AboutBrit Brit Expertise I can answer your questions about Bettas, most Freshwater Tropical Fish, compatibility between tropical freshwater fish, tips on how to set up a new aquarium, what fish to add, what temperature your tank should be at, etc.
I can answer questions about goldfish, and I know a bit about aquarium plants.
I can't answer questions concerning anything marine, and I know next to nothing about ponds, and even less about Cichlid breeding. So please don't ask.
If I am not sure about something, I will try to research it for you and get back to you very quickly.
I cannot magically cure your fish over the web, unfortunately, so please remember your fish's health depends solely on you.
Also, don't expect a detailed answer if I have not been given a detailed question. I can only do so much!
Details, details, details!!
(It does state what I need on the Ask A Question Page)
Experience I take care of over 3000 fish daily. I worked at Petsmart for a few years, and have had training in many areas, including aquaria and all the basics to keep fish happy and healthy. I met quite a few experts in the hobby and have learned a lot from them, and they have learned a lot from me :)
Also, I have done a lot of research and studying on my own time about not just fish but a lot of different house pets because I like to help people and help their pets.
Education/Credentials Petsmart training
Adult Diploma
Expert: Brit Brit Date: 5/15/2008 Subject: high Nitrate and Nitrite
Question Hi, I have a 10 gallon tank for about 3 weeks. Last week I went to my local Petsmart ask for them to check my water. The Ammonia was 0.5 and Nitrate was 0 and small amount of Nitrite. The guy made a mistake and tell me my tank is fully cycled. So my friend got excited and got me a lot fish. So right now, I have 3 Zebra Danios, 6 Nero Tetras, 3 tiger barts, 2 otos, three shrimps and one apple snail in my tank. I also have some live plants in my tank, they are hair grass, money wart and there are two I don't know the name. One of the plant I don't know the name actually grow very quick and the other one has black algae grow on the leaves. I clean the black alga off and it come back within couple days. Today, I did a water test myself, and the ammonia was about 0.25 but the Nitrate was 40 ppm, and Nitrite was 10 ppm or above. Also the filter cartiage is cloged very easy, I have to change it every other week. Is that means I over stocked my tank? and what should I do to get rid of the balck algea, it only appear on that one plant.
Answer Meiling,
It takes anywhere from 3-6 weeks for a tank to become fully established (cycled). In this time, you want to add fish slowly, maybe 1-3 per week. You never want to add such a large amount of fish at once, especially to a new tank.
Also, you have too many fish in there for a ten gallon as well. I would return all but 2 or 3, and then perform a large water change, and try again - sticking to only a fish or two per week, and stopping when you get to nine or ten 1-2 inch fish.
Even in a fully cycled tank, increasing the amount of fish by such a large number will throw off the biofilter and you will see large amounts of ammonia.
So yes, that is why your filters clogs so fast. And make sure you are performing water changes at least once a week - around 40% of the water.
Algae, while not necessarily bad, can be kept to a minimum by simply vacuuming the gravel once a week, removing extra food after feeding your fish, and being careful to not overfeed your fish. Algae feeds off the same things that create ammonia.
Remember to always research each fish before buying it, to make sure it doesn't grow too large for your tank, and that it will be compatible with your other fish. It's a lot easier to stick to fish that have the same diet, need the same pH and temperature, and have less than aggressive personalities.
