Are These Fish Okay For My Aquarium?

[ron4sum1]

I have a 60 litre tropical aquarium with:

5 Harlequin Rasboras
5 Neon Tetras
2 Julii Cory.

..now I'm planning to add 2 more cories since I heard they do better if there's 4 of them!

Would my tank volume suffice for 2 more? I have stingray filter with carbon/zeolite catalyst media. I have no sponge filter sadly I tried making a DIY, failed miserably

 

[Athena]

Hi - I hadn't heard of a Stingray filter before so I just had to Google it LOL. Very futuristic looking eh? Well this is their description and it does say it contains sponge..!

"Designed to fit vertically on the glass (using the suckers provided). The inlet is in the "tail" and the filter outlet is in the "head". Contains filter sponges, and carbon/zeolite cartridges. The back of the "Stingray" is hinged to allow easy access to the pump and filter material"

So, somewhere in there should be some sponge and going by the photo I've just seen of replacement Stingray filter sponge, it is black and is arrow shaped. The carbon is in a little container.

Anyway, that aside, could you let us know if this tank has been properly cycled and how long it has been set up? Just that if it's a newish tank with new fish then you're likely to be in the process of a fish-in cycle and if that's so then it's not recommended you add more fish at this stage.

Regards, Athena

 

[ron4sum1]

Hi - I hadn't heard of a Stingray filter before so I just had to Google it LOL. Very futuristic looking eh? Well this is their description and it does say it contains sponge..!

"Designed to fit vertically on the glass (using the suckers provided). The inlet is in the "tail" and the filter outlet is in the "head". Contains filter sponges, and carbon/zeolite cartridges. The back of the "Stingray" is hinged to allow easy access to the pump and filter material"

So, somewhere in there should be some sponge and going by the photo I've just seen of replacement Stingray filter sponge, it is black and is arrow shaped. The carbon is in a little container.

Anyway, that aside, could you let us know if this tank has been properly cycled and how long it has been set up? Just that if it's a newish tank with new fish then you're likely to be in the process of a fish-in cycle and if that's so then it's not recommended you add more fish at this stage.

Regards, Athena

Hi - Firstly, your name sounds so cool and godly!

Sorry, I meant that it doesn't have the "proper sponge". It has the sponge that's made of plastic, so nitrifying bacteria wouldn't be able to attack themselves to it! But yea, I suppose they're still sponge hehe!

Someone asked me if I tested my water - Sadly, I haven't since I can't fund for a test kit at the moment! They cost about £20+ at the moment. I will try getting one as soon as I get employed My tank has been running for 2 weeks now. I let it cycled for a week and added 5 Neons and 2 Tiger Barbs. The tigers died the next day which broke my heart I found out they must be kept in school of 5+. They had this white plasma-looking thing around them, and a lot of small bubbles underneath them! They died the next day despite my attempt of aiding them.

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Sounds like you didnt properly cycle your tank, which would have been the main cause for your fishes' deaths. Fishless Cycling is normally advised for beginners and newbys, but seeing as you have stock in the tank currently, this is not an option (unless you would take them back for the time being).

A test kit is a must in your situation to find out how your water parameters are looking, I would just advise that while you cannot afford the neccessary kit, keep doing water changes, daily if possible, to combat any ammonia or nitrite in your tank.

I would not add any stock for a while until we can get some info on your water. This all may sound a bit OTT but its no fault of your own really, just a shame that you have registered on here after you bought and set everything up.

I hope this does not put you off, you may just get lucky for now, considering neons, harlequins and 2 cories will not produce tons of waste, but it really is advisable to get a test kit.

Good luck

 

[coldcazzie]

Even if he had a test kit the zeolite would throw the readings off.

