Starting New 10gal hexagon

[BigFish322]

I just set up my 10 gallon hexagon aquarium, complete with filter, air hose/pump, gravel, plants, thermometor, and light. I've been cycling it for only four days and was wondering if it is a good idea to use a couple goldfish or danios to help move the process along. I was also wondering what kinds of fish would be best for the hexagon aquarium, and won't be too uncomfortable with the smaller conditions. Any advice?

[tel0004]

You didnt mention if you had a heater in your tank or not. That would change the type of fish you can get. How are you cycling your tank, are you doing fishless cycling right now. I personally like Terras, maybe 5 or so in your tank would look. Ive heard they die easily in cycling tanks, so watch out for that. Since you tank is a hexagon, and tall, there is not a lot of surface area for oxygen to get into the water. This means that you can not stock your tank as heavily as a normal 10 gallon.

[victimizati0n]

um.. if there is no fish in the tank now, how are you cycling it? If you are using ammonia, then you cant put fish in.

[BigFish322]

No, I do not have a heater for it. I was thinking about getting one, but after monitoring the temp for four days, it has been pretty consistant in the 72-75F range.

I was going to do a fishless cycle and maybe add some type of chemical, but wanted to get the opinions of others before getting myself into something difficult. Is it better to use sometime of additive rather than hardy fish?

As far as it being oxygenated, I have a rather large airstone on the bottom which creates what I think is too much oxygenation (if possible) because there will be layers of tiny bubbles accumulating at the top of the tank until I take off the lid, then they all go away.

[daveedka]

Read the cycle sticky. Fishless is IMO the best way to go. Fishy cycling can be done without harming fish, but it is a lot of work with a lot of risk, and doesn't prepare the tank as well as a fishless will. If you do a fishy, you need to pick fish that you have a use for, they don't just go away after the cycle, and many people find themselves stuck with fish they really don't want. One more reason to go fishless. Until you add ammonia, you haven't started cycling the tank. If you have added ammonia, then you will have about 4-6 weeks until the tank is ready. I don't reccomend adding any chemicals except dechlorinator, the only commercial cycle starter that seems to work is off of the market right now. You can jump start your cycle with borrowed stuff from another tank. this is all covered in the cycle sticky.
dave

[tel0004]

If you want tropical fish, then you are going to need a heater. There are times, like in winter, when your house temperature will drop. Fish need a constant temperature to stay healty. I saw a 25 watt heater at meijer on sale for under 2.00 about 2 weeks ago, but with a tank that small, the max a heater would cost is around ten bucks. Or get a betta, or some white cloud minos. They are coldwater fish, so they would be fine without heat.

[sdb]

Bettas are tropical fish and need heat.
You should get a heater to keep the heat regulated, and tropicals like temps of around 78-80F. Room temps fluxuate too much and can't be relied on to keep a tank's temp regular. :)