hardy fish what are they?
There are many hardy fish to choose from. I've used Mollies, Betta's, Neon's, and bala sharks to cycle. Not all at the same time of course. Those fish were during my days of "Cycling? What is THAT?". Now that I've learned from my mistakes, it is best to cycle the tank FIRST then add fish. I know that you may be impatient staring at an empty tank, but your fish will thank you for being brought home to a cycled tank. Your fish will be more likely to get ich or other diseased from an un-cycled tank.
i'm wondering if those kinds of fish need the salt or can tolerate the brackish water?
They like some salt, but not necessarily brackish.
if i need a under gravel filter or not?
This topic is up to much debate on this site. There are a couple die hard
ugf owners out there. But the majority agrees that they are not needed. They are a big mess and a
hob is sufficient.
IMO, don't even think about buying one.
of my friends gave me his compact 100 watt heater
Watch this closely. As TomK2 said, it is strong for a 10
gal.
do i need a test kit if so what would be the best with my kind of set up?
Yes, you definately need one. And please do NOT get the strips. They are much more expensive and are not as accurate. The best that I've seen is Aquarium Pharmacuticals Master Test Kit. They are rather expensive at the
lfs but alot cheaper online. You could try
www.bigalsonline.com They have great prices, fast shipping, and great customer service.
do livebearers like water thats above room temp?
Depending on your room temperature, you will most likely need to use the heater. You will want your temp in the mid to upper 70's.
do i need meds just incase if so what kind?
A good med to have on hand is Aquarium Salt. I don't know if it is technically considered a med, but it is good to have on hand. Also, check online for common diseases that occur for your specific fish. It wouldn't be bad to have a stash of meds that will cure those diseases. Just be sure to check the expiration dates before using.
is there any other kind of tips or tricks you can give me?
Lets see, tips: Make sure you have all the equipment needed for water changes (gavel vac, dechlorinator, bucket) but don't gravel vac until after your tank has cycled unless it is REALLY messy. I'm not sure how much you already know about aquaria, but one GREAT piece of advice: Your tank is not ever going to be spotlessly clean. It is supposed to have gunk in the filter, don't ever clean the filter pads with clean water from the tap, don't even replace the carbon unless you are taking meds out of the tank, don't clean too much at one time, don't ever use soap on ANYTHING that will be in your tank, use meds lightly, don't be fooled into purchasing meds to lower ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates (water changes will fix this for you), some chemicals from the
lfs can cause more harm than good.....hmm. That's all for now. There is so much info crammed into my head that I could just burst and spent 2 days writting it all down. BUT, that's what this forum is for. Ask questions and we will answer.
is buying fish online a good or bad idea?
I've never done it and won't ever do it. The fish are stressed in those bags that get flopped around on the back of trucks. I'd rather drive 5 hours to STL and purchase fish and drive them back safely in my car.
I've gone from purchasing from the
lfs to buying exclusively from Big Al's unless it's something that they don't have. Regarding your fish, it would be best to set up the tank first, then purchase fish at a later date. You may have to drive 100 miles to get fish, but many of us on this site have driven further than that. Heck, I drove 5 hours just to check out a
lfs that specialized in Lake Malawi Cichlids. And it was well worth it. You will have fewer fish deaths if you cycle first.
I hope I could help you. Any more questions, post away! And don't forget to Vote at the link in my sig.
so i went and got the silicone sealer and it was no use so tomorrow i'm exchanging the 10 gal tank kit for a new one. i bought the "cycle" in a bottle and i know i should wait but i think i'm going to add some fish tomorrow also.