Ron, if I were you I'd try to replace the filter as a matter of urgency. You can probably find one second hand for not too much, either on here or on eBay, or on Aquarist Classified. Failing that, take the zeolite bit out of the filter, and replace it with sponge. Then you will provide as much surface as possible for the bacteria to adhere to, and you will not be relying on chemicals to remove the ammonia for you. If the cost puts you off, think of it this way: you're saving yourself the money you would have to spend replacing the cartridge every 4-6 weeks (and the cartridges are not cheap... how do you think these companies make their money )

Once you've done that I would be doing daily water changes, in the region of 80-90%, to take care of ammonia and nitrite build up. You will need to do this, every day, for the next two months. It's a pain, but that's the way it is. If ammonia or nitrite build up to toxic levels, your fish will be damaged, or die. If you had a test kit you could test the levels and adjust the size of the water changes accordingly, but as you don't you must assume the levels are dangerous and do large changes, because that's better than the alternative (ie, assuming they are ok, doing little or no change and having dead/poorly fish).

While cycling you should not add more fish. Once you're cycled, normally I would say yes you can probably safely add another couple of cories. However, the stingray filters are not actually very good (hence previous comment about replacing it), so I would err on the side of caution, and keep yourself understocked rather than fully stocked, otherwise you risk the filter not being able to keep up.

Hope you find a job soon, because this hobby is very addictive, and quite expensive!

 

[Tizer]

Its even more expensive if you dont buy the required items to keep your water in good form. Half a dozen fish dying to ammonia poisoning could easily cost you £20+

You can get a full API freshwater test kit on eBay for £17 delivered. I strongly suggest you invest in one before you do much more.

 

[ron4sum1]

Even if he had a test kit the zeolite would throw the readings off.

Ron, if I were you I'd try to replace the filter as a matter of urgency. You can probably find one second hand for not too much, either on here or on eBay, or on Aquarist Classified. Failing that, take the zeolite bit out of the filter, and replace it with sponge. Then you will provide as much surface as possible for the bacteria to adhere to, and you will not be relying on chemicals to remove the ammonia for you. If the cost puts you off, think of it this way: you're saving yourself the money you would have to spend replacing the cartridge every 4-6 weeks (and the cartridges are not cheap... how do you think these companies make their money )

Once you've done that I would be doing daily water changes, in the region of 80-90%, to take care of ammonia and nitrite build up. You will need to do this, every day, for the next two months. It's a pain, but that's the way it is. If ammonia or nitrite build up to toxic levels, your fish will be damaged, or die. If you had a test kit you could test the levels and adjust the size of the water changes accordingly, but as you don't you must assume the levels are dangerous and do large changes, because that's better than the alternative (ie, assuming they are ok, doing little or no change and having dead/poorly fish).

While cycling you should not add more fish. Once you're cycled, normally I would say yes you can probably safely add another couple of cories. However, the stingray filters are not actually very good (hence previous comment about replacing it), so I would err on the side of caution, and keep yourself understocked rather than fully stocked, otherwise you risk the filter not being able to keep up.

Hope you find a job soon, because this hobby is very addictive, and quite expensive!

I actually have read about removing the cartridge media and replacing it with sponges. The cartridge consist of mixed carbon and zeolite catalysts, so, would it be okay to remove them both ? I was thinking of replacing the filter myself, and get the Fluval U2. It took a lot of persuasion, and my mm finally said she'll get one on pay day! I'm quite excited !! It's a shame I wasn't aware of this forum until I already set up the aquarium. Every morning I wake up, I always check my fish! I think I'm getting paranoid LOL - I hope they won't die !

Stringray Filter's look is a bit cheesy and it looks fat! And it doesn't have a "proper" sponge for the nitrifying bacteria to adhere to, except the plastic ones which is bad! I applied to some jobs, but haven't really got a reply from them yet. I thought, it might be harder since I wouldn't know when I'll be available, due to university time table. (Hopefully I can get it next year )!

Isn't 80-90% almost the same as not cycling your tank o_o? Wouldn't that harm the fish since the chlorine and chloramines would be present and the nitrifying bacteria gone ?

 

[ron4sum1]

Its even more expensive if you dont buy the required items to keep your water in good form. Half a dozen fish dying to ammonia poisoning could easily cost you £20+

You can get a full API freshwater test kit on eBay for £17 delivered. I strongly suggest you invest in one before you do much more.

I hope my fish could survive until the end of the month! If I get the chance, I will get my water tested to a local pet store, so I could find out my parameters. I always look for NH3 poisoning build-up symptoms. I don't feel content not having to look my aquarium once in a while!

