BlackFin Catfish Tank and Filtration Questions
SPECIFIC COMMUNITY TANK QUESTIONS
Okay. I recently got the urge to start a fish tank, so I did. After setting up my tank for a day to make sure everything was working properly, the tank was not leaking, and the water was set up properly, I went out and bought two fish. I knew I wanted an algae eater, and it seemed like the only choices where I lived were plecos and Chinese Algae eaters. I bought a pleco, even though I knew it would eventually get big, because it seemed preferable to a Chinese Algae Eater, which it seems people dislike because they are aggressive. Then I bought a Black Fin Shark (Catfish). Well, it turns out that here is my first problem. I thought I knew a lot more about these fish than I do. So, first question, I bought food for the pleco (algae wafers). I have only been feeding him a little chunk (about 1/4) of a wafer every couple of days. Is this too much or too little? And, how long will I (should I) have to supplement with algae wafers like this? i.e. will the pleco ever be okay with just the algae that grows naturally? Also, how big will my catfish get? I think they are supposed to get about 6". Is this correct? Is the catfish going to get along with most fish? What are some good companions for the catfish? Are there any really cool fish someone could recommend? Could I safely add a betta to this tank? I'm worried it might get a little ticked at the hyperactive catfish. I assume from what I do know that most everything other than the most aggressive fish will get along with the pleco.
I originally had a 10-gal tank, but mysteriously the back wall cracked diagonally all the way across on the second night. I don't know what caused it, but I woke in the middle of the night to the sound of my tank leaking onto the floor. What could have caused this? There was nothing that could have hit the tank. I am just wondering if this is a common thing that might have an explanation. Anyways, I am currently keeping the fish in a temporary emergency-only 2.5 gal home until I rethink this whole fish tank plan.
FILTRATION QUESTIONS
For instance, I am thinking about buying a larger tank (like 20 or 29 gal). But what about the stuff I've already bought. For instance, I have a 5-15 gal Whisper Power Filter. Can I combine it with another 5-15 gal filter to filter a 20 or 29 gal tank? I have heard that when you change your filter, you lose a lot of your biological filtration. I was thinking I could change each filter every month, but two weeks apart from each other. That way I could always keep a good portion of biological filtration. Is this a good or bad idea? Also, what is the deal with BIO-wheels? I seem to be seeing a lot about them. Are they better filters, or are they an additional filter that does something your normal filter won't do? Should I look into them?
Anyways, sorry so long, and any help is appreciated.
SPECIFIC COMMUNITY TANK QUESTIONS
Okay. I recently got the urge to start a fish tank, so I did. After setting up my tank for a day to make sure everything was working properly, the tank was not leaking, and the water was set up properly, I went out and bought two fish. I knew I wanted an algae eater, and it seemed like the only choices where I lived were plecos and Chinese Algae eaters. I bought a pleco, even though I knew it would eventually get big, because it seemed preferable to a Chinese Algae Eater, which it seems people dislike because they are aggressive. Then I bought a Black Fin Shark (Catfish). Well, it turns out that here is my first problem. I thought I knew a lot more about these fish than I do. So, first question, I bought food for the pleco (algae wafers). I have only been feeding him a little chunk (about 1/4) of a wafer every couple of days. Is this too much or too little? And, how long will I (should I) have to supplement with algae wafers like this? i.e. will the pleco ever be okay with just the algae that grows naturally? Also, how big will my catfish get? I think they are supposed to get about 6". Is this correct? Is the catfish going to get along with most fish? What are some good companions for the catfish? Are there any really cool fish someone could recommend? Could I safely add a betta to this tank? I'm worried it might get a little ticked at the hyperactive catfish. I assume from what I do know that most everything other than the most aggressive fish will get along with the pleco.
I originally had a 10-gal tank, but mysteriously the back wall cracked diagonally all the way across on the second night. I don't know what caused it, but I woke in the middle of the night to the sound of my tank leaking onto the floor. What could have caused this? There was nothing that could have hit the tank. I am just wondering if this is a common thing that might have an explanation. Anyways, I am currently keeping the fish in a temporary emergency-only 2.5 gal home until I rethink this whole fish tank plan.
FILTRATION QUESTIONS
For instance, I am thinking about buying a larger tank (like 20 or 29 gal). But what about the stuff I've already bought. For instance, I have a 5-15 gal Whisper Power Filter. Can I combine it with another 5-15 gal filter to filter a 20 or 29 gal tank? I have heard that when you change your filter, you lose a lot of your biological filtration. I was thinking I could change each filter every month, but two weeks apart from each other. That way I could always keep a good portion of biological filtration. Is this a good or bad idea? Also, what is the deal with BIO-wheels? I seem to be seeing a lot about them. Are they better filters, or are they an additional filter that does something your normal filter won't do? Should I look into them?
Anyways, sorry so long, and any help is appreciated.
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