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Forum THE LOUNGE Valentines present early-I got an aquarium!!!

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    • Kokaneeandkahlua
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        So excited! And nervous! 

        Dave bought a new car so we were driving around aimlessly and I asked if we could go to Big Al’s -this aquarium store here that’s really rad-it’s literally like going to a real aquarium but it’s a store and there’s no admission price  THen I told Dave he’d be off the hook for Valentines Day if he got me a tank-because I’ve been bugging for one for a while. He caved and bought me a starter kit!!

        I decided to go freshwater since I’m not experienced. I’d like to work up to salt and the eventual goal is to have a salt water tank with tropical seahorses-which requires a lot of experience so that’ll be years lol  

        I bought all the accessories yesterday and figured out what chemicals I need (I hope!) and set it up last night. It’s got to cycle (I think for two weeks but I will recheck that) before I can put anything in it.

        I am debating between three dwarf puffer fish (which should be in a 2 female 1 male-three puffer social group to do well-go figure!) or an electric blue lobster -which looks so cool but is really a blue crayfish  Its tough becuase I can’t have both due to crayfish eating fishies lol and I want to make the right decision. But I definitely have time while it cycles and I still need a couple live plants and a plant light.

         

        Anyways-how much can I ramble huh guys? Here’s my tank!  (it’s got bubbles on the glass so doesn’t look good yet-I’m hoping it will settle soon or I’ll have to scrub)

         

         

         

        Anyone have tanks and want to share pictures? Any tips or tricks?  

         

         


      • Barbie
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          Ooooo cool! I want to get an aquarium eventually and get all kinds of fishies but I know nothing about them expect that to do it right it takes a lot of time so… kudos! Show us more pictures when you get some fish in there! I vote for the puffer fish only because crayfish kinda creep me out.


        • mocha200
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            i would vote puffer fish to because when we go camping the lake we swim in there is covered with crayfish and i hate it when i step on them and they pinch me.


          • MimzMum
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              How pretty! ^_^ The soothing vibes that come from the tank alone are going to bring a whole new ambiance to your home!
              Ahhh…it reminds me of how I miss Shimmer. But yes, a salt water tank is a LOT of work to keep stable and this was a good way to begin. If you do get seahorses someday, I may have to come visit!
              Puffer fish? What? No neon tetras? No angelfish? No mollies? lolz….Maybe a plecostamus to keep the algae down?
              A blue crayfish? WOW. 0_0 I’d like to see one of those!


            • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                How pretty! ^_^ The soothing vibes that come from the tank alone are going to bring a whole new ambiance to your home!

                Thank you ! I love blues and I told Dave this isn’t just a new pet but a home ambiance too

                He told me if I ever take the fish to the vet (Re: Chucks four figure vet bills) he’ll leave me lol And he specified this includes our vet coming to our home to see fish lol -he’s joking of course but he thinks I’m off my rocker already let alone to vet a fish…*sigh* boys!

                Ahhh…it reminds me of how I miss Shimmer.

                Shimmer could not have asked for a happier life, and no one could ask for more then to be remembered fondly and missed after they leave this world. I can tell Shimmer was something special

                If you do get seahorses someday, I may have to come visit!

                Sweet I’ll put coffee on I have done my seahorse research on keep and care, just need the experience now. I will have seahorses

                Puffer fish? What? No neon tetras? No angelfish? No mollies? lolz….Maybe a plecostamus to keep the algae down?

                What’s a plecostamus?
                I always had mollies, tetra’s, platty’s and guppies and a betta while growing up so I want to go different. Suggested I get a puffer, looked into it-dwarf is best for starters…but they only get 1″ big…I really would like a figure eight puffer but I’d need to upgrade my tank by the end of the year…could I sneak that past Dave? Something to consider lol

                A blue crayfish? WOW. 0_0 I’d like to see one of those!

                Well I think so they were called electric blue lobster at the aquarium but lots of googlling says they are just freshwater lobster aka crayfish :p

                Here they are! http://declubz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/blue-lobster.jpg


              • MimzMum
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                  Wow…0_0…just…WOW!
                  So many beautiful creatures in the world. That color is stunning!


                • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                    Ok your really influencing me lol I am really considering the crayfish


                  • mocha200
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                      so if you got the cray fish thats all you could put in the aquarium?


                    • lancy
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                        Oh, it’s fantastic! Good for you and Dave!
                        Most puffer fish preffer estuarine aquarium, though they may also adapt to low salt concentration. Since you are planning to start from fresh water, you may choose some tough species of them. Here is my recommendation: a menu to start a estuarine aquarium by Bob Carroll. It might be way simpler than you need, as you are already experinced. http://stjohns.ifas.ufl.edu/Sea/doc…eeping.pdf

                        I love crayfish! I had some but have found new homes for them. They are tough, but if you wanna keep them in an aquarium, you may have to think about it. They are aggressive and eat almost anything organic, including algae. I used to keep them individually in smaller tanks, providing hidings and some coral sand to keep the pH.

                        Salt water aquarium is final fantasy! I’ve never touched it as it needs a lot of patiets. My collegue owns one, it’s gorgeous and always makes me jealous.


