New to Freshwater Tanks...

[DreaminginBlue]

Hi,
I'm rather new to keeping a large, filtered, freshwater tank. I bought my 26 gallon bow-front tank two years ago, but wasn't able to set it up. (We had a big earthquake and I was too paranoid to ).

I have had many bettas in the past and have done well with them, but I've never had a real filtered tank, all of them were in tanks that weren't filtered. I currently have one betta, my beloved Calvin, and really enjoy him. (My brave fishie survived the quake- I found his tank halfway off the counter and thanked my lucky stars he was okay! ) Anyways, the little guy inspired me to get another tank and set it up, too.

I finally set my 26 gallon up today. Though I did tons of hours of research when I got the tank, I can't remember half of it and I'm not sure where to start.

I currently have the filter and lighting set up. It came in a kit. I'll set up the heater tomorrow. I have gravel and some cool rocks in it, too.

I'm a little bit unsure about how to plant it, how to cycle it, how to acclimate new fish, etc... in short, I'm unsure about everything. I suppose I'm just scared of messing up royally and killing/hurting my fish or doing something wrong.

I want to cycle it as quickly and safely as possible, as I'm free for a week and can closely monitor it if I were to be able to put fish in it, but I don't know if it can be livable that soon. I'm leaning towards fishless cycling due to some great advice I got.

I also am worried about planting my tank. I don't know how, or what plants to get, or how to make sure they don't die.

With regards to inhabitants, I have them picked out but don't know how to acclimate them when I get them. I want some shrimp, likely cherry shrimp, some corydoras catfish, and some guppies.

Any advice for a very confused newbie would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

~DreaminginBlue

 

[TMaier]

Cycling a tank will take weeks before it is fish safe. Calvin can wait a bit longer, he's patient.

Let me find the link.....

Articles to Help you Get Started with your Aquarium
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154837

Read the ones about fishless cycling.

 

[DreaminginBlue]

Thank you so much. I'll look into that. and yeah, he's a pretty patient little guy, except when it comes to getting fed.

 

[DreaminginBlue]

Fishless Cycling?

So I've been reading up on fishless cycling- I really feel this is the way to go for me. Are there any tips on how to do it or how to speed it up? Also, can I put my plants in during a fishless cycle?

Thanks.

 

[TMaier]

Plants can go in. If they are from an established tank it will help with the cycle. I have heard dubious things about those "cycle your tank in a week/bacteria in a bottle". If you know someone who has a tank and can give you some filter media that is the best way to go. Sometime people sell it and mail it on the classifieds here.

 

[DreaminginBlue]

Okie dokie, thanks!

 

[loubeardy]

I'm pretty new too so my knowledge is limited! but here goes..... plants (I've done my research. I have had plants in my tank for a month now so a teeny bit of experience). I used a fertiliser substrate (it got very dirty quickly.... I now have a little bit if the substrate where each plant is rooted and gravel over the top). you can use fertiliser liquid, you add a dosage in relation to your tank. or you can use tablets... put it under the gravel/sand case to the each plant. the ones I have last for 6 months, bit I've heard others last 2 so double check the bottle.
will be interesting to see what other comments you get as I wouldn't mind a bit more info on this. I had a very heavily planted tank and I've had to take some out cause it was too much up keep with so little knowledge.... I figure I can add more if I need to and when I want to.

a filter less tank... how did that work? I've not heard of this yet (though, again I am new). but I also have a betta he is gorgeous