Loads of questions I must ask!

[ChrisH]

Hi guys!

I am a complete beginner in the world of fish, and I really want to get things right before I even think about going any buying some fish! I bought a tank yesturday (126 litres) which came as a kit with all of the equipment that I should need to keep tropical fish - I was really keen to keep things simple with my first tank - and at least I know that the equipment will all be the correct size etc for the tank!

I have put 6cm of cleaned gravel in the tank and filled it with water, and added a biological suppliment, and cleaner to the water (I can;t remember the exact names but it was supplied as part of the kit - I will look tham up when I get home from work!)

The fish store has told me to run the tank for 7 - 10 days, and then they will test a sample of my water for me, and if the amonia/nitrite/nitrate levels are OK I can start to introduce fish.

This is where my questions start! I have a submerged heater which I have currently set at 77 Farenheight. What temperature should I aim to have my tank running at - although I guess that this depends upon the fish i choose!

My filter is also submerged and introduces air as it pumps the oxygen around. I have seen other tanks with pumps putting air bubbles into the water, should I get something like this?

Could anyone recommend what fish would be most suitable for my tank? and also what order they should be introduced? I really want to get a good comunity tank working, with the right balance to try and keep the tank clean etc. I am also looking for ideas as to what are easiest to look after to begin with!

Plants and orniments. Should I get some living plants, or stick with plastic? Are real plants difficult or are there some easy options? Can plants go in the tank while it is cycling? Also are there any particular things that fish generally like? I want to make the tanks as nice as possible, so are there any things I should make sure I put in for them? Also is is a really bad idea to put some fun shaped rocks that I have found on the beach in the tank, or if they are soaked in boiling water and scrubed clean, would this be ok?

Finally - ongoing maintanence? I understand that I will need to do a water change every week. How much of the tank should I be changing? Do I need to treat the new water before it goes in the tank, or can i add tap water and add further suppliments?

Thank you so much for your time - I understand that there are a lot of questions there, but any advice is very gratefully recieved, and I really want to get this right...

Chris

 

[thecichlidaddict]

I have put 6cm of cleaned gravel in the tank and filled it with water, and added a biological suppliment, and cleaner to the water (I can;t remember the exact names but it was supplied as part of the kit - I will look tham up when I get home from work!)

The only additive you need to use is water conditioner, to remove chlorine and metals from the water. The biological suppliment has now gone to waste because you haven't provided it with any ammonia to live off of. Waiting a week and then taking your water to be tested is pointless. Now that your aquarium is filled you can add fish. If you are cycling with fish then you may as well start at any time. It is also worth considering a fishless cycle, so that no fish are exposed to toxins.

This is where my questions start! I have a submerged heater which I have currently set at 77 Farenheight. What temperature should I aim to have my tank running at - although I guess that this depends upon the fish i choose!

74-80 is a range that any tropical fish will do well in. you're just fine where it is.

My filter is also submerged and introduces air as it pumps the oxygen around. I have seen other tanks with pumps putting air bubbles into the water, should I get something like this?

You don't need it. Air pumps don't actually pump air into the water, they just disturbe the surface to help air dissolve into the water. You would only need this if you are going to overstock the tank (keep more fish then recommended).

Plants and orniments

Use whatever you like. You can use rocks that you find by boiling them as you said. Real plants always look better, but are more work. You need to remove dead foliage, and trim quicker growing plants regularly. You need to make sure that the plants you choose are compatible with the lighting, water, and aquarium size that you are providing.

Finally - ongoing maintanence? I understand that I will need to do a water change every week. How much of the tank should I be changing? Do I need to treat the new water before it goes in the tank, or can i add tap water and add further suppliments?

The absolute minimum amount of water changes should be monthly. Fortnightly is even better, and if you can do it weekly, even better. By doing it weekly you can change less water (about 20%), making it easier for both you and the fish. All you need to add to the tap water, as mentioned, is dechlorinator--no other additives are necessary.

Good luck!