I am sooooo happy to have found this site. I wish I would had found it sooner. I have an 32 gal tank that my co worker had talked me into buying a few yrs ago. He bought me three fish (I call them my three stooges) and since then I have a red fish w/ a long tail (name is tails), a small blue and pink fish (names blue and pinky), and these other fish that came in four (they're called the ninja turtles). I've read several posts and I do agree that I should had researched first because I am so lost about keeping my babies healthy. My questions are; how do I clean the tank (I've been paying the pet store to clean it but it's becoming too pricey)? what kind of products should I buy to keep the water levels good for them? I have some white stuff on the inside of the tank it looks like soap scum, what is it and what do I need to do to keep it from happening again? I've asked these questions when the guys were cleaning my tank but they really didn'y give me any straight answers. Any help will be greatly appreciated. I just want to learn how to keep up my tank and my fish on my own. And going to the pet stores seems like they want to keep me in the dark so I can keep using their svcs. Thank you in advance :dive:
Please help me
- Thread starter chinablac
- Start date
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15343
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12509
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50188
The above are some links you can search for good info.
It would help if you could better identify the fish you have. If you can't, do you have the ability to post pictures for proper ID?
Also, knowing what your water parameters are, (ammonia, nitrite and nitrate), from a good liquid test kit would be greatly appreciated. It would be nice to know the same parameters on your replacement water (tap water) after it has set out for 12-24 hours.
Do you know if the maintenance people are adding any certain water additives each time they come? De-chlorinator, Prime, stress coat?
Does your tank have live plants?
What kind of filtration and lighting?
Most basic maintenance is doing weekly water changes, 30-50% of the tank volume, cleaning pre-filters, adding additives to remove chlorine and/or chloramine, vaccumimg the gravel substrate, and cleaning the hood. All simple tasks well within most peoples capabilities.
You have come to the right place for help. I don't mean to overwhelm you with the response, just take it a step at a time.
Also...
http://www.aquariumboard.com/forums/
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12509
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50188
The above are some links you can search for good info.
It would help if you could better identify the fish you have. If you can't, do you have the ability to post pictures for proper ID?
Also, knowing what your water parameters are, (ammonia, nitrite and nitrate), from a good liquid test kit would be greatly appreciated. It would be nice to know the same parameters on your replacement water (tap water) after it has set out for 12-24 hours.
Do you know if the maintenance people are adding any certain water additives each time they come? De-chlorinator, Prime, stress coat?
Does your tank have live plants?
What kind of filtration and lighting?
Most basic maintenance is doing weekly water changes, 30-50% of the tank volume, cleaning pre-filters, adding additives to remove chlorine and/or chloramine, vaccumimg the gravel substrate, and cleaning the hood. All simple tasks well within most peoples capabilities.
You have come to the right place for help. I don't mean to overwhelm you with the response, just take it a step at a time.
Also...
http://www.aquariumboard.com/forums/
For my tanks, the things I use regularly are: API brand water conditioner, Melafix, salt when needed, a gravel vacuum, an algae mit, a couple buckets for toting water, 2 nets for catching fish when needed....and thats it! Maintenance takes an average of an hour total, all tanks included. Sometimes more if Im moving stuff around. Im fairly new at fishkeeping and this site has been a godsend.
Take notes the next time the pet store people come, write down what products they are using...Type in whatever topics you have questions about in the aquaria central search box and read, read, read!!!
Take notes the next time the pet store people come, write down what products they are using...Type in whatever topics you have questions about in the aquaria central search box and read, read, read!!!
Another thing that helps me with not spending too mush price match. Sad to say but Walmart is pretty good on fish food and supplies. (Make sure that if you talk to an associate that they are from that department and know what they are talking about.)
ebay might also be a good spot to check out some stuff. I find ebay is better for decorations for the tank. Hope my ramblings are of use
ebay might also be a good spot to check out some stuff. I find ebay is better for decorations for the tank. Hope my ramblings are of use