Baby Biorb

[cazza16385]

Hi, I was recently given 2 white Cloud Mountain Minnows and 3 lamp eye fish, from someone who no longer wanted them. I am very new to fish keeping and so went and bought a baby biorb as I don't have a lot of room for big fish tanks. I have since learned through researching them, that this tank is not the best, but I've got it now. I followed the instructions that came with the tank, put some water conditioner in and added the fish the next day as they were previously residing in a fruit bowl. I've added a couple of plants and the fish seem happily swimming round. However I'm a little worried all of this might have upset them. Is there anything I can do to help? And would it be advisable to add any more of these types so they don't become lonely? I also read guppies might be a colourful addition? I just don't want to overcrowd this little tank.

Thanks.

 

[fluttermoth]

to the forum, cazza.

The first thing you need to understand is that your tank isn't 'cycled'.

'Cycling' a tank (well, technically a filter) means growing a colony of good bacteria that eat the fish's wastes and stops the water become toxic.
Because your little tank isn't cycled, those waste products will be building up in the water and will eventually make your fish feel sick, or even kill them.

To stop that happening, you need to change nearly all the water in the tank, every day, until those bacteria grow. I know you can by bottles of things that say they have the bacteria in them, but most people find that those things don't work.

If you can afford it any time soon, it would be good if you could buy some test kits for ammonia and nitrite (those are the two toxic things) so you can monitor the water; don't bother with the little paper strips though, they're generally agreed to not be very accurate.

But until then, daily water changes are essential to keep your fish safe. Drain the tank right down, leaving just enough water for the fish to swim upright before refilling, making sure the new water is warmed and dechlorinated.

I'm afraid your tank is really too small for the fish you have now (the minnows, for instance, although small, are a very active fish that really ought to have a tank at least two or three feet long), so you can't add any more, even though it's true they would be happier in larger groups.

 

[MBOU]

I think, if you are being really technical about it, the tank is too small for the fish you have already... however, I think as you have got them... personally I think they would be fine in there so long as you look after their water!

Lampeyes and minnows dont get big but like Flutter said, they do need space, there certainly isnt room for more fish, enjoy the ones they have, they are both lovely species when you get to know them.. (research, learn quirky little facts about the species, watch their behaviours and different personalities).

Like Flutter said, its going to take regular repeated water changes to keep ammonia down, definately do some reading on "Fish In Cycling". I would also hold back on feeding, if you have flakes or such like, offer a tiny ammount every 3-4 days (more food means more ammonia!).

A really good products for helping a tank to cycle with fish in is API Quick Start, its got the stupid lable saying "add fish immediately" which is not true (it does have an asterix and better information on it) but basically, its for people like yourself who end up with a tank and fish in it that cant be cycled in the normal way.

There are a lot of doubters out there of shop bought products but all that means is they listen to other people on the forums or they didnt have much luck themselves,doesnt mean the products dont work. Quick Start is a good enough product that its used on fish systems in several large fish shops and to a very good result. At very worst, you the product does nothing, at very best, it saves the fish.

Good luck

 

[Questions?]

try getting rid of the fish you have now, and get a betta, your fish will all be way happier, even though the fish are small. they need a lot of space. So the only thing you could put in thier is a betta, or a couple of shrimp, or maybe like 3 pygmy cories?

 

[Livewire88]

Corries wont work in a BioOrb due to the lack of area at the bottom and also the type of substrate they use.

One thing I will say about BioOrbs is that IME the filter set up they have is pretty decent, my mum had 2 lion head goldfish in one and I was surprised to find that the Ammonia/Nitrite levels were kept in check even when only doing weekly 30% water changes.

 

[Questions?]

i figured pygmy cories, because they are more of mid-top level swimmers then others
also lionhead goldfish are to big for a biOrb

 

[Livewire88]

i figured pygmy cories, because they are more of mid-top level swimmers then others
also lionhead goldfish are to big for a biOrb

Seriously!