platytetrafan
01-28-2007, 3:17 PM
Hi I am new to the hobby. In Aug I started with 2 goldfish who sadly perished during the cycling of my 5 gallon tank which I found out too late was too small for goldfish. Once cycled I purchased several different types of fish but sadly they died too :( found out angels need really soft water and should be by themselves. I had problems with ich so I treated the tank with a product called rid ich since then nitrites and nitrates have been elevated no matter what I do can't get them down to 0. I now have platies and painted tetras who thank god crossing fingers are doing fine. The only problem I have is with nitrite and nitrate and getting those levels down. The pet store told me to put coral in the tank to help with ph which I did. I was told to change the water weekly. Now a friend of mine who has a five gallon told me to do it monthly when I change the filter I just did another water change on Friday the filter is due to be changed Feb 3rd wait till then and change 25% of the water and then do monthly? The fish are ravenous eating great I am thinking of upgrading to a 36 gallon tank. What should I do? So confused now. These fish are doing so well I don't want them to die on me too. Also just proudly purchased a gorgeous blue male betta that we named Haley's comet we put him in a 3 gallon eclipse tank which he loves with a filter. Since this is a new tank how often should I change his water since it is only one fish. Thanks for your help. Platytetrafan