Returning To Fishkeeping

[Fife Andy]

Hi all,

Just returned to fishkeeping after 30+ years. Wow, what a change, there seems so much more to it now Been reading up, visiting good shops and taking advice.

Got myself a 4ft Fluval Roma and ready to add plants. Any tips would be welcome.

Andy

 

[BigC]

Welcome to TFF Andy.
We hope you enjoy your time on the boards. Yes it's true that some things have changed in this hobby of ours but one thing remains the same, the enjoyment of it all. Best of luck with your new tank
Regards
TFF Mod Team

 

[Carlovel1]

Hi and welcome, the most important tip is to perform a fishless cycle
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=113861

 

[doresy]

good choice of tank (probably tank choice is the first thing you noticed that has changed, big time, since your return)

 

[Skins]

 

[Fife Andy]

Thanks everyone for the welcome and advice.

I want to have many good plants to compliment the wood and slate. I will be going to get many this weekend, weather permitting of course. How do I prevent snails?

I am not yet at the "cycle" stage. Just added water and will check temp/PH etc before getting plants. Local shop tell me that I dont need to bother with chlorine removal as will go over time. I will not be getting any fish until mid January as we are away on holiday early Jan. This will give plenty of time for tank to establish.

Local fish shop (very good) advised me not to do fishless cycle. What do you think? I will check the links.

Starting to think about fish. Something along the lines of,

Cherry barbs
Dwarf cichlids (Rams, Apistos, Keyholes etc)
cardinal tetras
small loaches
zebra plecs
swords (although these are not as good as they were 30 years ago)
pearl gouramis
guppies

Been advised against Kribensis and red tailed shark.
what about Fairy cichlid, they look good, would they be ok with above?

Cheers

Andy

(Photo of aquarium on Members Aquarium and Fish photos Forum)

 

[Skins]

Hello Andy,
You will want dechlorinater, bad advice from the LFS. If your water is not dechlorinated you will never build up the bacterias to remove toxins(ammonia/nitrite) from your tank water. All the links on cycling can be found at the bottom of this post in my signature. Since you have not got any fish i would suggest the fishless cycle method.

Skins.

 

[Fife Andy]

This is quite confusing.

Does the chlorine not go away after days?

If I have this right, I am best to do a fishless cycle before adding plants. As I am on holiday first week in Jan, do i need to wait until i am back before i start the fishless cycle? Then add plants and fish immediately cycle complete?

At this rate it will be March before i get fish.

Andy

 

[doresy]

How weird! A lfs suggesting that you don't need dechlorinator! A MISSED SALE unbelievable

Seriously, dechlorinator not only processes chlorine but heavy metals etc and chloramine. Best to get in the habit from day one.

Fishless cycling is often phoo phooed by lfs as there is no profit in it for them.

Fishless cycling can take anywhere from 6-16 weeks and a very good guide is available within these forums......yes it is a long time but is very worth it both in experience and knowledge gained and knowing that no fish were distressed in obtaining a perfect environment.