Discussion
Yesterday I bought a small Bio-Orb, and after letting it run for 24hrs as per the instructions, today I have introduced 3 small fish to it.
I have two tiny minnows and a little blacktailed goldfish. After gradually letting the bag they came in adjust in temperature to their new home, it was a great feeling to see them exploring the tank. I've been sitting watching them for the last hour or so just going about their business - it's fascinating and relaxing!
Maybe later on I'll introduce another minnow or two. They're so small and the tank still has loads of room. I'm conscious of overcrowding though, so I'll see how things develop over the next few weeks. The bio-orb looks great all lit up, and although I'd read bad things about the algae problem, mine is situated well away from any windows, so hopefully I won't have too big a problem on my hands.
Just thought I'd post while I'm excited.. anyway, as you were! I'm off back to stare at my fish some more
I used to have a lovely tropical fish tank.
I returned from school one day to find that the thermostat on the heater had broken and had effectively boiled the fish.
Only the Plecostomus had survived, although I think that he was badly burned, and he passed away under the bog wood some days later.
It was very sad, and I'd never want to go through that trauma again, hence I've never set the tank up again.
I hope that you enjoy yours though and wish you luck with it. They can be very relaxing.
I returned from school one day to find that the thermostat on the heater had broken and had effectively boiled the fish.
Only the Plecostomus had survived, although I think that he was badly burned, and he passed away under the bog wood some days later.
It was very sad, and I'd never want to go through that trauma again, hence I've never set the tank up again.
I hope that you enjoy yours though and wish you luck with it. They can be very relaxing.
Jasandjules said:
erdnase said:
Yesterday I bought a small Bio-Orb, and after letting it run for 24hrs as per the instructions, today I have introduced 3 small fish to it.
Did it cycle at all? Do you have ok readings?Jasandjules said:
Did it cycle at all? Do you have ok readings?
I'm not sure what you mean by cycle. I had a chat with the guy in the aquarium shop and explained that I'd never kept fish before. He told me to basically follow the instructions that came with the bio-orb to the letter and I'd have no problems. The instructions were to set it up, and add the Stress-coat additive (fish and tap water conditioner)- then 24hrs later, add the Stress Zyme (biological filtration booster), before introducing the fish. I followed those instructions and returned to the shop today where the same guy advised me on the fish I'd like to have. I've taken no readings though! Should I? It's really just a fancy goldfish bowl, but I'd like to do it properly.
Penny: Sure! Goldfish are the new bmws!
In simple terms a fish is probably harder than any other pet available to keep alive...because it doesn't breath air. You have no idea what its water chemistry is like unless you take careful measurements. You wouldn't keep a puppy in a room full of toxic gas but that's what 90% of fish keepers do.
You need to ignore your shop and READ UP or return the fish because they will die (statistically) if you carry on as you are. At best they will live in squalor....again, you buy a puppy and you'd have a plan for when it s
ts on the carpet...whats your fish plan? Without ESTABLISHED filtration it is the same as atomising your puppy crap and filling the room with it!
You need to ignore your shop and READ UP or return the fish because they will die (statistically) if you carry on as you are. At best they will live in squalor....again, you buy a puppy and you'd have a plan for when it s
ts on the carpet...whats your fish plan? Without ESTABLISHED filtration it is the same as atomising your puppy crap and filling the room with it!
erdnase said:
I followed those instructions and returned to the shop today where the same guy advised me on the fish I'd like to have.
Here's a test...when at your fish shop ask if theres anywhere nearby where you could buy a wheelbarrow and a climbing rose...if the answer is yes you need to go somewhere else (if you want advice, not just hardware)Tiggsy said:
erdnase said:
I followed those instructions and returned to the shop today where the same guy advised me on the fish I'd like to have.
Here's a test...when at your fish shop ask if theres anywhere nearby where you could buy a wheelbarrow and a climbing rose...if the answer is yes you need to go somewhere else (if you want advice, not just hardware)
Basics are:-
wee and poo -> ammonia - > No2 -> No3
Ammonia and NO2 and poisonous.
Mo3 is just about ok for fisgh - if levels are kept in check.
NO3 and PO4 will lead to algae.
Excess food will merely rot and go to ammonia -> No2 -> No3.
Would have been best to put a bit of prawn or similar in... not 3 live fish
Get a test kit and start measuring ammonia, no2 and no3.
When ammonia and no2 have spiked and come down to normal levels, then you should slowly add fish.
HTH
wee and poo -> ammonia - > No2 -> No3
Ammonia and NO2 and poisonous.
Mo3 is just about ok for fisgh - if levels are kept in check.
NO3 and PO4 will lead to algae.
Excess food will merely rot and go to ammonia -> No2 -> No3.
Would have been best to put a bit of prawn or similar in... not 3 live fish
Get a test kit and start measuring ammonia, no2 and no3.
When ammonia and no2 have spiked and come down to normal levels, then you should slowly add fish.
HTH
TIGA84 said:
Tiggsy said:
erdnase said:
I followed those instructions and returned to the shop today where the same guy advised me on the fish I'd like to have.
Here's a test...when at your fish shop ask if theres anywhere nearby where you could buy a wheelbarrow and a climbing rose...if the answer is yes you need to go somewhere else (if you want advice, not just hardware)t at a garden centre type place.Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff