Trial and errors of a new aquarium owner.

The trials and errors of keeping fish. I am new to this hoppy and every day its something else. I did take on this responsibility knowing I would be responsible for my fish and their lives and I'm really trying hard.

Had no clue what I was getting into when I decided to get my children a fish tank. Within 5 weeks I ended up with three tanks. Overwhelmed here, but I have my fish and am determined to take care of them just like I do all my other pets and family. Every day is something new and I guess as a new aquarium owner three tanks in less than two months is just .... wow. First question is one of my guppie males got bullied in my 37 gallon by my silver tip tetras. Got his fin nipped and so I moved him to my 10 gallon tank which only houses two female guppies. Will his tail grow back and how can I help him? He seems more at ease there but I'm very concerned about his tail. My 37 gallon tank still seems to not be cycling. I have seen here about using TSS and I started my other two tanks with API quick start and it seemed to work and I had some left over and used it for my 37 gallon however, I'm having crazy PH spikes in 37 gallon and today high ammonia spikes. I have no nitrites or nitrates in it so that leads me to believe it may just now be cycling. My main concern is I do have fish in there and I would not recommend quick start cause it obviously didn't work for me. What do I do now? I did two water changes in it in three days and got a ammonia to lower but pH is stll low. It went from a 7.5 to a 6.8 and now a 6.6. I had another thread about Ph and I started using coral but should I do that if my tank may not be cycled? Ughhhh just don't know what to do.

 

You can use the coral in the tank while it's cycling, won't hurt a thing. I like stability over TSS, but that's just my personal preference.

 

You can use the coral in the tank while it's cycling, won't hurt a thing. I like stability over TSS, but that's just my personal preference.

Do you think at this point since I already have fish in there it would hurt them to start over with TSS or stability or should I just let it run its course. My ammonia on Monday was at .5 and 0 nitrites and 0 nitrates. Ph was 6.6. I did a water change today which got my ammonia down to in between 0 and .25 very faintly a .25 still 0 nitrites and 0 nitrates and PH went up to 6.8 since I added coral to my filter in 24 hrs.

 

I would go ahead with the TSS or stability, it's not really starting over just adding to. It'll just speed things along for you.

 

Test your tap water for ph & ammonia, water needs to sit out for at least 24 hrs b4 testing ph to get an accurate reading. Try to do frequent water changes in the guppy tank, it will help speed up his recovery. Seachem Stability is dosed daily for about 7 days, and you can continue to do daily water changes wile using it ( just double the dose )Tetra Safe Start is one time dosing, and a water changes need to wait for 2 weeks,

Are you using Seachem Prime to help protect your fish from ammonia/nitrites ?

 

The trials and errors of keeping fish. I am new to this hoppy and every day its something else. I did take on this responsibility knowing I would be responsible for my fish and their lives and I'm really trying hard.

Any time you have issues post them here. The odds are someone will be able to help you out.

 

Any time you have issues post them here. The odds are someone will be able to help you out.

That's why I love Fishlore. I was watching Youtube fish tank videos earlier today. The difference between Fishlore and Youtube, when someone has a major issue or has made a huge mistake:

Fishlore: Okay, don't panic, here's what you need to do to fix your issue.
Youtube: You're an idiot. Don't keep fish.

Don't feel overwhelmed. People are here to help.

 

Besides, we like answering questions if we're able, makes us feel useful

 

I am a fan of stability. Not once in all the years I have used it has it let me down. But I also always do a fishless cycle.

 

I am a fan of stability. Not once in all the years I have used it has it let me down. But I also always do a fishless cycle.

I can say the same. Ever since I found out about it, I prefer it much more to TSS, it just seems like a much better product. Going on 8 cycled tanks over the past 3 years I've kept fish and hasn't failed me yet. (8 not at the same time, mind you lol)

 

Can not offer anything but empathy as I am a new fish owner too. Seemed like such a GOOD idea at the time, but I am already looking into other tanks cause I can't keep all the critters I want in 1 tank!! Hubby is watching me nervously when I am online looking at fish and supplies and reading forums, ask already asked, " But where would you put another tank?"...Poor man...Anyway, everyone here has been super helpful...and when you ask a question you benefit all the rest of us out here reading

 

I can 100% relate. I also started out 2 months ago with a 10 gallon for my kids to have a few fish in. Knew nothing about the cycle, fish compatibility, proper stocking, etc. It's really a wonder how my original 2 neon tetras and 1 guppy even survived after being put in the tank just 2 days after setup!

