Advice on new tank please

[Sky]

I am a complete novice. Have just set up new hexagonal 57ltr tank. The filter system consists of Bio Balls, activated carbon and sponge housed in the top of the tank. Temperature is at 77F. I am using artificial plants. Should I be adding anything to the water before introducing any fish?

 

[WILDER]

only declorinator you add to the water before you put it in the tank, what fish as there only a few cycle fish to use, platys, danio's and black tetra's, also I would advise adding some salt to help them along with the cycle.

 

[smithrc]

only declorinator you add to the water before you put it in the tank, what fish as there only a few cycle fish to use, platys, danio's and black tetra's, also I would advise adding some salt to help them along with the cycle.

If your looking at doing a fish cycle, Start with a couple of the fish you would like to keep in the long run.

There is no point picking a hardy fish for the cycling process if you dont want them in the long run. (if you do then use them)

You WILL need a test kit to check how things are going.

Check the leves every few days - if the levels get too high then do a water change. (the instructions will tell you whats ok or not)

After a week or so the levels for ammonia and nitrites should have stabilsied at 0 (if not keep checking) at this point you can add another couple of fish (thats 2) and repeat the process of testing and water changes.

The key to keeping the fish alive is simply taking things slowly, DONT be tempted to rush it, all you'll do is strss/kill the fish.

Wilder - Stop it with the salt already - It's not needed AT ALL in a fresh water tank!
we got 5 tanks - running for 6 years (combined) and have NEVER added salt to them as we have plecs in all the tanks BUT Its not needed. Fair enough if its what you do but its not needed.

 

[WILDER]

The salt debate, never harmed any of my fish it helps them in the cycle.

 

[sylvia]

Read the link in my signature and do a fishless cycle - then you don't need to worry about making mistakes or using hardy fish you may not want. Plus - no casualties and it's usualy much quicker.

As for the salt - it may not be necessary but it can be useful as many pathogens are salt intolerant so to speak However, I wouldn't add salt until you have decided on your fish - you don't want salt if you'll be adding scaless fish any time soon...

 

[sylvia]

What are 'black tetras' BTW? black neons, black phantoms, black skirts/widows?

 

[modernhamlet]

Read the link in my signature and do a fishless cycle - then you don't need to worry about making mistakes or using hardy fish you may not want. Plus - no casualties and it's usualy much quicker.

As for the salt - it may not be necessary but it can be useful as many pathogens are salt intolerant so to speak However, I wouldn't add salt until you have decided on your fish - you don't want salt if you'll be adding scaless fish any time soon...

Ever the voice of reason...

Sky, you should definitely take sylvia's advice and do a fishless cycle. It only takes a few weeks and you can get a feel for tank maintenance and select your fish in the meantime. No stress on the fishes OR you. Plus, you'll have a fully stocked tank faster than if you cycle with fish.

Good luck!

 

[smithrc]

The salt debate, never harmed any of my fish it helps them in the cycle.

oh the help fish... I thought you meant it helps the cycle...

As I said - If its what you do fair enough - but for a beginner to start adding salt to a FRESH water tank - is not a good idea.

 

[WILDER]

No not black neons they are fragile, the other two are ok.

 

[smithrc]

Read the link in my signature and do a fishless cycle - then you don't need to worry about making mistakes or using hardy fish you may not want. Plus - no casualties and it's usualy much quicker.

As for the salt - it may not be necessary but it can be useful as many pathogens are salt intolerant so to speak However, I wouldn't add salt until you have decided on your fish - you don't want salt if you'll be adding scaless fish any time soon...

Ever the voice of reason...

Sky, you should definitely take sylvia's advice and do a fishless cycle. It only takes a few weeks and you can get a feel for tank maintenance and select your fish in the meantime. No stress on the fishes OR you. Plus, you'll have a fully stocked tank faster than if you cycle with fish.

Good luck!

I'd agree - do a fishless cycle if you can.

We can't as nowhere round here has pure ammonia.
besides we just use media from an old tank when we start another...

If someone you know has a tank - that would be a good route to try too

 

[sylvia]

You can also so a fishless cycle with fish food instead of ammonia - just read that link and do a google search

 

[WILDER]

People even use prawns, and there is pure ammonia called jays as long as the ammonia has no added chemicals to it, you can buy from a chemist or hardware store.

 

[Sky]

Thanks for all that, I will wade through the fishless cycling details and attempt to follow them.

The other thing which is bothering me slightly is that with the filter system on this tank there does not appear to be a constant steam of bubbles coming into the water - is this ok or do I need some sort of air pump as well? I was only planning on keeping a small amount of easy/hardy fish to start with.

 

[smithrc]

People even use prawns, and there is pure ammonia called jays as long as the ammonia has no added chemicals to it, you can buy from a chemist or hardware store.

I'll bow out at this point - before i actually go into what percentage of the jayes product is actually ammonia and how much is water....

...

To answer the original question,

As long as the tank is cycled there is nothing else you need to add.

If you are going for a plec (a small species not a common) - make sure you have a hiding place for it

 

[WILDER]

You won't get bubbles from a filter, you use an airstone and pump for that, it's up to you some people like bubbles in there tank, but you don't have to have an airstone for aeration.