New Biorb

[camtheram]

I just setup my new 8 gallon biOrb. So far I have 2 zebra danios, 2 neon tetras, and 1 shrimp (although I haven't seen him in a few days). I also added some real plant bulbs at the bottom of the tank but I am not sure what kind of plants they are. I have a water test strip kit and all the levels are good. My water temp is at 80 degrees F. Here are my questions...

Is my water temp a little high for these type of fish?

What likely happened to my shrimp? Is it a bad idea to add shrimp to new tanks?

My test kit doesn't test for ammonia. Should I go buy an ammonia test kit?

How long should I wait before I can add more fish?

 

[Hollymolly4]

Hi! Adding fish to a new tank is never a good idea, I would assume the same is for shrimp but I may be wrong with that.
I have never had any luck with plant bulbs. Nothing ever grew. Do you have any fertilizers? I would get some tabs you can stick in the substrate. With a new tank you don't have anything in which the plants can feed on. Just wait and see.
Yes, you need an ammonia test. Especially if you have fish in there. You need to keep the ammonia lower with fish than without but it will be ok. The tank will cycle either way. Just do more water changes so the fish are ok.
As for water temp, I usually keep mine at about 78° But that's just me.
I would wait until your tank is cycled before you add anything else.
Good luck!
JMO

 

[guppy fan]

I had some plant bullbs and they grew just fine, but I had them in pond water. I haven't tried them in tank water yet. Just so you know your tank is cycled when your nitrate and ammonia readings are zero. If I'm wrong please correct me. Your tank sounds like it will be really nice.

 

[camtheram]

Hi! Adding fish to a new tank is never a good idea, I would assume the same is for shrimp but I may be wrong with that.
I have never had any luck with plant bulbs. Nothing ever grew. Do you have any fertilizers? I would get some tabs you can stick in the substrate. With a new tank you don't have anything in which the plants can feed on. Just wait and see.
Yes, you need an ammonia test. Especially if you have fish in there. You need to keep the ammonia lower with fish than without but it will be ok. The tank will cycle either way. Just do more water changes so the fish are ok.
As for water temp, I usually keep mine at about 78° But that's just me.
I would wait until your tank is cycled before you add anything else.
Good luck!
JMO

When I do water changes, do I just remove some of the tank water and add more water from my tap? Do I add water conditioner after I change the water? My biOrb only came with one small pack of water conditioner that I already used.

 

[camtheram]

Anyone?

 

[smmetz]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=171045

is a very good thread on this topic. Good luck!