Dp Questions But Where To Even Start?

[rlhirth]

ok well to start i had a 5 gallon tank set up for over 3 years no major changes (3 white clouds, 2 rosbara, 3 neons and 3 dwarf clawed frogs) yes i know a little over populated but i am very good with water changes and all have been healthy for 3 years... but 3 days ago my filter died... went to the pet store got a new one rinsed it and cartridge very well and added it to the tank... a day later i lost 4 fish, and then over night i lost the other 4! there was no visible signs at all of disease, fin rot or ick... Dwarf clawed frogs are still doing great...

so heres the begining of my questions (ive already replaced the filter AGAIN) but if i find a new home for my frogs... how should a clean the tank in preperation for a dwarf Puffer? ( I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A PUFFER) and after cleaning i would assume i would have to re-cycle the tank?

if a get a dwarf Puffer.. at my mothers house, she has an outdoor goldfish pond, are snails from that going to be ok for the DP or should i try breeding in a diferent tank?

i have always fed most of my fish frozen blood worms along with glass worms and brine shrimp... is strickly frozen food exceptible for DP? if mine would take them in the first place?

I feel terrible about my old fish... but i have always wanted a puffer and it seemed like as soon as i started researching AGAIN they all started dieing...

thanks all!!!!

 

[jmiller]

When you replaced the filter and the cartridge you got rid of all the beneficial bacteria and didn't have anything to process the ammonia. Every time you replace the filter cartridge (media) you are starting from scratch and have to cycle again.

Dwarf puffers can not be exposed to any ammonia or nitrite. They require immaculate water conditions. Your tank will have to be cycled again before getting a puffer. In 5 gallons you can get one. I just finished cycling my tank and got my first puffer last Friday. There is a thread on here about it that should help you with the rest of your questions.