Phaedrus
Aquarium Advice Newbie
I am a complete novice and have a few questions. . .
At this point I have fill the tank (55 Gal) with water, added substrate and decorations, and set up my heater & filters but have not added any fish. I have read enough to know that new hobbyist often kill their fish and I would like to avoid doing so! I have a wife and daughter who are not as patient as I am and are begging to get some actual fish but I want to do it right. When all is said in done, I plan to have about 5 platies, 8 danios, 6 lemon tetras, 6 serpae tetras, and about 6 cory cats.
In any event my first question involves water quality. All I have done so far is add a dechlorinater and my water's ph is very high, about 8.4. It is my intention to have tropical/community fish and I know the ph is too high. I know there are chemical additives out there but should I use them? The book I have gotten the most benefit from is called "The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums" by David Boruchowitz and he suggest that large and frequent (50% weekly) water changes will allow my fish to thrive even in such alkaline water. He seems to suggest that water consistency will more than make up for the chemistry.
Secondly, I am not sure about the best way to cycle the tank. I have seen several products that are supposed to help in this regard and I was wondering if this is better than other methods. In particular, I have seen a product called Bio-Spira mentioned in this forum. Does this work well and if so is it sold locally in most markets or must I mail order it?
Anyway, any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
At this point I have fill the tank (55 Gal) with water, added substrate and decorations, and set up my heater & filters but have not added any fish. I have read enough to know that new hobbyist often kill their fish and I would like to avoid doing so! I have a wife and daughter who are not as patient as I am and are begging to get some actual fish but I want to do it right. When all is said in done, I plan to have about 5 platies, 8 danios, 6 lemon tetras, 6 serpae tetras, and about 6 cory cats.
In any event my first question involves water quality. All I have done so far is add a dechlorinater and my water's ph is very high, about 8.4. It is my intention to have tropical/community fish and I know the ph is too high. I know there are chemical additives out there but should I use them? The book I have gotten the most benefit from is called "The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums" by David Boruchowitz and he suggest that large and frequent (50% weekly) water changes will allow my fish to thrive even in such alkaline water. He seems to suggest that water consistency will more than make up for the chemistry.
Secondly, I am not sure about the best way to cycle the tank. I have seen several products that are supposed to help in this regard and I was wondering if this is better than other methods. In particular, I have seen a product called Bio-Spira mentioned in this forum. Does this work well and if so is it sold locally in most markets or must I mail order it?
Anyway, any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!