Hey Everyone. I hope I am posting in the right place...
My name is Jacob and I am new to the world of Aquarium kept fish.
I don't know to much but what I have read via the web and this site, asking people at the pet stores, and what I remember when I kept a Gold Fish in a bowl when I was 10. HA!
That being said, I am sure you all can help me beyond belief-
My girlfriend and I decided that we wanted to get a small tank for our new apartment and she picked out a Fluval Chi. (Click for images)
Again, I know nothing really about tanks or filtration or anything before I bought it, all I knew was that it was the perfect size for our little apartment and the girlfriend liked the look.
Before I ask my questions, I want to answer some that may come up for those not familiar with the Chi.
(Some info taken from site)
Size: 5 Gallons
Filtration:
"The Fluval chi utilizes a full three stage mechanical, chemical, and biological filter, specifically designed to prevent water bypass, provide clear water, and promote a healthy nano living environment. Two separate filtration media are available for the chi: the foam pad and filter pad. The foam pad should remain in the filter to foster biological growth while the filter pad removes finer debris and chemical impurities through carbon filtration." (Thats all I know. I don't remember exact specs...trying to find them.) Whats unique is the filtered water bubbles back out of the filter like a fountain at the top.
LIGHTING:
"The Fluval chi features two separate cool-white LED lighting units: a 12 LED submersible light unit illuminates the aquarium from the bottom of the filtration box while a second set of LEDs shines upward and lights the water as it flows back into the aquarium."
Here is what I have done so far as told by the keeper of the fish at PetCo;(remember hind sight is 20/20) I cleaned the take and all parts with water and cleaned the gravel with water. Filled the bottom with standard black fish bowl gravel, and as requested by my GF, bought a living plant to put in there. Filled the bad boy up and added the right amounts of supplied magic fish liquids to the tank. (Nutrafin- Cycle and Aqua +Plus) One is for biological use and the other is for conditioning the water.
I have let the tank run with the filter on for about 48 hours and I started to do research on fish for this tank as I was told by my GF that she would be horrified to find a dead fish in there. (Great.)
So...question time.
1) My water has now become kind of foggy looking. Not bad. I don't know if it is just oxygen from the fountain on top or something from the only living thing in there right now (the plant-species I do not recall- we were told it would grow great in there) or something wrong with my water. I got these little strip test kit which tells me pH, Hardness, Alkalinity, Nitrite, and Nitrate levels, but I don't know what to do about any of it. Out of the tap, we have VERY hard water, high Alkalinity and pH, but low Nitrite and Nitrate water. What should I do?
2) I have read a lot about how many of you hate 5g tanks as they are hard to keep fish in, but I wanted a few recommendations. I saw the tank have 3 gold fish on the package and was very mislead. I though it would be perfect for two fancy gold fish- I was wrong. So I would love to maybe get a couple of pretty guppies and a snail. I also considered a Betta, but we kind of want a couple of fish. Can you do two FEMALE Betta fish together? I have seen both answers.
3) Heater? I have read all over that it is impossible to keep the water really warm with this tank as it has no lid and the water evaporates to fast from the fountain. Can I get away without one?
I am planning on posting a picture or two and maybe you can help me ID the plant too, to make sure I am addressing it's needs too.
I really am learning on the fly here and as much as you can let me know would be great!
Thanks so much in advance.
Jacob
My name is Jacob and I am new to the world of Aquarium kept fish.
I don't know to much but what I have read via the web and this site, asking people at the pet stores, and what I remember when I kept a Gold Fish in a bowl when I was 10. HA!
That being said, I am sure you all can help me beyond belief-
My girlfriend and I decided that we wanted to get a small tank for our new apartment and she picked out a Fluval Chi. (Click for images)
Again, I know nothing really about tanks or filtration or anything before I bought it, all I knew was that it was the perfect size for our little apartment and the girlfriend liked the look.
Before I ask my questions, I want to answer some that may come up for those not familiar with the Chi.
(Some info taken from site)
Size: 5 Gallons
Filtration:
"The Fluval chi utilizes a full three stage mechanical, chemical, and biological filter, specifically designed to prevent water bypass, provide clear water, and promote a healthy nano living environment. Two separate filtration media are available for the chi: the foam pad and filter pad. The foam pad should remain in the filter to foster biological growth while the filter pad removes finer debris and chemical impurities through carbon filtration." (Thats all I know. I don't remember exact specs...trying to find them.) Whats unique is the filtered water bubbles back out of the filter like a fountain at the top.
LIGHTING:
"The Fluval chi features two separate cool-white LED lighting units: a 12 LED submersible light unit illuminates the aquarium from the bottom of the filtration box while a second set of LEDs shines upward and lights the water as it flows back into the aquarium."
Here is what I have done so far as told by the keeper of the fish at PetCo;(remember hind sight is 20/20) I cleaned the take and all parts with water and cleaned the gravel with water. Filled the bottom with standard black fish bowl gravel, and as requested by my GF, bought a living plant to put in there. Filled the bad boy up and added the right amounts of supplied magic fish liquids to the tank. (Nutrafin- Cycle and Aqua +Plus) One is for biological use and the other is for conditioning the water.
I have let the tank run with the filter on for about 48 hours and I started to do research on fish for this tank as I was told by my GF that she would be horrified to find a dead fish in there. (Great.)
So...question time.
1) My water has now become kind of foggy looking. Not bad. I don't know if it is just oxygen from the fountain on top or something from the only living thing in there right now (the plant-species I do not recall- we were told it would grow great in there) or something wrong with my water. I got these little strip test kit which tells me pH, Hardness, Alkalinity, Nitrite, and Nitrate levels, but I don't know what to do about any of it. Out of the tap, we have VERY hard water, high Alkalinity and pH, but low Nitrite and Nitrate water. What should I do?
2) I have read a lot about how many of you hate 5g tanks as they are hard to keep fish in, but I wanted a few recommendations. I saw the tank have 3 gold fish on the package and was very mislead. I though it would be perfect for two fancy gold fish- I was wrong. So I would love to maybe get a couple of pretty guppies and a snail. I also considered a Betta, but we kind of want a couple of fish. Can you do two FEMALE Betta fish together? I have seen both answers.
3) Heater? I have read all over that it is impossible to keep the water really warm with this tank as it has no lid and the water evaporates to fast from the fountain. Can I get away without one?
I am planning on posting a picture or two and maybe you can help me ID the plant too, to make sure I am addressing it's needs too.
I really am learning on the fly here and as much as you can let me know would be great!
Thanks so much in advance.
Jacob