We've recently aquired our first aquarium, a 25 gallon w/ an AquaClear 200 filter as a christmas present for the family, me my girlfriend and our daughter.
Unfortunately I've been unable to resist the pressure to aquire too many fish too quickly.
We set up the tank 7 days ago and followed all directions precisely... unfortunately this is where our adherence to the rules bends/ends
.
On Day 2 we intended to introduce a few temporary feeder fish to hasten the biological cycle which we did, but we also simultaniously introduced a Pleco and one 1 1/2" goldfish (I think the goldfish should be removed as we're not keeping a goldfish tank). Then on Day 4 we introduced 6 neon tetras, 1 bala shark and 1 irridescent shark. And on Day 5 added 6 more neon tetras and 2 Silver Dollars. Unfortunately during this time I'd been away from my computer rendering me unable to research our aquisitions and our ignorant conduct [PetCetera (Big pet store chain) will sell you anything]. Now I know we are well overstocked for this new aquarium.
Did a water test on day 5:
ph: 8.5
Nitrite: perfect
Ammonia: high - between 0.25 and 1.5 if memory serves (don't have the log book on hand)
Day 5 added Ammonia Filter media.
Although it is obvious that we've been ignorant A-holes I'd be forever in your debt for any help.
QUESTIONS:
1- are our current fish doomed? What should we do?
2 - Is the Ammonia Filter Media in a AquaClear 200 for a 25 G tank an appropriate and effetive method to salvage the quality of our water and keep our fish healthy?
3- How long can the Bala and Irridescent Sharks live a healthy life in a 25 G tank, how large will they get & what problems might we face?
4 - Apparently Silver Dollars are good community fish but we've had conflicting advice. Some say that they will eventually eat neon tetras, others say there's no problem.
5 - eventually we plan to get 2 dwarf gouramis... might there be any problem with this aquisition?
Again I'm forever in your debt for your experienced expertise.
Thank you to any who can help us on our way,
jb
Unfortunately I've been unable to resist the pressure to aquire too many fish too quickly.
We set up the tank 7 days ago and followed all directions precisely... unfortunately this is where our adherence to the rules bends/ends
On Day 2 we intended to introduce a few temporary feeder fish to hasten the biological cycle which we did, but we also simultaniously introduced a Pleco and one 1 1/2" goldfish (I think the goldfish should be removed as we're not keeping a goldfish tank). Then on Day 4 we introduced 6 neon tetras, 1 bala shark and 1 irridescent shark. And on Day 5 added 6 more neon tetras and 2 Silver Dollars. Unfortunately during this time I'd been away from my computer rendering me unable to research our aquisitions and our ignorant conduct [PetCetera (Big pet store chain) will sell you anything]. Now I know we are well overstocked for this new aquarium.
Did a water test on day 5:
ph: 8.5
Nitrite: perfect
Ammonia: high - between 0.25 and 1.5 if memory serves (don't have the log book on hand)
Day 5 added Ammonia Filter media.
Although it is obvious that we've been ignorant A-holes I'd be forever in your debt for any help.
QUESTIONS:
1- are our current fish doomed? What should we do?
2 - Is the Ammonia Filter Media in a AquaClear 200 for a 25 G tank an appropriate and effetive method to salvage the quality of our water and keep our fish healthy?
3- How long can the Bala and Irridescent Sharks live a healthy life in a 25 G tank, how large will they get & what problems might we face?
4 - Apparently Silver Dollars are good community fish but we've had conflicting advice. Some say that they will eventually eat neon tetras, others say there's no problem.
5 - eventually we plan to get 2 dwarf gouramis... might there be any problem with this aquisition?
Again I'm forever in your debt for your experienced expertise.
Thank you to any who can help us on our way,
jb