Bought Tank And Some Guppies! Now What?

I bought a second hand tank and filter. Went to the pet store and bought a new filter insert, rock, tubing, bubble stone, 1 live plant and chemicals. Bought 6 guppies and an algae eater too. Just worried I'm not doing it right. First question, can a bubble stone be too much for the fish and harmful? Second question, can you put too much oxygen in the water with the bubbles and the live plant?
I've had fish in the past but it has been a really long time.

 

Hello! First off did u cycle ur tank?

 

What size is the tank? Do you know what type of algae eater you have? What is the "chemical" you bought? Did you dechlorinate the water?
No, you cannot have too much oxygen, at least not with a air stone.

 

As long as the bubbles aren't actively displacing the fish, they should be okay. The stone is meant to add more oxygen into the water which helps your fish breathe. Unfortunately, this also takes CO2 out of the water which the plant needs. I would run the stone at night when plants naturally take in O2

 

Hello! First off did u cycle ur tank?

Unfortunately no. I didn't know about cycling the tank.

 

Unfortunately no. I didn't know about cycling the tank.

Read about it here: Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle and:

 

How big is your aquarium, and what kind of "algae eater"?

 

What size is the tank? Do you know what type of algae eater you have? What is the "chemical" you bought? Did you dechlorinate the water?
No, you cannot have too much oxygen, at least not with a air stone.

I have a 5gal tank, I don't know the name of the algae eater but he is small. As far as the chemicals I bought, one removed chlorine and chloramine. The other is a new tank stabilization system to prevent new tank syndrome.

How big is your aquarium, and what kind of "algae eater"?

Don't know the name of the algae eater and I have a 5 gal tank

 

Unfortunately no. I didn't know about cycling the tank.

You need 2 read about the nitrogen cycle. You need 2 grow the beneficial bacteria that turns toxic ammonia in2 nitrite then in2 nitrate. The only way 2 remove nitrate is through water changes. I would urge u 2 purchase a bacteria 2 kick start ur cycle. I recommend buying Prime by Seachem (detoxyfies ammonia..nitrite and nitrate up 2 1ppm for 24 hours),Stability by Seachem ( ur bacteria kick starter) and the API freshwater master test kit so u can readily accurately test ur parameters.

 

Unfortunately there is no algae eating fish suitable for a 5 gallon, or arguably a 10. The only algae eating organisms suitable for 5 gallons are shrimp and snails.

Seeing as there is no proper identification, I am assuming you got either a common pleco or chinese algae eater. Neither is suitable and I highly recommend returning them ASAP.

 

You need 2 read about the nitrogen cycle. You need 2 grow the beneficial bacteria that turns toxic ammonia in2 nitrite then in2 nitrate. The only way 2 remove nitrate is through water changes. I would urge u 2 purchase a bacteria 2 kick start ur cycle. I recommend buying Prime by Seachem (detoxyfies ammonia..nitrite and nitrate up 2 1ppm for 24 hours),Stability by Seachem ( ur bacteria kick starter) and the API freshwater master test kit so u can readily accurately test ur parameters.

I did purchase the prime and the stability. I will look into the freshwater master test kit

 

I have a 5gal tank, I don't know the name of the algae eater but he is small. As far as the chemicals I bought, one removed chlorine and chloramine. The other is a new tank stabilization system to prevent new tank syndrome.

Guppies need at least a 10 gallon.

 

I did purchase the prime and the stability. I will look into the freshwater master test kit

Well good 4 u..ur one step ahead. The API freshwater master test kit is a must considering u have live stock in ur tank. U will wanna be testing ur parameters daily 2 make sure u have no ammonia spikes which can seriously harm ur fish. I just cycled a 10 gallon for 3 weeks and bought 4 male guppies for stock. Five gallons is much 2 small for guppies. The only thing I personally would keep in 5 gallon is a betta.

