View Full Version : When to feed new fish?
Seattle206
10-30-2004, 10:39 PM
When should I feed new fish? I have a 125gal thats been running for 4 days. I released two 7" silver arowanas in the tank. When should I feed the fish?
Whats a good filter system for a 125gal and a 55gal? Poer filters? canister filter?
Thankx
Blinky
10-30-2004, 11:07 PM
I hope with two 7" fish in there you've already got a filter on the 125g... what's a 'good' filter depends on what you're looking for - high flow, a lot of biological surface area, easy to clean etc. - and what kind of fish/plants you're keeping.
I've always had HOB power filters and liked them, but I just bought a canister and LOVE it. Canisters give you a lot of area for biological media and flexibility of what media you choose to use. HOB power filters are easy to service, and some allow a lot of flexibility (Aquaclear is one). For big, messy fish I'd suggest over filtering - get a canister designed for a tank size larger than the tank you're putting it on (for a 125, find something for tanks up to ~175 gallons or more).
As for feeding your fish, I'd feed them as you normally would, just a bit less if the tank is still settling. I'm assuming that you've cycled the tank - if not, feed very lightly, test your water at least once a day and do large daily water changes.
Milky
10-30-2004, 11:49 PM
I usually feed my fish
only once a day in a
large portioned amount
i guess its always best to
wrong on the lesser side
try to judge if theres alot
left over or not. 125 is alot
of water better get some good
filtration i have a couple of fluvals
they do fine for me
which ever you choose though
you dont want to go to long
with out the filters set up to
get some kind of cycle going
Seattle206
10-31-2004, 12:31 AM
I have 2 large power filters and 2 sponge type filters in my 125. So I have to do water changes everyday? So is that a 25% or a 50% water change each day.
do what ever amount you think
is best !!
Blinky
10-31-2004, 7:09 AM
The best way to determine how often to change water is to test your water - when the nitrates get above 10ppm in a non-planted tank, do a water change. Needless to say, if your test results show ANY ammonia or nitrite, do a water change right away to bring the levels as close to 0 as possible (do this daily if necessary if the tank is cycling with fish).
Change as much water as needed to reach safer levels - if this means 50% per day for the first while, then yes, change 50% per day. Once the filter is mature, if the tank isn't overstocked and you've got enough filtration, you should be able to only change the water once a week or so. Heavier stocking levels = more frequent, larger water changes.
I do my water changes when
I do the gravel vacume... I just
change the amount of water that
is removed during the cleaning
process its usually around 35 %
:rolleyes: