SportsNerd
Aquarium Advice Newbie
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2013
- Messages
- 6
Hello,
I have kept aquariums before with success, so I am not totally new to this. I just started a new fresh water 10 gallon aquarium for my son, and I would like to get some advice on how to keep going in the right direction. I did quite a bit of reading and research before I started, so none of this was done without
thought or consideration to all the options available. It would be great to have some additional guidance and advise on things to look out for.
As stated, the tank is 10g and has a 20g filter and a 10g air pump with a small bubbler. The tank has very good filtration and aeration. It was fitted with subtrate, a couple of small decorative artificial plants, and small rock cave-like formation.
The initial water test (tap) was N02 = 0, N03 = 0, PH = 7, no ammonia.
We allowed the filter to work for a couple days to settle the PH and temperature, and then used the appropriate doze of Prime. We let the Prime work for 24 hours. After that we used Tetra Safe Start, and about 30 minutes later we stocked the tank with three Black Skirt Tetras (BST). This is the exact procedure that is suggested by the Tetra Care team.
The BST's are very hardy according to all reports, and are among the best fish available to start an aquarium per the research that we did. Usually one would have done to start, but the fact that they are small, they are schooling fish, and that I am ready for quick water changes should the need arise made me feel confident about putting three in.
On the 3rd day with fish-in, the water tested at N02 = 0, N03 = > 20, PH = 6.5, and under 0.25 ppm or ammonia.
On the 8th day with fish-in the water tested at N02 = 0, N03 = > 20, PH = 7, ammonia about 0.25 ppm.
Today is day 10 with fish-in, day 13 overall.
We have been feeding the fish once a day. They have been fine, active, and do not seem stressed. According to the Tetra Safe Start instructions we should do our first water change on day 14 with fish in, and then proceed to add more fish if desired and commence weekly water changes.
Our plan is to add two more BST's because they are best kept in numbers of five or more, and then maybe some Halrequin Rasboras. The Rasboras reportedly do well with the BST's and although we would have to add five, according to AqAdvisor this will not overload the tank, taking it to 93% capacity (I know its an estimate).
The other thought would be to not go with the Rasboras, and add a Dwarf Gouramin instead. That would take the tank to 83% of capacity. However, my son is not crazy about the slow moving Gourami. Also, I did read one report about BST's nipping at Gourami's.
Anyway, how does our procedure, results, and plan sound so far to those of you who are experts out there?
All good and positive advise is welcome. Thanks!
I have kept aquariums before with success, so I am not totally new to this. I just started a new fresh water 10 gallon aquarium for my son, and I would like to get some advice on how to keep going in the right direction. I did quite a bit of reading and research before I started, so none of this was done without
thought or consideration to all the options available. It would be great to have some additional guidance and advise on things to look out for.
As stated, the tank is 10g and has a 20g filter and a 10g air pump with a small bubbler. The tank has very good filtration and aeration. It was fitted with subtrate, a couple of small decorative artificial plants, and small rock cave-like formation.
The initial water test (tap) was N02 = 0, N03 = 0, PH = 7, no ammonia.
We allowed the filter to work for a couple days to settle the PH and temperature, and then used the appropriate doze of Prime. We let the Prime work for 24 hours. After that we used Tetra Safe Start, and about 30 minutes later we stocked the tank with three Black Skirt Tetras (BST). This is the exact procedure that is suggested by the Tetra Care team.
The BST's are very hardy according to all reports, and are among the best fish available to start an aquarium per the research that we did. Usually one would have done to start, but the fact that they are small, they are schooling fish, and that I am ready for quick water changes should the need arise made me feel confident about putting three in.
On the 3rd day with fish-in, the water tested at N02 = 0, N03 = > 20, PH = 6.5, and under 0.25 ppm or ammonia.
On the 8th day with fish-in the water tested at N02 = 0, N03 = > 20, PH = 7, ammonia about 0.25 ppm.
Today is day 10 with fish-in, day 13 overall.
We have been feeding the fish once a day. They have been fine, active, and do not seem stressed. According to the Tetra Safe Start instructions we should do our first water change on day 14 with fish in, and then proceed to add more fish if desired and commence weekly water changes.
Our plan is to add two more BST's because they are best kept in numbers of five or more, and then maybe some Halrequin Rasboras. The Rasboras reportedly do well with the BST's and although we would have to add five, according to AqAdvisor this will not overload the tank, taking it to 93% capacity (I know its an estimate).
The other thought would be to not go with the Rasboras, and add a Dwarf Gouramin instead. That would take the tank to 83% of capacity. However, my son is not crazy about the slow moving Gourami. Also, I did read one report about BST's nipping at Gourami's.
Anyway, how does our procedure, results, and plan sound so far to those of you who are experts out there?
All good and positive advise is welcome. Thanks!