Show me your aquarium
Discussion
essayer said:
Feed daily - weekly 20% water changes - it’s an in tank filter, cartridge style - pretty powerful one
Ok.Im guessing a pretty small tank volume.
Any new stock added recently ?
It just maybe the fish in distress are common garden commerically bred fish that arent in the best of health from day one, but there us usually a water parameter issue at the base of the problem.
New to this but I have just got my first house and there Is a gap between 2 old covered up fire places which would be perfect for a nice sized tank it will also be opposite to where the sofa will be so it can be seen when sat down. However the tv will be on the wall (wall mounted) next to it which after a bit of research is not really recommended.
I could put it on the other side but you couldn't really see into from the sofa.
Apart from that is there any advice for a newbie on what to get for a first tank, we have a pond at my parents house been going well for last 10 -15 years so have some experience with pond fish but nothing on tropical which is what im look at. Im not moving in till feb/march so will more than likely start it then so just looking at ideas and advice on what to get.
I could put it on the other side but you couldn't really see into from the sofa.
Apart from that is there any advice for a newbie on what to get for a first tank, we have a pond at my parents house been going well for last 10 -15 years so have some experience with pond fish but nothing on tropical which is what im look at. Im not moving in till feb/march so will more than likely start it then so just looking at ideas and advice on what to get.
MG CHRIS said:
New to this but I have just got my first house and there Is a gap between 2 old covered up fire places which would be perfect for a nice sized tank it will also be opposite to where the sofa will be so it can be seen when sat down. However the tv will be on the wall (wall mounted) next to it which after a bit of research is not really recommended.
I could put it on the other side but you couldn't really see into from the sofa.
Apart from that is there any advice for a newbie on what to get for a first tank, we have a pond at my parents house been going well for last 10 -15 years so have some experience with pond fish but nothing on tropical which is what im look at. Im not moving in till feb/march so will more than likely start it then so just looking at ideas and advice on what to get.
General rules of thumb I've picked up over the years:I could put it on the other side but you couldn't really see into from the sofa.
Apart from that is there any advice for a newbie on what to get for a first tank, we have a pond at my parents house been going well for last 10 -15 years so have some experience with pond fish but nothing on tropical which is what im look at. Im not moving in till feb/march so will more than likely start it then so just looking at ideas and advice on what to get.
Larger water volume (within reason!) is more forgiving.
Shallower is much easier for maintenance than taller.
I much prefer some depth front to back rather than skinny.
Decent external filter with inline heater is better for the fish, and easier to maintain.
Oase have some nice tanks, as do evolution aqua.
Fluval is the "volkswagon" of aquariums. Not exciting or particularly novel - but generally very usable and good value.
Without knowing available space, I think a great tank is around 36 (l) x 20-24 (w) x 18-20 (h) (in inches). Nice volume, loads of potential for scaping and stocking, etc.
Best bet first off is to start to think of what you'd like to keep. African cichlids are very different to a general tropical community which is very different to a South American planted biotope.
If you have the space (and it doesn't need to be huge with the right choices) African cichlids are some stunning fish and behaviours. No plants though!
Sway said:
MG CHRIS said:
New to this but I have just got my first house and there Is a gap between 2 old covered up fire places which would be perfect for a nice sized tank it will also be opposite to where the sofa will be so it can be seen when sat down. However the tv will be on the wall (wall mounted) next to it which after a bit of research is not really recommended.
I could put it on the other side but you couldn't really see into from the sofa.
Apart from that is there any advice for a newbie on what to get for a first tank, we have a pond at my parents house been going well for last 10 -15 years so have some experience with pond fish but nothing on tropical which is what im look at. Im not moving in till feb/march so will more than likely start it then so just looking at ideas and advice on what to get.
General rules of thumb I've picked up over the years:I could put it on the other side but you couldn't really see into from the sofa.
Apart from that is there any advice for a newbie on what to get for a first tank, we have a pond at my parents house been going well for last 10 -15 years so have some experience with pond fish but nothing on tropical which is what im look at. Im not moving in till feb/march so will more than likely start it then so just looking at ideas and advice on what to get.
Larger water volume (within reason!) is more forgiving.
Shallower is much easier for maintenance than taller.
