About Christy Expertise I can answer some questions regarding freshwater fish ranging from their care to diagnosing common diseases or problems with the fish. I can also answer questions regarding the care and maintenance of an aquarium. I haven't had much luck with live plants, so can't help in that area very much. Not real good with explaining salt water or brackish set ups too well either. Also regarding goldfish, I have some comets, and have a little experience with them but mostly just general info on them. I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THE FANCY VARIETIES OF GOLDFISH. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER DIRECTING THOSE QUERIES TO AN EXPERT MORE FAMILIAR WITH THEM. If I can't answer or don't know something, I'll let you know, so don't be upset if I reject your question, I'll always explain why. I would just rather not answer then give an answer I'm not confident about.
Experience All personal, first hand, general fishkeeping experience. I've had fresh water aquariums now for about 7 years. I've had tropical/community fish tanks, African cichlids, South American cichlids, brackish water puffer fish, and a lot of other varieties in between.
Education/Credentials None, all personal experience
Question I was just wondering about a few things regarding a new tank I'm believing to get. I've been hunting for a good deal and I think I'm going to get a Deluxe Bow Front Kit Aquarium 26 by Aqueon. I've done a lot of research in preparation for my first tank and what I really want is a tropical community tank with a few oddities. I'm really fascinated by eel-like bottom dwellers (dragon gobies,peacock eels), knife fish, and ghost catfish but I'm pretty sure my tank doesn't have the capacity to hold even one of the before mentioned. I was also wondering about the first few weeks. I know I'm supposed to leave the filter running for a month before introducing any fish, but I was wondering when its okay to plant live plants? It would be great if you could tell me what kind of fish to get right off the bat (suggestions for both pre-cycle and post-cycle completion), and the steps I need to take in order to begin keeping oddities. I want to establish a good tropical tank. I know my tank runs small in the world of aquariums but I really want to make the most of it.
Tanks alot :)!!!
Joe
Answer Hi Joe
That's a good size tank for a community set up. Gives you lots of options. Unfortunately, the fish you mentioned/liked will need a larger tank like you said :) Dragon gobies are a brackish water fish as well. That's one thing to watch out for when buying fish. A lot of pet stores will commonly sell brackish fish as fresh water, which isn't good for the fish. So my suggestion is to research any fish you want ahead of time. The ghost catfish you mention, I'm guessing you mean glass catfish? The see-through catfish, where you can see their spines and bones? You could get away with those in your tank. The problem with them, they are very sensitive and delicate, and must be kept in groups of at least 6. I've never owned them, but it's my understanding if you keep less then that, they don't do well at all and end up dying. For some reason, I'm thinking I"ve read these fish may need brackish as well....but don't hold me to that one, need to do more searching on it and honestly I don't have the time now :)
Another option for you to consider, since you like those bottom eel types of fish, kuhli loaches. Here's a link:
They stay small, and do prefer to have group of at least 3 of them. They also prefer a softer substrate like sand-which most eel type of critter will since most like to dig in the substrate. Another one is a dojo loach:
I've never seen kuhli loaches at any of the stores I've lived by. I have had a dojo loach before, and the only thing with them, they do best with cooler water temps, like the low 68-74°F range. When I had one in a tropical tank, it ended up dying off. But there are "tropical" community fish that will do well in cooler temps if you like that option. I would still have a heater in the tank, but keep it down low around 74°F.
Letting the tank run with water for a month is doing absolutely nothing. You could technically add fish into the tank right after you add some water. What you're thinking about or were told, is somewhat related to the nitrogen cycle or the cycle process. Kind of had the right idea going :) Here's a great link that explains what the cycle is:
Now, what I would suggest is for you to do what's called a fishless cycle on the tank. It's the most humane way, in the long run will cost you less money, and it's just easier all around. First what you'll need is a good test kit, I recommend API's Freshwater Master Test Kit. Costs about 30. at the store, about 15. online at drs. foster and smith. Has all the tests you need in it. Stay away from the dipstick types of test kits, they're just not as accurate. Get yourself some frozen cocktail shrimp, and either a mesh filter media bag(in the filter media section at the pet store) or a pair of nylons/pantyhose with the leg cut off. Put one or two of the shrimp in that and knot it closed, toss it in the tank, and let it rot. This will produce ammonia, and thus starting your nitrogen cycle. Don't do anything to the tank-no water changes, just top off any water as it evaporates. Should cycle anywhere from 6-14 weeks-no 2 tanks are similar, so the time can vary. When the ammonia and nitrite levels are at 0 ppm after spiking, and there's nitrates present, the tank is considered cycled. Remove the shrimp, and do a large water change to get your nitrates down below 20 ppm-which is where you ideally want to keep them below normally. Add your fish soon after, because the beneficial bacteria that's grown in your filter media and gravel needs to have a constant ammonia source to survive. Start out by adding a few fish at a time, depending on the type about 3-5. Wait a week or two to let the bacteria catch up with the added fish, then add a few more.
Something else to think about, buying another tank, either a 5 or 10 gallon(10 gallon basic is cheaper) to use as a hospital and quarantine tank. It's a good idea to use a QT tank for all new fish you buy. The best way to spread diseases and algae into your established tank is by adding new fish to it. Obviously you can add your first batch of fish with no problems, but any fish after that, I would recommend QT'ing for at least 2 weeks. Plus, if you do need to treat any fish, a lot of the antibiotics and antiparasite meds will kill off any beneficial bacteria in your tank-causing it to go through a mini-cycle.
For the plants, I'm not really knowledgable on plants. I have a few hearty specimens that are nearly impossible to kill-though I have come close :) And, I haven't had to cycle a tank in forever, but I know I've read you can add them right away, but I would probably wait until the tank cycles to be on the safe side.
Hope that helps and good luck with your new tank! Let me know if you have more questions.
