Need Help For Guppy Tank...

[GetItNow]

Okay, I'm going to make a long story short. I've had at least 3 fish tanks in the past. They went from a 37 gallon all the way down to a 15 gallon. I could never keep them going long and something always got whacked out of place, fish died or disease. I even tried doing everything perfect and it got screwed up. My problem, I was trying too hard and thinking too much.

I have nothing to keep me busy really and I really want to get some nice guppies from a breeder eventually. I want to get a small tank. I've always gotten the eclipse, and I'm thinking I should try something new. How is the nano cube? I was thinking of getting the 12 gallon nano cube. it looks like it's mostly for salt water, but I believe you can have fresh water as well?

I need tips for setting up and doing everything the right way. I know about the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Here is what I believe I should be doing, any additional advice will be greatly appreciated, seriously. Sorry for being annoying, but I just want to do this right, especially if I put out money for a whole new smaller set up, since I got rid of all my other things. I had top quality things as well before, but I've heard even though eclipse is the best and easiest it can be a pain, that's why I'm trying something new.

My idea of how to start the tank up....

Fill the tank up, put some water conditioner, and let it sit for a few weeks. I'd rather do a fishless cycle, rather than getting a fish etc.. having it die whatever whatever..

I should do a weekly water change, I'm guessing 1/10 of the water. Before I'd do 20% water changes, I think that was a bit much. If I change a gallon of water a week for a 12 gallon tank, I think that'd be fine?

I want to get a nice breeding trio from a breeder, I've done it before, but it never would stay put. I'm bored, some tragic things happened in my life the past two months, and it was serious, nothing like some breakup with a girlfriend etc. I need to focus on a few things now, and I thought getting a tiny fish tank again might help...

I just need suggestions, basically... I was also thinking maybe I could have sand with a freshwater tank? I like that look better than gravel, and I wasn't sure if that was possible, but thought it'd be cool... I know you don't even need anything on the bottom as well, but you know..

Another thing, I remember before I got all this diatom stuff, I believe it was from leaving the lights on too long? What do you suggest to prevent that. I have some books on guppies etc.. I am going to pull them out, but I figured get hands on help before I even buy anything and try this thing one last time...

Thanks!

 

[Annastasia]

Welcome back to fishkeeping! Let me see if I can answer all your questions....

If you are going to be doing a fishless cycle, you need to be adding ammonia. Otherwise, the cycle will have nothing to go on. And when you add the fish, it will start, the fish will die...that might have been your probem before. There is lots of info here on how to do a fishless cycle, I suggest you read through that.

The nano cube is fine for freshwater, however in my opinion, a little expensive for a 12 gallon tank. I'd go for bigger, if you want Guppies, because they will have a LOT of fry, and all the fry need a home.

Yes, you can have sand in a tropical aquarium. It works really well, and looks nice, in my opinion. You do need to stir it, to prevent toxic gas bubbles from forming, but it's easier to vaccuum as all the poo and debris stays on top and you don't have to go digging down. More info on sand can be found Here.

20% a week water changes are good. You really need to keep up on the water changes, if you want Fancy Guppies, because they have become so inbred to get the pretty colors, that they lost a lot of their hardiness and immunity. The cleaner the tank, the better for them. Don't worry about doing too many water changes. As long as you dechlorinate all the water.

Diamtoms, or Brown Algae is usually caused by not enough light, but there can be other causes. Water parameters, especially. Preventing that....can be hard. Usually it's best if you can scrape it off yourself, but if you read the article on algae in the planted tank section, you might be able to get more ideas on how to prevent it.

Now, tips for Guppies...

• Keep the water clean!
• A trio is a good number. Always make sure you have 2-3 females per male, otherwise you'll get some harassing problems.
• Feed them good foods. Flakes are fine, but alternate in some high-protein foods, such as any kind of Live/Frozen/Freeze-dried food.
• And don't feel bad if they don't live terribly long. They are so inbred now, their lifespans have gotten so short. Most only live a year or so.

I could write out my whole fry care sheet...if you want that. But I didn't want to over-run you with info. Tell me if I missed any questions!

 

[GetItNow]

Thanks, I have books and a video on raising fry etc.. I don't want a huge tank though... Too much upkeep and water, it makes me nervous. They have a 24 gallon nano for like 40 more or so. I don't know what I should get, I haven't bought anything yet.. I just want this time to go perfectly...

 

[Annastasia]

It's hard to have everything perfect, I've been keeping fish for over 8 years, and still haven't had a perfect tank. Don't kick yourself if it doesn't come out perfect.

Okay, if you want the smaller tank, it will be okay. However, I would advise you to have a plan for the fry BEFORE you get the Guppies. See if your LFS will take some. If your friends want any. Be aware that with 2 females, you could have up to 100 fry per MONTH. So have a plan before you get the Guppies.

 

[GetItNow]

Oh yes, of course. I know that. I have a pet store that will take the fry, because I used to breed another type of animal, not fish... and they would always take them for exchange for store credit or cash, but for fish I'm fine with store credit to get whatever I need for my tank.

Do you have instant messaging or anything? I'd be interested in more of your suggestions. I won't take up too much of your time, but that's usually a lot easier than this going back and on forth... I haven't bought anything yet,but when I get money, I intend on it..

 

[Annastasia]

Ah, okay. Just be aware not every fish store will give you store credit or money for fish. If your's does....I want to move there.

I have MSN, if you want to talk to me. My name is applebeevaulter@hotmail.com No worries about taking up too much time, I love to help, and I'm home sick today so I don't have anything else to do....

 

[GetItNow]

I added you, thanks.

 

[GetItNow]

I've read adding ammonia every day would not be a good idea? So what should I do, add just for like say 5 days, and then stop adding?

 

[GetItNow]

BUMP

 

[Annastasia]

You might find this thread helpful: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=108162&hl=

 

[GetItNow]

Thanks!