 

Forgot to mention, as FishFish221 and Caitlin86 mentioned, yes, guppies need at least a 10. You will need to either return the guppies and choose a fish such as a betta that CAN live in 5 gallons comfortably, or get them a 10 gallon or larger.

I know it's tough listening to a bunch of folks telling you to basically start over from scratch, but following the advice of the forum will save you a lot of headaches and issues (and money!) down the road.

 

Hi, Welcome to Fishlore. The set up you have is not ideal. I think you get that by now. Let's try to work with what you have. Actually the algae eater you have will be a much larger problem than the guppies. You did well with getting the Stability and the Prime. Follow directions on both. The air stone will be fine.
There is a vast amount of knowledge here. Take advantage of that. I agree with the previous posters that you should read up on the nitrogen cycle.
We need to make the most of what you have available. It is not that bad. Keeping clown loaches in 10 gallon tanks is bad. Your have gathered the correct materials. Let us know if you are running into problems.

 

Welcome to Fishlore Brigitte ! Glad you found your way to us.

The first thing you need to do is understand the nitrogen cycle. Last time I had fish, it didn't seem so complex. You got fish and basically prayed that they lived. Now a days things have changed. A lot!

It is good that you got Prime & Stability. It will help tremendously with this process. You will need to get some sort of testing kit. API strips are bad, don't get them. If you go with strips get the Tetra 5 in 1, and pick up an ammonia test too. We all use the API Freshwater Master Test kit (liquid) because it has everything all in one. You will want to test for Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. Check on Amazon the prices for the test kits are cheaper on there. Although PetCo online is having a sale this weekend too.

So to begin with your fish will produce waste. This shows up as ammonia in your tank and is very toxic in small amounts to your fish. With the amount of stock you have for your tank, it will literally be one day before it reaches toxic levels. The nitrogen cycle is where good bacteria grow and eat the toxins and eventually end up with a form that is a lot less toxic than where you started.

Ammonia is eaten by bacteria #1 and converted into nitrites. Nitrites are eaten by bacteria #2 and converted into Nitrates. Fish can tolerate nitrates at a higher level, and can be removed with water changes.

Without the test kit I would do this. I would do a daily 50% water change. Dose full tank volume of Prime and add a capful of Stability. Once you get your test kit, you can follow the normal formula for cycling (I will give that to you below). Until then, daily water changes will keep your tank non-toxic. Using Seachem Prime will help protect your fish from ammonia, nitrites , and nitrates. It also is a dechlorinator and a stress coat. Amazing all in one product.

The dose of Prime for a 5 gallon tank is 0.5ml for full tank volume. (0.1ml or 2 drops per gallon)

After you get the test kit, follow this formula.

Ammonia + Nitrites = less than 1ppm dose full tank volume of Prime & Stability. Recheck Parameters in 24 hours.
Ammonia + Nitrites = 1ppm or greater do a 50% water change. Add full tank volume dose of Prime and Stability. Recheck parameters in 24 hours.

Your goal with water changes is to get your Ammonia and nitrites below 0.5ppm, so you may need to change more than 50% to get it below that.

Now what sort of filter do you have? Do NOT take your filter cartridge (called media) out of your filter for any reason. Until you are more comfortable with the process. It is where 99% of your beneficial bacteria live. Where your nitrogen cycle is produced and lives. Protect that filter media the best you can. It will save you set backs in the future.

You will need to upgrade to a 10 gallon at some point, or rehome some fish. Are you sure you have an algae eater and not some sort of catfish? Maybe you could take a photo. A catfish isn't as urgent to give back, but will do ok in an upgraded tank. We can help you with stocking options if you want.

You will be able to transfer your nitrogen cycle from one tank to the other, using your filter. So my advice is to cycle your current tank now, and work towards a bigger tank in the future. Walmart has a 10 gallon kit with everything but a heater for $29.99. Best deal I have found. I use 2 of the kits for my fish. They work very well so far.

Ok I have probably overwhelmed you so far. Please ask a hundred questions. I hope we can help you feel confident in your decision to get fish. Again Welcome to Fishlore!

