Upgrading And Starting Fresh

[BethK]

I currently have an 18ltr tank, homing 1 male betta, 5 black tetra and a catfish (which is finally staying, with the help of this fab forum!).

I am upgrading to a 1 meter tank (not sure of how many ltrs) and I want to do the non-fish cycle with this newer tank, as I didn't do it properly with the tank I have now. I would like to experience a non-fish cycle, so that I know how to do it. My now tank sat with just water, stones, filter and the de-conditioner and cycle liquids and I didn't measure the levels. After 2 weeks, I put my betta in, 3 days later my tetras went in and they have been there for 3 weeks, with no sign on trouble. I took a water sample into the LFS on Friday, before purchasing my catfish. The assistant said everything was fine and my catfish, along with the tetras and betta are happy as larry. Although, I have purchased my own testing kit on ebay, with the help of here, all for £13 GBP, rather than spending over £30 GBP (this site has some fab info on it).

I'm sorry if any of this sounds shocking, I know i'm a noob with all this.

I would like to expand my fish collection, once the new tank is up and running and will keep my now tank to home female bettas.

What would you suggest I put in the new tank for a non fish cycle. I read that real plants shouldn't go in, as they produce algae, is that correct?

What size heater and filter would you need for a 1 meter tank?

Would it be good to get some coral in there or stick with plants and hiding places? I heard that cat fish like bark too?

Sorry about all the questions but I want to do this right, right from the start. That way, it will help me learn more.

Thanks

Beth x

 

[jacko32]

to help with the heater and filter we would need to know the exact tank size first i would however recomend an external filter for a tank that size
as for the plants if your doing a fishless cycle its best to add plants once your cycle is complete this way the plants dont start consuming the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate as this can really mess your test results up and confuse you as to weather your cycle is complete or not
decorations will be fine i never heard of anyone using bark before but you can add bogwood which you can buy on the net or from your lfs you will need the bogwood for your catfish because wood is part of most pleco's diet
dont add coral or any rocks that fizz when you put vineger on them as these increas your pH and more importantly your kH

 

[OldMan47]

Here we go.
Plants do not cause algae. What they do is force you to run lights so that they can grow and prosper. When you are cycling, there is ammonia in the water and the light with ammonia will grow a good crop of algae.
A heater is typically about 1 watt per litre or a bit more.
Coral is not needed for a freshwater tank. It will raise the pH of your water continuously. Most of the typical small tetra type fish will not appreciate a high pH.
The plecos do not only like but need some wood in their diet. If you have plecos you will see them rasping away at your wood decorations from time to time.

 

[BethK]

Ok, scrap the 1 meter tank for now, I need to find a new lid, light, filter etc for that.

However, I was kindly given a 30ltr tank this morning and have set the non-fish cycle in motion. BUT, after filling it up, it only holds 28ltrs and not 30ltrs. Will that be big enough for;

1 x ancistrus
1 x male betta
5 x black tetra

or will I defo need a bigger tank? Or will that be ok for a year?

 

[jacko32]

Ok, scrap the 1 meter tank for now, I need to find a new lid, light, filter etc for that.

However, I was kindly given a 30ltr tank this morning and have set the non-fish cycle in motion. BUT, after filling it up, it only holds 28ltrs and not 30ltrs. Will that be big enough for;

1 x ancistrus
1 x male betta
5 x black tetra

or will I defo need a bigger tank? Or will that be ok for a year?

not for the ancistrus that will need around 150lts really 28lts is only big enough for the betta really

 

[BethK]

Ah well, it is better than my 18ltr, until I get the bigger tank sorted I suppose