Nutter

Wether or not you need an airstone depends on how you set up the filter you choose & the stocking level of the tank. An airstone may not be needed if there is a fair bit of surface movement being cause by the filter. Oxygen enters the water through surface exchange, not the introduction of oxygen bubbles into the tank. The bubbles from an air pump are not in contact with the water for long enough for there to be any significant exchange of oxygen into the water. The bubbles from airstones push water upwards increasing surface movement. On the other hand if a tank is heavily stocked or warm weather raises the water temps, then an airstone may be required to increase surface agitation. You may also want one purely for decorative purposes.

omnitheforsaken

Sounds like you got a lot of good advice, hopefully not confusing. As far as your pH issue goes, I don't think you have anything to worry about doing a standard water change. A small waterchange shouldn't hit your pH like a ton of bricks. I would just make sure that the point where your pH stabilizes is identified. I added driftwood to one of my tanks and the pH dropped and dropped with no end in sight over the course of a month. But the good thing about pH is that it's easy to control. You can look into buffers (natural and/or chemical) if you're concerned about your pH.

I personally recommend the AquaClear HOB filters. I swear by them and will never use any other HOB filter. The one's I have are so quiet that I used to think that they weren't working. If you go the HOB filter route, I suggest you get 2 filters instead of 1. This will give you a backup incase you need to shut 1 down temporarily. So, instead of 1 AC 70 for example. You can get 2 AC 50's or something like that.

That being said, I've never used a canister filter so I can't give you any insight into them.

About the airstone, Nutter is right. I would consider using live plants to provide the required oxygen for the fish. They will do that and also help remove/utilize the nitrates that will build up in the tank.

Elvishswimmer

Thanks Nutter! Makes sense about the airstone. I may want one for decoration later, but right now I might keep as is, I'll see how my tank set up works with whatever new filter I get.

And thanks for the pH advice omni! I'll maybe look into some natural buffers to stabilize the water if I notice it drop too much. I'm sure that with regular water changes it shouldn't drop TOO low, but I'll be sure to keep an eye on it.

Seeing as I have NEVER taken care of fish before, I want to make sure I get that down pat before I get plants. Not to mention the goldies will probably tear them up pretty good too (or so I've heard). I'll keep them in mind maybe for the future though. I really like plants and an underwater garden sounds intriguing, maybe if I get another non-goldie tank in the future!

marble26

Elvish, I think you have the wrong idea about bubbles/air stones. In actuality, these add very little direct oxygen to your tank. What they actually do is circulate the water and keep the waters surface from filming over. Most of the oxygen in the water takes place through absorbtion at the water surface. A bubble source in your aquarium does add a nice touch and some fish like to play in them. An HOB filter or canister that has the return set in such a way as to break the surface tension of the water accomplishes the same thing. One other thing concerning the filter and GPH rates..some ornamental goldfish aren't very good swimmers and can struggle if there is too strong of flow in your tank. If you decide on this type, you will have to comprimise to a lower flow filter and most likely have to do more water changes as a result. Those types of fish are really nice looking but a little more work. Good luck.

aquarist48

Hello Elvis. I also have the Magnum H.O.T. (hang on tank) filter w250gph. The out take tube (where the water comes out of the filter and into the tank) is positioned right at the surface of the water and generates a lot of surface water movement. An air stone would not be necessary in my opinion. I feel it would be a bit shy of what you need gph (gallons per hour) wise for your tank but as long as you're not over stocked then it may do just fine (around $60 as mentioned in another post). Not only can you use the HOT filter around the clock, it comes with an additional "micron cartridge" for water polishing and it filters down to the micron. The filter media that you use around the clock can be placed inside the tank while you use the micron cartridge for a few hours. I'm still partial to the Aqua Clear HOB (hang on back) though. Both of these filters are extremely quiet.
Please keep us updated on your progress!
Ken

Elvishswimmer

Well, for an update. I think I added WAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY x 10 too much ammonia.
So when I get home tonight I'm going to do a water change and get the ammonia level around 4.0 or so and then keep it there. I've read that the bacteria can get a negative feedback if there is too much ammonia, so I'll keep it around 4 and hopefully I'll start getting some nitrites soon.

I don't imagine my tank will cycle before this weekend, but I might go and check out the LFS that I was reccommended in the area and see how their fish look and check out the filters there to get my new one.

There is another fish store that I went to, it was where I got most of my decorations. I went to look at the goldfish and wasn't very happy with them. They had new arrivals that said they weren't ready for sale yet, but they were ALL covered in white fungus looking things. The ones that were for sale there were many that looked like they had swim bladder problems and were floating around or swimming on their sides, and just overall didn't look healthy. I don't think I'll be wanting to get my fish from there.

From the sounds of it, this other place is MUCH better, so I look forward to checking it out!

Lucy

Be patient, it can take up to a month to cycle a tank.
Good idea about the water change.
Remember, we use ammonia to kill bacteria in our homes. Too much can do the same in our tanks.

Nutter

I agree with Lucy, be patient. I will go a step further & say outright that you shouldn't put any fish in there yet. You have the ability to do the fishless cycle, so follow the full course of it & your fish will not be at risk when you get them.

Elvishswimmer

I totally agree with you nutter.
I meant just going to the fish store to see how the fish look there, and to get the new filter I want. If the fish don't look like they are treated well there, then it's off to find another store!

I would never put the fish in there the way it is now though. I just took out 15G of water (about a 40% change) and the ammonia is still at the 8.0 colour of the API test kit. And because 8.0 is the highest range, I bet that my ammonia is still off the charts.

I wouldn't wanting to be breathing air with that much ammonia in it that's for sure. Let alone let other things breathe that, I'm sure they would die within 10 seconds.

I ran out of water conditioner (it was just a trial 30mL bottle that came with the tank). And if there is even a SMALL chance that there are some bacteria in there, then I don't want to put any untreated water in yet.
So I'll have to wait till I find time to get over to the fish store to get more conditioner before I can take out more water to bring the ammonia levels down.

Don't ask me what I was thinking when I put so much in at first
You live you learn I guess. It was fun to do my first water change, still getting the hang of the method that I saw a video about on this site.

Elvishswimmer

WOOOHOOO!!!

I'm so excited!
16 days since I have set up my tank... and I have Nitrites!

I was so worried I killed any bacteria possible with my ammonia overdose. But they are there!

I had a really tough week with school and everything, and since I have nothing immediately due, I gave myself the night off. So I've been chilling around online, reading Facebook, or another site I frequent, or here. And after reading for a while I decided to go and stare at my fish tank...... Yes. I like to stare at my empty fish tank, LOL. I think it is because I still can't get over the fact I actually have one.

Well while staring, I though meh, I haven't tested for a while, lets try again. And I noticed that my ammonia closer to 4.0 colour rather than exactly the colour of 8.0. I was a little doubtful, but thought to just test nitrites for the heck of it. And I have some!!! 0.25 PPM.
I was so excited, a great way to end a crappy week! With my little ammonia-oxidizers working away now, I am one step closer to getting fishies!

Sorry for the rambling post! I'm really excited!

Nate McFin

Congrats on the nitratesGreat looking tank so far as well. I enjoyed reading your thread and it looks like your off to a great start.

Muffymouse

Congrats on reaching the next stage of the cycle. I love the look of your tank and I'm sure it will look even better with your goldie friends when it is time =) Hang in there, things are looking great