I much prefer some depth front to back rather than skinny.
Decent external filter with inline heater is better for the fish, and easier to maintain.
Oase have some nice tanks, as do evolution aqua.
Fluval is the "volkswagon" of aquariums. Not exciting or particularly novel - but generally very usable and good value.
Without knowing available space, I think a great tank is around 36 (l) x 20-24 (w) x 18-20 (h) (in inches). Nice volume, loads of potential for scaping and stocking, etc.
Best bet first off is to start to think of what you'd like to keep. African cichlids are very different to a general tropical community which is very different to a South American planted biotope.
If you have the space (and it doesn't need to be huge with the right choices) African cichlids are some stunning fish and behaviours. No plants though!
MG CHRIS said:
Sway said:
MG CHRIS said:
New to this but I have just got my first house and there Is a gap between 2 old covered up fire places which would be perfect for a nice sized tank it will also be opposite to where the sofa will be so it can be seen when sat down. However the tv will be on the wall (wall mounted) next to it which after a bit of research is not really recommended.
I could put it on the other side but you couldn't really see into from the sofa.
Apart from that is there any advice for a newbie on what to get for a first tank, we have a pond at my parents house been going well for last 10 -15 years so have some experience with pond fish but nothing on tropical which is what im look at. Im not moving in till feb/march so will more than likely start it then so just looking at ideas and advice on what to get.
General rules of thumb I've picked up over the years:I could put it on the other side but you couldn't really see into from the sofa.
Apart from that is there any advice for a newbie on what to get for a first tank, we have a pond at my parents house been going well for last 10 -15 years so have some experience with pond fish but nothing on tropical which is what im look at. Im not moving in till feb/march so will more than likely start it then so just looking at ideas and advice on what to get.
Larger water volume (within reason!) is more forgiving.
Shallower is much easier for maintenance than taller.
I much prefer some depth front to back rather than skinny.
Decent external filter with inline heater is better for the fish, and easier to maintain.
Oase have some nice tanks, as do evolution aqua.
Fluval is the "volkswagon" of aquariums. Not exciting or particularly novel - but generally very usable and good value.
Without knowing available space, I think a great tank is around 36 (l) x 20-24 (w) x 18-20 (h) (in inches). Nice volume, loads of potential for scaping and stocking, etc.
Best bet first off is to start to think of what you'd like to keep. African cichlids are very different to a general tropical community which is very different to a South American planted biotope.
If you have the space (and it doesn't need to be huge with the right choices) African cichlids are some stunning fish and behaviours. No plants though!
RE - African Cichlids - yes, great fish to keep, but be prepared for all out war, rape, incest and general thuggery......
I've setup four tanks now with "miracle potions" (one cold-water, two tropical freshwater and one marine reef) - not a single loss, and perfect water results from day one (the marine tank is actually more complex, so day five but I could have replaced the ammonia dosing I chose to do with putting a tank bred fish in).
They're not a miracle, just science and biology. They've figured out how to prepare the bacteria you need for biological filtration in a way that actually keeps them viable in a bottle and biologically active from day 1.
When I'm testing three times a day, and seeing zero ammonia or nitrite from day one with 50% end stocking levels and my usual fairly heavy feeding - they work.
They're not a miracle, just science and biology. They've figured out how to prepare the bacteria you need for biological filtration in a way that actually keeps them viable in a bottle and biologically active from day 1.
When I'm testing three times a day, and seeing zero ammonia or nitrite from day one with 50% end stocking levels and my usual fairly heavy feeding - they work.
Sway said:
I've setup four tanks now with "miracle potions" (one cold-water, two tropical freshwater and one marine reef) - not a single loss, and perfect water results from day one (the marine tank is actually more complex, so day five but I could have replaced the ammonia dosing I chose to do with putting a tank bred fish in).
They're not a miracle, just science and biology. They've figured out how to prepare the bacteria you need for biological filtration in a way that actually keeps them viable in a bottle and biologically active from day 1.
When I'm testing three times a day, and seeing zero ammonia or nitrite from day one with 50% end stocking levels and my usual fairly heavy feeding - they work.