                      • lancy
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                          Posted By mocha200 on 02/12/2010 07:43 PM
                          so if you got the cray fish thats all you could put in the aquarium?

                          I agree with you, mocha200. My crayfishes messed up my aquarium.

                           


                        • KytKattin
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                            So cool! I am actually going to be breeding my Zebra Danios tomorrow morning. I have been feeding them high protein foods all week in hopes that it will help them spawn. I have 4 females and one male, so not ideal from what I have read, but I don’t really care. I am only hoping to get 2-3 babies from a select two. Zebra Danio spawning looks so violent though! Fish are probably the only thing I don’t feel bad about breeding… I also have Cory Cats. They are my favorite fish EVER! So kind and gentle. They should be kept in groups of at least 5 though. I think I have 7, but I honestly can’t remember right now. My biggest one is named “Chief for the Win”. I actually had to edit a decoration I have in the tank because it worked a little too much like a lobster trap. 0_o

                            I don’t really know anything about crayfish, but I did do a lot of research on puffer fish after I ended my betta obsession (mean fish! I had one female grab onto my arm and not let go as I pulled it out of the tank!). From what I have found, there is only a few species of TRUE freshwater puffers. Others are brackish or salt. Obviously, just as most petstore staff don’t know a thing about rabbits, most don’t know about the fish they are selling, so be careful about how they are actually labeled. The puffers sold at someplace like Walmart are actually a type of brackish fish that does okay in freshwater, though it is sold as a freshwater. Also, the species of freshwater I have particularly looked at have beaks that grow especially fast. Even on a diet of snails to help trim their beaks, they often need to be trimmed by hand. Not pleasant for anyone. Certainly research puffers heavily before you get one! Though I haven’t looked into the dwarf ones… They are admittedly some of the cutest fish ever, and I absolutely share your attraction for them!

                            Oh, and BTW, enjoy the bubbles now, as algae will replace them all too soon! Plus I am addicted to bubbles. My fish suffer from two different bubble places, though I have a cory cat that does play in the bubbles so they must not mind too much. I will try to post pictures of my tank. I need updated ones…


                          • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                              so if you got the cray fish thats all you could put in the aquarium?

                              Yeah unless I got huge fish which my aquarium is too small for.

                              Most puffer fish preffer estuarine aquarium,

                              The dwarf puffers are freshwater http://badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile93.html But they are so small-I dunno -I would like a BIG puffer lol but obviously not yet…So still up in the air I guess

                              They are tough, but if you wanna keep them in an aquarium, you may have to think about it. They are aggressive and eat almost anything organic, including algae.

                              Yeah I’d definitely have to keep them as a single species but-still have to think about it Did you find them tough to care for or just aggressive? Most sites I’ve found said very hardy but what was your experience?

                              Salt water aquarium is final fantasy! I’ve never touched it as it needs a lot of patiets. My collegue owns one, it’s gorgeous and always makes me jealous.

                              I know It’s the sumps, powerheads, protein skimmers, QT tank…oh man! What headache lol I can’t wait actually

                              Fish are probably the only thing I don’t feel bad about breeding…

                              lol n o kidding-100’s of babies usually end up being like 2 also don’t know of a massive euthing of fishies

                              most don’t know about the fish they are selling, so be careful about how they are actually labeled

                              Here’s the aquarium I’m buying from-they have dwarf puffers-freshwater of course They seem GREAT but I’m a noob of course
                              http://www.bigalscanada.com/Stores/Locations/Edmonton/edmonton.html

                              Also, the species of freshwater I have particularly looked at have beaks that grow especially fast. Even on a diet of snails to help trim their beaks, they often need to be trimmed by hand.

                              The dwarfs apparently don’t -from what I’m reading. I’m a dork-joined a puffer fish forum lol But it seems as complicated as rabbits-weeding through misinformation to figure what is true and what isn’t.

                              I really appreciate all the input guys Helps so much. I don’t personally know anyone with an aquarium. I had them growing up and I scuba dive but other then that-I’m a blank slate lol


                            • lancy
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                                “Did you find them tough to care for or just aggressive? Most sites I’ve found said very hardy but what was your experience? “

                                Although there are different species but they have something in common: It’s hard to let them die, hehe~  They are easy to take care of. Only two rules of thumb, first, keep separately or in a big enough aquarium, second, make water a little bit basic.

                                Here are some pics I took before. One of them, Procambarus sp., gave virgin birth. You could expect hundreds of baby crayfishes at one time.


                              • lancy
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                                  Posted By Kokaneeandkahlua on 02/12/2010 08:37 PM
                                  Yeah unless I got huge fish which my aquarium is too small for.

                                  Or, your crayfish is too smal for fish’s mouth


                                • KytKattin
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                                    That’s so cool! Oh, and if the puffers do work out, I would certainly go for them over the crayfish! Or at least get a red/orange one to contrast your substrate. Blue on blue= where’s my fish?!?! lol.

