How to set up a 10 gallon tank?

[Videl]

I am getting a 10 gallon tank soon and i am wondering how to set it up. Do i have to cycle it first? For how long do i leave the tank so it is safe for my first fish? Should i set up the heater, filter, air pump etc and leave it running before i can safely put my first fish in. I am new to setting up first tanks but i am alright once the tank is set up. The fish i plan putting in once its done are 5 Cardinal Tetras, a couple of bottom feeding kuli Loaches and a Betta Splenden AKA Siamese Fighting/ OR an /African Butterfly Fish? Are all these fish compatible and don't overcrowd the tank when inside together? Thankyou for any responses.

 

[FishFreaks]

You'll want to put in the substrate and any decor that you want. You also need to setup the heater and filter. Fill the tank with water and let the filter run. This way you'll get the bacteria that you need on everything. Other people here can tell you about cycling, i dont know much about that. IMO a butterfly fish wouldnt fit in a 10g. You'll need a source of ammonia to start up the cycling. Does your lfs carry bio spira?

 

[Annastasia]

Yes, you have to cycle it first. I'd recommend you do fishless cycling. I couldn't tell you how long you need to set it up before you can put fish in, because it depends on the cycle, but it's usually around 2-3 weeks. You'll also need an ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate test kit so you can tell when the cycle is done.

And yes, put all the equipment in before you put your first fish in. It should be running while you are cycling, because you need to get the beneficial bacteria in your filter.

As for the stock, No African Butterfly fish. They'll get too big. Bettas and Khulis will be fine together. And you can get Cardinals, but I personally think a 10 gallon is a little small for bigger schooling fish. You could try some kind of small Rasbora, or other smaller schooling fish, or just go for the Cardinals if you think they'll be okay. I spoil my fish, so I may not be the best to listen too.

Best of luck with your new tank and fish!

 

[NinjaSmurf]

The kid I babysit had a betta in with some tetras, they picked it to death, so I'd be careful with the betta, and if there are any problems have a back up plan for what to do with him.

 

[-cAtFiSh-]

a betta would be better in a tank of its own. cardinals or neons would be fine.

 

[sylvia]

You could replace the betta with a dwarf or honey gourami. They are similar character-wise, IMO, just as beautiful, but much less likely to be nipped by tetras. Neons and cardinals may nto be the best choice BTW as they can be fragile. Kuhlies are adorable but you don't realy see them. Anyway, you have plenty of time to think about your stocking. Right now, you have about a month of fishless cycling to do. In my signature I have links to some very useful sites. Read through all of those carefuly but especialy look at those concerning cycling, new tank syndrome and how to fishless cycle. The pinned topics on this board are also incredibly informative, as would be search of the forum for topics on cycling or setting up a new tank. Good luck with your research and set-up. I'd be happy to explain anything you don't understand but do try reading up on everything beforehand.