New Angel Fish In Tank

[DAnCSF]

Morning Sexy Rexy,....ah aha the plot thickens...I don't mean to rain on your parade, but 6 days is not really enough to "cycle a tank" . Check out the beginners stating point under forums, loads of tips hints etc....btw don't be put off by the title "Beginner"....Cycling tanks methods vary....all have their pros and cons. But all do take time to "fully cycle". But your in your situation you already stocked your tank, so now the task is to get the beneficial bacteria started sooner. There are various chemicals made to start the bacteria in new tanks. Your LFS can point you to some...I've used SeaChem Stabilize and Tetra Easy Balance Plus, but there are many companies out there. My next question is about your filter, does your filter that use disposable charcoal cartridges or some sort of bio ball/bio rigs media? I hope I haven't drowned you in info...but all these things play a part in having a successful tank. And as you can see TFF members are are very helpful in providing info. Cheers

 

[Sexy Rexy]

Morning Sexy Rexy,....ah aha the plot thickens...I don't mean to rain on your parade, but 6 days is not really enough to "cycle a tank" . Check out the beginners stating point under forums, loads of tips hints etc....btw don't be put off by the title "Beginner"....Cycling tanks methods vary....all have their pros and cons. But all do take time to "fully cycle". But your in your situation you already stocked your tank, so now the task is to get the beneficial bacteria started sooner. There are various chemicals made to start the bacteria in new tanks. Your LFS can point you to some...I've used SeaChem Stabilize and Tetra Easy Balance Plus, but there are many companies out there. My next question is about your filter, does your filter that use disposable charcoal cartridges or some sort of bio ball/bio rigs media? I hope I haven't drowned you in info...but all these things play a part in having a successful tank. And as you can see TFF members are are very helpful in providing info. Cheers

You can rain on my parade all you want ?. I appreciate the valuable info! As for my filter, I’m set up with a Marineland Bio-wheel 400. it uses a disposable filter along with what the manufacturer calls a bio-wheel that is supposed to promote the growth of “good” bacteria. For what it’s worth, it appears to have very good user reviews.

 

[Sexy Rexy]

Well, just as I had feared, the lone Angel fish that was being tormented by the Molly didn’t last the night. He was found dead against the filter intake tube a few minutes ago. The good news is that the other four are swimming actively and appear to be thriving with no interference from our other fish.

 

[DAnCSF]

You can rain on my parade all you want ?. I appreciate the valuable info! As for my filter, I’m set up with a Marineland Bio-wheel 400. it uses a disposable filter along with what the manufacturer calls a bio-wheel that is supposed to promote the growth of “good” bacteria. For what it’s worth, it appears to have very good user reviews.

Yes I've got lots of experience with that filter had 3 at one time. I still use one but with modifications. I stopped buying the disposable cartridges. Instead I have a load of now unneeded refillable cartridges. I DIY the refill cartridges to accommodate small bio balls and ceramic bio rings, I've also replaced the intake filter basket with a sponge. by now you are wonder why bio balls, rings and sponge....basically it's to provide surfaces for the BB ( beneficial bacteria) rather than, use activated charcoal/filter floss of the disposable cartridges.

The pro of using disposable cartridges is time and ease...no fuss no muss to keep a filter clean, just take it out and replace.

The cons; activated charcoal will remove nutrients that plants need (if tank is planted); disposables cost $$$ and they add up over time plus they add to lands fills not buying them will lose a stream of income for your LFS.

Refillable cartridges - allow for flexibility of media, if one need to use activated charcoal one can buy bulk and save some $$$. What to do with the used charcoal I just throw in my garden soil;

The Marine bio wheels - some like them some don't but there are all sorts of things you can do with the filter given the space. Some people just use bio balls in a mesh ball and filter floss, no cartridges needed. Again I'm sure someone will weight in here on that filter. IMO in your current situation continue doing what you are doing but look to the future and decide on how you want to proceed in regards to filter media. If you are interested send me a conversation request and I can mail you my unneeded refillable cartridges for postage post plus a buck or two. just let me know. Again good luck and I hope this was helpful.

 

[DAnCSF]

Well, just as I had feared, the lone Angel fish that was being tormented by the Molly didn’t last the night. He was found dead against the filter intake tube a few minutes ago. The good news is that the other four are swimming actively and appear to be thriving with no interference from our other fish.

Sorry to hear that, but it happens...I once bought 4 small Kuhlii loaches....3 days later I had 2 left...WQ test just fine...but the remaining 2 are doing just fine...oh well...

 

[Sexy Rexy]

Yeah, we didn’t go into this figuring on no loss of fish but the first one is kinda tough. All of our others, the mollies, tetras and our four remaining Angels are looking really good. I ordered a gravel cleaner/water changer that is supposed to be here tomorrow. One question about the partial water changes though. I know I’ll need to condition the water replacement but how do I ensure that the water I put back in the tank is the proper temperature. Should I use slightly warm water or will room temperature water be ok for the 10 to 15 percent I take out weekly?

 

[DAnCSF]

I'm a simpleton and try to keep things easy...I just get warm water out of the tap, add my de-chlorinater and wait a few hours till the temp is about +- 5 degrees of the tank, others are much more particular especially if their water sources are unique. Me I live in SF and we have great tap water. BTW there are all kinds of de-chlorinators/water conditioners out there take your pick or better yet ask your LFS.