I have been reading threads since I posted earlier today about 2 of my plecos dying and I am finding out that I need a lot of help! So, my first order of business is to learn about tank care.
Here is what I have: Since March, 10 gallon tank with a Betta (original), 2 neon swordtails (orginal), 2 shrimp (1 since April, 2 deaths and now a newer one since June) and 2 frogs (since June). (Also, 2 plecos that have died, one introduced 4 weeks ago and one two weeks ago after the other died). I also have 5 low light plants (pic attached), I have already forgotten what type they are. The filter is a 5-10 gal filter. There is also a heater and an air pump. Earlier this week I got a Full Spectrum LED Freshwater Fish Tank Light (10-Watt). I have also placed 5 small Marimos and a large 1 Marimos. I honestly don't know the purpose of having these Marimos, I just thought they could be fun for the Betta since he seems to like bumping into or sitting on the other inhabitants on occasion.
I do water changes every 2 weeks to once a month, more often it ends up being once a month. I feed them flakes daily, sometimes twice a day (I was feeding them twice a day until my Betta became bloated). The last time I did testing (about 2 weeks ago) pH was 8.0; Amonia 0; Nitrite 0; and Nitrate 0.
1) Here comes my first question (maybe this shouldn't my first question): Am I changing the water enough? I originally understood you could do 10% weekly, 30% bi-weekly or 50% monthly.
2) Next question: When I do my water changes, I remove the live plants and decor and clean them in tank water I have removed and keep them out of the tank until I am done. On occasion, I will even remove my aquatic critters by putting them in a bowl (using their tank water of course), though I don't do this every time. Then, I will rub my hands through the gravel to bring up junk and to clean the brown algae from surface. Then I will vacuum at the the surface of the rocks. What a process! Am I doing more harm then good? What do you all do?
3) I have so many more questions, but I will end on this for now so I can focus on all the good info I hope that will be shared with me. I read in one of the forums that changing the filter will remove the good colonies of bacteria built up. So, when that little thing goes from blue to red, I shouldn't switch out?
I am so excited to be here in this community. You all have been so helpful to so many and I really want to do right by my new little friends. My goal is to move into a 50+ gal in a few months, but not before I am more knowledgeable!
Here is what I have: Since March, 10 gallon tank with a Betta (original), 2 neon swordtails (orginal), 2 shrimp (1 since April, 2 deaths and now a newer one since June) and 2 frogs (since June). (Also, 2 plecos that have died, one introduced 4 weeks ago and one two weeks ago after the other died). I also have 5 low light plants (pic attached), I have already forgotten what type they are. The filter is a 5-10 gal filter. There is also a heater and an air pump. Earlier this week I got a Full Spectrum LED Freshwater Fish Tank Light (10-Watt). I have also placed 5 small Marimos and a large 1 Marimos. I honestly don't know the purpose of having these Marimos, I just thought they could be fun for the Betta since he seems to like bumping into or sitting on the other inhabitants on occasion.
I do water changes every 2 weeks to once a month, more often it ends up being once a month. I feed them flakes daily, sometimes twice a day (I was feeding them twice a day until my Betta became bloated). The last time I did testing (about 2 weeks ago) pH was 8.0; Amonia 0; Nitrite 0; and Nitrate 0.
1) Here comes my first question (maybe this shouldn't my first question): Am I changing the water enough? I originally understood you could do 10% weekly, 30% bi-weekly or 50% monthly.
2) Next question: When I do my water changes, I remove the live plants and decor and clean them in tank water I have removed and keep them out of the tank until I am done. On occasion, I will even remove my aquatic critters by putting them in a bowl (using their tank water of course), though I don't do this every time. Then, I will rub my hands through the gravel to bring up junk and to clean the brown algae from surface. Then I will vacuum at the the surface of the rocks. What a process! Am I doing more harm then good? What do you all do?
3) I have so many more questions, but I will end on this for now so I can focus on all the good info I hope that will be shared with me. I read in one of the forums that changing the filter will remove the good colonies of bacteria built up. So, when that little thing goes from blue to red, I shouldn't switch out?
I am so excited to be here in this community. You all have been so helpful to so many and I really want to do right by my new little friends. My goal is to move into a 50+ gal in a few months, but not before I am more knowledgeable!