New To The Fish World

[amwteach81]

Good Morning!
I'm the mom of 2 and a 2nd grade teacher. I'm brought here to the forum because I was so blessed to have received a new 20gallon tank with its full set up from a program helping teachers get pets in the classroom. I've been researching and reading a ton about tank set up and such... I'm very excited to start this new experience with my students. Earlier this week I set up out tank and let it run for a few days. I have read all about cycling and such. (the teacher in me researches and reads whatever I can first!) I then picked up 5 danios and introduced them to the tank. So far so good. My students and I have already read that they are top dwellers and have already observed that in the classroom. I'm hoping that by taking my time and doing things "right" we can have a successful classroom aquarium. Since I'm new to aquatics as a hobby I know the advice of those with experience is greatly needed and appreciated.

I know the next thing I'd like to do (when our tank is ready) is to pick out some mid tank type fish.
Thanks for any advice and suggestions those may have.

 

[fluttermoth]

Hi, and welcome to the forum (and the wonderful world of fishkeeping!)

The first thing you need to do, if you haven't already, is to buy a decent, liquid based test kit; don't get the drip strip type as they're not very accurate and often don't include an ammonia test, which is vital for new tanks.

Letting the tank run will have done nothing to help cycle the tank. Cycling means growing a colony of the beneficial bacteria in your filter. You're now in what we call a 'fish-in' cycle, so you'll have to be testing for ammonia every day and water changing if neccessary to keep the ammonia levels as close to zero as you can manage.

There are some useful articles in the beginner's resource centre (especially the one on fish-in cycles for you, right now) which I suggest you have a read of (the link is in my sig).

 

[Westwood]

Hi, to the forum!

Westwood

 

[Fishy friend2]

hello and welcome to the forums, youll love it here. it seems as fluttermoth has already informed you about the important stuff. so i would listen to the advice she has given you

 

[amwteach81]

Thanks. I will get a test kit today and check stuff out when I stop by my classroom this afternoon. Thanks for the advice.