At the moment, my fishies are swimming happily, with no signs of NH3 poisoning! but that doesn't assure NH3 is building up or has built up already! I will keep my stock at the moment.

We also got this broad-leafed plant that we planted the same time when I added my 2nd batch fish. The leaves are starting to get crinkly and I fear it's dying. I only have 2 assumptions: The very slight concentration of salt may be affecting the osmotic regulation of the fish, or not being able to obtain nitrates! My normally light-green plant is starting to look pale yellow, and the other one is getting darker green, but still crinkly! I thought, it's trying to get more light, hence the darker green colouration due to more chlorophyll being produced. But our light is 30W, which is okay for 60L aquarium, right ?

What do you think ?

 

[Tizer]

salt? plant leaves turning green is usually due to lack of nutrients...do you add anything to the tank to feed the plants?

 

[ron4sum1]

salt? plant leaves turning green is usually due to lack of nutrients...do you add anything to the tank to feed the plants?

Hehe! I got the same expression as you do .. I added the salt first when I had 2 dying tiger barbs! A couple of days ago, I diluted it, due to 30% water change! I primarily added 1 tbsp/gallon. It's actually odd, since the other one is turning lighter, whilst the other is getting darker!! I don't feed any plants I thought they'll thrive from the nitrates. Partial change of water weekly I thought would replace other ions that are essential for the plants!

Edit: Ohhh hang on!! Maybe it's the lack of light!! We don't have 30W, but 20W! Oh this is gonna be a bother since our light is in the hood. It's built-in! Meh~ Maybe I'm not supposed to be a plant person I suppose even the hardy plants can't survive in my tank haha! (I'm taking the word of the Paws for Thought staff about the plants we bought are hardy!)

 

[Tizer]

Plants need a little more care than you seem to grasp, have a read in the planted forums on here for more info, my fingers hurt from typing in an ever increasing up hill battle.

Adding salt to an aquarium to treat fish illness shouldnt be done while other fish are in the tank and show no signs of problems. Thats why we have quarantine tanks, for new fish and treating ill fish.

Bottom line is, your fish died from ammonia poisoning and will continue to do so until you understand how fish in cycle works. If you cant afford a test kit, simply change 50% of the water every day, making sure you dechlorinate the water you add. Keep this up for 6 weeks, then take some water to your local shop to get it tested. This should keep your remaining fish alive and help cycle whatever filter you have placed in the tank. I've just lost the will to live. good luck.

 

[coldcazzie]

1. Did you buy dechlorinator? If not you need that most of all. If the water is dechlorinated then it will be safe for the fish, and the bacteria: chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals will be rendered harmless.

2. There are no bacteria in the water. The bacteria grow in the filter. By removing water you are removing toxins that will kill or damage your fish. The bacteria only need a small amount of ammonia or nitrite to grow: such a small amount that it reads at 0 using hobby grade test kits.

3. Salt is unnecessary. It has benefits for specific illnesses, but there's no need to add it just for the sake of it. Also, it will not help with ammonia poisoning. Like, at all.

4. 20w is fine for the tank you have. The plants will not be dying from lack of light. They'll not be happy about the salt though, you should do a water change to remove it. There's also the possibility that it's not an aquatic plant, and that is why it's dying. A picture would help identify it. Basic low-need plants will be fine in your tank. You're right in thinking they'll utilise nitrate, and other trace elements in the water. They will also utilise ammonia. For a tank like yours you shouldn't need to add any fertilizers or anything.

5. You won't necessarily be able to see symptoms of ammonia poisoning. Did the tiger barbs look ill? I'll hazard a guess that they didn't. Just saying "well they look fine" is not enough. You have a responsibility as their owner to look after them properly. Making sure their environment doesn't kill them is a fairly basic requirement.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Hi

You have plenty of good advice here re cycling so I won't interfere but I just wanted to say that you have the same tank as me. My Stingray broke about 3 days into cycling so I then bought the Fluval U2 and have never regretted it. It's a fab filter and totally silent.

