View Full Version : From a fountain to an aquarium
Hi all, what a nice forum. Here is my story and some questions.
A few months ago we had a fountain put in the back yard. The fountain has a pond type base and I thought it would be nice to have some fish swimming around in it, so I picked up 5 goldfish. They appear to be Shubunkins, not completely sure though. The disadvantage of the pond was that it was only one foot deep; I was afraid raccoons would come get them at some point.
So now, they are in a 90 gallon tank inside. They seem to be much more active and happy now that they are inside and warmer. I’m not going to add any more fish, this is it.
Now, the point of this post. I got the tank, a Marineland C-360 filter, some lights, put everything together and put the fish in last Sunday. Then I started researching. OK, my bad, another cart before the horse newbie.:headshake2:
Though I started wrong, the fish are doing great and I want to keep it that way. I have used Novaqua to de-chlorinate the water. I have an API freshwater master test kit that I use to check ammonia, nitrates, and nitrite every day. So far I read zero on all accounts.
I added some Stress-zyme that is supposed to seed bacteria in the filter and speed the cycle process along. I have Amquel which is supposed to lock up ammonia in case I need it.
Some specific questions: should I start doing regular partial water changes now even though I measure zero for ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites? Should I be doing anything else? Should I not be doing something that I am doing, such as, is Stress Zyme OK? And what is an LFS? Local fish store?:help:
Also, how quickly can ammonia levels ramp up? Is testing once a day enough?
Thanks in advance! :goldfish::goldfish::goldfish::goldfish::goldfish:
Ok, after reading up here, I'll answer some of my own questions.
I'll go to my LFS tomorrow and try to get some bio-spira to get the filter going. The Stress Zyme was 6 bucks down the tubes. Also, I'll go ahead and start doing partial water changes right away, it sounds like my numbers won't stay at zero much longer. And, apparently they can spike in less than a day.
OldMan1947
12-19-2007, 5:58 AM
They can move very quickly as you said. If they are typical feeder goldfish size in a 90, they might be a small enough biological load that your parameters won't move too quickly. It would give you time to react. If they are several inches long, make sure you are reading the directions properly on the test kit. Some of the tests are very sensitive to how well you read and follow the directions. Real plants could also be helping slow the water parameters but 3 days with a significant bioload and no changes would make me suspicious.
jm1212
12-19-2007, 5:17 PM
be ready to do some water changes every day to keep ammoina and nitrite under 0.5
you should always do weekly 25% water changes, even if your water looks great.
yes, LFS is local fish store.
dvd_wightman
12-19-2007, 9:22 PM
You should definitely get Biopara. I used it once, and it cycled my tank overnight. Make sure you refrigerate it if you don't plan to use it right away. Stress-Zyme is definitely a waste of money and does nothing for the tank IMO. Also, if you add Biospara, don't do a water cge until about 24-48 hours after you use it. The API Liquid test kit is definitely the best test kit you can buy and Amquel is a very good conditioner. You should also do water changes as soon as you can because the ammonia levels will usually spike overnight. Good luck and Happy Holidays!
Thanks for the advice. I picked up the Bip Spria today, FW, up to 90 gallon tank. Only $20 so if it works, it's worth it.
This AM the ammonia was still zero. I test my pool (with other kits) as well, so I think I'm doing it right. I have the API (sp?) FW master kit and another API box with just the ammonia test kit, and I alternate using them, so I think the tests are right. The 5 goldfish are around 2 inches, and I only feed them a minor amount once a day, so the bio load should be small. (They are really hungry when I feed them in the AM, they hit the surface pretty hard giong for the food, but I understand they can actually go a while without any food.)
Tomorrow AM I'll use my gravel vacuum and do about a 25 percent change then add the Bio Spira and continue to monitor 2 times a day.
How does this sound, any other advice?
BTW, they sure are fun, very addictive.
Thanks!
msjinkzd
12-20-2007, 9:24 AM
Sounds like you are doing things right and have done thorough research, Good job!
dvd_wightman
12-20-2007, 6:53 PM
Sounds like you are off to a great start and it is good that you did your research. Good luck and Happy Holidays!
Hooked Newbie
12-20-2007, 7:07 PM
:iagree:
I think you are off to a great start and are doing the right research! My hat's off to you. You've caught on alot quicker than I did. Keep it up! :)
I tested the water again twice today, still all zeros. It's a 90 gallon tank, there are only five 1.5 inch GFs, and they have been there only four days. I'm expecting the numbers to start increasing soon.
Today, I added the Novaqua, then vacuumed the gravel, removing 25 percent of the water, and refilled. To avoid to large of a temp change I refillled in several increments spaced by 30 minutes in time. The temp never really changed much from 68 degrees this way. After letting things settle for a few hours, I added the bio-spira. My LFS had it refrigerated, hopefully it will work.
Now my only question / concern is that the water is a bit cloudy. I'll puruse the boards here and see what I find. It's not excessive and does not look unhealty, it just does not look "polished," like my pool does when I get it really clean.
Thanks for all the advice. Several have commented above that I have done my research, but please note that this would not be possible if you did not collectively write down your knowledge here. Thank you for doing so.
Thanks, and I'll keep you updated. Now, about that cloudiness....
:goldfish::goldfish::goldfish::goldfish::goldfish:
After reading about cloudiness, it doesn' seem to be a problem, but I will keep an eye on it.
Looking from the front of the tank, I can't see any cloudiness. It's only from the side, there is some whiteness. I saw some comments that crystal clear is not actually the goal. This makes some sense, it's a home for fish, not a highly chlorinated swimming pool.
I'll keep an eye on the chemistry and look for changes in the cloudiness. Any further advice?
Thanks!
msjinkzd
12-21-2007, 8:30 AM
the whiteness could be your bacteria establishing, just like you said, keep an eye on your chemistry. If you start having spikes of ammonia or trites, feed less often to help keep them down during your cycle and keep up with your water changes (as you know). Good luck!
ThePBM
12-21-2007, 1:44 PM
goldfish are hardy fish. i've never heard of any stories of goldfish dying from fish-cycling. being that these fish make a good amount of waste for their size, i'd imagine they have somewhat of a better tolerance for water conditions. it's great that you're treating them as if they could flop at any second, but i'd assure you that you can relax a bit if all of that is stressing you at all.
yeah, most likely the cloudiness is the good bacteria forming. My tank looked like milk for a few days then cleared right up and has been perfect ever since.
Sounds like you are right on track. Just make sure you keep your eye on your Ammonia and Nitrite levels.
Dwarf Puffers
12-21-2007, 4:23 PM
goldfish are hardy fish. i've never heard of any stories of goldfish dying from fish-cycling. being that these fish make a good amount of waste for their size, i'd imagine they have somewhat of a better tolerance for water conditions. it's great that you're treating them as if they could flop at any second, but i'd assure you that you can relax a bit if all of that is stressing you at all.
Yes, goldfish are hardy fish, but that does not mean he should be any less careful than with any other fish.
Hey Dwarf, is that a parrotlet? I like the "I'm in ur base" reference.
And PBM, no stress, this is fun. Like I said at the top, I had them in a fountain so I know they are tough. I just want to do what I can.