I just started a tank a week ago. I was wondering what else I need 4 my tank. I already have pH ajuster/chlorine remover, net, plants, hiding spots, filter, heater, thermometer, food, 6 tetras, 2 mollies, 1 algea eater, and 2 guppies, am I missing anything important?
2007-03-20 09:48:56 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
The guys @ the store told us we didn't need to clean the rocks, just some of the water @ a time.
2007-03-20 09:59:29 · update #1
Iwould say a gravel vacuum, an algae scraper to get the algae off the glass and an ammonia test kit. it soulds like your tank is new so you will need to watch the ammonia very closely for the first few weeks and do water changes to keep it low until the bacteria builds up enough to keep the tank safe for fish.
MM
2007-03-20 10:41:32 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like you've got a good start. A Gravel vac is a necessary tool, and it's a good idea to vacuum part of the gravel every week, at the same time that you do the water change, that way you keep on top of things before the dirt gets out of hand. A sponge to scrape algae off the glass is a good idea too - comon soap-free household ones do the job, no need to spend extra at the fish store.
As mentioned, do not use the PH adjuster - this stuff is dangerous and it's a shame they sell it so readily at the store. Playing with your PH will stress the fish, so just leave it alone. All you need is a test for AMMONIA and a test for NITRITE, as these are the two poisons that will kill your fish.
In fact, don't add any additives at all except for the chlorine mremove - the pet store may try to sell you all sorts of stuff, but I can assure you it's only because they're consumables that you need to go back to buy again. The more junk you add to the water, the more you increase the chances of trouble.
You didn't mention what types of food you got, but make sure you feed the algae eater too - there isn't enough in algae in a mature tank to keep them going for long, let alone a new tank.
"The guys @ the store told us we didn't need to clean the rocks, just some of the water @ a time."
He's full of it. Waste sinks into the rocks. if you don't vacuum it out it will just keep building up until you get nitrate problems, algae problems, and the slightest disturbance of the substrate will stir up a big mess after a while. Trust me, the better you are at sticking to a weekly cleaning schedule, the cleaner your tank will be for longer, and the less hassle you'll have later on.
2007-03-20 18:14:03 · answer #2 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a stand? Most types of regular furniture will buckle under the enormous pressure tanks will put on them. It also depends on what size your tank is. I have a 55 gallon with a tank stand. I also have a 10 gallon quarantine tank (probably going to convert to small community tank) sitting on my kitchen counter.
I would also recommend getting a water test kit, just in case.
2007-03-20 16:55:11 · answer #3 · answered by Becca 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How big is the tank? You need a gravel vac. You don't need a pH adjuster. You need a test kit for at least ammonia and pH.
2007-03-20 16:52:55 · answer #4 · answered by JJB 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have exactly what u need you dont need anything else i think ur just excited and want more thats how i was at first.
2007-03-20 18:07:44 · answer #5 · answered by jarrett t 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
do you have the cool looing reef pictures you hang on the back of the tank
2007-03-20 16:57:09 · answer #6 · answered by itsmepaco 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a miniature flourescent pirates chest with a skeleton in it and little gold pieces.
2007-03-20 16:52:27 · answer #7 · answered by urrrp 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