Beginner questions

[don_kihotis]

hi people.i'm new to this web site.i found it while searching with google for info about tropical fish.i read a lot of things that i had never heard before.i'm starting now for the 4rd time in fish keeping.i'm using a new 12 galon tanki tried 2 other tanks in the past with no success.this time i believe i'll do more coz i'll use the things i read here.but i have a few questions so i would appreciate ur replies.i read that we should use dechlorinated water.i used tab water to fill my tank,so i believe there is clorine inside.how can i get it dechlorinated?is there a solution sold in pet stores for this?i also would like to decor my tank with harmless stuff.what can i use?plastic plants r safe?i read that coral skeletons shouldn't been used in freshwater tanks.is that true?how often shall i clean the sponge from the filter?and how can this be done?
i know i have many questions but i would appreciate any advises
thanks for ur time

 

[kenneth_kpe]

hey there and welcome to the fish forums!

1) chlorinated water - yes! the chlorine should be removed but there is good news, chlorine err in a way evaporates from the water slowly, water dechlorinators can be purchased from about any fish shop. Another option would be to leave the water overnight in a bucket maybe with an airstone inside bubbling the water around to remove the chlorine.

chlorine should no MUST be removed, chlorine burns the gills of the fishes.

2) Plastic decor sold for aquarium use is safe for aquarium use dont just get anything around your house and place it inside your tank, it might not be aquarium safe.

3)regarding the coral skeletos i think there are some exceptions,but for the time being just dont use it use normal rocks that are aquarium safe

4) You should clean your filter sponge when the water flow becomes really restricted. Clean the sponge only with old tank water and not with tap water(chlorine is bad for the bacteria in the sponge), Just squeeze it around a little to remove the debris and then place back in again. Filter sponges are rarely replaced. The reason is because beneficial bacteria lives in the filter sponge, replacing it would mean having a tank with a sudden drop in the numbers of beneficial bacteria (which is bad).

hope this helps and just ask around if you have more questions

 

[mux11]

what about using creek rocks? if they are cleaned very well.

 

[GSD]

you could use creek rocks if you clean them extremly well.Fead the thread on rocks in the pinned articals section.Hold on and ill find it for you.i always prefer to buy them though.you never know where theyve been.

found it

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=55806

 

[rdd1952]

1) chlorinated water - yes! the chlorine should be removed but there is good news, chlorine err in a way evaporates from the water slowly, water dechlorinators can be purchased from about any fish shop. Another option would be to leave the water overnight in a bucket maybe with an airstone inside bubbling the water around to remove the chlorine.

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It is true that chlorine can be removed by letting water sit or through aeration however, most city water also contains chloramine which can not be removed that way. The only way to remove it (or actually neutralize it) is with dechlorinator. I prefer Stress Coat. Check with your local water company and see if they add chloramine. If not, then just letting it sit overnight will probably do just fine.

 

[don_kihotis]

well thank u all guys.all these replies in just one day.i appreciate ur advises.now i see all the mistakes i was doing the past years.u had been very helpfull.cheers

 

[kenneth_kpe]

o ya im sorry forgot about the chloramine! thanks rdd