Great advice im sure when the time comes will be asking loads of questions. I would ideally like a mix and there are some cichilds that are happy with other species which I could go down that route. But will get to that point when I work out what space I got too play with.They're not a miracle, just science and biology. They've figured out how to prepare the bacteria you need for biological filtration in a way that actually keeps them viable in a bottle and biologically active from day 1.
When I'm testing three times a day, and seeing zero ammonia or nitrite from day one with 50% end stocking levels and my usual fairly heavy feeding - they work.
A Rift Valley cichlid tank is a bit specialised in terms of habitat and water parameters. You wouldn’t typically mix them with fish from other environments, you’re going for hard, alkaline water, rocky decor and a high stocking density of aggressive, territorial little b
ds. Most other fish won’t like it in there. There is a lot of choice of different vibrantly coloured cichlid species, though.
ds. Most other fish won’t like it in there. There is a lot of choice of different vibrantly coloured cichlid species, though.
I've kept fish off and on since about 2005, I've had a longish break of about 5 years because of small kids, but I'm back to it now.
Got a 180 litre Juwel Vision (bowed front) cycled nicely, still only in the beginning stages though, just 6 danio & 12 neon tetras currently, will add to that in stages as the weeks go by.
Water parems went from:
Ph of 8.2 now down to 7.4 (I'm using API PH down, but at this point, I'm not sure if I need to go lower for community tank fish)
Ammomia, Nitrite & nitrate are all down to 0 ppm or as near as dammit. (API Master test kit)
I've turned my heater off as I've found that with our warm house, the temp stays around 76-78 F once the tank got to ambient with no further help needed.
Lights are on a schedule from 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm on a smart plug
Feed lightly every 2 days
Only thing I changed from standard from the regular Juwel filter is I stuffed about 9 bags of bio gravel and basically changed the order of the filters as the way Juwel do it, you end replacing sponges every 5 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFXsFNApU-U&ab...
wire/lines down the left are for power and air to the airstone.
Got a 180 litre Juwel Vision (bowed front) cycled nicely, still only in the beginning stages though, just 6 danio & 12 neon tetras currently, will add to that in stages as the weeks go by.
Water parems went from:
Ph of 8.2 now down to 7.4 (I'm using API PH down, but at this point, I'm not sure if I need to go lower for community tank fish)
Ammomia, Nitrite & nitrate are all down to 0 ppm or as near as dammit. (API Master test kit)
I've turned my heater off as I've found that with our warm house, the temp stays around 76-78 F once the tank got to ambient with no further help needed.
Lights are on a schedule from 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm on a smart plug
Feed lightly every 2 days
Only thing I changed from standard from the regular Juwel filter is I stuffed about 9 bags of bio gravel and basically changed the order of the filters as the way Juwel do it, you end replacing sponges every 5 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFXsFNApU-U&ab...
wire/lines down the left are for power and air to the airstone.
LimJim said:
I recently found out my heater was accidentally turned off for a week. Water only slightly colder than normal. Must be the lights as the room isn’t too warm.
Interested in these miracle cycle kits. If they work why do fish shops not sell them with tanks? A culture thing?
Some do! In fact, every specialist fish shop (as in, not Pets at Home!) I've been in over the last 18 months recommend them. Interested in these miracle cycle kits. If they work why do fish shops not sell them with tanks? A culture thing?
That includes exceptionally well regarded shops like Reefdreams in Winchester and the Fish Barn in Crawley.
Sway said:
Some do! In fact, every specialist fish shop (as in, not Pets at Home!) I've been in over the last 18 months recommend them.
That includes exceptionally well regarded shops like Reefdreams in Winchester and the Fish Barn in Crawley.
Interesting. My shop steers away. But I suspect he is a bit of an old school midwife, so will prob try this on a new tank I’m planning. That includes exceptionally well regarded shops like Reefdreams in Winchester and the Fish Barn in Crawley.
otolith said:
Personally I am happy to use them to speed up a fishless cycle but wouldn’t be brave enough to trust them alone.
Exactly. I just dislike shops selling them so a noob can take his new tank home in the car with a bag of fish rhe same dayIts just the instant gratification everyone sems to need these days.
techguyone said:
I've kept fish off and on since about 2005, I've had a longish break of about 5 years because of small kids, but I'm back to it now.
