Priyesh

I have an Elite 60 beginner’s aquarium set (60 litres). I have been cycling using the feeding method and using Nurafin AquaPlus and Nurafin Cycle. The petstore recommended some bog wood, which I am still soaking as it keeps turning the water brown. They also recommended some live plants, which I haven't bought yet as I am unsure if I should.

The water turned cloudy white in one day. I am planning to do a 30% water change after 7 days and add 6 Zebra Danios after 12 days. I plan to wait a month and then add 4 Neon Tetras, 2 Algae Eaters and after a few weeks 2 larger fish. I would like to ask what larger fish would be compatible. My local pet store stocks Dwarf Gouramis, Anglefish and Siamese fighting fish. I am an absolute beginner and would like to ask if I am doing this properly.

Thanks,
Pri

angelfish220

Well, First you need to purchase an aquarium testing kit to keep track of ammonia and nitrite and nitrate levels. Always buy a liquid test kit, as they are more accurate then strips. Then best around is the API freshwater test kit, it has all the tests you'll need and lasts quite a while.

Once your levels show no ammonia or nitrites and about 5 nitrate then you are ready to add fish.

60 liters is about 15 gallons. that is not enought room for an angel, and bettas cant be kept in community tank. A Dwarf gourami would normally be a great choice, but there is a virus going around right now that is lethal so a dwarf gourami wouldnt be a good purchace right now unless you have found a local breeder.

both zebra danios and neons need schools and there isnt really enough room in a 15 gall for both. If I were you I would choose one and have a 5-8 fish school of that.

For algae eaters I would recommend ottos as they are fun to watch and also eat amazing amounts of algae. they are also a schooling fish, but I think that they can be happy in a group of 3. These you should add last, as they are more sensitive to water quality, and you should have a decent amount of algae for them to eat. Their diet will also need suplimented with some cucumber or zuchini after they eat all the algae.

And...

WELCOME TO FISHLORE!!!

Shawnie

it will take more than 7 days to cycle that tank with the products you are using...Id do exactly what angelfish said and do not add anything until you know your water parimeters...get the test as LFS sell you everything and tell you things about your water readings that arent always true...

Priyesh

Thanks Angelfish, Thanks Shawnie. I'll buy the test kit asap. Do you have any suggestions on the types of fish I mentioned, as in are they compatible? I'm just trying to plan what fish I want so that I can research them beforehand. I do not have a seperate air pump and was thinking about buying one, is an air pump essential for 60 litre tank? Also I dont have any live plants, I was recommended 3, but not sure if thats too many.

angelfish220

A school of neons with a dwarf gourami and a trio of ottos would be great, but as I said before DO NOT buy a grouami now, as there is a virus going around breeders in singapore. If there is a local breeder around you though, that isnt having problems, buying one from them should be fine.

An air pump isnt essential, unless you really really enjoy watching bubbles! As long as you have a running filter you should be fine

Live plants are great, and they help your aquarium stay healthy. Java moss growing on your bog wood would look great, as would java fern. Water sprite and hornwart would also be great for a beginner with a low light tank. (Your tank is considered 'lowlight' because you have 1 watt of light for every gallon, some get as high a 4-6 watts per gallon!)

Priyesh

Thanks Angelfish, I've ruled out the beta and angel fish. I will research the others that you suggested whilst I'm waiting for the tank to cycle. I had no idea the tank was lowlight.

Thanks again.