But I think fishkeeping is exactly that.. trial and error. I've been on fishlore every single day since my mistakes trying to absorb every info that this forum has to offer. Yes, you may still make more mistakes but it's so great to know that you can rely on ppl on this forum to guide you every step of the way.

Good luck! You'll get there!!

 

Test your tap water for ph & ammonia, water needs to sit out for at least 24 hrs b4 testing ph to get an accurate reading. Try to do frequent water changes in the guppy tank, it will help speed up his recovery. Seachem Stability is dosed daily for about 7 days, and you can continue to do daily water changes wile using it ( just double the dose )Tetra Safe Start is one time dosing, and a water changes need to wait for 2 weeks,

Are you using Seachem Prime to help protect your fish from ammonia/nitrites ?

Think Ill try the seachem stability since I have fish in there already. I want to be able to do water changes to keep the tank clean for them. As far as my guppy goes. I did a water change in my 10 gallon yesterday and then I moved him to it. He's not looking so great. His tail is missing quite a few chunks. He's just hanging out in a corner and he didn't eat this morning. I was unaware that my silver tip tetras could be such bullies. They don't bother my other male guppy at all. But then again he just hangs out with everyone.

 

The above advice sounds good. Seachem Stability is an excellent product that will get you back on track with the cycling. As for the guppy's tail, yes it will grow back in time and with good water conditions.

 

Everyone has been so helpful and supportive on here. Thank you all so much for taking the time to help me out. Even though I didn't know what I was getting into to begin with, I can say that I do enjoy the hobby and I do enjoy taking care of my fish, its just when something doesn't go right and you try and try to fix it that it gets overwhelming. Headed out now to get some seachem stability.

The above advice sounds good. Seachem Stability is an excellent product that will get you back on track with the cycling. As for the guppy's tail, yes it will grow back in time and with good water conditions.

quick question. I can use seachem prime along with seachem stability?

 

quick question. I can use seachem prime along with seachem stability?

Yes I'd wait 30 minutes before using Stability though. I'm told you don't need to but it's my personal preference.

 

guppys dying. I can't watch. His tail is just too shredded. He tries to swim but then he flips up side down and then he swims a bit again and same thing.....

 

And he's gone.

 

I'm sorry for your loss

 

Ok so I did a water change to day to get ammonia levels down some and then I used prime and I later added my first dose of stability. Now do I continue to do daily water changes for the next 7 days and double dose each time with stability?

 

You shouldn't need to do water changes unless your ammonia gets it of control.

 

You shouldn't need to do water changes unless your ammonia gets it of control.

What would you consider to be "out of control"? If it gets like say .25 or .5 do I need to do a water change or just add some prime?

 

If it's get over 1 ppm, water change. If it's under, just dose Prime.

 

In my opinion, you should do a water change and dose Prime. I wouldn't just dose the Prime on its own. This should go for any levels of ammonia, not just 1ppm or more.

 

The Prime renders the ammonia non-toxic and it will make any bacteria product ineffective with the water changes.

 

The Prime renders the ammonia non-toxic and it will make any bacteria product ineffective with the water changes.

That's what I figured. I also don't want to disturb anything now that I've started with the stability.

 

No ammonia or nitrites are acceptable once the tank is cycled. Both are deadly poison to fish and if in the aquarium will harm fish. Small amounts will just take longer. Kind of like arsenic, a lot will kill you out right and smaller amounts will take much longer but it is still poison. Ammonia burns the gills and is a horrible way to die. Nitrites are slightly less toxic. Nitrates are far less toxic and are needed for plants. There is an on going debate as to what levels are acceptable. Most people will tell you that you want to keep nitrates below 40 ppm.

Pick one product and use it till it works or does not and then find one that does work. Mixing chemicals in aquariums in an unsafe thing to do. It's like taking medication yourself. You need to be careful that mixing could cause an unwanted reaction or cancel each other out or inhibit what you are trying to do.

 

No ammonia or nitrites are acceptable once the tank is cycled. Both are deadly poison to fish and if in the aquarium will harm fish. Small amounts will just take longer. Kind of like arsenic, a lot will kill you out right and smaller amounts will take much longer but it is still poison. Ammonia burns the gills and is a horrible way to die. Nitrites are slightly less toxic. Nitrates are far less toxic and are needed for plants. There is an on going debate as to what levels are acceptable. Most people will tell you that you want to keep nitrates below 40 ppm.

Pick one product and use it till it works or does not and then find one that does work. Mixing chemicals in aquariums in an unsafe thing to do. It's like taking medication yourself. You need to be careful that mixing could cause an unwanted reaction or cancel each other out or inhibit what you are trying to do.

my tank isn't finished cycling yet, that's why I'm using the stability to help it finish faster since I had assumed it was cycled and added fish due to having used API quick start that obviously didn't work. Just wasn't sure if during cycling I should continue with water changes at any sign of ammonia or if in doing so will upset my cycling.