                                    Yesh. Plus a part of me does like the idea of trying to make a unique color or pattern on a fish through breeding. Obviously I don’t have the facilities for that right now, but it would be nothing like starting to breed a mammal. Though I do think it is kind of funny how I have to go to such lengths to even get the eggs to become fry. Zebra Danios spawn every morning at first sunlight, but everyone, including the parents, will eat them. Fish do have a way of keeping things balanced.


                                  • Lintini
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                                      Ewww…don’t get a crayfish…you wouldn’t be able to keep anything safe in there with it! Well I guess if you think they are cute okay, but you will probably get really bored with them and you would be limited to anything else house in there. Sorry I’m freaked out by them – but I think my foot long catfish is cute…don’t mind me lol Just on the fact that you would have a hard time housing other fish with them I would say no to the crayfish. Plus they get to a decent size..is that a 5 gallon or 10 gallon tank? Also you said you wanted live plants – the crayfish will eat all the live plants

                                      I’d start with something easy. I don’t see a heater in there so are you going for cold water only? That makes you more limited to – goldfish, guppies, mollys, swordtails, plattys, chinese algae eater, weather loaches, etc.

                                      Because puffers are a bit harder to keep because I believe the ones you are referring to are brackish…I would hold off on them for awhile since it’s your first tank. Start small then go big when you feel more comfortable. There is nothing more frustrating than spending a bunch of money on fish then having them keel over.

                                      The Zebra Danios that KytKattin are talking about are really cool too, I really like the long fin variety. Remember not to overload your tank either. I’d start with a pair of something – say Mollys or whatever you decide. Just make sure you know the adult size of the fish so you don’t do what I did and buy a catfish that gets 4 feet long and you only have a 50 gallon tank :p hehe.

                                      This is my tank – it’s a 50 gallon and an older photo. The big guy on top that is orange and black is a Tiger Oscar – they get to about 13” in length as an adult, and that guy who is sideways there in the tank is a plecostomus. He’s called a “common pleco” and gets well over a foot long. Some varieties stay smaller but they are tropical and not coldwater. Plecos are my favorite fish. They are so beautiful and I love watching them eat alagae wafers!

                                       


                                    • KytKattin
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                                        Oh my gosh Lintini, have you seen some of the Pleco varieties? We were at my local (good) fish store and we saw a white/leopard one! It was so pretty! My mom has one in her 55 gallon tank right now, though it is still on the small size. This store will also buy back the plecos when they get too big, or when people catch them in their ponds before winter, as they can’t tolerate the cold if the winter in my area, but love being in ponds during the summer. Though I have to say that cat fish (other than cory cats, which I don’t even know to be true catfish), scare me so much! One that grows 4 feet would not be my favorite sort of fish!

                                        Oh, and K&K, make sure that you have an excellent filter. It can make or break your experience as a fish keeper. I currently have a filter on my tank that cycles the entire tank through 15 times per hour. That might seem excessive, but my water is crystal clear, and my fish look excellent for the first time. Though I also have fish that do well in a strong current. A betta wouldn’t last a day with a current as strong as I have (and some plants don’t like it either), but my danios couldn’t look better (though I’ll admit I also have a PowerGlo light to make them sparkle). A filter that only has a little carbon packet isn’t going to be enough. While canister filters are top of the line for a large tank, smaller tanks do well with the ones that hang off the back. They need at least 3 layers of stuff though, be it a sponge, ceramics, carbon, or all 3. There is a debate about whether carbon is really needed after the tank is established… If it isn’t changed like it should be it can do more harm than good. If your filter said it was good for a 5-10 gallon tank and you have a 10 gallon tank, you need to get a bigger filter. Always read the smallest number it is good for, as filters are often overrated. If you don’t already know this, and I think this tends to be the ‘secret’ to good fish keeping, the filter is not used to ‘take out’ the bad stuff. Instead, you have a bacteria culture that takes care of it. If you have bacteria die, or if your bacteria are unable to keep up with the amount of ‘food’ they are getting, that is when you have problems. That is why you need a bio wheel, or ceramics, or a sponge, ect, because they provide a home for that oh so important bacteria. So does substrate, but water doesn’t move through that as quickly (hence why under-gravel filters were originally though to be so effective, but alas, for not as they have greatly fallen out of favor with hobbyists because they don’t work like they should). This bacteria also seems to love bubbles, so either a powerhead, or a simple air pump will do for helping both your fish (movement at the surface gives them oxygen) , and the bacteria (might I recommend the Whisper Air pump for being both quiet and quite powerful).

                                        And if you are even still reading at this point, I wish you the best of luck with your new aquarium! I know that many people get discouraged much too easily when starting a fish tank (hence the large amounts of them for sale on Craigslist), and I know how heartbreaking it is to lose a fish (even a $0.10 ghost shrimp). Keep trying different things until you figure it out. And buy the good stuff! Avoid fish foods with Ethoxyquin if you can, as food preservatives shouldn’t be a pesticide as well. Hikari has some of the best food out there, though there are others too. Here I am drawling on again and I still have 100 things to say…


                                      • Lintini
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                                          Yeah – fish tanks are awesome and I forgot to say in my post, your tank is beautiful. It’s so clear and stunning. The lighting on the dark blue gravel is an eye catcher for sure. And I love your decor. Have fun with it and don’t get frustrated. It takes time to establish a fish tank. I had a 40 gallon that my family called …”the tank of doom.”


