Welcome Aboard!
Yep, you're not the first to learn it the hard way (me either ) and we won't be the last, but it sounds like you're figuring it out and that's the important part.
Tell us about you 16g tank and feel free to ask about anything, as there's lots of people here with a vast knowledge base to help you out.
Homedog98 said:For test kits, the API master kit is the best IMO. It's about 32 bucks and is easily worth it. As for suckerfish, ottos are awesome cleaners, they just need well established tanks. Ghost shrimp and nerite will also help clean.
Thank you for the welcome Mr Limpet.
My tank only has, 5 neon, 4 guppies, 2 platys, and 5 baby platies..(soon to leave to the local petshop) and 1 shrimp now...
I have LOADS of Q,s and will bore you all stupid!
I need advice on the best "cleaner-fish" firstly.. (Always aware I have a small tank.) I had a sucker loach,(It got terratorial..) I also had a beautiful, hardworking Plec,(too large for my tank.) I lost my Plec. I desperately need help on selection of a good cleaner fish.. my tank nitrates went way up when my Plec died and my loach went..
Secondly, best price on a combi water testing kit.. (My latest obsession..) Needed, as a borrowed kit showed Nitrates 20+ Done a big water change, and now 10ish.... ph perfect, and amonia fine.
karen21 said:Thank you Homedog! I will look into finding ottos! Can you tell me if they/it will be ok in my small 16G tank?
Hey, welcome to AA, if you like the shrimp thet have very low bioload to te tank and work very well as a clean up crew, maybe get a couple more.
Test kit wise, API master kit is one highly recommended here. Its not available where I live, but its very good.
karen21 said:was it my bad nitrates?
Wish the amano shrimp were available in the NW/ UK! Nothing is available in the N/W of the UK..I have written it down, but I know there won't be a local supplier.Nope, your no2 was fine, plecos, otos, etc will eat algae, but need supplemental feeding to stay healthy (ie algae wafers) and those in turn add to your bioload, not to mention the amount of waste they produce. My amano shrimp (or AES=Algae Eating Shrimp) eat all kinds of algae and need no additional food, since the eat leftover food and even poop to survive/thrive.
karen21 said:Thank you everyone.
I have asked about "Ottos," and my local supplier is getting some in next week..
I have bought a combi-kit also1 (ran around every store I could find..!)
I also bought a small Plec.. Maybe not the best idea, but I'll try again..
Shrimps, I am still working on.. I will get a couple when they are available, but living in a small town, will be a case of bugging my supplier!!
ALL my levels are remaining stable at the mo.. Nitrate3, still only at acceptable...
Thank you SO MUCH guys! You are being a great source and support! x