As a semi-newbie (I say that because I did keep some goldfish a few years back) I have some questions regarding Bio-Spira cycling and stocking…
1) I have purchased some Bio-Spira and am almost ready to start my cycling… I put the wrong water conditioner in and need to drain and refill. Once I do that, I am nervous about whether to cycle with or without fish. I do not want to hurt the fish nor waste time and money. I understand the concept of creating a large bio bed so based on my stocking plan in #2 below (need help there too) if I do cycle with fish what would the best approach be? And then based on what I start with how would I add fish to complete my stocking plan? Or if I cycle with ammonia how do I do that (I saw a thread about it somewhere and can’t find it now) and then add the fish. It seems very strange to think about bringing home so many fish/bags to drop in the tank at once even if the bio bed is large based on the ammonia cycling.
2) I have a 29 gallon tank, heater, Penguin Bio Wheel 150. I do not know my Ph as I am getting a testing kit today but assume that it is acceptable. I would like some suggestions on stocking. I have a Crowntail Betta that I would like to put in (I am prepared to remove him if he does not like his tank mates) and then have a few Cory’s and Oto’s, but am stumped on what to put in as to my mid-upper fish. I know that they should not be long finned so the Betta will not be enticed to torment them. Maybe some Harlequin Rasbora? Suggestions are most welcome – would prefer to stick with the more common species as I only have Petsmart and Petco locally (not great I understand) but to use a smaller, locally owned store I would have to transport them home from work (which is an hour commute). Oh, I have small children – 3 and 8 – so fish that are not generally skittish too.
3) Then based on the community of fish that I end up with how do I feed them all? Do I need to do a combination of foods at feeding? Cycle different foods?
Thank you in advance for you feedback. I know if I were able to peruse the board more I might find my answers, but my time is limited on the internet with children and a full-time job.
Lisa
1) I have purchased some Bio-Spira and am almost ready to start my cycling… I put the wrong water conditioner in and need to drain and refill. Once I do that, I am nervous about whether to cycle with or without fish. I do not want to hurt the fish nor waste time and money. I understand the concept of creating a large bio bed so based on my stocking plan in #2 below (need help there too) if I do cycle with fish what would the best approach be? And then based on what I start with how would I add fish to complete my stocking plan? Or if I cycle with ammonia how do I do that (I saw a thread about it somewhere and can’t find it now) and then add the fish. It seems very strange to think about bringing home so many fish/bags to drop in the tank at once even if the bio bed is large based on the ammonia cycling.
2) I have a 29 gallon tank, heater, Penguin Bio Wheel 150. I do not know my Ph as I am getting a testing kit today but assume that it is acceptable. I would like some suggestions on stocking. I have a Crowntail Betta that I would like to put in (I am prepared to remove him if he does not like his tank mates) and then have a few Cory’s and Oto’s, but am stumped on what to put in as to my mid-upper fish. I know that they should not be long finned so the Betta will not be enticed to torment them. Maybe some Harlequin Rasbora? Suggestions are most welcome – would prefer to stick with the more common species as I only have Petsmart and Petco locally (not great I understand) but to use a smaller, locally owned store I would have to transport them home from work (which is an hour commute). Oh, I have small children – 3 and 8 – so fish that are not generally skittish too.
3) Then based on the community of fish that I end up with how do I feed them all? Do I need to do a combination of foods at feeding? Cycle different foods?
Thank you in advance for you feedback. I know if I were able to peruse the board more I might find my answers, but my time is limited on the internet with children and a full-time job.
Lisa
