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First I'd like to thank everyone who has given me advice and tips in the Welcome section. I went with the 29g as I felt that I could handle the maintenance and as this forum says, get the biggest that you can. I would've been interested in something in the 30-40g range but I wasn't able to find any kits to price so oh well. I went with the kit as I'm not 100% ready to piece together my own hardware.
I didn't plan on actually buying anything until after Turkey weekend because I'll be gone for five days and didn't think the fish would appreciate me leaving for that long. But, they had a $10 rebate for the kit and I was afraid they'd sell out of the TSS and Aqua Safe. I didn't buy anything else as they had plenty or I wanted to price on the internet. Currently waiting for the woman to let me know if she has gotten over her fear that there will be a huge Black Friday sale so I can open it.
The plan is to use TSS, obviously, with Zebra Danio's to jump start the cycle. I did plan on getting some live plants but the selection at the LFS was quite limited so I'll just stick with plastic. Going to buy the gravel at the hardware store as they want $30 for a 40lb bag at the LFS. I'll also be buying a strainer so I don't destroy my good one.
So, I'll update the thread whenever there is progress and yes, I love pictures just as much as the rest of you.
UPDATE 11/15/2009: I got the word that I can go ahead and unpack the box so here are a couple pictures. Sorry for the quality as my phone is being a pain today. I quickly hooked up the power so once I get everything set for real, I'll be sure to have a drip loop.
In regards to the contents, everything looks fine. Obviously I can't test the heater and filter now. The box said it had a digital temp gauge so I assume something that gave a reading in digital numbers like a digital clock. Well, it's just a strip which I don't call digital at all so that was a downer.
Funny, I never actually looked at the measurements of the tanks so I'm a bit surprised how big the tank really is. It turns out 29g is actually the largest my table can hold so that worked out well.
UPDATE 11/16/2009: I took the family to the LFS to look at fake plants and other items. A quick stop at Lowes got me a bag of pea gravel and another stop at Wal-Mart got me a cheap strainer. So, I washed everything and put together the tank. After I put it all together, I should've gotten a few more tall plants so I'll have to remember that for next time. I like the gravel and I like the way the tank works.
It would appear that the table has sunk into the carpet a bit and there is just the slightest tilt forward now. Me being the hardcore detailer, I noticed it but my woman didn't. Obviously there is no way for me to get a shiv underneath but since it's only a tilt of like 2-3/32nds I'm not worried about it.
Anyway, the woman is leaning towards the Cherry Barbs as she likes the way they look over the Zebra's. I was thinking of getting which ever she chooses on Wednesday. Anyway, it's taken me 45minutes to write this as I keep looking at the tank. Enjoy the pictures, I'll keep adding more.
Last edited by mosin360; November 17th, 2009 at 09:01 AM.
Oh my goodness, did that Tetra SafeStart come with the kit? If so, I'm impressed.
Are you starting with danios because you want them? If you don't, with TSS, you should be able to start with the fish you want. Unless of course, it's a species that prefers a well established tank.
Hey about the Black Friday thing. A lot stores will match their sale price if you bought something with in a month of the sale.
Check with them.
I used pea gravel from walmart. You're right, it's so much less expensive. $3.00 for a 50lb bag.
I saw Butterfly (one of the other Mods) bought hers at Home depot (I think) and her rock was a little rounder than mine.
Oh no, those are just bottles sitting on the box. The picture isn't very good so hard to tell.
I've looked at all the recommended starter fishes and I like Zebra's as much as Cherry Barbs but the price difference is quite big so I'm going to go with the cheaper.
I have danios that I started with, and I have 6 but they are still a little bit aggressive. I am waiting until my tank's been cycled at least a month, and then the LFS said they will take my danios, I am thinking of neon or cardinal tetras.
1) that is how I filled my tank. Also when you fill your tank if you have ornaments or fake plants in there it might be easier if you pour the water onto an upside down bowl so you don't destroy the placement of everything.
2) I ran my filter from the moment the tank was full. Just don't have the filter plugged in until the water level is above the intake.
I have danios that I started with, and I have 6 but they are still a little bit aggressive. I am waiting until my tank's been cycled at least a month, and then the LFS said they will take my danios, I am thinking of neon or cardinal tetras.
How often do you feed the Danio's? Do you think they could be fed on a Wed then have to wait till Sun to be fed again?
I see that in your photos you have your heater on the opposite side of the tank of your filter. It may work better if you put the heater near the filter intake so that you are heating water that will be moving through the tank.
How often do you feed the Danio's? Do you think they could be fed on a Wed then have to wait till Sun to be fed again?
I feed them once a day. I feed flakes, shrimp pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms (only once a week or less), and sinking granules. I just alternate what I am feeding them.
