Absolute Novice

[Jabba]

I need to find out real quick how to look after a stocked aquarium without the usual walk before running steps ...

I need ....

A list of good books

to help me figure out how the tank is configured and how I should be managing it ... in particular water standards - and yes I have heard about cycling but I am concerned about the quality of the water I pour in there ... i.e. tap water ...

to help me identify fish and provide the best environment for the ones I have

I need .....

A list of top class equipment and associated suppliers ... i.e floating thermometer (tank only has a stick on one on the outside)
External filters ? -
Water test / analysis equipment
lighting - how much and how often and what type
quarantine tank recommendations etc etc

Basically I want to know if whats left is going to work right ....

 

[Tetras]

How is your silverdollar doing?

For the test equipment: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals is a good one, commonly referred to as API on this forum. It comes in a package type deal, that contains the most important tests.

For the tap water question, the water you add to your tank should be free of chlorine, chloramine and metals. I use a product called Aqua Plus, don't know if its the best one out there, but it works for me. Aquaplus neutralizes metals, don't know if there is one that completely removes it)

I use a floating themometer, I believe the one that sticks to the outside of aquarium can pick up on room temp. as well. The floating one is quite cheap.

What filter do you have now?

For the remaining questions somebody else can prob. help you. I'm aware that this aquarium was in the house you moved too so am glad to see that you are trying to learn as much as possible in a short amount of time.

Good luck, and keep us updated.

 

[Jabba]

Hi,

The dollar is sick - real sick and struggling to stay upright, there are obvious white flecks on the fin tips and also some spots appearing on the fins, looks like fungus ....

Tomorrow (Wednesday 20th) I have some API stuff arriving - Melafix, Pimafix and Stress coat, I also have a power gravel cleaner, today I got the test kit for the water and the results are ...

pH 6.4 or less ... no colour change
KH - Alkalinity somewhere between 6 and 10 ppm
GH - Hardness surprisingly high at 14 to 28 ppm - I actually think it nearer 28 than 14 - this was a surprise.
NO3 - Nitrate - quite high somewhere between 25 and 50 ppm I'd say ... so a water change is in order I think - when I get some Aqua Safe or something ...
NO2 - Nitrite is zero

I have no way at present to measure ammonia ...

I got a bead type thermometer with an external unit, the tank is staying pretty constant at around 24.7

There is only a gravel filter in the tank, I am presently trying to source a 'best in the business' external filter but am undecided if I really need this or just want it ... if you know what I mean.

I'd like to remove the heater from the tank and have a completely external system but have been told that the external heaters and combined heater filters aren't reliable and are too expensive for what they offer anyhow.

I am concerned about the velocity of the water the power head is throwing out too ... seems way too much but can see no way to slow it down.

I have the money to spend to sort the tank but that doesn't mean I want to waste it on gimmickry that isn't necessary, I want to help the fish not the pet stores .....

 

[Tetras]

Well it looks like you have educated yourself quite a bit allready, which is great.

Update your silverdollar situation, Wilder can help you more knowing this.

Regarding your filter, I agree you should get an external filter instead, I would look through hardware on this forum and if you don't find anything specific to your situation, post the filter question there. Also you can probably find some info regarding the water velocity thing, I have no clue about these things.

I hate my heater, unsightly and everything about it bothers me, anyway the plants I have will grow and cover it hopefully, but have to have it obviousley.

Keep us updated, I think your tank will be awesome, remeber to post pic's in the members aquarium photo thingy and you can always put a few close-ups in if you need more identifying.

P.s Good with your water change, stats are good especially if you have now brought nitrates down.

Edit: Sorry see now you are yet to receive Aqua safe. Also I see in the fish index that hardness is best up to 20ppm for silver dollar, let's hope its close to that.