If a fish and a half weighs a pound and a half...

chops11 said:
So i just did some testing, with the old water and the one living fish. Here's what I have. Can someone tell me my next step?


Temp 75
PH 7.7
Nitrite .5
Ammonia 5 ppm

My tap water PH 6.4


I'd assume i want to do a 30% water swap ASAP correct?


What else would be suggested?

thanks
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Don't be afraid to do a 50% water change. Then wait 2 days, do it again. I keep my tanks at 78-80 degrees
 
So another several days have gone by. I've been doing a 40% water change every two days. The pleco is still alive. Levels are still:

Temp 75
PH 7.7 - 7.8
Nitrite .5
Ammonia 5 ppm


Is it safe to assume that if I keep doing this eventually the tank will cycle?
 
With ammonia at 5ppm, I'd probably switch to daily changes of 40%. Be sure to use dechlorinated water.

I thought you were trading the pleco for a smaller fish?
 
Galaxie said:
With ammonia at 5ppm, I'd probably switch to daily changes of 40%. Be sure to use dechlorinated water.

I thought you were trading the pleco for a smaller fish?
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Ok, i'll start daily changes.

Using tap water and treating it with NutraFin Aqua Plus Tap Water Conditioner before putting it into the tank sufficient?

I have a friend that wants the Pleco (200 gallon tank), so I figured I could use him during the cycling process before passing him off. Sound reasonable?
 
Sounds good.
I'm assuming your pleco is pretty small now, right? If you dont have an algae buildup, you could feed him sinking algae or spirulina tablets. Maybe 1/4 tablet every day or two if he is only an inch or two long.
 
Galaxie said:
Sounds good.
I'm assuming your pleco is pretty small now, right? If you dont have an algae buildup, you could feed him sinking algae or spirulina tablets. Maybe 1/4 tablet every day or two if he is only an inch or two long.
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Yeah he's no bigger than an inch and a half. I was told by the LFS that putting small amounts of the normal flakes would create food (algae?) for the pleco. Is this not true?

Thank you again for the help.
 
Z Man said:
Could you actually measure that tank with a ruler? The measurements you gave are for a 7.5 gallon tank.
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Did I? My apologies, I was in a "bad place" with all my fish dying :)

The actual dimensions:

Height: 12"
Length: 12"
Width 8"

(tank is not perfectly square, has a ) like shape) As per manufacturer:

Dimensions: 12" L X 7-1/2" W X 11-1/2"H
Aquarium Size: 3 Gallon
 
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chops11 said:
Yeah he's no bigger than an inch and a half. I was told by the LFS that putting small amounts of the normal flakes would create food (algae?) for the pleco. Is this not true?
Click to expand...

Nope, not true. A pleco is a vegetarian. They sell very small bags of Hikari algae tabs at most local fish stores. If he doesn't eat it soon after you drop it in, you might drop it in at night....many plec's are night feeders. Too bad they get so big....very interesting fish. Mine finds his food within a few minutes. In a small tank, you can probably keep him for more than a few months. But....tell your friend to be prepared to adopt him if he hits a growth spurt.
 
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