MaddieLynn

I recently got a 10 gallon fish tank with a filter, heater, and hood. I researched about cycling, and I was going to do a fishless cycle, but I noticed that my box said this:

"The Bio-Filter advanced biological filtration system eliminates toxic ammonia and nitrates!"

Do I still need to cycle my aquarium?

Also, I was planning on getting 5 male guppies and 2 Pitbull Plecos. Is that a good ammount for a 10 gallon? Can anyone help me?

fishlover78

first off, welcome to fishlore! pelase read th eaquarium nitrogen cycle article here: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm yes, you still need to cycle the aquarium, the filter only removes those toxins after the bacteria establishes, next on the list, also what kind of "algae" eating fish is it that you have? I am sorry to tell you but I advise that you don't add a plecos, they are huge waste producers and grow way too big for a 10 gallon aquarium. also you need to cycle the tank so you will either have to return all the fish and fish less cycle or do a cycle with fish (more work) because you have fish in the you will need to perform daily 50% water changes while adding prime which is a very good water conditioner, doing this is for the fish's sake. now you must make the decision of tropical or coldwater fish, the rosy red and minnows are coldwater fish and the guppies and algae eater are tropical. you will either have to exchange the coldwater or tropical fish. I also recommend that if you already don't have one you purchase the API master freshwater test kit. I know this is a ton to swallow! do you have any other questions?

soldieroffortune1974

"The Bio-Filter advanced biological filtration system eliminates toxic ammonia and nitrates!"
Who is it made by and what type of filter is it?

There was a thread by sirdarksol on an experiment he used a HiQ system that claimed to do that. I don't believe it was biological filtration,though.I don't know if yours is the same or not,but the brand and manufacturer would help on answering the question.

Do I still need to cycle my aquarium? That answer will depend on the answer to the 1st question. I would have to say that cycling would still be needed.

I don't normally give info on stocking suggestions and will leave that to someone else.

Can anyone help me? You've definitely come to the right place.There's lots of people with excellent advise and info that are capable and willing to help.

Welcome to Fishlore..............

MaddieLynn

It's an Aqua-Tech 5-15 Power Filter, and it's made by Aqua Culture.

And the type of Plecos I want to get only grow to around 2".

fishlover78

well, you still need to cycle the tank first, and like I said the filter only does that after the bacteria establishes in it.

soldieroffortune1974

You still need to cycle.

bodieman

cycle fishless. my first tank i cycled with fish and my second i did fishless. cycling fishless was way faster and less stressful for me and the fish.

Columbia_MD_Bob

RE: The Plecos -- I'll second what people have written here -- certain types will grow really big and then my tetras started to mysteriously disappear! My LFS, traded me a couple of adorable Plecos that don't grow bigger then 2 inches and they have been great. Note that Plecos eat plants too. FWIW.

TropicalGrimmish

good luck on your tank..

Amanda

"pit bull" plecos are Rubbernose Plecos. They reach 6 inches. That is too large for a 10 gal. tank. The best bet for a bottom feeder would be cories. Be carefeul not to overstock. 1 in. of adult fish per gallon of water.