Some advice on my tank...

[enrique4jc]

I inherited a 29 gallon tank when I moved into my home about 3 years ago. It was left there by the previous owners with a few goldfish and a sucker fish in it. They said they would take it out of it I didnt want it, but otherwise they'd just leave it. Considering I live alone and I'm a fan of all things tied into the beauty of God's creation, I thought it might be a fun hobby and enjoyable to watch on some of those evenings when I'm actually at the house...but enough about that.

Ultimately, I knew nothing about how to care for the thing. I didnt know about tropical vs. coldwater, I didnt know about doing water changes (when I first got it I used to transfer the fish and completely empty it once a month so I could bleach it all - dont assault me, I promise I've learned better), I didn't know anything! After losing all but one of the fish living in the tank (including some new ones I had bought), I thought I needed to either give up or figure out what I was doing wrong. So I slowly have been learning about how to better take care of it.

Now, I do 50% water changes about once a week using a Python gravel vacuum I bought a while back (I treat the water with a "Start Right" product that came with the tank and also add "Stress Coat" each time). I have a heater that I have no idea of the specs, but it keeps my water at a steady 78 degrees. I am using the Regent 30-60 gallon filter that was on it when I got it (no biowheel or comparable biosource). I have airstones bubbling from underneath a sunken ship ornament and one of those skeletons that sort of dances as the air flows through. The tank stays very clean and the water is always clear. All in all, it is a decent looking set up.

However, I'm not sure its the healthiest of systems. From what I've been reading on here since I joined the board, it seems I have a very unconventional mix of fish. It is also possible that I am overstocked. Currently, the tank houses 10 fancy tail guppies, 8 neon tetras, 4 headlight/taillight tetras, 4 mixed fruit tetras, 5 tiger barbs (I know they're supposed to be agressive but I've had no problems...yet), 3 sucker fish (just the standard algea eater you'd find at Walmart - not plecos), 1 Corydora and a few ghost shrimp (I restock these from time to time because the larger tetras eat them).

I love just sitting and watching my tank, and I have become quite the enthusiast in the last several months. I've been considering buying a much larger tank and trying to stock some more exotic fish at some point in the future, but I will not do that until I get a firm grasp on caring for the one I have first. I'm to the point in my understanding of tanks to know that I have some potential problems here, but I don't know enough to know exactly what they are. This is where I'd like the advice of the message board. First, I'd like to hear some general observations on the tank. Also, I'd like for you to help me with the following questions specifically.

1) I've not had any problems with them at this point, but are the fish I am housing really compatible?
2) Is my tank overstocked, about right, or is there room for more fish?
3) If I wanted to add a good centerpiece fish to this tank (pending its a good idea) what would you suggest?
4) What kind of equipment changes would you recommend for taking the best care of my tank?
5) I've read a lot on here about the levels of things like nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, etc. and I would like to ensure I have the best water quality. How can I do this, and what do I need to monitor this on a regular basis?

If there is anything else you think is important, please let me know.

Thanks
EDW

 

[christie71]

Hey nice to see you! you'll get some good advice here

 

[rsanz]

I think a Pearl Gourami is a beautiful centerpiece fish. As for if you are overstocked or not, I'm not exactly sure.

In order to monitor water quality, you'll need a Master Test Kit that tests for Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate (it also comes with a pH tester). Ideal water parameters are:

Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: no more than 25ppm

As of a few weeks ago, if you go to Petsmart.com, they have the "Aquarium Pharmeceuticals Master Test Kit" for $13.99. Normally it's $29.99!! GREAT deal if it's still going on. All you have to do is print off the webpage showing the discounted price and take it in to the Petsmart store nearest you, and they'll pricematch it, because it is listed at regular price in-store.

Good luck in your endeavors, and welcome back to the hobby.

 

[enrique4jc]

How often do you recommend I do water tests? Just at water change, or is it a daily ritual?

 

[wataugachicken]

until you show the 0 0 5-25 numbers above, test daily and change water as needed. once your tank shows those numbers, once a week or when a fish is sick.

 

[coupedefleur]

Pearl gouramis are nice, but with those long "feeler" fins I don't think you want them with tiger barbs. Even tetras might be tempted to take a bite of them.

Are your sucker fish these?
http://www.aquariacentral.com/speci...1&keyword=&mh=200&view_records=Perform+Search
they're also called "Chinese algae eaters".
As they get older, they get fat, lazy, and aggressive. (don't we all!)


50% water changes sounds like a lot, though if it's working for you keep it up.

Some people test a lot, some only do when the fish look like they're under stress or the fish have a problem. I hardly ever test water, but I've been keeping fish a long time and I don't like to fuss.

Kudos on actually taking the time to look things up to improve your fishkeeping.

 

[Marinemom]

Welcome to Aquaria Central. I hope you enjoy your stay here.

The fish you have listed as far as compatibility goes should be fine except for the tiger barbs. They will grow quite a bit larger then the other fish in your tank and will become more aggressive as they mature. They are also known to nip at the fins of other fish. Also from all of the fish you have listed it seems that you are overstocked. I would take back the tiger barbs and maybe leave the rest. Even if you got rid of the tiger barbs then you are still pushing it as far as the stocking goes and I would not add any other fish at this time. I would also recommend that you start doing weekly water changes of at least 20%. You can do more if necessary. When you change out the water make sure that you use a declor. like Prime that will remove clorine and cloramines that are harmful to your fish and potentially very deadly. Do you have a water test kit? If not, you need to buy one. Aquarium Pharmeceuticals Freshwater Master test kit is a good one to have on hand. The results are quite accurate if done correctly. Don't worry, it is not hard to do. How long has this tank been up? It sounds like it is an established tank since it was left behind from the previous owners. Once you start with the weekly water changes I think you can test the water once a week. However, I would recommend testing the water as soon as possible and see where your water peremeters are. Then you can go from there. If the readings are out of wack, then you will have to do a series of watrer changes to get the levels where they should be. Preferbly, the ammonia should be sitting at 0, the nitrite should also be sitting at 0. Unless you have a planted aquarium, the nitrates should be also sitting at 0. If you have a planted aquarium, then the nitrates should be at 10-20 ppm.

Hope this helps.

Marinemom