New Aquarium Owner - Help Needed

[sawickib]

Well she answered the questions 

 
Glad we could help haha

 

[ARH17]

API is a popular brand. Their website says 800 tests. I think Nutrafin is another. 
 
You can keep the filter media damp by keeping it in a bucket of tank water. Even better if you can run an airstone in the bucket.
 
Also like Saw said, ask as many questions as you want! That's what we're here for

 
http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/API-Freshwater-Master-test-kit-/261188999710?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3cd013da1e

Would this be the one I need? Anything else or would I be good to go with testing the water myself? 
 
I will run the airstone and the filter media in a large bucket whilst I re do the tank  
 
Hopefully I can get this sorted soon I wont be buying any new fish for a while until I feel like this problem has been resolved 
 
Aaron

 

[sawickib]

Yes thats the one
 
Goodluck to you!!!

 

[ARH17]

Yes thats the one

 
Goodluck to you!!!

If I need help again I know who to come to 

 

[sawickib]

Alright im pretty active so ill be happy to help

 

[Ninjouzata]

Yep that's it! Be sure to read the instructions. You can also watch vids on youtube to get a better idea of using it.
 
A good idea to wait until everything is resolved before getting new fish Good luck!

 

[ARH17]

Thanks to you both 

 
And just regarding the Featherfin Squeaker (Synodontis Eupterus) I have done a little research and found that the minimum tank size is 110L where my tank is 190L so should I still rehome it or should I be ok? I also have read it should be fed Catfish Pellets but if I place Catfish Pellets in the tank will the other fish not eat them before he can get to them or will they stay away? 
 
I also read the white spots are from the Cichlids that tend to nibble the long dorsal streamers of the catfish which is apparently normal? 

 

[sawickib]

Some people say they can but I wouldn't keep these guys in anything less than a 75 gallon due to their length and robust bodies.

Yea cichlids can pick at him, but they shouldn't if territories are established, he should heal up with clean water.

 

[ARH17]

Some people say they can but I wouldn't keep these guys in anything less than a 75 gallon due to their length and robust bodies.

Yea cichlids can pick at him, but they shouldn't if territories are established, he should heal up with clean water.

What about the Catfish Pellets, if I put them in the tank should I be worried about the Malawis eating them before the Featherfin does? 
 
I think the plan is to get the tank sorted and then go from there, once I put the sand, live rock, and plants in and re arrange the whole tank with a 100% water change I will definitely be re-homing the Blood Parrot Cichlid and I will think about re-homing the Featherfin because I really don't want to give him away, unless there is some other Catfish type I could place in my tank? 

 

[sawickib]

Yea go back to page one I recommended some, feed the cichlid their food first, the feed the catfish, if they still go for it feed the catfish at night.

 

[ARH17]

I have just had another read, I actually like the look of the Synodontis multipunctatus, I just done a quick Google (man's best friend) and it's best to keep them in groups of 3+ to avoid competition between 2 apparently. 
 
If I rehomed the Featherfin and got 3 of the Synodontis multipunctatus, would that be a better option or even worse? 

 

[sawickib]

Better but you need to have less cichlids, and having catfish helps clean up the bottom of the tank.
Idk if your tank is stocked or not but yes the catfish come into play.

 

[ARH17]

Better but you need to have less cichlids, and having catfish helps clean up the bottom of the tank.
Idk if your tank is stocked or not but yes the catfish come into play.

 
My tank feels empty, I have around 9 Malawis at the moment and the Featherfin and the Parrot, I think the problem is.... I need a bigger tank  
 
Also my filter is a Fluval 206, any good? And which part of the filter do I remove to keep damp? 

 

[Ninjouzata]

You definitely need a bigger tank! Mwahaha.
 
Sorry am not of much help, I know diddly about catfish or cichlids!

 

[ARH17]

You definitely need a bigger tank!

Mwahaha.
 
Sorry am not of much help, I know diddly about catfish or cichlids!

 
What do you have in your tank(s)? Any pictures to inspire?