 

I blame the pet store.

 

I blame the pet store.

Me too! I took over helping a customer at our local pet store the other day. The clerk was making me too mad. It is a plant and pet supply store. Has about 10 poorly kept fish tanks in the back. I apologized to the clerk about 50 times, but she was really busy so I think she appreciated the help. I did sell a bigger tank and some other fish to the customer though. Made me feel better lol

 

Welcome to Fishlore Brigitte ! Glad you found your way to us.

The first thing you need to do is understand the nitrogen cycle. Last time I had fish, it didn't seem so complex. You got fish and basically prayed that they lived. Now a days things have changed. A lot!

It is good that you got Prime & Stability. It will help tremendously with this process. You will need to get some sort of testing kit. API strips are bad, don't get them. If you go with strips get the Tetra 5 in 1, and pick up an ammonia test too. We all use the API Freshwater Master Test kit (liquid) because it has everything all in one. You will want to test for Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. Check on Amazon the prices for the test kits are cheaper on there. Although PetCo online is having a sale this weekend too.

So to begin with your fish will produce waste. This shows up as ammonia in your tank and is very toxic in small amounts to your fish. With the amount of stock you have for your tank, it will literally be one day before it reaches toxic levels. The nitrogen cycle is where good bacteria grow and eat the toxins and eventually end up with a form that is a lot less toxic than where you started.

Ammonia is eaten by bacteria #1 and converted into nitrites. Nitrites are eaten by bacteria #2 and converted into Nitrates. Fish can tolerate nitrates at a higher level, and can be removed with water changes.

Without the test kit I would do this. I would do a daily 50% water change. Dose full tank volume of Prime and add a capful of Stability. Once you get your test kit, you can follow the normal formula for cycling (I will give that to you below). Until then, daily water changes will keep your tank non-toxic. Using Seachem Prime will help protect your fish from ammonia, nitrites , and nitrates. It also is a dechlorinator and a stress coat. Amazing all in one product.

The dose of Prime for a 5 gallon tank is 0.5ml for full tank volume. (0.1ml or 2 drops per gallon)

After you get the test kit, follow this formula.

Ammonia + Nitrites = less than 1ppm dose full tank volume of Prime & Stability. Recheck Parameters in 24 hours.
Ammonia + Nitrites = 1ppm or greater do a 50% water change. Add full tank volume dose of Prime and Stability. Recheck in 25 hours.

Your goal with water changes is to get your Ammonia and nitrites below 0.5ppm, so you may need to change more than 50% to get it below that.

Now what sort of filter do you have? Do NOT take your filter cartridge (called media) out of your filter for any reason. Until you are more comfortable with the process. It is where 99% of your beneficial bacteria live. Where your nitrogen cycle is produced and lives. Protect that filter media the best you can. It will save you set backs in the future.

You will need to upgrade to a 10 gallon at some point, or rehome some fish. Are you sure you have an algae eater and not some sort of catfish? Maybe you could take a photo. A catfish isn't as urgent to give back, but will do ok in an upgraded tank. We can help you with stocking options if you want.

You will be able to transfer your nitrogen cycle from one tank to the other, using your filter. So my advice is to cycle your current tank now, and work towards a bigger tank in the future. Walmart has a 10 gallon kit with everything but a heater for $29.99. Best deal I have found. I use 2 of the kits for my fish. They work very well so far.

Ok I have probably overwhelmed you so far. Please ask a hundred questions. I hope we can help you feel confident in your decision to get fish. Again Welcome to Fishlore!

Thank you so much for the advice. I will definitely do the water change. An upgrade is planned within a month (we are moving). I'm trying to take everything in at the moment. But will give everything my attention. Thank you again for the helping advice.

 

Welcome to Fishlore Brigitte ! Glad you found your way to us.

The first thing you need to do is understand the nitrogen cycle. Last time I had fish, it didn't seem so complex. You got fish and basically prayed that they lived. Now a days things have changed. A lot!

