FlintyDoughy

So I have been thinking about getting an aquarium for about a year, but never got one because I knew nothing about it. So for Christmas I got a 55g, Fluval 305 filter, water conditioner and a Fish for Dummies book. I read the book over and over, but pressure from the family pushed me into getting the aquarium set up before I was really ready (mistake 1). I spent hours talking to the LFS staff to try and get a handle what to do. they sold me some cycle and waste remover (mistake 2) 24 hours after filling the aquarium with water, I came home and there were 2 love heart parrots in there. At the time, I was aware of the nitrogen cycle, but the fish book said you could cycle with fish, so I thought it was ok (mistake 3). The LFS also sold me a heater and thermometer. The LFS store said I had to wait 2 weeks before adding more fish, so over the course of January, I got 3 kennyi, 2 pictus cats, one electric yellow lab and 3 bala sharks (mistake 4). Pretty much immediately, the parrots lost their colour and everyone seemed really calm. About a week after i got the balas (LFS said they would be fine in a 55, but I know better now), the balas and catfish died within 24 hours of each other. That's when I found this site.

After spending at least 20 hours reading the forums and articles, I am fairly sure I know what I am doing. I immediately did a 50% water change with the water conditioner and headed off to the pet store. I took back the unused cycle, waste remover and aquaplus conditioner and got a big bottle of prime, air pump and air stones, a python and a master test kit.

My nitrates were through the roof. Knowing that it was my fault the catfish and balas died, I felt terrible. I felt so bad that I was barely sleeping at night worrying about the other fish still living in there. Since, I have done 50% water changes every day and now I have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrate and 5-10 nitrates (still testing every day though until I know for sure that the water is good).

Now, the colour in the parrots is back and everyone is moving around a lot more. They have all determined their territories and get along pretty well (other than the odd chase).

I just wanted to say thanks to the forum for helping me (and my fish) get on the right track. I am finally sleeping good at night and not worrying that I am making the fish suffer.

On another note, the parrots just kill me, they are so friendly.

Lucy

Welcome to the forum!
I'm really glad things are on track with your tank and you can enjoy your fish.
Post some pics soon, we'd love to see them.

Jonah

hey welcome

Isn't this site amazing, only difference between us is that I found the site before the 1st fish hit the tank, and for that my fish are eternally grateful.

looks to me like your cycle is right in shape there

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore!!

although we do take blame for alot of our mistakes, faulty information from a LFS that we should be able to trust, doesnt help...dont take all the blame, share the blame where it belongs..with them!! im glad you did your reading afterwards and know now the safest way to keep healthy fish..please share pics when you can and goodluck with the futuer endeavors!!!

Stradius011

Welcome to Fishlore! I have made big mistakes too and I'm pretty sure we all do xD Anyways what are you planning to stock in your 55 gallon? Kenyis are pretty aggressive cichlids and you may want other aggressive African cichlids with them

FlintyDoughy

Actually, I think I might get between 2-4 pictus cats and call it a day. I don't want to overstock. Although, I would appreciate any suggestions.

Shawnie

we can help or suggest things if you can post exactly what you have kept and havent kept ...whats the exact fish in the tank now? im a brunette and my moments are on overload lately LOL ive read the original post and cant figure if you gave anything back or kept them all LOL

FlintyDoughy

I have 2 parrots, 3 kennyi and one electric yellow lab. Thanks

agabr123

welcome to fishlore

steveangela1 is the cichlid expert around here and will be able to give you lots of info on the kenyi and the yellow lab and what else you can stock in the tank

Shawnie

im just getting into the africans and different cichlids of that sort ...but I can tell you that the parrots and pictus probably will not be able to stay with the others as they mature...africans dont play well with others and can be the mean sorts...angela will have info if she see's the thread and can be much more help ....