                                        • lancy
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                                            Hi, KytKattin, which kind of bacteria you use for your aquarium? We have commercial, it’s liquid and ready to use but not cheap. In the past, we used dry powder of nitrobacteria, with lacidophilin tablets and 1 or 2 spoons of yogurt. Set up evrything, keep the temperture at ~82 and let the filter work until water became clear. Oh, I love DIY.


                                          • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                              I’d start with something easy. I don’t see a heater in there so are you going for cold water only?

                                              No heater yet-if I need one I’ll have to buy one Likely I will Right now with how hot we keep our house (24C) it’s warm-BUT in the summer it gets hot here (we are 40- in winter and 35 above in summer lol) so it’s COLD in here in the summer-a/c 24/7 soooo I’d silly enough need a heater in the summer

                                              Because puffers are a bit harder to keep because I believe the ones you are referring to are brackish…

                                              I was wanting to do brackish but the dwarf puffers are fresh-as linked above.

                                              There is nothing more frustrating than spending a bunch of money on fish then having them keel over.

                                              Yeah I don’t see me getting emotionally attached as I am with the buns and my doggie-but at the same point I don’t need any fish funerals either-no need. Do research and care properly and fishies should have a normal lifespan

                                              The Zebra Danios that KytKattin are talking about are really cool too, I really like the long fin variety. Remember not to overload your tank either. I’d start with a pair of something – say Mollys or whatever you decide. Just make sure you know the adult size of the fish so you don’t do what I did and buy a catfish that gets 4 feet long and you only have a 50 gallon tank :p hehe.

                                              Honestly I’d like ONE fish. I’d like to train it (it can and is easy to do) so one is best really. I don’t like goldfish at all or silver colored fish-little scared of them so I’m a bit limited-have a specific fish phobia lol- I scuba dive if that makes sense

                                              make sure that you have an excellent filter

                                              *looks around confused* ? heheh I have a tetra whisper three stage? Sound ok? LFS said it was good enough….

                                              If you don’t already know this, and I think this tends to be the ‘secret’ to good fish keeping, the filter is not used to ‘take out’ the bad stuff. Instead, you have a bacteria culture that takes care of it. If you have bacteria die, or if your bacteria are unable to keep up with the amount of ‘food’ they are getting, that is when you have problems. That is why you need a bio wheel, or ceramics, or a sponge, ect, because they provide a home for that oh so important bacteria.

                                              I’m totally confuzzled here. I added bacteria stuff BUT Where does one get a sponge from an established healthy tank if one is on their first tank? That’s all I read-and yet-I’m starting out-so what do I do? Do the LFS sell these? Or can I just buy a bacteria thingy-saw them in the petstore (not the lfs I am buying from) would that be suitable?

                                              Whisper Air pump for being both quiet and quite powerful

                                              This is what a noob I am! I have a tetra whisper filter-is that what you mean? Or a bubbler?

                                              And if you are even still reading at this point, ….And buy the good stuff!

                                              heheh yup! Need all the help I can get! Yeah this ‘gift aquarium’ has been 300$ already and I still need live plants and bulbs….and who knows what else lol No biggie on the dollars-pets deserve it and I want to do it right. Only regret is I decided on dwarf puffers so I set the tank up for them (Substrate and water wise-chose fresh water and sand) so now whether I get them or not-it has to match what I’ve now put in…???

                                              Here I am drawling on again and I still have 100 things to say…

                                              Say them!!! I have been on hundreds of fish forums and sites in the past three days, literally hours and hours and hours and no strait forward answers. I have no aquarium buddies so this is AWESOME help -thank you. ALL I really appreciate it !

                                              It’s so clear and stunning. The lighting on the dark blue gravel is an eye catcher for sure. And I love your decor

                                              Thank you Thank you!!! I really take that to heart Thanks!

                                              It takes time to establish a fish tank.

                                              Totally counting on it… lol I love it without fish already and Dave is even checking it out I really love blues and water and awww I love it -cannot wait to add pets but you know-no rush wanna do it right. You guys are so helpful Really appreciate it


                                            • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                                Oh and I just wanted to say I didn’t just start reading. I’ve been researching aquariums among other things for over a year-my end goal is seahorses so I’ve done a lot of reading…but still SOOO much to learn! Appreciate all the help!


                                              • KytKattin
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                                                  I looked up the filter, though I am not entirely sure what it looks like put together (on the insides that is), it does seem to be at the very least decent, though I will list the things I look for in a good filter and ask you a few more questions if you don’t mind. Oh, and I can’t do it right now because it is way too early in the morning, but sometime this weekend I will take apart my filter and point out all the things I am trying to explain.

                                                  The filter should have at least one part that does not get changed when you change the carbon. This is the home for the bacteria, and it should remain undisturbed except for every 2-6 months. Ideally you will have 2 of these things so that one can repopulate the other one after you have disturbed it.

