Suggestions for fish for a fish tank? - Updated! Got fish, now a fish question - Page 4 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

troutman · 01-15-2009, 03:35 PM

post #48 - Nitrite seems to spike two weeks after Ammonia.

Bagor · 01-15-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

I don't think Cycle does anything.

I'm inclined to agree with you.

According to their leaflet Ammonia should peak on day 4 and Nitrite on day 7.

KevanGuy · 01-15-2009, 05:02 PM

Have you guys added plants to the tanks? They can usually help balance things out.

greyshep · 01-15-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevanGuy

Have you guys added plants to the tanks? They can usually help balance things out.

No, I figured in a smaller tank like my kids have it could be a bit tricky to keep the water clean. Also I would think that adding more living bits to the water would increase the ammonia level even higher.

I am no expert though, so would defer to those with experience with these things.

photon · 01-15-2009, 05:20 PM

I'm getting a nice thin coat of brown algae on everything now, well not everything, but the rocks in the middle, a couple of the plants, and on the tank decorations. On the glass too but I cleaned that.

Seems to be pretty normal for a new tank, I think I just completed my cycle because when I checked last the ammonia and nitrites were both at zero, but nitrates are still at zero too, probably because they're being eaten by the algae.

It's a 20 gallon tank with only 5 danios and the filter on full blast disturbing the surface, so I don't think it's a lack of oxygen that's causing the brown algae.

Should i wait for the brown algae to clear up before I start adding more fish?

KevanGuy · 01-15-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greyshep

No, I figured in a smaller tank like my kids have it could be a bit tricky to keep the water clean. Also I would think that adding more living bits to the water would increase the ammonia level even higher.

I am no expert though, so would defer to those with experience with these things.

Plants actually help reduce ammonia and nitrite.

KevanGuy · 01-15-2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photon

t disturbing the surface, so I don't think it's a lack of oxygen that's causing the brown algae.

Should i wait for the brown algae to clear up before I start adding more fish?

Is it in direct sunlight?

photon · 01-15-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevanGuy

Is it in direct sunlight?

Nope, in a north facing room, not anywhere near the windows.

I might be leaving the light on too long though, usually turn it on around 8 in the morning for the morning feeding, and off at 7:30 at night or sometimes later. Maybe I should get a timer.

KevanGuy · 01-15-2009, 08:02 PM

12 hours is pretty standard. Not sure that the brown algae is anything much to worry about. Though, I haven't had an algae issue for a long time so I looked for a link...

http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/algae.htm

sclitheroe · 01-15-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photon

I'm getting a nice thin coat of brown algae on everything now, well not everything, but the rocks in the middle, a couple of the plants, and on the tank decorations. On the glass too but I cleaned that.

Seems to be pretty normal for a new tank, I think I just completed my cycle because when I checked last the ammonia and nitrites were both at zero, but nitrates are still at zero too, probably because they're being eaten by the algae.

It's a 20 gallon tank with only 5 danios and the filter on full blast disturbing the surface, so I don't think it's a lack of oxygen that's causing the brown algae.

Should i wait for the brown algae to clear up before I start adding more fish?

Overfeeding is the most likely culprit, no matter how little it seems like you are feeding them. Five danios is not a whole lotta fish to feed.

Believe it or not, you can easily get away with feeding even every second day, fish don't eat a lot of food by virtue of being cold blooded, and they can go a long, long time (well, for a fish, anyways) without - its not unsual for them to go without food 10-12 days when they are in transit from the breeding farms to the shop.

photon · 01-15-2009, 09:53 PM

Yeah I've reduced how much I feed them, and give them a day off every so often. I think it's just a stage thing, as that link KG says (I read that one a few times before as well). My tank is only 6 weeks old I think now.

LGA · 01-16-2009, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

I think all you can do is to keep doing the water changes, and test the water daily - when the ammonia and nitrite starts to come down, you can gradually add more fish (not too many at once). When the tank is fully cycled, you will not be able to detect any ammonia or nitrite. I would still continue with weekly water changes after that (about 25%).

