aceigga03

I have a 10 gallon tank with 4 tiger barbs in it....I used StressZyme to cycle the tank and they seem to be doing great...i did a water test and it read Safe nitrate and nitrite,pH was fine, as well as alklinity...ive had it for about 2 weeks and want to know when i can add more fish...HELP PLEASE ))

iloveengl

Hello Aceigga. Welcome to FishLore and congrats on the new tank.

Before we suggest fish, can you also list your ammonia readings? StressZyme does not truly cycle a tank, but some say it speeds up the cycle process. I'm concerned you may have a false positive. What kind of test kit do you use?

Also, tiger barbs grow to about 3" each and need more room to swim than a 10 gallon provides.

You may find these links interesting: http://www.fishlore.com/freshwaterfish.htm and READ FIRST: Freshwater Beginner Important Topics

There's also a link with stocking ideas for smaller tanks, but I can't find it atm.

I'm sorry if this is a downer post, I just want to offer the best advice I can for you and your fish.

aceigga03

^My test kit doesnt test ammonia so i need to get something to check that tommorow. And also am planning to move into a bigger tank soon..should i wait to add fish? Thanks!

iloveengl

Glad to hear you're upgrading the tiger barbs

In my opinion, it would be best to wait until you have the ammonia readings and the barbs moved. (Even if the ammonia tests zero, adding fish to a tank with cramped tiger barbs may lead to injuries.) From my experience with the two types of test kits, liquid test kits are more accurate the strips and more cost effective. Your readings should be ammonia = 0, nitrIte = 0, nitrAte = 5-20. Keep us updated and keep asking any questions that come to mind!

aceigga03

Thanks so much!! i have the 5 in 1 strips....and i was convinced they didnt work until my boyfriend peed on one and got a different result...would the API master set be better? Also its been 3 weeks...should i do a water change?

iloveengl

at your bf peeing on it!

I used the 5-in-1 when I first started, then I tried the API liquid, and it's SO much better. Way more accurate readings, which is especially important with smaller and newer tanks, and it's more cost effective.

I definitely suggest a big water change (don't forget to add the water conditioner) asap. When you're at the pet store, I suggest grabbing a bottle of Prime or AmmoLock Plus. They do the work of a water conditioner, but they also neutralize ammonia, so it doesn't harm your fish. This way, you'll be prepared if the ammonia test shows high levels.

Btw, we're super addicted to fishy pics, so if you happen to have any, we'd love to see them!

aquarist48

Hello Aceigga and Welcome to Fish Lore. Some great tips and suggestions by Ilovee. If you can't find the AmmoLock PLUS then Amquel + is another good water conditioner for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Prime is great too. Once you've used the Amquel + it will detox ammonia but you may still get a positive reading during the 24 hour period. However the ammonia will not be harmful during the 24 hours.

StressZyme doesn't contain the necessary bacteria to maintain a cycle without adding it for the life of your tank. However, as Ilovee said it may help to speed it along. Tetra Safe Start (TSS)is the only bacterial additive that "may" actually cycle your tank that I am aware of. Some have had good luck with it and some have not.

Once you obtain the API (liquid) Master Test Kit and test for ammonia, should the ammonia levels be anything but 0 then I suggest daily 30 to 50% water changes until you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and under 20 nitrates. With a 10g tank the water changes won't be that difficult. Add your Prime or Amquel + or AmmoLock Plus (whichever you choose) with each water change and your fish should be safe for 24 hours until it's time for the next water change.

Best of luck and please keep us posted. Glad to have you on board! I hope you find the site helpful and informative. Lots of friendly members here.
Ken

aceigga03

OK the test came back fine...O ammonium and 5 nitrates....PH and others checked out ok too! So i want to add a few clown loaches...should i do a water change first? or add the fish first? im soo lost LOL

btate617

Just some info for you in case you don't know.
Clown loaches get large, 7-10" is common while some possibly 14"+ with proper care.
They also should be kept in groups, so without a very large tank this really isn't a good choice of fish for very many people.

Brian

thorpbrian

I think your 10 gal is overstocked with 4 tiger barbs. So I wouldn't add anymore fish and I'd try and upgrade to at least a 20 gal if at all possible. Like btate said, clown loaches get very big and like to be in groups so they really need very large tanks.

If you can get a larger tank for the barbs there are lots of possibilities of what you can properly stock the 10 gal with.

Oh, and don't worry or feel stupid. We've all been exactly where you are.

aceigga03

Im getting a 30 gallon for Christmas...and the Loaches at my LFS are like an inch big. Would it be cool to get 3 now and then move to a bigger tank? any other fish reccomendations

ynaggo

They get up to 15 inches so 3 I would not recommend getting because you would need a 75g+ tank

aceigga03

would 1 clown loache be ok>?

Meenu

They really should be in a group, I think.

here is a link on them

http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-ClownLoach.htm