Newbie: Several Questions

[WrittenLyric]

I guess I need to purchase a kit for testing nitrates/ammonia. I don't know anyone who keeps fish, so I'll have to do it without bacteria from another tank.

Hey Angie,
You should definitely buy the kit, not only for initial set up, but as a regular part of your tank maintainence. It's good to know the normal levels of your tank so it's easier to pin point any potential issues.
Also, you may be in luck with finding used media (gravel or even better, filter media) at your LFS. When you go in to buy your test kit, ask to see if they could possibly hook you up with some. Most LFS's want you to have a successful tank so that you keep coming back for supplies and stock.
Good luck!

 

[AngieW]

Hey Angie,
You should definitely buy the kit, not only for initial set up, but as a regular part of your tank maintainence. It's good to know the normal levels of your tank so it's easier to pin point any potential issues.
Also, you may be in luck with finding used media (gravel or even better, filter media) at your LFS. When you go in to buy your test kit, ask to see if they could possibly hook you up with some. Most LFS's want you to have a successful tank so that you keep coming back for supplies and stock.
Good luck!

I thought of this, but I wasn't sure if a fish store was considered a safe source or not. My LFS just had a problem with their filtration system and lost half their fish in a day, so I'd guess they might not be considered safe right off, lol

Thank you for the advice on the test kit, I'm going to buy one this afternoon.

 

[SirWired]

Thank you everyone for the replies.

I took the two females back to the store, and got a male betta instead. So now he and the snail share a tank.

As for what kind of snail it is, when I bought it they just said "blue mystery snail" and though I looked at that site, I couldn't tell exactly.

The two tanks each came with air pump/air stones. But only one small heater and one filter. I can certainly purchase a heater/filter for the other if it's recommended?

I guess I need to purchase a kit for testing nitrates/ammonia. I don't know anyone who keeps fish, so I'll have to do it without bacteria from another tank.

Thanks again, for all the replies, and any further advice is always appreciated.

Yes, you do need a heater and filter for both tanks. For the filter, get one "rated" for twice the capacity of the tank.

SirWired

 

[bettagurl]

Thank you everyone for the replies.

I took the two females back to the store, and got a male betta instead. So now he and the snail share a tank.

As for what kind of snail it is, when I bought it they just said "blue mystery snail" and though I looked at that site, I couldn't tell exactly.

The two tanks each came with air pump/air stones. But only one small heater and one filter. I can certainly purchase a heater/filter for the other if it's recommended?

I guess I need to purchase a kit for testing nitrates/ammonia. I don't know anyone who keeps fish, so I'll have to do it without bacteria from another tank.

Thanks again, for all the replies, and any further advice is always appreciated.

you should buy a filter for both tanks,it WILL keep your betta healthier,also,snails prefer filtered water.my five gal has a betta fry and one yellow mystery snail with a good filter,having a filter will save you the problems of almost daily water changes to keep down amonia,snails are poop machines,so are bettas.