                                                  Gallons Per Hour. At the very, very least, all of your water should cycle through your tank twice in one hour. I have a Hagen Aqua Clear filter, that pumps 300 GPH. As I mentioned before, my tank gets cycled through 15 times in an hour. If you do have goldfish, or any other ‘dirty fish’, the more your filter cycles the water, the better off your fish will be.

                                                  What I can put in it. I don’t always love what a filter might come with, so I buy my own mesh bags and fill those with what I want if the filter doesn’t come with enough. What is also nice about this is that I don’t have to buy the filter media specific to the filter. I have my own mesh bags that I fill with carbon, I don’t buy the prefilled one. I buy loose carbon (or other media) in bulk (I actually mix a few types) in order to do this. This is not only economical, but good for the environment and your tank! A lot less is discarded this way, and it also makes the filter closer to one of my personal favorite types of filters; canister filters. I think of them as being the heart of a tank with their in and out tubes. lol. (links are to loose media similar to what I use) http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752384
                                                  http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752374

                                                  Oh, and before I forget to write this; you did a good job on decorating your tank! One thing that automatically adds interest to a tank is not having too many things in the center of the tank. I remember reading that from some professional tank designer (wouldn’t that be a a wonderful job!!!).

                                                  So what size tank do you have? What specific filter do you have (what is the tank size it is made for)?

                                                  This is the air pump I mentioned. I have the 60 one, though it is way overkill. It is the size of a brick! lol. If you get one, I strongly recommend a check valve on the tube so it doesn’t drain your tank if the pump goes off (they are like a dollar or two). I also recommend silicone tubing, as it doesn’t crack and harden like plastic does over time. Though some people just don’t like the blue color at all.
                                                  http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753029

                                                  I am totally with you on the cost! The tank and stand I have was given to me, but I have spent close to $400 just on decor, lights, pumps, ect. Though I spend hours looking at my tank, it is like therapy, and a lot cheaper in the long run.

                                                  Uh, anything else I can think of… Oh, right, bacteria. Once it is established, you really are set as long as you take care of it by giving it oxygen and not polluting your tank. There are probably hundreds of different products to choose from. Right now I throw in some pond stuff that came free with some water purifier, though only after I mess with anything in the filter. As far as establishing it… wow, that has been a long time for me. The name of the stuff I used I think was “Cycle”, but I honestly don’t remember for sure. Fish help the cycle the best. If you feel like it, some ghost shrimp might help that part along for you. As they are sold as feeders you don’t have to feel too bad when your permanent fish eat them… Though they are easy to get attached to. Lancy has some good suggestions for DIY!

                                                  I think a good PH test kit uses drops, not the strip kind. The drops are more precise from what I have heard. PH and Ammonia are the only kits I use regularly, though we have a nitrate one laying around.

                                                  I don’t know if any of this will help you, but it is what is working very well for me. It took me 3 years, but I am finally happy with my tank. Lintini is right saying that it takes time! Now salt water… wow, that world is so different with it’s protein skimmers, and salt levels, and actually wanting to grow algae (I mean, don’t get me wrong, I let algae grow in specific part of my tank…). Oh, and I even read once that you can use a vodka treatment to get rid of a certain type of algae…

                                                  If you do get puffers, I also recommend you get them an LED moonlight. Not only is this stunning to look at, but it stimulates a more natural cycle for fish. I have been tempted to buy this pretty LED light from Drs. Foster and Smith… http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+12760&pcatid=12760

                                                  Though I have already bought this one in red. The fact that it is submersible and a bubbler made it a fun choice. http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+19788&pcatid=19788

                                                  I look forward to seeing more pictures of your tank as it evolves!


                                                • lancy
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                                                    Oh dear! That’s a book! KytKattin, you’re really an expert.


                                                  • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                                      Oh, and I can’t do it right now because it is way too early in the morning, but sometime this weekend I will take apart my filter and point out all the things I am trying to explain.

                                                      That’d be great!!

                                                      The filter should have at least one part that does not get changed when you change the carbon. This is the home for the bacteria, and it should remain undisturbed except for every 2-6 months. Ideally you will have 2 of these things so that one can repopulate the other one after you have disturbed it.

                                                      Yup it has a …hmmm grabbing book…’biofoam aerobic grid’ that stays in and then a cartridge you change -?

                                                      Gallons Per Hour. At the very, very least, all of your water should cycle through your tank twice in one hour. I have a Hagen Aqua Clear filter, that pumps 300 GPH. As I mentioned before, my tank gets cycled through 15 times in an hour. If you do have goldfish, or any other ‘dirty fish’, the more your filter cycles the water, the better off your fish will be.

                                                      It says it does 90 gallons per hour-so my tank is 15 gallons-is that good enough? Definitely not gettin goldfish-Ihave a pretty specific fish phobia that includes goldfish lol I know sounds weird but yeah-that’s how it is-scared of fish sort of -but I dive and love aquariums…

                                                      What kind of media do you use? That sounds easy enough!

                                                      Oh, and before I forget to write this; you did a good job on decorating your tank! One thing that automatically adds interest to a tank is not having too many things in the center of the tank. I remember reading that from some professional tank designer (wouldn’t that be a a wonderful job!!!).

