Getting Started

[KkAaNnEe]

That Starter Pack is ok for what it is I guess, have you by any chance had a look in your Local Fish Shop?

Fish live decent life spans, but it differs from fish to fish, but I say the above because if you decide certain fish aren't for you, you may be able to take them back or exchange them

 

[marsdend]

They seem expnsive from the local shop, I was just looking for the starter pack just to get started with until I find out which fish I like more etc and can add more from the LFS later on.

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Have you checked if there are any other shops in your local area, where are you based? Someone might be able to advise you, The fish in the starter pack shouldnt be that expensive in a local fish shop really

 

[Essjay]

The thing I don't like about that starter pack is the numbers of fish you get.
The white clouds should be more than 3, the danios could look a bit 'bitty' - assuming the golds are just a different colour of the zebra, if not you need more zebras/leopards - and they don't give the male:female ratio for the platies - for 4 you should have 1 male 3 female.

You also said you wanted a common pleco - 190 litres is far too small for a common pleco. There are lots of plecs that are suitable for your size of tank, the plec subsection in the catfish section will help you there.

 

[KkAaNnEe]

The thing I don't like about that starter pack is the numbers of fish you get.
The white clouds should be more than 3, the danios could look a bit 'bitty' - assuming the golds are just a different colour of the zebra, if not you need more zebras/leopards - and they don't give the male:female ratio for the platies - for 4 you should have 1 male 3 female.

You also said you wanted a common pleco - 190 litres is far too small for a common pleco. There are lots of plecs that are suitable for your size of tank, the plec subsection in the catfish section will help you there.

Yeah I agree, I just should have said it instead of being subtle lol, didnt see the common plec thing, deff a no go

 

[marsdend]

Il have to look into some fish then, After I add the ammonia to the tank and everything is switched on what do I need to do from there? Im a bit stuck, I have got my API Master Test Kit ordered so should be here soon.

Cheers,
Dan

 

[marsdend]

Hi guys,

Also, I was wondering, would it help keeping live plants in the tank while it is cycling? Or would the process damage them too?

 

[Miles_hot]

You can keep plants - they will also consume ammonia however if you're going to have them in the tank with the fish that's bot an issue. The only reason not to is that large amounts of ammonia + light = algae so you need to be aware of that

 

[marsdend]

ok cheers guys!

My tank is due to be delivered today and I see some people on here are keeping a log, I wish to do the same so I can have the support of you guys throughout the cycling process! Where on this forum should I start my log?

Dan

 

[Miles_hot]

Just start a thread, update the first post with the stats and add a new post to comment on anything etc. Notice the "my content" button in the top left which will help you find your thread if it falls off the front page.

 

[marsdend]

Cycle Log Located: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/368209-my-first-cycle-log/