Couple of nooby questions!

[bunjiweb]

Hello

First off GREAT FORUMS!!!, but I have some really basic things that I just need to get clear before I push on and buy the fish to go in my new tank.

Now, the tank is a "Moby Dick" 21 litre 15x12x6 inch tank that has an inbuilt powered pump filter, a light & a heater.

First off, noise levels. The noise level of the pump is fairly loud and I am wondering if I am able to turn the pump off at night or if this will harm the fish at all. However the pump and heating element are all on one switch so I guess I'd have to wire them up seperatly so that the heater is always on, or get a seperate heater?

Secondly, Do I need to buy any other air tablets like I used to have with my Goldfish when I was about 5!

I really want to do things properly this time and I want to set up a nice little aquarium that I can enjoy. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Also any advice for fish to get? I thought maybe a couple of gourami and maybe a couple of tetra and a tank cleaning fish of some sort....

Sorry for being such a newbie

Ben

 

[Big_al_d]

Welcome to the forum Ben

Sorry, but you'll have to get used to the noise! If you switch your pump off for anything more than a couple of hours then all the bacteria will die... the bacteria which breaks down the ammonia/nitrItes etc.

IMO, you don't have to worry about air tablets... well I don't add then to my tank!

With regards to stock, it's up to you, but be careful not to add too many too quickly as your ammonia will spike and they'll probably all become sick. Also, careful not to overstock. When buying, check the size that the fish will grow to, not the size it is now! For example, an angel fish will way outgrow your tank!

Probably best to get yourself a water testing kit to keep your eye on the ammonia/nitrItes/NitrAtes levels.

Aside from that, enjoy your fish, and enjoy the forum!

 

[Silly me]

Get some ear muffs

 

[bunjiweb]

I've got some ear plugs... think im going to have to get used to it

Hey and maybe if i leave my PC on as well that will help me get used to the noise.

I plan to get a PH testing kit... Are there any electric ones you can get or is it best to go for those 5 in 1 tetra tab things i've read about.

I am going to hopefully start off with a couple of guppies and possibly add a couple of tetra or gourami.

Oh and i'd really like a tank cleaning fish of some sort - any ideas?

Ben

 

[Big_al_d]

The 5 in one tab thingies are certainly the most convenient, although some people suggest they're inaccurate. Personally I don't use them - I use the liquid tests.

Don't know about an electronic PH tester, but the most important tests are Ammonia and nitrITES... Ammonia being the most deadly. Your PH should remain fairly stable.

 

[bunjiweb]

Ok cool, thanks!

I will get myself some 5 in 1 tabs if they are convenient, my job means i havent the time spending ages taking samples and testing...

Any idea on what algae eater to go for?

Cheers!

Ben

 

[Silly me]

Dont worry about the electric PH testers that cost more that you current setup. lol

most discus people use them the big complex CO2 systems

 

[bunjiweb]

ah ok lol

Ben

 

[bunjiweb]

another quick question.... do fish like or dislike music? I'm guessing they wouldnt like the vibrations but on the other hand MOST people must have their tanks in either their bedroom or their living room, i.e. where most people listen to music

Cheers.

Ben

 

[Big_al_d]

Fish don't have ears, although they do 'hear' through pressure changes on their bodies... so I guess what is music to you and I would be just vibrations to them!

I think you'll be ok as long as you don't keep your tank on top of your bass box!

 

[Silly me]

Mine also does seemed worried about the music, They are more worried about the knock on the glass when it quiet.

 

[bunjiweb]

Lol Big_al_d... i don't plan to sit it on my subwoofer lol

Silly_me.... you say your fish don't like music?

Ben

 

[Stryker]

Silly_me.... you say your fish don't like music?

He has really bad taste.... his fish said-so

 

[Erika_4404]

My only advise is not to rush you tank to cycle ant to patient it will be well worth the wait. )

 

[Fish Buddy]

At Petsmart Otocinclus go for 1.99, Plecostomus go for 2.49, and Chinese algea eaters go for 1.99. Also Siamese Flying Foxes go for 8.99, but I got mine on sale for 4.49! Corries and other catfish are more expensive. You will have to check at your local fish store (LFS).

I recommend Otocinclus because they do to grow very large and are therefore better at cleaning tight spaces like plastic plant leaves.