JayJay
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Okay, sorry I posted in another section about something else and got lots of good advice. Rather than hijack a thread I will start one here.
I got an aquarium for Christmas from my fiancee (I was always moaning about how I couldn't keep pets in my apartment).
Its really cool but I know squat about it. I've looked around these forums and spoken to my work mate who knows quite a bit and have learned tons in two days. Still I'm worried about my fish (who came with the present) now that I've finally figure out what a "cycle" is.
Okay, heres some stats.
The tank is 12 litres, 30cm x 18cm x 24cm.
The fish are 12 neon tetras and 3 panda corys.
I started with just a heater and an oxygenator but today I bought a light (on a timer 9am-9pm) and a "over the top" filter system.
As well I bought 3 Amazon Swordplants and both NO2 and pH test kits.
So its been three days now and the fish are still doing okay but I think they are freaking out over the constants changing enviroment (me sticking my hand in to add stuff) and the mental lighting schedule (I work very irregular hours being both a tutor and musician), which I hope the light and timer will fix.
I just tested the water, don't know if its good or bad.
NO2- 1
pH- 7.5
After today I'm not planning to change to much as a) I've already spent a bit of money and b) I want to stop freaking out the fish and help them get used to it.
Things I am doing now that I have either picked up here or from my mate.
-Feeding them twice a day, just a pinch, morning and evening.
-Putting a light on the timer and not turning on bright lights in the evening (I TV and computer are in another room and my reading light isn't too bright).
-Keeping an eye on the temperature (it's set to 25 degrees C)
-Changing the water (20%) twice a week and de-cholonating (sp?) it (now that I have a filter, do I still need too).
Things I will do
-Get some gravel and water from my mates work fish tank (also freshwater and some of the same fish)
-Keep an eye on the water both NO2, pH and temp
-NOT get any more fish until I get these ones either sussed or they die
So, I have read about nitrogen and ammonia spikes and other nasties. What stats are normal? If this start going bad, what do do. How long is a cycles, when am I "over ther hill" and can think about more finish or replacing?
Sorry if these have already been answered but I'm still taking a lot in.
Damn fine present, I'm really getting into it, but its also a lot to learn at once (and I though keeping fish was easy maybe it is once you get into it).
Thanks everyone, only two days and you've all been a great help.
I got an aquarium for Christmas from my fiancee (I was always moaning about how I couldn't keep pets in my apartment).
Its really cool but I know squat about it. I've looked around these forums and spoken to my work mate who knows quite a bit and have learned tons in two days. Still I'm worried about my fish (who came with the present) now that I've finally figure out what a "cycle" is.
Okay, heres some stats.
The tank is 12 litres, 30cm x 18cm x 24cm.
The fish are 12 neon tetras and 3 panda corys.
I started with just a heater and an oxygenator but today I bought a light (on a timer 9am-9pm) and a "over the top" filter system.
As well I bought 3 Amazon Swordplants and both NO2 and pH test kits.
So its been three days now and the fish are still doing okay but I think they are freaking out over the constants changing enviroment (me sticking my hand in to add stuff) and the mental lighting schedule (I work very irregular hours being both a tutor and musician), which I hope the light and timer will fix.
I just tested the water, don't know if its good or bad.
NO2- 1
pH- 7.5
After today I'm not planning to change to much as a) I've already spent a bit of money and b) I want to stop freaking out the fish and help them get used to it.
Things I am doing now that I have either picked up here or from my mate.
-Feeding them twice a day, just a pinch, morning and evening.
-Putting a light on the timer and not turning on bright lights in the evening (I TV and computer are in another room and my reading light isn't too bright).
-Keeping an eye on the temperature (it's set to 25 degrees C)
-Changing the water (20%) twice a week and de-cholonating (sp?) it (now that I have a filter, do I still need too).
Things I will do
-Get some gravel and water from my mates work fish tank (also freshwater and some of the same fish)
-Keep an eye on the water both NO2, pH and temp
-NOT get any more fish until I get these ones either sussed or they die
So, I have read about nitrogen and ammonia spikes and other nasties. What stats are normal? If this start going bad, what do do. How long is a cycles, when am I "over ther hill" and can think about more finish or replacing?
Sorry if these have already been answered but I'm still taking a lot in.
Damn fine present, I'm really getting into it, but its also a lot to learn at once (and I though keeping fish was easy maybe it is once you get into it).
Thanks everyone, only two days and you've all been a great help.