting it run for a couple days does not cycle anything, if your tap has ammonia in it then you would eventually get the beneficial bacteria to colonize in your filter but it would take a long time. I highly suggest searching the articles in this forum, they will be a whole lot of help to you.

Guide to Starting a Freshwater Aquarium - Aquarium Advice
Tips and Tricks For Your Fastest Fishless Cycle! - Aquarium Advice