Full Version: A Few Questions
Hey i started my tank a few days ago and got 6 fish (now i have 4-2 had to be returned b/c they were sick) anyway...i have a 10 gallon tank (i know a bit overcrowded) and i wanted some advice as to what i need and dont need for my tank....i have a pH and ammonia test kits-r there any other necessary kits??...also do i need to buy amquel or Tetra AquaSafe (if so which do u recommend) and do i need Tetra Aqua Easy Balance???...I do have a filter, gravel and a hood with a light...what other products do u recomend to keep my friends happy???
You have a good start!
First, you are going to need a bigger tank or less fish, but you sound like you realize that, so moving on!
A good testing kit is the Freshwater Master kit. It has ammonia, kH, gH, pH (high and regular), and nitrites. You really need the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate test kits during cycling. You will need to test these daily during cycling and weekly otherwise.
You also need a gravel vaccum for water changes. A net is helpful to have to scoop stuff out of the water. As far as water conditioners, I recommend Amquel and Novaqua. They are good to have on hand during cycling and if you have public water with chemical additives like chlorine. You probably do not need Tetra Easy Balance. Do not belive that you will only have to change your water every 6 months if you use it!
That is all that you "basically" need. Aquarium salt is good to have just in case you need it. A vegetable clip is good, too, so you can feed your goldies some snacks.
If you do not live close to a pet store, I would also recommend having some medication on hand, gererally a gram-negative and gram-positive antibotic, like maracyn I and II.
I am sure that everyone else will have suggestion, too.
First, you are going to need a bigger tank or less fish, but you sound like you realize that, so moving on!
A good testing kit is the Freshwater Master kit. It has ammonia, kH, gH, pH (high and regular), and nitrites. You really need the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate test kits during cycling. You will need to test these daily during cycling and weekly otherwise.
You also need a gravel vaccum for water changes. A net is helpful to have to scoop stuff out of the water. As far as water conditioners, I recommend Amquel and Novaqua. They are good to have on hand during cycling and if you have public water with chemical additives like chlorine. You probably do not need Tetra Easy Balance. Do not belive that you will only have to change your water every 6 months if you use it!
That is all that you "basically" need. Aquarium salt is good to have just in case you need it. A vegetable clip is good, too, so you can feed your goldies some snacks.
If you do not live close to a pet store, I would also recommend having some medication on hand, gererally a gram-negative and gram-positive antibotic, like maracyn I and II.
I am sure that everyone else will have suggestion, too.
yea i have the net and a grvael vac...what food do u recommend and how do u prep them...including how to cut them n how small...thanx all help is appreciated
yea i have the net and a gravael vac...what food do u recommend and how do u prep them...including how to cut them n how small...thanx all help is appreciated
I would pick up some aquarium salt, when your cycle hits the nitrite spike it will help the fish deal with it. Also, a fish only bucket (one you NEVER use soaps or other cleaners on) is a good addition. Read up on cycling if you haven't already, and be prepared for many water changes.
I've found Melafix is nice to have, one of my fish seems to enjoy tearing his tail fin.
Don't get tetra easy balance. Don't get pH up/down products.
For food, get some frozen peas (feed once or twice a week, thaw and remove the shell, then cut/mush into bite size pieces). A lot of people like Hikari lionhead pellets also. You can feed slices of zuchinni or squash, lettuce, etc. Go light on fruits as they are high in sugar. You can freeze the veggies for a few minutes and they will sink nicely. Just remove the remainer after an hour or so.
Feed lightly until your tank is cycled. I know you know you are overstocked, but I am going to recommend you return two more fish. I cycled a ten gallon with two goldfish (still overstocked), and even that was22, I honestly cannot imagine dealing with 4 in there /shudder.
I've found Melafix is nice to have, one of my fish seems to enjoy tearing his tail fin.
Don't get tetra easy balance. Don't get pH up/down products.
For food, get some frozen peas (feed once or twice a week, thaw and remove the shell, then cut/mush into bite size pieces). A lot of people like Hikari lionhead pellets also. You can feed slices of zuchinni or squash, lettuce, etc. Go light on fruits as they are high in sugar. You can freeze the veggies for a few minutes and they will sink nicely. Just remove the remainer after an hour or so.
Feed lightly until your tank is cycled. I know you know you are overstocked, but I am going to recommend you return two more fish. I cycled a ten gallon with two goldfish (still overstocked), and even that was22, I honestly cannot imagine dealing with 4 in there /shudder.
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