Some Beginner Questions

[MattC]

Hi, first time posting, but I've been reading for about a week or so and I have a few questions which I cannot seem to find the answer for.

I have a question about my 2 glowlite tetras and my 4 neon tetras. Every now and then they will stop swimming around and just, I dunno (I guess), tread water while opening and closing their mouths. They aren't flicking up against anything, but they have some darker colored dots on 'em.

Also when I feed them some of the neon tetras will have trouble keeping down in the water. They will be facing downward and swimming, but will be taken back up as if they have air bubbles in them. This doesn't happen if I put all the food underwater.

Last one, I promise. I'm getting a new filter and heater for my new 30 gallon tank thats going to be replacing my current 10 gallon. Ive read a bit about how to upgrade from one tank to another. I'm planning on running both filters for a week or so, but what else should i do? I'm limited on space for running 2 tanks, so i'm trying to minimize the time I have both going for.

Thanks!

 

[Amunet]

You should take some of the filter media from the 10 gallon and stick it into the 30 gallon filter to help seed the new filter with the beneficial bacteria.
I'm not sure if you would need to add ammonia to the water to make sure the bacteria stays alive though... or if it would be ok to add in the fish and do that.
I'm sure someone who is more familiar with that technique will be able to help ya.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

if you only want to have 1 tank running then strip down the old one and set up the new one using your old filter media in the new filter, you can move your fish straight away, just keep an eye on the ammonia and nitrite levels for a week or so afterwards and do water changes if nescessary but it should go smoothly!

it sounds to me like there is too much flow for them at the top of the tank, if your filter output is right at the top of the water and they have problems right at the top then it stands to reason it's just the stronger flow there. I wouldn't worry about it as your moving tanks and filters but if you see it carry on in the new tank consider fitting a spray bar to slow the current.

 

[Glod]

Neons and glowlights do sometimes just chill and "hover" in place, it's nothing to worry about. It may be because there aren't really enough for them to school properly.

As for setting up the new tank, If it's not going in the same place I would set it up normally : -
let it settle for a day to make sure all the kit is working and the temperature is stable etc.
Test the water in the new tank to make sure you don't have any wierd readings.
Once you're sure all is well, catch your fish and bag them like when you brought them form the petshop.
Float the fish and mix the water normally to acclimatise them to the new tank.

Then either ...
At the same time, whip the filter out of the old tank and stick it in the new tank complete.
Run both filters for a month or two in the new tank. The little extra flow form the old filter shouldn't cause any problems.
When you're ready to remove the old filter, remove some of the media in stages a week apart. This will let the new filter catch up.
or
Remove all the media from the old filter and fit it into the new one.

 

[MattC]

I know im resurrecting an old topic, but i wanted to say thanks to everyone.

Today is day 2 of the new 30 gallon tank and all is well.

Thanks!