                                                      THANKS!! Seriously-my first tank so I really appreciate any cheers I can get

                                                      I think a good PH test kit uses drops, not the strip kind. The drops are more precise from what I have heard. PH and Ammonia are the only kits I use regularly, though we have a nitrate one laying around.

                                                      Totally-my rents have a hot tub and strips don’t work. I got an ammonia notifier-it stays in the tank for one year and warns if it’s toxic? But as extra only. I got the full test kit-ten bottles of stuff and test tubes lol-looks complicated but I have it-tests ph, high ph, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and something else-

                                                      Sounds dumb but can you test for bacteria? How do you know you have enough?

                                                      omg yeah salt sounds so scary! lol I want it-eventually. Well now-but I’d just screw it up So in a few years lol. I figure if I don’t know what a power head is, a protein skimmer or how to set up a sump or QT-I have no business with a salt water tank no matter how much I want it ;

                                                      I can’t tell y’all how much I appreciate all the knowledge your sharing!!! I’ve been doing a TON of research but nothing compared to what your offering-thanks a BUNCH!!!


                                                    • Crayon
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                                                        what a nice valentine! It looks nice so far.

                                                        I think you should definitly go for the crayfish. I had a pet crayfish for a couple years and he was one of my all time favorite pets.

                                                        I currently have a 55 gal tank with fancy goldfish and dojo loaches. Also a 30 gal tropical with mainly cory cats and dwarf frogs.

                                                        Crayfish are fun to watch. They will rearrange the tank to their liking. It is very cool to see them dig and move rocks from one place to another. Feeding them is fun to. If your carefull, you can hand food right to them, and they eat all sorts of stuff.  The crayfish would most likely eat or destroy plants. But there are floating plants you could have. Duckweed is perfect. It floats on the surface and is very quick to reproduce itself. So even if the cray grabs some and eats them there will be plenty more where that came from. 

                                                        Here is a photo of 2 of my goldfish eating some duckweed.

                                                        Here are a couple pics of the late great Craven himself.

                                                        Here he is in his Potato cave. Hehe.

                                                         

                                                        I can give a little advice but I must admit that I have not fully read the other post so I might repeat some things..

                                                        Since you did not get any fish yet, I would suggest a fishless cycle. By this I mean, grow your healthy bacteria in the tank and filter before putting any fish/critters into it. I am not sure if you are aware of what I mean by ‘cycle’ so I will go over it really quick just in case.

                                                        Amonia is coverted by bacteria into Nitrites. Then Nitrites are coverted by bacteria into NitrAtes.

                                                        Amonia is produced by fish waste, rotting food bits, and what not. It is toxic to fish. Nitrites are also toxic. But NtrAtes are only toxic when concentrated, so if you do rutine partial water change and don’t let them build up the tank will be safe. So that is the main function of fishtank filters; housing bacteria. A lot of times people think the filter is just for straining debri, but the the bacteria is most important.

                                                        Ok so to fishless cycle, you would add pure amonia to the water everyday to simulate fish waste. This will feed the bacteria and allow it to colonize in the filter and all over the tank. Once that bacteria starts turning the Amonia to Nitrites then a second bacteria will colonize. Once that bacteria is turning Nitrites into NitrAtes it is then safe for fish to be added.

                                                        So if you want to do that. You will need to buy pure amonia and an aquarium liquid test kit. You need the testers to see how much amonia, nitites, and Nitrates are in the water as to determine the progress of the cycle. You will know you have enough bacteria once your test results are No Amonia, No Nitrite, and some NitrAtes. It is also good to have a test kit in general. I recomend AP freshwater master test kit. It’s accurate and economical. It also includes pH tests.

                                                        You could see if there is an aquarium club in your area. If so,and they have a forum, you could try asking if anyone would be willing to give you some of their cultured filter mateiral to kick start your cycle with. Since you don’t know anyone with an aquarium that would be a good idea and would speed things up tremendously.

                                                         

                                                         


                                                      • Elrohwen
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                                                          Your tank is beautiful! I can’t wait to see more pics as you add fish and plants.

                                                          I had some bad luck with goldfish as a kid, so I stick to mammals now


                                                        • rosalie68
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                                                            very nice!! im a big fish dork, i have a 220 gallon in my basement and a 55 gallon in the living room. it can be very expensive to get it all set up but after that its not so bad. i think everyone has given u good advice. the most important thing when setting up and maintaining is the nitrogen cycle that crayon was explaining. when u clean the tank, u don’t want to empty all the water out, but just vacuum the rocks to get the debris out and keep nitrates low. if u rinse anything in the filter, use water that u have emptied from your aquarium or treated water, as tap water will harm the bacteria. when cycling u could get the bacteria from the store, or use ammonia, it will be safe to add fish when u test the water and get 0ppm of ammonia and 0ppm of nitrite and about 20/40 ppm of nitrate. i personally have had issues with live plants. u may want to start out with the plastic ones until u get the hang of caring for the tank. i have kept aquariums for 17 years and still use the plastic ones lol. also there are fish that eat plants. i will try to write more later, or if u have specific things u want to ask me i’ll help u out. i just feel like i could write a huge book and don’t want to take up the whole post lol (and im tired). http://www.fishlore.com is a good site that has forums for fresh or saltwater and lots of ppl that will help u. u could read more on the set up and cycling and they also have fish profiles. tons of info on there. i also wanted to add to be careful which fish u buy. a lot of the stores sell fish that get way to big for a home aquarium. they sell them when they are 2 or 3 inches big and don’t let ppl know how big they get or they arent aware themselves with how big they get. sort of how the store sold lintini the catfish. i have had that happen to me too. ive never had a crayfish or puffers, but i do think that at some point the puffers need salt. sometimes when fish are adults their water parameters change and they may need something a little different. ok, looks like i wrote a book anyways lol. i am here if u need me.

