ladyhawk

Hi!

I'm looking for some advice so I can get my new tank cycled, have a nice looking tank, and have happy fish!

I have a new 30 gal tank that has been filtering for almost 48 hrs. I've had the water tested and was advised it is fine to add starter fish. The plan is to move my 1 angel fish (female - spawned last month) and 1 loach which are presently in a small tank. I've had them since 2/08 and they are now fairly good size. I plan to move these 2 fish over to the 30 gal tank with new fish. I also plan on buying another angel fish, most likely it will be smaller than the one that I have.

For a 30 gal tank, what would be good starter fish that then could reside with the angel and loach? Some advice is to use tetras and other advice is no way with what I have.
How many starter fish?
And, what are good fish that could reside with the angel and loach? How many?
Thank you for your advice!

mrsmuffin

I know that this doesn't answer your question, but how are you cycling your tank? If you don't know about it, you can read about the cycle and how to cycle fishless here: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

Since you have an existing tank, you can use some filter media from it to kick start your cycle.

I am sure that someone will be along soon that will be able to help you more.

Alessa

Cycling a tank with fish is not adviced by us, hobbyists, because the ammonia and nitrite that fish produce hurts them and most of us think it is inhumane to cycle a tank with fish that will most likely end up with reduced lifespans, permanently injured or dead.

However, fish stores dont seem to think the same way as they just tell people to get starter fish, add it to a new tank and when they start getting sick and dying they will try to sell you a bunch of stuff that in the end does not work or new fish to replace the dead ones.

The recommended method for cycling a tank is going fishless. Starting with pure ammonia drops until the test kit says 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and some nitrates. Another method in which you can add fish safely is with a product called tetra safe start. You add it, add you fish and wait a week with no water changes or testing and you will be cycled.

Welcome and congrats on asking before doing anything

Lucy

Hi ladyhawk, Welcome to Fish Lore

mrsmuffin and Alessa gave good advice about cycling. The other thing I would suggest is getting yourself a test kit to test for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.
The API is highly recommended and very reliable. Please don't waste your money on the strips, they're inaccurate and a waste of money.

I'm sorry I can't help with your original question, but someone who can will chime in shortly.

Good luck with your tank and post some pics, we love them.

ladyhawk

Thank You for you're responses. I will try Smart Start. I do have the API test kit. Do you think I should use my existing fish (angel and loach) or should I get other fish?
I attached a pic of my 6gal and the 30 that i'm getting started. I am still trying to decide on what else to add as the decor.

Thanks

Attached Images

	6gal.JPG (218.1 KB, 22 views)
	30gal.JPG (180.4 KB, 20 views)

Lucy

Personally, unless you use Safe Start, I would cycle fishless, it's much more humane. Less stress for you, less harmful to your fish.

You have a beautiful angel, definetly in need of the larger tank.

mrsmuffin

Oh, I love the pots that you have in the new 30 gallon. You definitely need to get the angel and the loach out of the 6 gallon.

And Lucy is right about cycling fishless. The filter media should help you cycle pretty fast if you can't find Safe Start, though.

ladyhawk

I know. I feel awful that the angel and loach are in the 6 gal. That's why I started the 30. I'm heading out now to see if I can find Smart Start. Thanks again for all the help. I'll keep you updated as it comes along.

Lucy

I think what you're looking for is Tetra Safe Start, the new formula for Bio Spira.

ladyhawk

ooopps. I knew that. I work with computer servers that come with smart start.
Thanks

Shawnie

wow a nice upgrade!! that angel is very very beautiufl! love the coloring...and I agree, those pots are awesome also! ...goodluck!

jdhef

Good, because I was going to clarify the name. I've seen a product with a nmae similar to Safe Start (I forget the exact name but it might be Start Safe or something like that), but it is just a water conditioner and will not cycle your tank.

ladyhawk

Here's what I found out so far.

This Safe Start is not easy to find. Tried 2 wal-marts, called petsmart and called a could of Local pet stores.

I spoke to the owner from a local store and he carried Dr.Tims Aquatic One and Only. He told me that Dr.Tim Hovenac developed BioSpira when he worked for Marineland as chief science officer.... Long story short - He believes this is a good product.
I went to his place to pick it up, he went in the refrigerator to get it and guess what? He had the one for saltwater only. The one for fresh water is coming in tomorrow. We'll see.

Alessa

Weird they dont have it at walmart... hmmm... does anyone here know who would ship it?

mrsmuffin

I *think* I have heard someone on this board recommend the Dr. Tim's product before.

jdhef

I haven't found Safe Start at any of the stores in my area, although one lfs has BioSpira

acidpope

Finding SafeStart or FW BioSpira is like pulling teeth. No LFS in my area has either, and I've personally only found 1 online US site that sells it, all the rest are European. I'll be going the ammonia route with Stress Zyme or something like it, to help the ammonia method along a little (every little bit helps!). Below is the US site I found that sells it. Think it's located in CA: http://www.aquariumplants.com/SAFEST...a_p/tet-01.htm

I can't vouch for the site because I couldn't afford to order it.

Shawnie

thats where I got my bio spira..good site and reliable but expensive as bio spira has to be shipped overnight ...