Have a few questions???

[shamu]

I'm still kind of a newbie so am hoping can get some questions answered (sorry if the questions are kind of dumb). Have had my 55 gallon running now for about 4 months, everything has been going good (had an issue with ick, but thanks to the great people on this site I cleared it up . Anyways on with the questions....How much exactly should I be feeding my fish? & my pleco needs how many wafers? Also how often should I be testing my water? I do 25% water changes every week. I am also a little concerned that I may be over stocked. Currently I have as follows:
1 molly
2 darts
4 tetras (not sure what kind, they are silver and only about an inch)
3 smaller type tetras (I think they were called tiger tetras?)
1 Bala shark (he is only about 2 inches right now)
1 pleco about 5 inches

I realize now that I will be needing to get rid of the shark as they get so big, I also am broken hearted that I will have to get rid of my pleco soon as he is growing so well.
Thank you in advance for helping with my dumb questions.

 

[awilson133]

no worries those are good questions to ask!!! when I feed my fish I like to turn off the filter and bubbles so it makes the water still.. and just give em a pinch of food. then when there done turn the filter and air pump back on. your water changes sound good to me! I think someone else will jump in about your pleco and being over stocked. happy to help!

 

[Mumma.of.two]

I'm still kind of a newbie so am hoping can get some questions answered (sorry if the questions are kind of dumb). Have had my 55 gallon running now for about 4 months, everything has been going good (had an issue with ick, but thanks to the great people on this site I cleared it up . Anyways on with the questions....How much exactly should I be feeding my fish? & my pleco needs how many wafers? Also how often should I be testing my water? I do 25% water changes every week. I am also a little concerned that I may be over stocked. Currently I have as follows:
1 molly
2 darts
4 tetras (not sure what kind, they are silver and only about an inch)
3 smaller type tetras (I think they were called tiger tetras?)
1 Bala shark (he is only about 2 inches right now)
1 pleco about 5 inches

I realize now that I will be needing to get rid of the shark as they get so big, I also am%2

 

[Koikid88]

What's your filtration

 

[Mumma.of.two]

I'm still kind of a newbie so am hoping can get some questions answered (sorry if the questions are kind of dumb). Have had my 55 gallon running now for about 4 months, everything has been going good (had an issue with ick, but thanks to the great people on this site I cleared it up . Anyways on with the questions....How much exactly should I be feeding my fish? & my pleco needs how many wafers? Also how often should I be testing my water? I do 25% water changes every week. I am also a little concerned that I may be over stocked. Currently I have as follows:
1 molly
2 darts
4 tetras (not sure what kind, they are silver and only about an inch)
3 smaller type tetras (I think they were called tiger tetras?)
1 Bala shark (he is only about 2 inches right now)
1 pleco about 5 inches

I realize now that I will be needing to get rid of the shark as they get so big, I also am broken hearted that I will have to get rid of my pleco soon as he is growing so well.
Thank you in advance for helping with my dumb questions.

I had a huge post typed out. I don't know what happened to it!

Most feed 6 days a week and fast the last day.
Test once a week until you know the tank is stable then once a month or so is fine or when something looks off like a sick fish.
I would advise 50% PWC weekly to ensure your providing a good environment for your fish.
Can you post pictures of your tetras?
Tetras need schools of their own kind of 6 or more.
The Bala needs a new home now IMO. They are schoolers and require huge tanks of 125g plus.
The pleco is for now if you keep up on the water changes. A couple more inches and IMO he then needs to be rehomed.
As your tank stands now it's not over stocked. As your fish grow it most definitely is.

 

[shamu]

Thanks for all the great advice. For koikid88 my filter is an aqua tech 30-60.
Mumma.of.two - I will try to post pictures of the tetras have tried taking pictures before and they do not turn out great. Any ideas on finding a new home for the Bala? should I just try to take him to a per store?

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Some pet/fish stores take trade ins or adoptions. You can also try posting in the classifieds section here.

 

[awilson133]

yeah lucky my Lfs (non chain) will take fish back no questions asked. for a store credit.