Hey guys,
I'm new to the forum and new to fish keeping as well (I had a few Tiger Oscars growing up but had to get rid of them because I wasn't interested enough and didn't want to upgrade tanks).
I've spent the last few days trying to read up on types of fish, environments, viability, etc., as well as basic management. I have to confess I've seen ambiguous information. First things first, here's my setup:
- 10 gallon tank (one of the glass ones that comes in a starter kit).
- basic heater (for 10g tank)
- thermometer
- 5-in-1 testing strips (for ph, nitr(ia)tes, etc.)
- food
- the filter is just a basic on that came with the kit
I followed the instructions that came with the kit. The de-chlorinator was in the tank for over 30 hours before fish were placed in the tank.
I was given mixed views from people at petco, pet land, petsmart, but all of them ok'd me buying fish after they tested my tank water. They said that I shouldn't have to do a fishless cycle with my tank. So I ended up getting one Rainbow Shark (small) and one Red Zebra Cichlid (small). These were ok'd by a fish keeper friend as well as people at the stores as being hardy fish which could withstand a newly set up tank, as well as fish that could get along if monitored. I set up a couple of caves and got a couple fake plants to start out, because I know that these fish can show aggression when there is open space and not enough places to hide and claim as their territory.
I know this is a lot to take in and these fish may not be the most suitable for this set up, but it's all I'm willing to invest in right now. I'm thinking of getting a bigger tank in a few months if I enjoy the hobby. Any suggestions or thoughts? My main question: Should I be worried about a water quality emergency with fish being entered into the environment so early?
Thanks!
I'm new to the forum and new to fish keeping as well (I had a few Tiger Oscars growing up but had to get rid of them because I wasn't interested enough and didn't want to upgrade tanks).
I've spent the last few days trying to read up on types of fish, environments, viability, etc., as well as basic management. I have to confess I've seen ambiguous information. First things first, here's my setup:
- 10 gallon tank (one of the glass ones that comes in a starter kit).
- basic heater (for 10g tank)
- thermometer
- 5-in-1 testing strips (for ph, nitr(ia)tes, etc.)
- food
- the filter is just a basic on that came with the kit
I followed the instructions that came with the kit. The de-chlorinator was in the tank for over 30 hours before fish were placed in the tank.
I was given mixed views from people at petco, pet land, petsmart, but all of them ok'd me buying fish after they tested my tank water. They said that I shouldn't have to do a fishless cycle with my tank. So I ended up getting one Rainbow Shark (small) and one Red Zebra Cichlid (small). These were ok'd by a fish keeper friend as well as people at the stores as being hardy fish which could withstand a newly set up tank, as well as fish that could get along if monitored. I set up a couple of caves and got a couple fake plants to start out, because I know that these fish can show aggression when there is open space and not enough places to hide and claim as their territory.
I know this is a lot to take in and these fish may not be the most suitable for this set up, but it's all I'm willing to invest in right now. I'm thinking of getting a bigger tank in a few months if I enjoy the hobby. Any suggestions or thoughts? My main question: Should I be worried about a water quality emergency with fish being entered into the environment so early?
Thanks!
