An unexpected new tank...

and if you plan on shopping at a petsmart for supplies, check out the item(s) you want online before you go, then print that page off and bring it in. if there are different size of model options, make sure it shows the price of the exact one you want. all petsmarts will match their own online price and depending on the store some may also match competitor's online prices as well. i think last time i went in i had 2 online prices and a $5 off coupon, saved almost $20. the only catch i've found is that that don't always have the item in the store. then you wait for free shipping online.
 
I still gotta disagree with the cory group issue. Due to that ive had a cory that lived 7 years by himself in a 5gallon when I was younger. Definately what the dwarf gourami since the ones I used to keep would attack my cardinal tetra group.
 
nh5 said:
I still gotta disagree with the cory group issue. Due to that ive had a cory that lived 7 years by himself in a 5gallon when I was younger. Definately what the dwarf gourami since the ones I used to keep would attack my cardinal tetra group.
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there are exceptions to every rule. its still better for the overall health of the fish to keep them in groups.
 
I've also had a cory alone for several years, but after recently adding more cories he is definately more visible in the tank and busier than I have ever seen him. I think he definately prefers the company - but he doesn't shoal with them most of the time as they are pandas and he is a metae. So, when you have the bigger tank, I suggest a larger school of cories of the same type for optimum fish well being.

I think if you keep up with your water tests and changes your fish will be likely be alright for a few weeks until you get the larger tank going. You may want to consider getting some used filter media from a friends tank or a reputable fish store to help jumpstart your cycle. I think there is also a product called biospira that helps add in the beneficial bacteria. Not the optimum way of doing things, but in your situation where you are stuck doing a fishy cycle it might be worth looking into.

As for Gimpy, his fins should grow back if you are able to keep his water quality good and he doesn't get picked on. Make sure he has a cave or other cover when he wants it. Watch for signs of bacterial infection or fungus.
 
jenratico said:
fish store to help jumpstart your cycle. I think there is also a product called biospira that helps add in the beneficial bacteria. Not the optimum way of doing things, but in your situation where you are stuck doing a fishy cycle it might be worth looking into.

As for Gimpy, his fins should grow back if you are able to keep his water quality good and he doesn't get picked on. Make sure he has a cave or other cover when he wants it. Watch for signs of bacterial infection or fungus.
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Thanks Jen,

I've read some things both ways concerning bio-spira. I'm going to look into finding some though I doubt if any of my local stores will carry it. According to wikipedia (one of the "trusted" net info sources! LOL ), bio-spira is also available from Tetra in a product called Safe Start, but that appears to be only available in the UK.

I've noticed the ammonia creeping up a bit, still no nitrite but it looks as if the tank is beginning to start to cycle now. I'm going to a more aggressive water change, probably 50% daily now. Anything more than that and I'm afraid it will dislodge the plants.....however, I believe my plants can float and do not really need to be anchored in the substrate. They do look much better in the substrate though IMHO.

Yep, the little cory has a nice little cave, so to speak, to hide. It is of course, the plastic pirate skull my son thought was so cool. But Gimpy has already found it and uses it to take a cat nap now and then. Altho, despite the lack of fins, he is one of the most active fish in the tank, always scurrying all around. It will be nice to get larger playground for him and his friends when I get a larger set up going.

Years ago, we were one of those who only had one cory. That seemed to be a law of purchasing fish back in the 60's and 70's....you must have ONE catfish per tank.

John
 
hay just though i'd chime in and say good luck with the tanks. was in a simaler situation, except it was self induced. got to college saw a tank for $5 at good will bought it filled it up added some gold fish(well you can imagine where that went). ether way good to see you're really researching it alot. if you decide to go the planted tank route be sure to look around some more (thats a whole another ball game lol). o ya there is also something called a silent cycle when you add lot of fast growing stem plant to that tank to help with ammonia and nitrates. it looks like you already started this way. what is the plant mass that you have in there alread?
 
Hi,

I've got two bunches of anacharis, some hornwort and some moneywort. That was the idea was for these guys to suck up some of the nutrients and help out with both the water quality and the oxygenation. As I've only got about 1.3 WPG, it had to be low light plants, easy to grow and also with the ability to float and not be anchored in the substrate. So far so good as all the plant are putting out new growth and the tenants just love to hide amongst them. I've pulled loose a few strands of hornwort and have it floating on the top for some cover for the gourami as well.....he seems to enjoy his little patch of greenery.

John
 
ya in general plant help out alot in tank and fish like them alot. if you have access i would also say try to find some floating plant. if you can find it, salvinia basically sucks up ammonia like no other. i have a felling you going to only find duck weed around you though, but it does the same thing (just more anoying to get rid of)
 
I can't belive there was only one recommendation for Bio-Spira! lol i used it on my 29 gal community way back when and it worked like a charm. But make sure its bio-spira not "cycle" or any other lame brand. Bio-spira is all natural beneficial bacteria in a bag:headbang2: and perfect for starting up a nice culture! :nilly: thats your best bet until you can get that 20Lalong with your water changes of course!:shark:
 
Hey bud, i thought i might let ya know everytime i have planted hornwort.It has rotted where i planted it and lost the needles from that area. and Decaying plant material can cause your nitrates to go on the rise :lipssealedsmilie:
 
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