eric_m

my cycle ended not too long ago and decided to finally take a plunge .. So I got a dozen cardinal tetra.. and wow they are fantastic.. I read that they shouldnt be the first fish.. but there's 12 so technically not the first fish.. hehehe..
ok so they have been in for the last 24 Hrs.. and still going strong.. appitite is good and is very active.. I noticed that they wait for the food to float down before eating it.. so that leaves some on the bottom..

I need suggestions on a bottom feeder.. i'm open to anything.. my only requirement is that it has to be cardinal friendly..also dont want anything that grows too big.. i'd rather have an army of small fishes.. then a few big ones..

I'm also entertaining the idea of snails.. but don't want to deal with an out of hand population growth of snails.. I want to enjoy them and not think of it as pests..

eric_m

I didnt see this post when I wsa writing this one

Looking for small algae eater(s) for freshwater tank

Do Oto's eat the small fish flakes that fall on the bottom also.. or do they jsut eat algea??

capekate

Hi Eric,
As you know, Cardinal tetras are very sensitive fish and especially in a newly cycled tank. So with that.. you should really make sure to test that water and do frequent water changes, to make sure your ammonia has not raised due to adding the 12 fish all at once. It takes no time at all for this to happen, as quickly as 12 hours. So be sure to test your water daily for at least a week. With your test results you will be able to tell if you need to do more or less water changes.
Cory cats are nice bottom feeders and can help clean up your tank, as well as snails from what I have heard. Most cat fish grow large and like cooler temps than your Cardinals need, which is generally around 82-84*, so they may be out..
cant wait to see photos of your school of tetras. I used to have about 17 of these little guys at once, and due to early mistakes, a hungry Angel fish and a faulty heater, and mini cycles, I am now down to the last 2. All things happened in a years span of time.

eric_m

So far the water lvl is ok I cycled using my brothers filter insert (I replaced his with a new one doing him a favour lol..).. I read that the water should be 73-81 degrees.. I've had mine at a steady 79-80, PH at 6.5.. I was banking on the large tank to keeping the water conditions steady (78g)

DarkRevoultions

Ok, you never tell us how big your tank is.

You need to have a big tank to fit a lot of fishes in, and you aren't very specific on what KIND of bottom feeders.

I have a pleco in my 29, and 350, not my 200 gallon so then I can siphon the tank more often.

Shawnie

dark this thread is over 4 months old LOL ....