GoldeenTrix9898
Aquarium Advice Activist
I recently got a 5-gallon glass tank (The only one that will fit in my room, it's 13.5 inches tall, 7 inches thick and 12 inches long), and I am gathering supplies for cycling and planning the fish I want to get. I'd like to start a heated freshwater tank with live plants. I already have a power filter, a light, a little bit of aquarium salt and I have done a little bit of research. I have a ton of questions though.
1.I heard that when cycling, adding bacteria from an established freshwater tank can speed up the nitrogen cycle. I have access to one established tank, and I wanted to ask if the bacteria is the dark-greenish goopy slime that I find in the filter and on the underside of the lid. If it is, can I just scoop some up, rub it on a sponge then stick it inside my power filter?
2.My power filter has also been used in an saltwater tank before, is it ok to reuse if I completely rinse it clean?
3. How long do you recommend I cycle the tank for? I know the cycle is complete when ammonia, nitrites are at 0 and nitrates are below 40ppm, but I read that some people recommend continuing to cycle for 2 more weeks before adding your first fish.
4. And then there's my fish problem. I was thinking of keeping a betta and about 6 cardinal tetras. I am afraid of overwhelming my tank's bio-capacity, so I suppose I will have to introduce them to the tank several weeks apart. The thing is, should I add the betta first or the tetras. I know bettas are territorial, so I was afraid if I add the betta first it will attack the tetras when I add them. But if I add the betta last, I'm afraid of stressing the betta out. I also read that I should only introduce 2 to 3 fish at a time, but tetras are schooling fish, and I heard they NEED to be introduced in at least groups of 6. What do I do?
5.Is it ok to add a snail? I read that they actually help reduce ammonia and don't have much impact on the bio-load of the tank.
6. How much light do I need? The spot I chose for the tank is shady, and I have one decently bright light. But I want live plants so I don't know if that's enough. And any plant recommendations?
I'm a beginner, so I'd appreciate any help that I can get, thanks in advance!
1.I heard that when cycling, adding bacteria from an established freshwater tank can speed up the nitrogen cycle. I have access to one established tank, and I wanted to ask if the bacteria is the dark-greenish goopy slime that I find in the filter and on the underside of the lid. If it is, can I just scoop some up, rub it on a sponge then stick it inside my power filter?
2.My power filter has also been used in an saltwater tank before, is it ok to reuse if I completely rinse it clean?
3. How long do you recommend I cycle the tank for? I know the cycle is complete when ammonia, nitrites are at 0 and nitrates are below 40ppm, but I read that some people recommend continuing to cycle for 2 more weeks before adding your first fish.
4. And then there's my fish problem. I was thinking of keeping a betta and about 6 cardinal tetras. I am afraid of overwhelming my tank's bio-capacity, so I suppose I will have to introduce them to the tank several weeks apart. The thing is, should I add the betta first or the tetras. I know bettas are territorial, so I was afraid if I add the betta first it will attack the tetras when I add them. But if I add the betta last, I'm afraid of stressing the betta out. I also read that I should only introduce 2 to 3 fish at a time, but tetras are schooling fish, and I heard they NEED to be introduced in at least groups of 6. What do I do?
5.Is it ok to add a snail? I read that they actually help reduce ammonia and don't have much impact on the bio-load of the tank.
6. How much light do I need? The spot I chose for the tank is shady, and I have one decently bright light. But I want live plants so I don't know if that's enough. And any plant recommendations?
I'm a beginner, so I'd appreciate any help that I can get, thanks in advance!