Fish tank gurus

[gunman41mag]

Well, you do, but 5 gallons a week in a 55g tank is going to leave you sitting pretty almost always, unless you have an overpopulated tank.

The inch per gallon isn't all that great of a guideline. It works for some species, but not even close to all.

Small, skinny fish can work under this rule, but I chuckle at the thought of having an inch of Oscar per gallon of water in a 55g tank. 1 Oscar in a 55g can be too much.

Also, don't forget that your tank doesn't have anywhere near 55g of water in it. Mine probably have closer to 35 gallons than 55 with all of the rocks and sand.

I have two power heads flowing water to my under gravel filter, and a AQUA CLEAR 300 & a Second Nature 3 filter

 

[eldirector]

Sounds like several change volumes and intervals will work pretty well, depending on your tank. If my Nx levels every budge, I'll have to do it more often. I monitor the numbers just because.

I wonder how much the reverse osmosis water helps? The filter we picked up years ago is killer, too (Eheim Echo).

 

[bobbittle]

Sounds like several change volumes and intervals will work pretty well, depending on your tank. If my Nx levels every budge, I'll have to do it more often. I monitor the numbers just because.

I wonder how much the reverse osmosis water helps? The filter we picked up years ago is killer, too (Eheim Echo).

R/O is a tough one.

Yes it can help for specific soft water fish, or other specific fish you want to breed. Otherwise it's too much trouble, because it doesn't retain any buffering capacity. You spend $$$ trying to get it to hold a specific pH. If you want to use it, mix it with tap water. Otherwise don't waste your money. Unless you're doing saltwater, then yes, absolutely.

I had an Eheim Ecco at one point. Loved that little thing.

 

[tmfinney]

Geez, I see everyone talking about fish tanks and it really makes me miss having one!

 

[cromus]

Now to convince the wife that we "need" a fish tank! I miss the ones I had back in college.

 

[gunman41mag]

I also would throw a hand full of rock salt into my tank, it gives the freshwater fish some vitamins

 

[Tactical Dave]

I want to get some of the glow tetras soon but wanted to make sure the tank is stable first.

Tank is the standard sized 55, brother in law had it before me, allways well cared for. Been up and runing for about a month. Have not seen the bottom feeders in a while. Was probably to soon for them. Two got sucked up against the filter and died, two barbs also died. No issues with the neons. Put more fish in about 2 weeks ago no issues.

I like the bright colored stuff that you don't see every day...

Ohh the spot the tank is in is perfect for a 300 gallon... Want that when funds allow...

 

[Bunnykid68]

I have a 55 and just add water to it every 2 weeks. I clean it and do a water change every 3 months or so whether it needs it or not

 

[bobbittle]

I also would throw a hand full of rock salt into my tank, it gives the freshwater fish some vitamins

No it doesn't.

Salt in a Freshwater Tank?

I want to get some of the glow tetras soon but wanted to make sure the tank is stable first.

Tank is the standard sized 55, brother in law had it before me, allways well cared for. Been up and runing for about a month. Have not seen the bottom feeders in a while. Was probably to soon for them. Two got sucked up against the filter and died, two barbs also died. No issues with the neons. Put more fish in about 2 weeks ago no issues.

I like the bright colored stuff that you don't see every day...

Ohh the spot the tank is in is perfect for a 300 gallon... Want that when funds allow...

You're still not fully cycled, so be careful putting more stuff in. You can, but make sure it's hardy.

Are you testing your water parameters at all? You should have already seen an ammonia spike and be at or nearing a nitrite spike.

 

[bobbittle]

I have a 55 and just add water to it every 2 weeks. I clean it and do a water change every 3 months or so whether it needs it or not

It definitely does need it, and more often than "every 3 months or so."

Adding water to replace evaporation isn't doing any good, you're not removing any of the built up detritus or nitrates, and you're increasing your total dissolved solids.

 

[Tactical Dave]

Haven't started testing yet but will. All the fish in it were cheap... Reef said it was fine to put cheap fish in to help get it ready for the nicer stuff... Have done it that way in the past.