 

[ron4sum1]

Plants need a little more care than you seem to grasp, have a read in the planted forums on here for more info, my fingers hurt from typing in an ever increasing up hill battle.

Adding salt to an aquarium to treat fish illness shouldnt be done while other fish are in the tank and show no signs of problems. Thats why we have quarantine tanks, for new fish and treating ill fish.

Bottom line is, your fish died from ammonia poisoning and will continue to do so until you understand how fish in cycle works. If you cant afford a test kit, simply change 50% of the water every day, making sure you dechlorinate the water you add. Keep this up for 6 weeks, then take some water to your local shop to get it tested. This should keep your remaining fish alive and help cycle whatever filter you have placed in the tank. I've just lost the will to live. good luck.

Okay thanks. Sorry if you lost the will to live.

 

[ron4sum1]

1. Did you buy dechlorinator? If not you need that most of all. If the water is dechlorinated then it will be safe for the fish, and the bacteria: chlorine, chloramine and heavy metals will be rendered harmless.

2. There are no bacteria in the water. The bacteria grow in the filter. By removing water you are removing toxins that will kill or damage your fish. The bacteria only need a small amount of ammonia or nitrite to grow: such a small amount that it reads at 0 using hobby grade test kits.

3. Salt is unnecessary. It has benefits for specific illnesses, but there's no need to add it just for the sake of it. Also, it will not help with ammonia poisoning. Like, at all.

4. 20w is fine for the tank you have. The plants will not be dying from lack of light. They'll not be happy about the salt though, you should do a water change to remove it. There's also the possibility that it's not an aquatic plant, and that is why it's dying. A picture would help identify it. Basic low-need plants will be fine in your tank. You're right in thinking they'll utilise nitrate, and other trace elements in the water. They will also utilise ammonia. For a tank like yours you shouldn't need to add any fertilizers or anything.

5. You won't necessarily be able to see symptoms of ammonia poisoning. Did the tiger barbs look ill? I'll hazard a guess that they didn't. Just saying "well they look fine" is not enough. You have a responsibility as their owner to look after them properly. Making sure their environment doesn't kill them is a fairly basic requirement.

Yes, I bought a de-chlorinator.

Which area of the filter does the bacteria grow in? Because my stingray only has the cartridge media (haven't changed to sponge yet) or the black plastic sponge? I thought it's hard for the bacteria to adhere onto the plastic sponge ! Does that mean I don't have a lot of bacteria in my tank because they can't grow a lot ? Once I replaced the cartridge to dishwasher sponge, how often shall I clean the sponge or replace them?

I will do some water changes to even dilute and finally remove the salt !

It's good to hear I wont be needing fertilisers! I will upload a picture later on! I have to go get a haircut first after this post hehe!

I bought 2 tiger barbs around 6pm. They looked okay when I put them in. The next day, they all got white wool-like coating around them and lots of small bubbles beneath them. They also are very weak and are floating on top of the water. They are breathing and trying to swim, but almost like with no movement. They died on that night. I did salt dip (performed on the other container), added another salt in the main tank because I thought I could remove some pathogens! Sorry for my naivety! I also have added some goldfish medicine ! Although, due to my naivety, carbon catalysed the breakdown of that medicine ! I had to try the medicine, because it said it's safe to use in all fish! Maybe in all goldfish type! It was raining and I was baby sitting my siblings, so I couldn't really go out to the shop!

My 5 Neon tetras are active and doesn't school as much anymore. I think that might be a good sign. They've been in the tank for a week and a half now. I added 5 baby harlequin rasboras and 2 baby cories in the tank since Monday. They're always active. But I can't be deceived by their actions! I will get my water tested to the shop ASAP.

Hi

You have plenty of good advice here re cycling so I won't interfere but I just wanted to say that you have the same tank as me. My Stingray broke about 3 days into cycling so I then bought the Fluval U2 and have never regretted it. It's a fab filter and totally silent.

I've been reading a bit about Fluval U2! And I'm quite excited since my mum finally decided she'll get one on pay day! Stingray's noisy and fat. Meh~ They cost like £42 in Paws for Thought, but ~£20 on EBay! I hope that'll be alright hehe!