Newbie with lots of questions...

T

Tinajo

AC Members
Sep 26, 2006
185
1
18
KY -Go Big Blue!
Hi All,
I have a 35 gal. tank with 4 fish in it. These same fish have been alive for 2 years, so I think they are hardy or I'm doing something right. I want to add to my tank and am looking for suggestions.

I have 1 zebra fish, 1 lemon tetra (I think), and 2 rosy barbs (I think). I'm ashamed to say that I'm not certain if they are barbs or tetras. Anyway, they all get along well.

How many fish would you put in a 35 gal. tank? How many would you add at one time? And what are some good community fish?

Thanks in advance for your expertise!

Tina
:fairy:
 
1. First we need to know what kind of fish yo really have....

http://liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pcatid=830

Try looking at the photos and getting a solid ID on your fish, or better yet, post a photo OF your fish.


2. What are your water parameters( ammonia, nitrite, nitrate ) and your water change routine?


Lets start there for now......
 
The "rosy barbs" are actually red minor serpae tetra (thanks for the link!). I couldn't find the "lemon tetra" on that site, but I'm almost positive it is indeed a tetra. I change the water with a gravel cleaning every two weeks. Amonia registers at 0, nitrite at 0, and I don't have a nitrate tester.
 
Zebra fish, do you mean a zebra danio?

How much water do you change?

Any plants, live or fake?
 
yes, a zebra danio. I don't change more than 10% of the water at one time. No plants, I had a live one once, but they ate it or it just died. I'm thinking of adding artificial ones, though.
 
All of the fish you have are schoolers, so instead of getting different species, I would add to the schools. They will be much more fun and animated that way. If you want to try different fish, I would look into taking your current ones back to LFS and try a fish that doesnt need a school such as a gourami or something similar.
 
Tinajo said:
I don't change more than 10% of the water at one time.
Click to expand...

If your only doing 10% water changes evry two weeks, then there's a chance your tank could be slowly creeping into old tank syndrom. A nitrate reading would be/could be really important to the healh of your fish and any new additions.

FYI, I change 50% on all my freshwater tanks every week and recomend the same, so your gonna want to step up the water changes, ecspescially if you want more fish.
 
OK, 10% ever 2 weeks...oh my.

The first thing you need to do is get a nitrate test. This is important. Nitrate is the only commonly available and easily measurable indicator for when a water change is needed.

I do a 50% water change every week! Sometimes twice a week if I'm feeling OCD. By doing this over and over and over again, I know my bioload, I know my tank, and ( GASP ) I rarely test anymore.

If your tank has has 10% changes every 2 weeks for 2 yrs, you may very well have OTS. Old tank syndrome.

I cannot advise you further until you purchase a nitrate test kit and post the number. Hurry right out to the lfs, and hurry right back!
 
DO NOT DO A WATER CHANGE!!!!

Not until you have tested the nitrates. If the tank does in fact have OTS, doing a large water change will KILL your fish.
 
Okay, I'm going to the store this afternoon and will get the test. I'll post again when I know the answer. Thanks to you and to JodiMartin. :o

And thanks, dorkfish. I've read some of the posts here and realize that this is a passion for a lot of you. Please be patient with my questions; the only way I'll ever learn is for folks like you to teach me. Thanks again!
 
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