 

[bobbittle]

Haven't started testing yet but will. All the fish in it were cheap... Reef said it was fine to put cheap fish in to help get it ready for the nicer stuff... Have done it that way in the past.

Standard method. Other ways to do it, but most people do it that way.

As much as I hate to say this, once you figure out what you want fish-wise, see if your local Petsmart has them. Their fish guarantee is unbelievable (if it still is what it used to be).

 

[tatic05]

No it doesn't.

Salt in a Freshwater

Actually depending on your fish, yes you would use salt in your fresh tank. Suffers for example.

Where are the salt tank guys?? I have ran many tanks throughout the years up to 4-5 at a time, but once I went salt I will NEVER go back to fresh. Reef tanks are amazing tks have and enjoy. With all the water changes you guys talk about no one can say they are to much work. I change around 20% on my reef every 2-3 weeks. Then just monitor the levels bad you are good to go. It does cost a lot more for sure, I think thur most I paid for a fish was around 125

 

[Brandon]

I have had SW before, that was a huge debate I had with myself when this tank was being set up.

I wanted angelfish and finally did it.
Saltwater is def. neat and the colors of the fish are awesome.

 

[bobbittle]

No it doesn't.

Salt in a Freshwater

Actually depending on your fish, yes you would use salt in your fresh tank. Suffers for example.

Where are the salt tank guys?? I have ran many tanks throughout the years up to 4-5 at a time, but once I went salt I will NEVER go back to fresh. Reef tanks are amazing tks have and enjoy. With all the water changes you guys talk about no one can say they are to much work. I change around 20% on my reef every 2-3 weeks. Then just monitor the levels bad you are good to go. It does cost a lot more for sure, I think thur most I paid for a fish was around 125

Did you read what I was replying to? I know the purposes of salt in freshwater tanks.

And for puffers (which I assume is what you meant), it's more beneficial to use marine salt to create their brackish environment.

Once I went salt I never went back.

I'm itching for a tank again, I have everything sitting in storage for it, but don't know how long we'll be in this house and don't want to move it.

 

[Bunnykid68]

It definitely does need it, and more often than "every 3 months or so."

Adding water to replace evaporation isn't doing any good, you're not removing any of the built up detritus or nitrates, and you're increasing your total dissolved solids.

My fish do very great and my Ph and ammonia levels are good, when I start jacking around with it too often fish start to die. The only thing that dies in my tank are feeder fish. Been doing this for years with a freshwater tank, no idea of the workings of saltwater tanks. I do add aquarium salt, very little, when I do water changes.

 

[bobbittle]

My fish do very great and my Ph and ammonia levels are good, when I start jacking around with it too often fish start to die. The only thing that dies in my tank are feeder fish. Been doing this for years with a freshwater tank, no idea of the workings of saltwater tanks. I do add aquarium salt, very little, when I do water changes.

Your pH level is essentially never going to change. Your ammonia level shouldn't be a problem either. Make sure you're watching your nitrate levels. Under 40 is ideal.

 

[Carmelbythecorn]

African cichlids are the most colorful fresh water fish and are quite beautiful. They are meat eating fish, so they can only be kept with other cichlids or they will eventually eat all the others in the tank. They are pretty easy to take care of as well.

 

[Benny]

African cichlids are the most colorful fresh water fish and are quite beautiful. They are meat eating fish, so they can only be kept with other cichlids or they will eventually eat all the others in the tank. They are pretty easy to take care of as well.

I have some South American mixed in with my Africans, but you are right for the most part.

Bristle-nosed plecos are also OK, but not regular plecos since cichlids are eye biters.

 

[bobbittle]

African cichlids are the most colorful fresh water fish and are quite beautiful. They are meat eating fish, so they can only be kept with other cichlids or they will eventually eat all the others in the tank. They are pretty easy to take care of as well.

African cichlids, like most other fish, are omnivores, and need a varied diet that includes animal and plant matter. Alternating between good quality flakes or pellets, one being a general animal based formula and the other being a plant based formula is best. You can also give them a variety of fresh veggies like cucumbers and zucchini. Sushi nori is also typically well received. Feeder fish should be avoided.

(Mbunas are primarily vegetarian and should be fed little to no animal protein.)