Hello And Help

[Blondielovesfish]

Prime should be available in most shops Its what i always use as my dechlorinater, just make sure you have the windows open because it can stink the whole house out.
 
Unfortunately, you have now learnt the hard way about washing the filter media in tap water.
 
Do you have anyone that could give you some filter media from their tank? This would make it much less stressful for your fish while they go through the cycle.

 

[Sharknado99]

Hi there... 
 
No i dont know anyone else nearby who has tropical fish. I only know ppl with goldfish and by the state of their tanks, I dont really want to add their stuff to mine hahaha...
I tried going  into Redwood Aquatic centre in Christchurch. Someone recommended it in a previous post here somewhere.  I think they were getting irritated with my noob questions so I didnt really get a lot of help there either LOL...
Oh well, I guess they are trying to sell fish rather than answer a whole string of questions.
 
In any case, I did a water change yesterday and everything was fine. This morning, i went to check and the water is extremely cloudy
nothing seems to be going right..what a bad way to start 2014 lol
Anyway, I researched that and many ppl said it should clear out on its own cos it could be algae bloom. Will test water again today when i get back.
 
I notice that the shark has come out of his shell and is chasing the platys around. Was it a bad idea to put platys and shark in the same tank?
The shark has his own hidey hole which he cleans regularly (so domesticated).
But everynow and then he comes out to do a bit of chasing...poor Platys

 

[Sharknado99]

Just a quick question about feeding. I see some people feeding their fish cucumbers. How do i prepare cucumbers for them to eat.. Its kinda hard isn't it..how do the fish actually eat it?

 

[Blondielovesfish]

People mainly feed the cucumber to their plecos/snails. The best way to prepare it is to either give it raw or blanch it. Many people then put a spoon or a fork through it to wait it down.

 

[westonsupermanc]

Another way when pouring your water back in is to place a small clean saucer at the bottom of the tank and pour directly onto it. The substrate will not be disturbed

Another tip when feeding cucumber is to buy one of those magnetic glass cleaners and place the cucumber in between them and have the magnets slightly out of alignment and watch the fun

 

[Sharknado99]

Hi guys
 
Just to let you know that FINALLY my tank has stabilised. Remember i accidentally and stupidly washed the filter under the tap and the tank began cycling again.
Well i've been testing and doing water changes like crazy and finally the tank is stabilised. Phew!
Thanks for all your help

 

[Ninjouzata]

Glad everything is back to normal

 

[Gruntle]

Glad to hear the crisis is over. Well done, hope your fish all survived!

 

[Sharknado99]

Yep, all fish survived and are (hopefully) happy.
 
The red tail shark seems to be in charge and doesnt hide anymore. I can see him swimming about and cleaning his home while occassionally chasing the platys.
 
Can't wait to get my big tank organised.