I'm A Newbie

[kelly2103]

Hello Everyone,

Only found this forum recently.

I have kept tropical fish before but many years ago and have just restarted again.

So far we have 4 guppies but we are wondering if there are a slightly larger pair of fish we could put with them? Something that maybe spends most of its time towards the middle of the tank as the guppies are mainly middle to top.

Not looking for anything huge, just something slightly bigger than guppies?

Thanks

Kelly

 

[arobinson1984]

All depends on the size of your tank??

Also is your tank cycled? how long has it been running?

Andy

 

[kelly2103]

All depends on the size of your tank??

Also is your tank cycled? how long has it been running?

Andy

Its only small, 8 gallons! I was thinking of getting 2 platies and be done with it. 6 fish total.

Yes it had been running for 3-4 weeks on its own and now for 3 weeks with the guppies. So about 2 months.

 

[arobinson1984]

When it was running for 3-4 weeks on its own, did you add anything to start the cycle like ammonia? If not, then the tank won'be cycled and you'd be in a fish-in cycle situation.

Without ammonia present the cycle can not begin so you could stand a tank of water for 10 years and you'd be no better off than when you started.

If this is the case then you certainly shouldn't add anymore at the moment and you're prob at your stocking level anyway in such a small tank.

You have 2 options:

Fish-In cycling - This is the situation you'd be in now and is not ideal, it will take a bit of work to complete the cycle and theres a high chance some fish would suffer especially in such a small tank.

Fishless Cycle - This is the ideal choice, its kinder to the fish and easier for you to do but it would mean returning your fish to the fish shop or to another tank if you have any friends that could look after them??

The first thing you will definately need is a water testing kit, a water based one! Many including myself use and recommend the API freshwater master kit. Without a kit and knowing your water results its hard to say where abouts in a cycle you are.

Andy