I have read on this forum that fish can go a week without eating, but I haven't done it. I have gone about 36 hours without feeding, and they have been fine.
I think your fish would do okay with a wed-sunday feeding if you are out, but I personally wouldn't make that the regular schedule.
I see that in your photos you have your heater on the opposite side of the tank of your filter. It may work better if you put the heater near the filter intake so that you are heating water that will be moving through the tank.
Good idea. I'll move it tonight while I'm filling it up.
I feed them once a day. I feed flakes, shrimp pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms (only once a week or less), and sinking granules. I just alternate what I am feeding them.
I have read on this forum that fish can go a week without eating, but I haven't done it. I have gone about 36 hours without feeding, and they have been fine.
I think your fish would do okay with a wed-sunday feeding if you are out, but I personally wouldn't make that the regular schedule.
Your fish should be fine. I know that in the past my family has gone on vacation for a week and all the fish survived without being fed that week.
Your fish should be fine. I know that in the past my family has gone on vacation for a week and all the fish survived without being fed that week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommybaby295
I feed them once a day. I feed flakes, shrimp pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms (only once a week or less), and sinking granules. I just alternate what I am feeding them.
I have read on this forum that fish can go a week without eating, but I haven't done it. I have gone about 36 hours without feeding, and they have been fine.
I think your fish would do okay with a wed-sunday feeding if you are out, but I personally wouldn't make that the regular schedule.
Alright, thanks for the input. I'll speak with the woman and see what she wants to do.
Dang. It would appear updating the title in the edit mode does not actually change the title on the thread selection page. Oh well, guess I'll just have to make a quick post. Anyway, look at the first post to see the new update.
Looks good. If you wanted to get any real plants I would recommend a wisteria or anubias. My wisteria has grown 8 inches or more in 4 weeks and all I do is leave the light on during the day. The anubias grows slower but is very easy to maintain. Any ideas on what you are going to stock the tank with after you cycle?
Looks good. If you wanted to get any real plants I would recommend a wisteria or anubias. My wisteria has grown 8 inches or more in 4 weeks and all I do is leave the light on during the day. The anubias grows slower but is very easy to maintain. Any ideas on what you are going to stock the tank with after you cycle?
When I said the LFS had a limited supply of live plants, I really mean limited. Like some grass and ugly green bulbs. So I'll hold off on live plants till another time.
I'll be using either the Zebras or Cherrys with TSS to get the cycle going. After that, I'm limited by the stock at the LFS's which isn't much. I did see some of those algae eaters Otos which I'd like to get in a few weeks. I might just end up having to make note of all the fish they got and coming home to research.
When I said the LFS had a limited supply of live plants, I really mean limited. Like some grass and ugly green bulbs. So I'll hold off on live plants till another time.
I'll be using either the Zebras or Cherrys with TSS to get the cycle going. After that, I'm limited by the stock at the LFS's which isn't much. I did see some of those algae eaters Otos which I'd like to get in a few weeks. I might just end up having to make note of all the fish they got and coming home to research.
Oh that sucks. There are no other stores in the area?
Oh that sucks. There are no other stores in the area?
I got a Wal-mart, Petco, and a local store. When I go get my fish tomorrow, I plan on asking the local store how often they update the stock. Otherwise, the next towns are 40minutes away.
I got a Wal-mart, Petco, and a local store. When I go get my fish tomorrow, I plan on asking the local store how often they update the stock. Otherwise, the next towns are 40minutes away.
You are going to want fish that have been in their stock for a while. Try to make sure that they have been in the store for at least 4 days because if you buy fish right after they were brought in it may be too stressful on the fish with all the aquamating and the fish might die. The Petcos by me have everything from tetras to cichlids and a good selection of plants.
Good tip, I'll be sure to ask. I plan on going to Petco on Saturday to check out their stock as I was a bit distracted when I went last time.
Fish update: The Cherry Barbs have gotten the nod from the woman so that's what I'll be getting tomorrow night. After a few weeks, I'm thinking of Otos or Cory Cats. Three of the Otos and 3-6 of the Cats. I don't think I'll have enough random algae for the Otos so might be best to wait till after the Cats for them. Thoughts?
Edit: After reading in the Otos section (this forum is huge), I think it be best if I wait at least a couple months before looking at getting two Otos. So, I'll be looking at some Corys.
Last edited by mosin360; November 17th, 2009 at 04:08 PM.
i'm no expert, but if you really want your cycle to go fast i'd look into fishless cycling (if you havn't already gotten your fish) it is safer and faster than traditional cycling. you can google it to get more information if you are interested
i'm no expert, but if you really want your cycle to go fast i'd look into fishless cycling (if you havn't already gotten your fish) it is safer and faster than traditional cycling. you can google it to get more information if you are interested
Quite a few people have said they've had good success with TSS so thats what I'll be doing.