Got a 180 litre Juwel Vision (bowed front) cycled nicely, still only in the beginning stages though, just 6 danio & 12 neon tetras currently, will add to that in stages as the weeks go by.
Water parems went from:
Ph of 8.2 now down to 7.4 (I'm using API PH down, but at this point, I'm not sure if I need to go lower for community tank fish)
Ammomia, Nitrite & nitrate are all down to 0 ppm or as near as dammit. (API Master test kit)
I've turned my heater off as I've found that with our warm house, the temp stays around 76-78 F once the tank got to ambient with no further help needed.
Lights are on a schedule from 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm on a smart plug
Feed lightly every 2 days
Only thing I changed from standard from the regular Juwel filter is I stuffed about 9 bags of bio gravel and basically changed the order of the filters as the way Juwel do it, you end replacing sponges every 5 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFXsFNApU-U&ab...
wire/lines down the left are for power and air to the airstone.
That's a good looking set up given me a few ideas for mine.Got a 180 litre Juwel Vision (bowed front) cycled nicely, still only in the beginning stages though, just 6 danio & 12 neon tetras currently, will add to that in stages as the weeks go by.
Water parems went from:
Ph of 8.2 now down to 7.4 (I'm using API PH down, but at this point, I'm not sure if I need to go lower for community tank fish)
Ammomia, Nitrite & nitrate are all down to 0 ppm or as near as dammit. (API Master test kit)
I've turned my heater off as I've found that with our warm house, the temp stays around 76-78 F once the tank got to ambient with no further help needed.
Lights are on a schedule from 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm on a smart plug
Feed lightly every 2 days
Only thing I changed from standard from the regular Juwel filter is I stuffed about 9 bags of bio gravel and basically changed the order of the filters as the way Juwel do it, you end replacing sponges every 5 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFXsFNApU-U&ab...
wire/lines down the left are for power and air to the airstone.
MG CHRIS said:
techguyone said:
I've kept fish off and on since about 2005, I've had a longish break of about 5 years because of small kids, but I'm back to it now.
Got a 180 litre Juwel Vision (bowed front) cycled nicely, still only in the beginning stages though, just 6 danio & 12 neon tetras currently, will add to that in stages as the weeks go by.
Water parems went from:
Ph of 8.2 now down to 7.4 (I'm using API PH down, but at this point, I'm not sure if I need to go lower for community tank fish)
Ammomia, Nitrite & nitrate are all down to 0 ppm or as near as dammit. (API Master test kit)
I've turned my heater off as I've found that with our warm house, the temp stays around 76-78 F once the tank got to ambient with no further help needed.
Lights are on a schedule from 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm on a smart plug
Feed lightly every 2 days
Only thing I changed from standard from the regular Juwel filter is I stuffed about 9 bags of bio gravel and basically changed the order of the filters as the way Juwel do it, you end replacing sponges every 5 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFXsFNApU-U&ab...
wire/lines down the left are for power and air to the airstone.
That's a good looking set up given me a few ideas for mine.Got a 180 litre Juwel Vision (bowed front) cycled nicely, still only in the beginning stages though, just 6 danio & 12 neon tetras currently, will add to that in stages as the weeks go by.
Water parems went from:
Ph of 8.2 now down to 7.4 (I'm using API PH down, but at this point, I'm not sure if I need to go lower for community tank fish)
Ammomia, Nitrite & nitrate are all down to 0 ppm or as near as dammit. (API Master test kit)
I've turned my heater off as I've found that with our warm house, the temp stays around 76-78 F once the tank got to ambient with no further help needed.
Lights are on a schedule from 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm on a smart plug
Feed lightly every 2 days
Only thing I changed from standard from the regular Juwel filter is I stuffed about 9 bags of bio gravel and basically changed the order of the filters as the way Juwel do it, you end replacing sponges every 5 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFXsFNApU-U&ab...
wire/lines down the left are for power and air to the airstone.
I'm probably in a minority of just having artificial plants, maybe next time I'll give those a whirl, but for now, I'm happy to go with the reduced maintenance.
Looking for recommendations for a small loach/sucker fish or two that don't grow beyond an inch or two for clean up duty, I doubt anything shrimpy would last too long with the danios.
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