Newbie needs help.

[aerofish]

I got the tank about a month ago. I let the water cycle with 1 zebra for a few days then I added 2 platies, 1 silver molly, 1 black molly, and another zebra . I have live plants (1 sword, 1 moneywort, 2 grass-like plants) that are turning brown (19 watt fluoroscent, 24 inch - LFS carries only 20 watt 24").
When the water was 3 weeks old, I changed 40% of it (I got this from some website which I have been unable to relocate). I also scraped off a lot of brown algae clinging to the walls of tank. There's still a lot on the rocks.
One of my platies which seemed quite healthy has died. The rocks are growing algae. My mollies are swimming irregularly (upwards, sudden stops and starts, laying on the ground motionless...).
I don't have a test kit. I don't think I'll be able to afford one. Please tell me what to do for the tank to become stable. When should I do the next water change? Should I scrape off algae or let it sit? If anybody knows a good website help me out here.

 

[heresmike]

Hi. Well first of all I think you added too many fish too quickly. The rule of thumb is to cycle with 1 inch of fish per 5 gallons, and it can take weeks for the cycle to complete. Danios and platties are a good choice for cycling, but mollies aren't the best.

The algae is normal for a new tank... you can scrape it off, but in time it should stop appearing (or at least lessen).

The platty probably died from ammonia and/or nitrite poisoning. You should really get a test kit to see what your parameters are. Or at least take a sample to your lfs to have them test. The water test results would give an indication of when the next water change should happen.

You should also check out this if you haven't yet.

hth

 

[tstenback]

If you wish to continue in this hobby you will need a test kit as soon as possible. Iknow that it is not possible now but it should be the very next investment that you make for your tank. Dont get any more fish until you have a test kit. Do a 20% water change daily to ensure the water parameters will get to reasonable limits during the cycling. For plants in a low light environment, java fern. cryptocorynes, annubias are all good plants. The brown algae will go away in time but until then you can manually remove it if you wish.
You or we will never know if the tank is stable unless you can get your water tested. Can you take a sample of your water to the LFS and get them to test it, or get a friend to test it. You really need to know where you stand as far as the levels in the tank are concerned. HTH