It is good that you got Prime & Stability. It will help tremendously with this process. You will need to get some sort of testing kit. API strips are bad, don't get them. If you go with strips get the Tetra 5 in 1, and pick up an ammonia test too. We all use the API Freshwater Master Test kit (liquid) because it has everything all in one. You will want to test for Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. Check on Amazon the prices for the test kits are cheaper on there. Although PetCo online is having a sale this weekend too.

So to begin with your fish will produce waste. This shows up as ammonia in your tank and is very toxic in small amounts to your fish. With the amount of stock you have for your tank, it will literally be one day before it reaches toxic levels. The nitrogen cycle is where good bacteria grow and eat the toxins and eventually end up with a form that is a lot less toxic than where you started.

Ammonia is eaten by bacteria #1 and converted into nitrites. Nitrites are eaten by bacteria #2 and converted into Nitrates. Fish can tolerate nitrates at a higher level, and can be removed with water changes.

Without the test kit I would do this. I would do a daily 50% water change. Dose full tank volume of Prime and add a capful of Stability. Once you get your test kit, you can follow the normal formula for cycling (I will give that to you below). Until then, daily water changes will keep your tank non-toxic. Using Seachem Prime will help protect your fish from ammonia, nitrites , and nitrates. It also is a dechlorinator and a stress coat. Amazing all in one product.

The dose of Prime for a 5 gallon tank is 0.5ml for full tank volume. (0.1ml or 2 drops per gallon)

After you get the test kit, follow this formula.

Ammonia + Nitrites = less than 1ppm dose full tank volume of Prime & Stability. Recheck Parameters in 24 hours.
Ammonia + Nitrites = 1ppm or greater do a 50% water change. Add full tank volume dose of Prime and Stability. Recheck parameters in 24 hours.

Your goal with water changes is to get your Ammonia and nitrites below 0.5ppm, so you may need to change more than 50% to get it below that.

Now what sort of filter do you have? Do NOT take your filter cartridge (called media) out of your filter for any reason. Until you are more comfortable with the process. It is where 99% of your beneficial bacteria live. Where your nitrogen cycle is produced and lives. Protect that filter media the best you can. It will save you set backs in the future.

You will need to upgrade to a 10 gallon at some point, or rehome some fish. Are you sure you have an algae eater and not some sort of catfish? Maybe you could take a photo. A catfish isn't as urgent to give back, but will do ok in an upgraded tank. We can help you with stocking options if you want.

You will be able to transfer your nitrogen cycle from one tank to the other, using your filter. So my advice is to cycle your current tank now, and work towards a bigger tank in the future. Walmart has a 10 gallon kit with everything but a heater for $29.99. Best deal I have found. I use 2 of the kits for my fish. They work very well so far.

Ok I have probably overwhelmed you so far. Please ask a hundred questions. I hope we can help you feel confident in your decision to get fish. Again Welcome to Fishlore!

I upgraded to a bigger tank today. Haven't transferred any fish yet. I also did the 50% water change on my other tank. What is the appropriate temperature that my tanks should be at?

 

You can never have too much oxygen

 

The guppies can be anywhere between 70-80 degrees but you need to know what kind of algae eater you have to know their compatible temp. Can you get a picture of it?

For now I would go for 75 until you know what fish you have exactly.

Good job at upgrading

 

The guppies can be anywhere between 70-80 degrees but you need to know what kind of algae eater you have to know their compatible temp. Can you get a picture of it?

For now I would go for 75 until you know what fish you have exactly.

Good job at upgrading

IMG_0247

• Brigitte
• May 29, 2017

 

IMG_0247

• Brigitte
• May 29, 2017

Can anyone identify this fish for me? chromedome52 @anders357 we are trying to get a good tank temp. If it is indeed an algae eater, some tank specifications would help too.