Hi and welcome back to the wonderful world of fish keeping!
I just have two concerns about your setup that I'd like to share.
First is the table, are you certain it can handle about 400 pounds of weight? It's hard to tell from the pics but it doesn't look all that sturdy, and the lean you reported raises a bit more concern.
Second is the 40 pounds of gravel. I have about 20 pounds of pea stone in my 55 gal tank and it is more than enough coverage. With 40 pounds in a 29 you might have a bit of a problem keeping it clean after some time passes. It looks like its almost 6 inches deep in some spots which will make vacuuming difficult.
The setup looks great, just wanted to share some of my concern in case it helps out down the road.
Good luck with the new setup!
eb
ps: those weekend feeder stones might help over your vacation.
Hi and welcome back to the wonderful world of fish keeping!
I just have two concerns about your setup that I'd like to share.
First is the table, are you certain it can handle about 400 pounds of weight? It's hard to tell from the pics but it doesn't look all that sturdy, and the lean you reported raises a bit more concern.
Second is the 40 pounds of gravel. I have about 20 pounds of pea stone in my 55 gal tank and it is more than enough coverage. With 40 pounds in a 29 you might have a bit of a problem keeping it clean after some time passes. It looks like its almost 6 inches deep in some spots which will make vacuuming difficult.
The setup looks great, just wanted to share some of my concern in case it helps out down the road.
Good luck with the new setup!
eb
ps: those weekend feeder stones might help over your vacation.
No problem and thanks for looking out for me.
The table was built by my dad a few years ago and when he builds something, its usually very sturdy and quite heavy. He uses real wood with glue and screws, lots of screws. The table was built for a old 27" CRT tv from the mid 1980's which did have wood paneling. That alone had to be dang near 300lbs of sharp edges. Add some equipment like a VCR, stereo, dvd player, and random junk and that table has probably done over 500lbs at times. I've inspected the table the past two days and have not seen any signs of stress. No bowing, boards pulling away, or screws getting stripped.
When I got home yesterday, the lean has seemed to have settled back just a tad as I believe the back end finally dug itself in the carpet. All in all, I inspect it about two times an hour much to the dismay of my woman.
I didn't put all 40lbs of the gravel in, probably half. I think the deepest might be 3" but its pretty crazy on the bottom with hills and valleys. Pretty much if you take a fake plant, the deepest parts would be no higher then to cover up their base.
I'll keep that feeder stone in mind when I head to the LFS tonight.
Update 11/18/2009: Decided to just do new posts so I can add more pictures. Anyway, went to the store and they sold the Cherry Barbs so I went with plan b, the Zebras. I got six of them and they are currently getting adjusted to my tank in their bag. I've taken out some of the LFS's water and added mine over the past 45 minutes.
While waiting for them, I tested my pH level with my new APItest kit and it came out at 7.6. I've read that its better to be closer to 7 then 6 so should I be fine or look at a product that will drop it to 7?
I also got a sponge and biomax to put in my filter so I'm ready to get this party started. I'll add pictures later.
Edit: The videos worked out better, enjoy.
Last edited by mosin360; November 18th, 2009 at 09:07 PM.
Thought I give a quick update. It's been six days since I added the six Zebra Danio's and TSS. Since day one those buggers have been very active. Schooling, chasing, exploring, and just about everything else. They have been good eaters also.
Sadly, on Sunday I found one trying hard to stay upright but eventually lost the fight. I inspected all of the fish to see if any had torn up fins or any signs of distress but I came up with nothing. I watched the other five the whole day and they just kept to their normal routine so not sure what to make of the death.
I've read that after you use the TSS, to test the water after 7-10 days. I'm going to try to test tomorrow but might not have the time before the trip so it'll have to wait for the weekend.
I do have one question, with five of them left, should I look to get another 1-2 to help them school better?
Hope everyone had a good Turkey weekend, now the news.
Would appear that two of the five Zebra died while I was gone and the others snacked on the easy bits like fins. I don't know if I should write that up to natural causes like the one that died last weekend or if they got killed by the others. So, not sure what I should think about the remaining three.
I did test the water today and my results are:
pH 7.6
A 0
NI 0
NA 10
So as far as I've read, my tank should be cycled now. I know I'm technically able to support other fish now but with the three Zebra remaining, I can't decide if I should get more of them or give them another week or two and see what happens to them.
I should have known.
And it's really thoughtful of you about not leaving your fish for a few days 