 

API Quick Start is one of those snake oil products. I don't think there's been much success with people who have used this product in the past.

 

API Quick Start is one of those snake oil products. I don't think there's been much success with people who have used this product in the past.

I used it for my other two tanks and I assumed it worked but then again I have no clue if it did or not because at that time I was still using test strips. Now I know better and learn everyday something new from this forum. I know I like seachem products now. My LFS sells mainly seachem or tetra products. They are a small mom&pop type place but they said to me they sell it cause they know what works. About to go check my parameters and dose with day two of stability. Thanks for all your help.

You shouldn't need to do water changes unless your ammonia gets it of control.

Had to do a water change because ammonia was at 1.0, Yesterday after water change it was barely reading .25 so that tells me stability is working. Should I double dose with stability since I had to do a water change or just dose what it says on the bottle?

 

Double dose since some of the bacteria could have been gone with the water change before they had time to stick to a surface.

 

I'm on day 7 of using seachem stability to help my tank cycle. I've been having to do daily water changes since ammonia has gotten to 1.0 and have stayed there. I do have fish in tank so that's why I've had to do daily water changes and I use prime. ive also double doses with prime after each water change. I'm still not seeing any nitrates or nitrates. Should I continue with the stability until then or stop and see if it catches up.

 

Continue with both products & water changes as needed. Your tank will eventually cycle, it just takes time, having to do a fish in cycle is so much harder on both fish & fish keeper.

 

Continue with both products & water changes as needed. Your tank will eventually cycle, it just takes time, having to do a fish in cycle is so much harder on both fish & fish keeper.

I totally agree with the last part. If I only had known better. So you suggest to keep on using the stability and daily water changes until I start seeing what Nitrates or nitrates?

 

You should continue the Stability until you no longer have any ammonia or nitrites consistently for about 4-5 days.

 

You should continue the Stability until you no longer have any ammonia or nitrites consistently for about 4-5 days.

Will do then. It certainly has been a long two months. I would never recommend API quick start because that obviously doesn't work. Along with my 37 gallon my 10 gallon that I started with API quick start two months ago is now cycling as well. I thought it already had but apparently not since just suddenly I was getting ammonia Spikes in it that lasted two days but has now been spiking in nitrites so it's been a double whammy for me! Constant daily water changes on both. My 5.5 was also started with API quick start so I'm guessing I should get ready for that too. Been a rough beginning and even with friends here on vacation I've had to stop and do water changes!! Lol! They think I'm nuts but....

I will add that my fish seem to be doing great. Daily water changes aren't so bad considering that the tank is immaculate now so it's bare minimum maintenance at this point. Not much fish pop to suck up other than replenish water! Lol! I did go ahead and start adding a few real plants I hope that will help some.

 

There is light at the end of the tunnel, once your tank(s) are cycled, you'll be able to start up more tanks using cycled media...

 

There is light at the end of the tunnel, once your tank(s) are cycled, you'll be able to start up more tanks using cycled media...

Lol so I've been learning. For now though I will be happy to get the three I obtained in two months cycled right and enjoy a bit of the serenity I thought I'd get out of having em. But yes once I got this down I've already been thinking of a 100 gallon!!! LOL..... yes I do love aquariums that much but it will be done right this time. Thanks too you and all on this forum that have been of great advice and help!
Thank Goodness my husband is not a member of this forum cause he would probably freak if he knew what I was thinking and planning..!!! LOL

 

Lol so I've been learning. For now though I will be happy to get the three I obtained in two months cycled right and enjoy a bit of the serenity I thought I'd get out of having em. But yes once I got this down I've already been thinking of a 100 gallon!!! LOL..... yes I do love aquariums that much but it will be done right this time. Thanks too you and all on this forum that have been of great advice and help!
Thank Goodness my husband is not a member of this forum cause he would probably freak if he knew what I was thinking and planning..!!! LOL

Yes ladies and gentlemen, another victI'm of M.T.S (MultI tank syndrome) is born. ;D

 

There is light at the end of the tunnel, once your tank(s) are cycled, you'll be able to start up more tanks using cycled media...

Yes there is!!!! Finally at least my 10 gallon is cycled. Went to go do a water change today and tested right before and yesssss. ammonia, nitrites and even the nitrates were all at 0. Absolutely wonderful. I think the real plants I added must have helped with the nitrates. So happy. Now to continue with my other two. They are well under way. Thanks all for the help!