Newbie intro

[Topcats3]

Hi, I'm Tracey. Topcat is my nickname due to my initials being TC.

I got into this with a very small 10l tank and one tiny platy, which we got to teach our son about how to keep pets. 8m later and I'm obsessed. I now have an 87l tropical community tank, with 12 neon tetras, 5 penguin tetras, 3 platys and 3 baby ones, 3 danios, 2 tiny shrimp and a baby plec. My levels are consistently ok. I check bi weekly, sometimes weekly and do regular small water changes/gravel cleans. My baby plec is a concern at the moment as hes spending a lot of time on his back and i never really see him eating much.

 

[Autumnsky]

Do you know about the nitrification cycle?

Having a baby Plec on his back sounds bad.

This article will give you some solid info for tank keeping.
Guide to Starting a Freshwater Aquarium - Aquarium Advice

 

[Topcats3]

I do know about it but by no means an expert, thanks for the link. Very helpful.

 

[Topcats3]

My plec died yesterday, very sad.

 

[Autumnsky]

Very sorry to hear that. Losing fish is hard.

It happens, and best to learn all you can so you can do the best job possible for the little guys. Frequently it is something we didn't know or expect. Sometimes it is an error or bad fish.

Knowing about the water/nitrification cycle is huge, and learning about testing - so useful.