pvcrisp
Aquarium Advice Newbie
Upgrading neglected 10 gallon to new 20/29 gallon
Two weeks ago, I took over a neglected 10 gallon tank. The lone fish in the tank had been living in stagnant water with no light and almost no feedings for at least 3 months, maybe longer. The first week, I got the filter running, did two 25% water changes, and got the light working. This week I did two 50% water changes.
I wasn't sure what type of fish it was and was worried about the red color in his gills, but looking at the pet store, I found more fish like him with the same red gills. Looking online I found he is a twin barred play and is swimming around pretty actively. (Stock photo attached)
After the first water change, the chemical levels were 8.1 pH and Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate were all 0. That didn't seem right to me, and I found out I needed to really shake the Nitrate test because it settles, after shaking as much as I could, I tested again and got the same result.
Today when I tested, I got an Ammonia reading of 0.5 and Nitrite/Nitrate of 0 still. I have the API Master kit and the lot numbers on the bottles range from 610-910, do you think they are no longer good?
I am in the process of looking for a used 20 or 29 gallon tank, I almost scored a 26 gallon bowfront, but it turned out to only be 16 gallons. Is a 29 gallon that much more recommended over a 20? I will be buying a new AquaClear 50 filter.
My primary questions, besides the health of my one fish are:
1) Is the tank going through the cycling process now that the fish is being fed and the water is being filtered?
2) If the tank is not cycling and is stable, I would love to just transfer to the larger tank, filter and all, how can I make sure the fish or tank does not have any diseases?
3) Should I just start the new tank out fresh with a fishless cycle and move this fish over when cycle is complete?
4) If decorations come with my new tank, what is the best way to clean/sanitize them?
5) In general, what would you do in this situation!
I know this in a lot in one post, so thank you for all the help!
Two weeks ago, I took over a neglected 10 gallon tank. The lone fish in the tank had been living in stagnant water with no light and almost no feedings for at least 3 months, maybe longer. The first week, I got the filter running, did two 25% water changes, and got the light working. This week I did two 50% water changes.
I wasn't sure what type of fish it was and was worried about the red color in his gills, but looking at the pet store, I found more fish like him with the same red gills. Looking online I found he is a twin barred play and is swimming around pretty actively. (Stock photo attached)
After the first water change, the chemical levels were 8.1 pH and Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate were all 0. That didn't seem right to me, and I found out I needed to really shake the Nitrate test because it settles, after shaking as much as I could, I tested again and got the same result.
Today when I tested, I got an Ammonia reading of 0.5 and Nitrite/Nitrate of 0 still. I have the API Master kit and the lot numbers on the bottles range from 610-910, do you think they are no longer good?
I am in the process of looking for a used 20 or 29 gallon tank, I almost scored a 26 gallon bowfront, but it turned out to only be 16 gallons. Is a 29 gallon that much more recommended over a 20? I will be buying a new AquaClear 50 filter.
My primary questions, besides the health of my one fish are:
1) Is the tank going through the cycling process now that the fish is being fed and the water is being filtered?
2) If the tank is not cycling and is stable, I would love to just transfer to the larger tank, filter and all, how can I make sure the fish or tank does not have any diseases?
3) Should I just start the new tank out fresh with a fishless cycle and move this fish over when cycle is complete?
4) If decorations come with my new tank, what is the best way to clean/sanitize them?
5) In general, what would you do in this situation!
I know this in a lot in one post, so thank you for all the help!
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