gpalasz

Hello..I just purchased an eclipse 12 gallon. I wanted something bigger but..that will have to wait till next year. I may be moving so...didnt want something too big. Anyway...is this eclipse decent? Ive read alot..researched..seems the BIO wheel does a great job. I really like tetras and just wanted to keep it a tetra tank. I will start cycling it tomorrow. I wanted a few live plants and a school of just one species of tetra. I love the cardinals(though they seem a little "tougher" to acclimate) and love the black neons. I have a real good local fish store so..the quality of fish wont be a problem. Any reccomendations for a single tetra species? Thanks.

Callum The Cat

1 word of advice let the tank cycle first

if u want some tetra some columbian tertas a nice small schooling fish is any kind of cory cat or some harequin rasboras

Peace Out Callum!

gpalasz

Yes I start cycling tomorrow. I bouth the "stuff" that speeds up the process. I will also get a danio. About how many tetras can I keep in there.

Callum The Cat

have u got some kind of test kit or can get it tested? because i still would give it a week or 2

Peace Out Callum!

gpalasz

Yes...that is the plan for two weeks at least I will buy a test kit.

Callum The Cat

ok cool sounds good

Peace Out Callum!

gpalasz

So about how many neon tetras can be happy in there?

sirdarksol

What "stuff" did you get? The consensus around here is that there is only one brand that works, the others just use smoke and mirrors to make it look like they're working.
Bio-Spira is the brand that actually works. The other ones use similar bacteria that are non-aquatic (the terrestrial versions build spores, which means they have a longer shelf life and don't need to be refrigerated). They work for a little while, but they eventually die out, releasing the ammonia back into the water.
I've used the "others" before, and they don't work in the long run.

I wouldn't get a danio for cycling. I personally believe it is cruel to the fish. Just because it can survive it, doesn't mean it will like it. Plus, once you're done cycling, you've got a fish that you didn't necessarily want in your tank. Honestly, unless you have bio-spira, I would go the liquid ammonia or the raw fish route.
If, on the other hand, you do have bio-spira, you should be able to put some fish in right away. In the end, you could have 9 or so neons, but you probably want to start with fewer and build up to a full school (I'd go with three a week for three weeks)

gpalasz

Thanks for the reply. Its not the one you described...its the blue bottle one w/ two arrows on it. I got at petsmart. I have not opened it. I gues ill bring it back and get the other one.

Wolfgang8810

sounds like stabilaty from seachem.

Wolfgang8810

gpalasz

yes, that is what I have. Is this any good....or should I get the other one?

Wolfgang8810

Studies showed that it wasnt the right bacteria for aquariums. It wont hurt it but chances are it wont make it go any faster. the right kind of bacteria is called Bio Spira by marine land. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...1&N=2004&Nty=1
it is really expensive online but if you ask your local fish store they may have it cheaper. Another Live bacteria brand is called turbo start it is just as good. http://www.fritzpet.com/turbo700_main.html. they are both rather costly but they really help you cycle quickly.

>.<
Mark

COBettaCouple

this link: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm gives a good run-down on cycling. the 2 beneficial bacteria that you want to develop colonies of are listed in the diagram. they have about a 15-hour life span under normal conditions, 1 converts ammonia to nitrites, the 2nd converts nitrites to nitrates. Cycle, Stability, etc just don't have those, can't have them and we used cycle for a few months before learning it was expensive water. That's why BioSpira is refrigerated with a short shelf life.

Cycling fishless is the best way to go. For one thing, fish that survive cycling can have health problems and/or shortened lifespans, perhaps even introduce disease to a community tank. Another reason is without fish in there, you can crank up the heat. warmer water will help with cycling time. we can usually cycle a tank in about 3 weeks or so with the water around 90, the heat isn't a huge factor though and the main thing is to remember to 'feed' the tank every 12 hours or so (that 15 hour life span) to keep the cycle moving along.

gpalasz

Thanks for the replies...I plan on getting some Spira tomorrow..I will keep you posted as to my results.

COBettaCouple

great! best of luck and we'll look forward to pics!

gpalasz

Will do..I plan to get a couple plants this weekend...Java fern seems popular...also I want to get one I plant as well....is there anyhting extra you need to put in the gravel for one or two hardy plants? Or is that "stuff" you put in w/ the soil more if you have several plants? Thanks.

gpalasz

another question... My filter tube where the water is drawn in that is submerged in the aquarium. It is just sitting above the gravel. Should I take a few inches off to make it more in the middle? Or is it OK where its at?