I Have Read The Beginners Bit - But Need Some Extra Help!

[-Jo-]

Helloooo

As i said in my hello and welcomes post - I have always had an interest in starting a tropical aquarium and thought it was about time I went for it. I have a 40 Litre aquarium (not 100% sure what that is in Gallons) which I am really happy with. Its a good beginners tank for me as I didnt want anything too huge at the moment, especially as this is the first time I will be having Tropical Fish.

I have read the beginners bit on the forum, and I can safely say that I am worrying that I may have bitten off more then I can chew. I am a bit concerned that even though I have read the posts - I still do not fully understand!

I have some questions if thats ok - I will try and keep them as short as possible! Thank you so much in advance for your help - I really appreciate it.

1. When first filling the tank with water, how long is the best time to leave it to 'set' so to speak?

2. Would you recommend putting the plants in at this time, or leaving them till last before you put the fish in?

3. What is the easiest way of controlling the PH, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels? and would you test these at the end of the water cycle period, or constantly throughout? I have ordered a test kit (API Freshwater Master Test Kit) to help me - Was this a good idea? will it genuinly help?

4. I have been given advice to put the temperature in the tank to 26 degrees. Will this be an ideal average temperature?

I cant think of any more at the moment (which surprises me! ha!). I have to say, I am concerned the most about the water chemicals as im worried im not going to get it right

Thank you again for reading!

Jo x

 

[ZoddyZod]

I have read the beginners bit on the forum, and I can safely say that I am worrying that I may have bitten off more then I can chew. I am a bit concerned that even though I have read the posts - I still do not fully understand!

don't panic! The information can be daunting at first and does take time to understand!

1. When first filling the tank with water, how long is the best time to leave it to 'set' so to speak?

as long as you use a dechlorinator, the water is good to go instantly. It is the maturing of the filter (through 'cycling') that takes the time and gets the tank ready to accept fish

2. Would you recommend putting the plants in at this time, or leaving them till last before you put the fish in?

you can do, but are you going to use fertilizers or have a fertilized substrate? Without these or fish in the tank, the plants will have no food and will eventually die off.

3. What is the easiest way of controlling the PH, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels? and would you test these at the end of the water cycle period, or constantly throughout? I have ordered a test kit (API Freshwater Master Test Kit) to help me - Was this a good idea? will it genuinly help?

pH from your tap should be relatively stable. Use the test kit to find out what it is, then you can base your fish choices around it. Modifying the pH is incredibly difficult (unless you use reverse osmosis equipment) and I wouldn't recommend it. Ammonia & nitirite will be handled by your filter (once 'cycled') and nitrate is dealt with during your weekly water changes

4. I have been given advice to put the temperature in the tank to 26 degrees. Will this be an ideal average temperature?

26c should be fine for most tropicals, but there are exceptions. You'll need to read up on your fish to see what temp they enjoy (ALWAYS research fish before you buy.....resist any impulse purchases at the shop!)

 

[-Jo-]

Thank you so much for your help. I was hoping to put the plants into the tank on the last few days of the cycle so they wouldnt die on me.