New 10 Gallon

[pumh]

Hello there, yesterday i got my second tank! it's a second-hand tank thats in rather good condition, it came with two filers a hob and internal, a big bin of blue gravel, some fake plastic plants, a rock, some plastic rock looking hideouts,a gravel siphon, two brushes one for filter one for tank, a small net, and some more stuff. well so i am getting German blue rams because i have seen them before and just found out my local Petland has them lol ( they are only about 1-1.5 inches long), also because people have told me that i could have a pair in there. i kind of want to get a trio of honey gouramis as well, does this sound like it'll work? thanks in advance!

p.s. i have heater forgot to mention that/ of course i will put the fish in after i cycle it.....

 

[hihi100202]

8 bucks! what a steal!!!

Anyways, I have never kept BR's (yes i'm referencing Halo) BUT, I have herd some mixed reactions to keeping a pair in a 10 gallon. Some say maybe, NO WAY, or yes. Now I highly doubt that you could gouramis in there with them, much less 3 in a 10 gallon depending what kind they are because some can be very territorial. I think if you have two BR's in there, thats all you should have. IMO, it should be okay as long as you have good water quality. I think they need a pH of about 6.5 i think? God I have learned so much about fish after joining these forums. BTW, make sure to get a good testing kit, and what kind of filter is it? BR's are also chiclids(spelling?), so no other tank mates. In case you don't think rams are good, there is an endless list of different fish to choose from if you don't want just 2 fish.

 

[pumh]

okay. thanks for the good info hihi100202! just wondering on any other opinions, i also forgot to ask how can i get rid of the white stuff that gets on the filter from hard water? sorry i don't know what it's called but it's hardish whits stuff... kind of like crystallized sugar on the underside of the filter. also which filter do you think i should start the off with, the HOB or internal?

 

[hihi100202]

Well personally, I like under gravel filters because I feel there is better circulation and also my mom just kinda bought it for me so yah... but i like it. lol

Idk which to get... im no expert on aquarium hardware and stuff.

As for hard water build up(the white stuff) there is chemicals for that but DO NOT USE THEM. fish die instantly. Its funner to put oil in there and light the tank on fire.

Now if its on the back of filter, you won't be able to see it. If you put some water on it, rub it off, then make sure to keep it nice and dry, then you'll be fine.

 

[OldMan47]

The white stuff that gets on a filter or other things from hard water is called "hard water deposits" but is pretty much just calcium carbonate. To rid a component of it, you can soak whatever has the deposit in a mild acid like vinegar. The acid will slowly dissolve the calcium carbonate. If your local tap water is hard enough to leave a solid deposit of "hard water deposits" it is probably too hard to be successful with GBRs. I would love to be able to keep them myself, but my own water is too high in mineral content at 225 ppm TDS for them to truly thrive here.