Nofrnds2pla
New Member
Hello all,
My name is Susie, I had a few fish when I was younger. Most recently I had a Pleco & a Corydora in a 20 gal tank named Big A** Fish & Little Guy
(RIP) I lost the Big Dude a couple of months ago, he was approx 16 years old, & then I lost Little Guy, he was around 13 years old.
. As you can see, not much recent fish tank experience. I now am starting a 10 gallon (fishless) in which I would like to put 1 Pea Puffer & possibly 2 (3?) Otocinclus. I have been reading so much that I have knowledge running out of my ears! Therefore, I am turning to you. This is the first time I have been on a forum of any type! I live in the boonies with LFS about a half an hour away. I have an Aqua Tech 5-15 gal over the back filter, a heater not sure of the brand maintains pretty consistent 75° temp & Some plants & gentle bubbler on an adjustable air pump, 1 small cave & one small suction cup one for the side glass on order & I’m going to try to make two of my own small caves once I get aquarium safe silicone.the tank has an LED light on the lid that came with the 10 gallon, it has white, blue and Off options (Looking into getting a Hygger 24/7 with timer) there appears to be a small amount of algae on the glass, but very very faint. I’ll try to attach a photo of my tank,however I am a bit technologically challenged! I guess 1st off, I need to know if & when my parameters are safe enough to start with. I am on well water. As of this morning, have an ammonia reading of approximately .50 possibly a little higher (I know that might be an issue) PH 6.8, alkalinity 80, hardness 75, nitrite 0, nitrate 20.. These numbers have remain stable for approximately five days, except I think I had zero ammonia on day one . It has been two weeks since I started the tank, I did a 1 gallon water change yesterday. As far as the fish, I have read best off one puffer for the 10 gallon and the otocinclus I realize they need buddies, so I’m torn between two or three as I would like an algae eater. Also, I don’t know if it’s OK to put the oto’s in first and then add the puffer later? Or should they all go in at one time? HELP 
& thank you for your time..
ps what appears to be little flecks water is I have black glitter construction paper behind the back of the tank
My name is Susie, I had a few fish when I was younger. Most recently I had a Pleco & a Corydora in a 20 gal tank named Big A** Fish & Little Guy
(RIP) I lost the Big Dude a couple of months ago, he was approx 16 years old, & then I lost Little Guy, he was around 13 years old.. As you can see, not much recent fish tank experience. I now am starting a 10 gallon (fishless) in which I would like to put 1 Pea Puffer & possibly 2 (3?) Otocinclus. I have been reading so much that I have knowledge running out of my ears! Therefore, I am turning to you. This is the first time I have been on a forum of any type! I live in the boonies with LFS about a half an hour away. I have an Aqua Tech 5-15 gal over the back filter, a heater not sure of the brand maintains pretty consistent 75° temp & Some plants & gentle bubbler on an adjustable air pump, 1 small cave & one small suction cup one for the side glass on order & I’m going to try to make two of my own small caves once I get aquarium safe silicone.the tank has an LED light on the lid that came with the 10 gallon, it has white, blue and Off options (Looking into getting a Hygger 24/7 with timer) there appears to be a small amount of algae on the glass, but very very faint. I’ll try to attach a photo of my tank,however I am a bit technologically challenged! I guess 1st off, I need to know if & when my parameters are safe enough to start with. I am on well water. As of this morning, have an ammonia reading of approximately .50 possibly a little higher (I know that might be an issue) PH 6.8, alkalinity 80, hardness 75, nitrite 0, nitrate 20.. These numbers have remain stable for approximately five days, except I think I had zero ammonia on day one . It has been two weeks since I started the tank, I did a 1 gallon water change yesterday. As far as the fish, I have read best off one puffer for the 10 gallon and the otocinclus I realize they need buddies, so I’m torn between two or three as I would like an algae eater. Also, I don’t know if it’s OK to put the oto’s in first and then add the puffer later? Or should they all go in at one time? HELP & thank you for your time..ps what appears to be little flecks water is I have black glitter construction paper behind the back of the tank
. Also enjoyed the “what are you doing today section“ and the word association….. I had to look up Dr. William T. Innes, Thank You! I find him very interesting and I went to photography school in Center City Philadelphia. I look forward to reading more about him. Boy, wouldn’t you love to get your hands on one of those original editions of his book! I find it amazing that he used black-and-white and hand colored all of his photographs it very much shows his respect for his subject. I used to work for an old time portrait photographer in Hazelton Pennsylvania and he did a lot of hand coloring. It is pretty much a lost art. Thanks again Back in the fold, I am sure I will enjoy it here