                                                            these are the fish i have right now:

                                                            silver and marble hatchet fish
                                                            3 plecos (algae eaters)
                                                            4 bala sharks
                                                            3 spotted catfish
                                                            4 julie corys
                                                            tiretrack eel
                                                            rainbow shark
                                                            2 weather dojos
                                                            bushy nose albino pleco
                                                            2 albino clawed frogs
                                                            4 khuli loaches
                                                            5 silver dollars
                                                            3 tinfoil barbs
                                                            4 tiger barbs
                                                            (i feel like im leaving a few out lol)

                                                            i’ve had tons of other different kinds over the years.


                                                          • KytKattin
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                                                              I got pictures!

                                                              First is just my tank in it’s current state. I wish I could get a better picture of it…

                                                              Photobucket

                                                              This is under my tank (and bunny proofed as you can see). Pardon the dust please. I didn’t realize how bad it looked until I uploaded the picture!

                                                              Photobucket

                                                              Now this is what I was really trying to get across. How my precious filter looks!

                                                              Photobucket

                                                              That top bag is filled with carbon.
                                                              The second bag is filled with some sort of ceramics.
                                                              The third bag is filled with a different type of ceramics.
                                                              The bottom is a sponge.

                                                              Only the bottom two things came with the filter. I know it looks dirty, but dirty there is a good thing. Or it at least seems to be working very well for me. Obviously, as other people have been posting excellent ideas too. There is no one right way. “Right” is when your fish are healthy and happy.

                                                              The water in my tank in that picture isn’t as clear as I would like for it to be because I took out the ‘breeding tank’ I had in there and some stuff had stuck to it. The little bit of red that you can see in the tiki hut is that light from Drs. Foster and Smith. It makes it so I can watch the cory cats eat as I fall asleep. I joke that the natives feast in the light of the volcano (which is something I want to get with a bigger tank…).

                                                              Oh, and breeding failed me this morning. I could only catch the female I wanted, the male was way to quick and tricky for me to catch without moving stuff in my tank. So tomorrow we will try again! Also, when I first woke up and looked over at the tank I could see them starting to spawn, and the cory cats happily eating under them.


                                                            • KatnipCrzy
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                                                                One of our tanks is freshwater- and we have had some different types of fish over the years. 29 gallon.

                                                                We tried the dwarf puffers- they were cute- but only ate live worms- we started with 5 or 6- it got down to a pair- maybe due to aggression?  And even then I am not sure if it was male and female and they can be difficult to sex when they are young.  So our tank was practically bare so we bought so Glo-Fish- genetically altered fish that glow underblack light.  We had about 5 of those and are again down to 2- and the red chases the yellow/green.

                                                                So I was looking on Craigslist- and found local people that bristlenose plecos for sale for $1- and my husband picked up 3 of those- and someone else had German Blue Ram young ones for $1 and he got 8 of those.  9 ended up in the bag- and hopefully as they mature they will pair up.  (We had a pair of Bolivian Rams a long time ago in a different tank).

                                                                I recommend that people start with freshwater and then try saltwater- saltwater is a lot more expensive- all the livestock, equipment and electricity to run it.  And sometimes fish just die- and I am glad that I got over that stage with the guppies we originally started with in freshwater before I got into saltwater.  I used to get upset when they would die- and feel bad.  I still feel bad when any of our fish die- but I can handle it better now.  And I used to think freshwater fish were expensive- the most we have paid for a saltwater fish was probably about $150- but I have friends that have paid $1000 for a single rare Angel fish- and they have multiple other expensive fish.

                                                                We had probably 8 freshwater tanks at one time- then husband got into saltwater- and then at one point had 1 freshwater along with 5 saltwater tanks.  We are down to the original 29 gallon freshwater tank that we started with and have never taken down- a 6 foot reef tank- and a 50 gallon frag tank to grow out corals in.

                                                                 


                                                              • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                                                  Since you did not get any fish yet, I would suggest a fishless cycle. By this I mean, grow your healthy bacteria in the tank and filter before putting any fish/critters into it. I am not sure if you are aware of what I mean by ‘cycle’ so I will go over it really quick just in case.

                                                                  Thanks! Yup doing fishless cycle now-so far readings are good but I want to give it several weeks and wait Just starting tonight to get some algae

                                                                  I recomend AP freshwater master test kit. It’s accurate and economical. It also includes pH tests.

