Noob Fish Keeper

Hi All,

I’m new to keeping fish and have inherited an Aquatlantis Ambiance fish tank complete with stand from a relative. The measurements are as follows:

L- 101 W-41 H-50 and it holds 180 Litres of Water. The tank comes with a Bio Box 2 and another separate filter.

There are 5 fish with this tank (my relative has struggled to look after fish and looks like these are the hardy remains)
3x Neon’s, 1x Tetra and 1x Plec (6-7 cm)

The main issue with the tank is the lighting systems internals have blown inside (melted). This is not a problem as I have been to my local Fish shop and they are going to order me a new lighting unit from the supplier. If the part is unavailable the guy in the fish shop said I could retro fit some clips and fit the tubes in that way so not the end of the world either way http/www.netpetshop.co.uk/p-22145-hagen-glo-t5-ho-twin-light-electronic-light-starter-24w.aspx

Once i get the lighting sorted out I would like to empty the tank completely and start again, (will take fish to local shop or house in smaller tank)

The Current set up is attached

The following is my plan:

1. Remove BioBox 2 (it’s a few years old and doesn’t seem to be man enough for the job) and extra filter. Then Purchase a Fluval External Filter 205 http/www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplies/fish-tank-equipment/aquarium-filters/external-power-filters/fluval-external-filter-205.html is this up to the job or should I go for the next level up? Has anybody got any feedback on these? Are they noisy etc
2. Remove the gravel and use Sand as substrate (I think it looks nicer)
3. Buy Decorations, Silk plants Wood etc
4. Purchase a API freshwater Master test kit
5. Fully Complete a Fishless cycle
6. Purchase a few fish gradually introduce more, how many would you recommend to fit in this size tank? I prefer small-medium size communal fish.
Any help/feedback on this plan much appreciated.

Unless the filter has been cleaned in tap water, or been replaced recently, or allowed to dry out, it will already be cycled; you don't need to do it again.

Even if you want to change filters, you can still put the old media (sponges or ceramin rings or whatever) into the new one.

As long as you don't leave the tank without fish for more than a couple of days (or if you do, feed the bacteria with a bit of fish food or household ammonia), you can add a few fish (roughly the same amount as you took out) when ever you want.

You can change the substrate and decor without having to re-cycle the tank; the bacteria live almonst entirely in the filter, and not in the substrate or on decorations.

Get the API kit, and then if you feed sparingly and test often when you do these changes (so as to notice any 'mini-cycles') you shouldn't have any problems.

Thanks for advice, One of the filters has been taken out and cleaned under tap water i'm afraid (will not happen again), but the BIO Box hasn't been touched, Just have to get the testing kit and see some reading's.

Fish stock wise i am thinking of keeping a Pair of Dwarf Cichlids, 30x Neon Tetra's and 10x Corydoras, any other suggestions that will live nicely alongside these fish?

I would still try that filter with fish but just check the water frequently, i had an accident with tap water once, but no harm was done...

Get cardinals instead mate, hardier, prettier and slightly bigger. 30 might be pushing it tho lol, i would say 20ish would be plenty, Which dwarfs you thinking of?

cool just looked up the Cardinals and they are like you say, im thinking of getting 2x cockatoo dwarf cichlids (http/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apistogramma_cacatuoides)

so my list is now looking like this

20x Cardinals
10x Corydoras
6x Cherry Barbs
2x Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids
4x Otto's(Long term once algae has built up)

Tank is 180 Liters is this reasonable?

Great, looks fine to me, Ive never kept cherry barbs but I dont see why they wouldnt work..

Looks fine for 180litres to me

That looks good. I have a 180 litre.

Check out my stock in my sig.

stocking looks fine and welcome to the forum

Ok so i have made some changes,
. Changed Gravel to Sand (Argos Play Sand)
. Removed the internal BioBox in right hand corner
. Removed Ship Wreck for Large rock that also came with the tank
. Inherited some fish 3x Gold Barbs 2x Cherry Barbs 2x Unknown

Not happy with the plastic plants i have in there but not sure if i'm brave enough to put real in just yet. maybe will look at getting some silk ones for a more realistic look

just waiting for my new lighting unit to arrive, Should be this Saturday. And Pay day to buy a external Filter.

Before:




After:




Is this a better look?

Looks very nice.

I think it is need of some live plants. They are not hard to keep & your fish will love them.

hello and welcome to the forum!

your tank looks great with the new substrate!! the stocking level will be fine and i am glad you have decided on the cardinals...one of my favourites. i have also kept cherry barbs and found them interesting and quite hardy. i think your choices are well researched and will work well making a lovely tank. good to see that you are keeping the shoaling fish in large enough groups and have the sand for your corys. it is good to see someone who has done their homework!! well done! as mentioned, keep testing your water with your API and keep up with regular water changes. a few plants and you are good to go!! have fun picking your fish and remember to post a pic for us if you can, when your tank is stocked! look forward to seeing how it turns out.

L

Thanks Both,

Will update post with a pic once fully stocked or major change, i'm thinking of changing the background to dark blue or even a 3d one. will be looking at real plants to.

OBIE1 said:

Thanks Both,

Will update post with a pic once fully stocked or major change, i'm thinking of changing the background to dark blue or even a 3d one. will be looking at real plants to.

Click to expand...

sounds like you're on course, i think alot of people keep cockatoo apistos in a trio (1M2F), as i believe the male has a larger territoy with females in smaller territories under him. Dont think it has to be, but i have done this and i enjoy watching each female trying to entice the male when he comes to their end of the tank.

OK so I've made some changes lighting unit is now working and i have added a Fluval 405. some live plants and 6x Corydoras added









What you think?

i have just checked readings a day after adding plants + Cory's they read:

Amnonia read= 0.25ppm
Nitrite=0
NITRATE=0
PH 8.2

So just done a 50% water change.