I finally have a baby cichlid that has survived long enough to avoid being eaten by the others! It is large enough now that it no longer has to hide in the rocks. I won't know what kind it is until it grows more - it is just white now.

Aww I remember when my cichlids had babies. We had several types of cichlids, Electric Blues, Ruby Reds. Electric Yellows, a really cool black one (forget the name), a mostly green one with some blue (forgot the name again). The EY females kept eating the eggs after a day or three, the EB female was an amazing little momma. We got 4 batches from just her alone, we used to let her retain the young until it was close to the release date. We actually had a dedicated baby tank with a lot of seperators for the different stages of development.

It was definitely a lot of fun to see them develop, from nearless invisble little buggers to big flashy adults (well, the males anyways).

jus_sum_guy · 01-16-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photon

I'm getting a nice thin coat of brown algae on everything now, well not everything, but the rocks in the middle, a couple of the plants, and on the tank decorations. On the glass too but I cleaned that.

Seems to be pretty normal for a new tank, I think I just completed my cycle because when I checked last the ammonia and nitrites were both at zero, but nitrates are still at zero too, probably because they're being eaten by the algae.

It's a 20 gallon tank with only 5 danios and the filter on full blast disturbing the surface, so I don't think it's a lack of oxygen that's causing the brown algae.

Should i wait for the brown algae to clear up before I start adding more fish?

http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/algae.htm

DFO · 01-16-2009, 01:29 PM

Well I woke up today to find our goldfish in some trouble I suspect. Its pretty much laying sideways on the bottom of the tank in kind of a bent position. After looking around on some sites I guess it might be nitrate poisoning or anoxia maybe? Seems kinda strange - have had the same fish, set-up, and water routine for close to 2 years now in a basic 5 gallon tank. The testing strips I've been using don't show high nitrate levels. I've moved it into a smaller fishbowl with fresh water. I read on a couple of sites that the addition of some salt may help. Any suggestions?

KevanGuy · 01-16-2009, 04:08 PM

Does the tank have a filter on it?

Could be old age, has its behaviour changed since you put it in the new bowl? Do you de-chlorinate the water you use?

KevanGuy · 01-16-2009, 04:12 PM

Oh and I just wanted to spread the word about PAWS Pet Food and Accessories on Elbow and Heritage. I have been driving past that place for 10 years and never bothered to stop in. Last night I did and I am kicking myself for not doing so sooner.

Upstairs is dog/cat stuff but downstairs they have some live fish/herps and plenty of supplies. The Aqua Clear filter medium was 2 for 1! Feeders for only 50 cents and very reasonable prices on the rest of their fish. Plus the staff was very pleasant and knowledgeable. Oh, and they have crickets too. If you are in the area stop in, I'm very happy I can stop wasting my money at Petsmart and Petland now.

http://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&...39769413310091

missdpuck · 01-16-2009, 04:13 PM

Why not some trout, man?

DFO · 01-16-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevanGuy

Does the tank have a filter on it?

Could be old age, has its behaviour changed since you put it in the new bowl? Do you de-chlorinate the water you use?

No, it didn't come around after putting it in the fresh water - 'lil guy kicked the bucket a little while ago.

Yeah the tank has a filter system and always bought jugs of spring water instead of treating tap water. Oh well such is life.

Are there any other types of freshwater fish that can put up with an un-heated tank other than goldfish?

troutman · 01-16-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missdpuck

Why not some trout, man?

Catch and release only.

KevanGuy · 01-16-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFO

No, it didn't come around after putting it in the fresh water - 'lil guy kicked the bucket a little while ago.

Yeah the tank has a filter system and always bought jugs of spring water instead of treating tap water. Oh well such is life.

Are there any other types of freshwater fish that can put up with an un-heated tank other than goldfish?

I don't have heaters on any of my tanks but my apartment is usually pretty warm, 24ish usually, and I've been able to keep most types of freshwater fish. Can't say about chilids though, haven't kept them while I've been in this place.