                                                                  AWESOME!! That’s what I bought-but you never know-rabbits teach you that pet stores sell whatever and it’s not always good So that’s GREAT to know that I bought something right

                                                                  You could see if there is an aquarium club in your area. If so,and they have a forum, you could try asking if anyone would be willing to give you some of their cultured filter mateiral to kick start your cycle with. Since you don’t know anyone with an aquarium that would be a good idea and would speed things up tremendously.

                                                                  Finally! Thank you ! I’ve been trying to figure out where I am supposed to get gravel etc from an established tank if this is my first tank! lol Thanks!

                                                                  i have a 220 gallon in my basement

                                                                  WOW

                                                                  i have a 220 gallon in my basement

                                                                  I’m lost here too. Personally I don’t like the look of real plants (well coral and salt water plants are rad. but green freshewater plants-yuck) -same thing we had probs with plants in our tanks when I was young too. Too many snails on them. Also the fake plants-well they are pretty.
                                                                  But I heard i you have real plants it means you drain your tank less and can regulate your cycle better? Is that true? If so-then I’d think worth it…but if not then I wouldn’t get them.

                                                                  but i do think that at some point the puffers need salt.

                                                                  Depends on the species-there are freshwater, brackish and salt water species

                                                                  ok, looks like i wrote a book anyways lol. i am here if u need me.

                                                                  I am loving every tip and tidbit I can get-=appreciate your help Write books for me lol

                                                                  I joke that the natives feast in the light of the volcano (which is something I want to get with a bigger tank…).

                                                                  hehehehe

                                                                  We tried the dwarf puffers- they were cute- but only ate live worms- we started with 5 or 6- it got down to a pair- maybe due to aggression? And even then I am not sure if it was male and female and they can be difficult to sex when they are young.

                                                                  worms or snails? I keep reading it’s snails? Yeah as babies-I mean they are so small! At adults it’s easy to tell and the males only have florescent eye wrinkles, dorsal stripes and yellow bellies but the babies-man they all look the same!

                                                                  but I have friends that have paid $1000 for a single rare Angel fish- and they have multiple other expensive fish.

                                                                  Some of the salt angels are SO beautiful-but they are so hard to keep! I’d want to work up to salt and then seahorses…but oh man-so much knowledge needed


                                                                • Crayon
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                                                                    KytKattin: Your tank looks good too. I saw that background at the store and wondered what it would look like on a tank.. I like.
                                                                    I may have to go see if it is still there!

                                                                    Kokaneeandkahlua, that background would look pretty awesome on your tank too.
                                                                    I bet if you wound up with the blue lobster he would feel pretty safe walking around all camo’ed! Blue on blue on blue! GO BLUE!


                                                                  • KatnipCrzy
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                                                                      The dwarf puffers will eat snails too- but we have plants in our freshwater tank- and so we are careful about what snails go in there as some are like lawnmowers and destroy/damage the plants.  We did buy a couple that would not destroy the plants- but they were in there for awhile before the puffers finally at them- I think the puffers were too young at first. 

                                                                      We were feeding them blackworms- they are $1 at the local pet store.  I think they are pretty gross- they are kept in the refrig!  So everytime I open the refrig I see a little container of worms- and some like to hang out at the top of the water by the lid- so it looks like they want to escape. Yuck.  My husband is still feeding them to his freshwater fish- and the betta loves them too.  (The betta is in a little tank that has a filter (and light- but I took that off)- and it is on our kitchen counter and our cats drink out of it.  We had the previous betta for over 3 years and when he died- the cats stopped drinking as much water.  So we got another betta- and they are drinking more again.  We have tap water- so instead of using dechlorinator as I do not want the cats to drink that- we use RO/DI water from our filter system for making water to be able to mix saltwater.

                                                                      We added some shrimp to the tank- and I love to see them swimming around- especially at feeding time- amano shrimp

                                                                      http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/…catid=1843

                                                                       

                                                                       


                                                                    • Sage Cat
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                                                                        I have never had fish.
                                                                        There is a big aquarium store very close to me. Y’all have me tempted.


                                                                      • Monkeybun
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                                                                          I had a betta fish for a bit. Silly thign decided his favorite spot to sleep was under the filter… and then he went and got his fins sucked up into it. He didn’t last long after that


                                                                        • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                                                            We were feeding them blackworms- they are $1 at the local pet store. I think they are pretty gross- they are kept in the refrig! So everytime I open the refrig I see a little container of worms- and some like to hang out at the top of the water by the lid- so it looks like they want to escape. Yuck. My husband is still feeding them to his freshwater fish- and the betta loves them too. (The betta is in a little tank that has a filter (and light- but I took that off)- and it is on our kitchen counter and our cats drink out of it. We had the previous betta for over 3 years and when he died- the cats stopped drinking as much water. So we got another betta- and they are drinking more again. We have tap water- so instead of using dechlorinator as I do not want the cats to drink that- we use RO/DI water from our filter system for making water to be able to mix saltwater.

                                                                            Seee I like to think I’m not being difficult-I have not eaten meat in 16 years….Not pushing

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                                                                        Forum THE LOUNGE Valentines present early-I got an aquarium!!!