O.K. here's my situation.

I have $20 in my buget a week to put into what I'm really into. A tropical aquarium.

I only have a 5 gallon tank ( I think ) right now I have a Betta fish, Danio and a Sucker Loach. I don't know what you do for cycling ( I dont even know what that is ) I have put in chlorine treatment to get the pH level to 7.0 because that is what the Betta fish thrives in ( so I've been told ) and on the research I've done the Danio and the Sucker Loach will do fine in that aswell.

I'm wondering what I can do to improve what I have, whether its other species, different appliances, etc.


Thanks for your patience.

Danio need to be in groups, and need tank at least 20 gallons. They are not good for that tank.

Sucker loach, what kind?


Ph buffers aren't good either, they can be risky, and I am against using any chemicals other then what's needed.

Just a non buffer tap conditioner is all that is needed.


I suggest saving up, for a 15 or 20 gallon aquarium and supplies, or re-homing the Danio.

This post has been edited by DiscusLova: Oct 19 2007, 04:23 AM

umm, people have said its a Chinese algae eater but i've looked into those and it doesnt fit the description, but it does fit Sucker loach, i have no idea, im rather perplexed

I would think a chinese algae eater. These will get to be 10-12 inches long, and get very aggressive. They eat algae when they are young, and as they hit maturity they need a more fish based diet. Again, it isn't suited for the tank if thats the guy. I suggest maybe getting a picture up so we can identify it properly.

Follow the link in my sig if you would like to learn about cycling.

As stated above Chinese algae eaters get big and are aggressive, so you'll definitely have to rehome him. Bettas are also agressive and terretorial but will be fine in in the 5 gal if he has no other fish with him.

AS far as the danio goes I would suggest looking for second-hand tanks, if you can find one 20 gal or more put him in there and get him some friends, they do best in groups of 6 or more. If you can't find a suitible tank you'll have to rehome the dabio as well.

You'll also need a good liquid test kit and since your doing a fish-in cycle be sure to do lots of water changes.