 

It looks like a chinese algae eater. Read about it at this link: Chinese Algae Eater

 

Brigitte if your algae eater is indeed a Chinese algae eater, you need to take it back. It can get up to a foot long. They also can and will suck the slime coat off of other fish causing injury and death.

Ideally they need a tank that is at the very least 55 gallons. This fish will not do well in your tank.

I wouldn't hesitate to take him back.

 

Welcome to Fishlore Brigitte ! Glad you found your way to us.

The first thing you need to do is understand the nitrogen cycle. Last time I had fish, it didn't seem so complex. You got fish and basically prayed that they lived. Now a days things have changed. A lot!

It is good that you got Prime & Stability. It will help tremendously with this process. You will need to get some sort of testing kit. API strips are bad, don't get them. If you go with strips get the Tetra 5 in 1, and pick up an ammonia test too. We all use the API Freshwater Master Test kit (liquid) because it has everything all in one. You will want to test for Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. Check on Amazon the prices for the test kits are cheaper on there. Although PetCo online is having a sale this weekend too.

So to begin with your fish will produce waste. This shows up as ammonia in your tank and is very toxic in small amounts to your fish. With the amount of stock you have for your tank, it will literally be one day before it reaches toxic levels. The nitrogen cycle is where good bacteria grow and eat the toxins and eventually end up with a form that is a lot less toxic than where you started.

Ammonia is eaten by bacteria #1 and converted into nitrites. Nitrites are eaten by bacteria #2 and converted into Nitrates. Fish can tolerate nitrates at a higher level, and can be removed with water changes.

Without the test kit I would do this. I would do a daily 50% water change. Dose full tank volume of Prime and add a capful of Stability. Once you get your test kit, you can follow the normal formula for cycling (I will give that to you below). Until then, daily water changes will keep your tank non-toxic. Using Seachem Prime will help protect your fish from ammonia, nitrites , and nitrates. It also is a dechlorinator and a stress coat. Amazing all in one product.

The dose of Prime for a 5 gallon tank is 0.5ml for full tank volume. (0.1ml or 2 drops per gallon)

After you get the test kit, follow this formula.

Ammonia + Nitrites = less than 1ppm dose full tank volume of Prime & Stability. Recheck Parameters in 24 hours.
Ammonia + Nitrites = 1ppm or greater do a 50% water change. Add full tank volume dose of Prime and Stability. Recheck parameters in 24 hours.

Your goal with water changes is to get your Ammonia and nitrites below 0.5ppm, so you may need to change more than 50% to get it below that.

Now what sort of filter do you have? Do NOT take your filter cartridge (called media) out of your filter for any reason. Until you are more comfortable with the process. It is where 99% of your beneficial bacteria live. Where your nitrogen cycle is produced and lives. Protect that filter media the best you can. It will save you set backs in the future.

You will need to upgrade to a 10 gallon at some point, or rehome some fish. Are you sure you have an algae eater and not some sort of catfish? Maybe you could take a photo. A catfish isn't as urgent to give back, but will do ok in an upgraded tank. We can help you with stocking options if you want.

You will be able to transfer your nitrogen cycle from one tank to the other, using your filter. So my advice is to cycle your current tank now, and work towards a bigger tank in the future. Walmart has a 10 gallon kit with everything but a heater for $29.99. Best deal I have found. I use 2 of the kits for my fish. They work very well so far.

Ok I have probably overwhelmed you so far. Please ask a hundred questions. I hope we can help you feel confident in your decision to get fish. Again Welcome to Fishlore!

I got my test kit but I'm not sure what the levels need to be for the tanks to be in optimum operation.

 

I got my test kit but I'm not sure what the levels need to be for the tanks to be in optimum operation.

You want your levels to be this:

Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 5-20
pH - it varies anything between 7-8.5

Have you tested your tank yet?

 

You want your levels to be this:

Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 5-20
pH - it varies anything between 7-8.5

Have you tested your tank yet?

Should I test high range ph or just regular ph? I tested my tanks and everything is fine according to your numbers.