kjm2270

I just bought a 5 gallon hex tank from Wal-Mart that has been cycling (I think that's the right word) for three days. It contains a hygrophila plant, and I just added two male (I'm pretty sure) platties today. I was told by the pet store employees that I could add a Kuhlii loach and a Chinese algae eater in a couple of weeks, but based on what I have read on this site so far, this tank may not be big enough for just the two platies! Please advise. They seem very happy and healthy right now, but I would hate to see them die.

Lucy

Hi kjm
Welcome to Fish Lore

Congrats on your new aquarium. Unfortunately 5g won't hold many fish (don't ya love the pictures the direction show with all those fish!)
Platties can grow up to 2", so I'm afraid you don't have room for loaches.

Before doing any thing else, please read up on the nitrogen cycle:
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

Good luck!

kjm2270

What about a Chinese algae eater?

Lucy

I'm not familiar with them, so I looked at their profile. It says they can get up to 11"? Wow!
http://www.fishlore.com/profile-chinesealgaeeater.htm

If that's right, than definitely not. A general rule of thumb says, you can have 1" of adult fish per gallon of water, depending on the fish.
So with your tank, that only leaves you an inch. When choosing fish, go by their adult size cause they can grow fast.

How about some ghost shrimp? They're pretty cool and don't add much to the bio load so you can add a few. They can be sensitive to water conditions, so if you decide to get them, wait until your cycle is finished.

kjm2270

I just finished reading about the nitrogen cycle. Yikes! Why do they allow people like me to buy aquariums?! I'm going to say a prayer for these poor little fish and hope they make it through the week!

Now if/when this tank is properly cycled and if our two little platies live, can anything else be added to this 5g tank or is it maxxed out? And how do I properly maintain such a small tank?

Lucy

Yeah, it happens to a lot of people. The only reason I found out about the cycle, is I was researching fish before I bought them.

If you do daily water changes, 25%-50% and use a good condition, I use Stress Coat, but a lot here recommend Prime, your fish have a chance to survive the cycle.

Have you gotten a test kit? If not, stay away from the strips, they're not accurate. The API master kit is highly recommended on this forum. It can be pricey, but well worth it.
You should also have a gravel vac.

I don't know that I'd add anything else. Once it is cycled you can add something that stays small. Have you checked out the shrimp?

There's a great thread for beginners, let me see if I can find it for you.

kjm2270

I used a water conditioner when I started the tank, although we live in a rural area with no chlorine in the water, and I was told to add Stress Zyme on day 1, day 7, and day 14. I do not have a test kit, but it looks like I need to get one, nor do I have a gravel vac. How often does one vacuum?

Do daily water changes stress the fish and do I need to add anything when I do the water changes and what about the water temp? Sorry so many questions. I don't think I'll ever go to a pet store again!

Lucy

Here ya go, this should help you:

READ FIRST: Freshwater Beginner Important Topics

Something you might want to consider, you can return the 5g hex to Walmart and exchange it for their 10g kit. I'm pretty sure it costs less. With the savings and the extra room, you could have more fish! After the cycle is complete, of course.

Do you have a heater?

kjm2270

Yes, I do have a heater, but no thermometer...doh! (Like I said, I shouldn't be allowed to own fish!) And, because I had an hour long drive before I got home, the pet store employee told me not to bother acclimating the fish to the new tank but just to dump them in!

Lucy

Hey, don't worry about asking too many questions. The members of the forum are always happy to help.

Since you're cycling with fish, daily water changes are a must, the effect of ammonia are deadly and they'll get used to the water changes.
I would still add a water conditioner, it also helps detoxify heavy metals in the water.
I just try to get match the water temp by feeling it.

Stress Zyme, I know I was sold some when I first started with fish, but I only used it once, I think. Honestly, I forget what it's supposed to do or if it works.
Maybe someone else will chime in about that.

A couple other ways to get your cycle moving is adding bio-spiro, I don't have first hand knowledge of it but many of the member swear by it and it's supposed to be an instant cycle. The other is borrowing some filter media, gravel and or a decoration from a friend's established tank. That would help seed the tank with beneficial bacteria.

Lucy

Yikes! Ok, well now you know not to listen to that employee anymore. lol

You'll be ok, just read all you can, do your water changes and you and your fish will be fine.

kjm2270

Stress Zyme is a bio-filter booster and my plant came from an established tank, so maybe that will help. Should I just set out a bucket of water add water conditioner and Stress Zyme, and use the conditioned water to replace 25 -50% of the tank water each day? And for how many days? We live in a rural area and the nearest store is 50 miles away, so I will not be able to get a test kit or a thermometer or a gravel vac for a week or so. I am really going to have to pray for these fish!

Lucy

The plant should help, if it was kept warm and wet.

You don't really have to let the bucket sit out, just try and judge the water temp and add the water conditioner, again, I can't comment on the stress zyme.
It's hard to say how long it takes to cycle. Could be a couple of weeks to a month. Maybe less since you added the plant.

I understand about being rural, and with the price of gas, you can't really run out to buy 1 thing.
Once you get the test kit, test your tank daily and keep a log.
The numbers you're shooting for are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and 5-10 nitrates.

Don't worry, you'll do fine!

kjm2270

Thanks! I'll let you know if they live!

Lucy

Your welcome, good luck to you and don't forget to post some pics!

kjm2270

Well...they made it through the night! When would be the best time to change their water? And when is the best feeding time? The pet store was feeding them at 3:30 pm.

Lucy

That's great!

You can change the water anytime that is best for you. I'd try and make it around the same time everyday.

I feed my fish twice a day, just a pinch, their tummys are only as big as their eye. It's really easy to over feed these little buggers.

kjm2270

Thanks!