New to Keeping Fish

click · October 29th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Da_Crinkly

Ken I would but then I would have to hide my own as well. We are both avid fisherfolk but do know the difference between food and fun

. Well, the subject of a pond shall have to be broached another day. For now I am attempting to sort out what we will need to get the first 20 gallon tank started right for Pike. Already know no other fishies but will look into getting some fun inverts for him... Does anyone know if fiddler crabs are okay to put in with him?

Okay tell me if I have the list right please?
Filter (the adjustable type so we can keep the current low for Pike)
Heater (The tank already has a stick on thermometer but should we get another one or a different kind just be safe?)
Aerator for CO2 for the live plants
Air pump with a flexible wand for bubbles
Live plants (Not sure what kind I want just yet will know them exactly when I see them)
Hidey spots (am thinking a shipwreck and a couple of caves, possible a bridge)
flat glass beads over a layer of black gravel for substrate
A bottle of Prime
a net
a gravel vacuum
medications (vita-chem, garlic stuff *can we use the garlic juice from the jar of garlic in the fridge or is this something specifically designed for fish we need to get?*, Rid-Fungus and Triple Sulfa)
Did I forget anything? I have taken some "before" pics of Pike in his very rundown "apartment" and will start a thread over in the betta section I guess to chart his progress.

**Pikes pics are in the Bettas in Bowls thread**

You have to think of water testers. You can use the local pet stores, most of them will perform any water test for free. Maybe you have one nearby. It will save you some money, but is hard to constantly come and go to the pet store during tank cycling. Up to you. I suggest testing your tap water before starting your nitrogen cycle, so you know what you're starting with.

And I don't see any light equipment on your list. Live plants require fluorescent light. Now this is a tricky subject and I would count on other fishlore members to tell you how much light you require. It depends what kind of plants you want to get (low light vs high light) and tank depth. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around this subject since I just started my first planted tank like a week ago.

Anyway, keep up the good work! I think you're making amazing progress. I know how overwhelming it is when you just start. But it's all worth it in the end.

Muffymouse · October 30th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Da_Crinkly

Okay tell me if I have the list right please?
Filter (the adjustable type so we can keep the current low for Pike)
Heater (The tank already has a stick on thermometer but should we get another one or a different kind just be safe?)
Aerator for CO2 for the live plants
Air pump with a flexible wand for bubbles
Live plants (Not sure what kind I want just yet will know them exactly when I see them)
Hidey spots (am thinking a shipwreck and a couple of caves, possible a bridge)
flat glass beads over a layer of black gravel for substrate
A bottle of Prime
a net
a gravel vacuum
medications (vita-chem, garlic stuff *can we use the garlic juice from the jar of garlic in the fridge or is this something specifically designed for fish we need to get?*, Rid-Fungus and Triple Sulfa)
Did I forget anything? I have taken some "before" pics of Pike in his very rundown "apartment" and will start a thread over in the Betta section I guess to chart his progress.

Seems like a pretty good list. However, be careful with the "hidey spots" with your betta. Things that are sharp are just asking to rip your baby's fins up. A good test to check to see if it is likely to cause harm is to run all the surfaces over a pair of nylons. If it snags the nylons, it is too sharp and will either need to be filed down or not used where he can run his fins over, around, or on.

Also want to give you a heads up about the possibility of the flat glass beads you are looking at. They look really pretty and are less likely to be a problem with a base of gravel that you said, but they can be knocked into each other and flecks of glass can break off especially during water changes.

Best wishes and be patient with the cycling process, it will eventually end =)

Da_Crinkly · November 13th, 2009

Update:
We have (2) 10 gallon tanks and a 50 gallon tank. I thought they were bigger but I guess not. Also we have 2 angels now (Scrat and Calsifer) I'll post pics of them soon. They are in one of the 10 gallon tanks for now as we don't have the 50 set up yet but they will get moved into that once its ready. We tried putting them in with our Betta, Pike, but that didnt didn't go over so well. The angels didn't mind but Pike was not a happy camper at all. So for now Pike is back in his bowl and is happily building his bubble nest again. And the angels are safely in the 10g until their permanent home is ready.

Amanda · November 13th, 2009

Bettas & angels are a BIG no-no.
Make sure to keep up with water-changes in the 10, as the angels can be stunted very easily in such a small tank.

gmen4life · November 13th, 2009

i hope you get it set up real fast if you need help being motivated sleep in your closet tonight and see hoe roomy it is lol

Da_Crinkly · November 14th, 2009

@Amanda I know the tank is too small. I have said the tank is too small to the Male in Charge around here. Unfortunately my suggestions have fallen on deaf ears and I have been demoted to "Cleaner of the Tank."

@Gmen It's not me who needs motivating to get the larger tank set up. It is the Male in Charge around here. And unfortunately since my demotion I don't have any sort of say at all as to what happens when with the tanks.

click · November 14th, 2009

Congrats on the new fish, I bet they can't wait to be in the 50g.

Da_Crinkly · November 14th, 2009

@Click LOL I can't wait either. Poor things.

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