Starting my 1st tank soon!

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Chad

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Feb 4, 2003
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Bellingham, WA
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Hi all...this is a great site! I have learned a ton already!
I would like some comments on my ideas of a new tank setup and then I have a question or two.
I am buying a 29g tank and plan on going slowly to try and make sure I do it right the first time (I'm sure I won't but am going to try!). Once the cycling is done, I'm going to add my cleaning crew (probably 5 Oto's and a handful of shrimp), then slowly add Monk Tetra'a and Platy's over a period of about a month. I'm thinking 6 Monk's and 4 Platy's. Is that too much do you think? Can I add all of the Tetra's at one time, wait a couple of weeks and then add the Platy's or should I add just a few at a time?
Anyway, still divided on the fake/real plant issue. What do you think? I know live plants are better for a natural looking tank but do the fish need live plants?
I saw today some food pellets designed to feed fish a little at a time while you're on vacation. What do you think? I don't want to fall for gimmicks that are going to kill my fish!
Thanks in advance for your help!

Chad
 
Chad,
Welcome to the aquarium hobby!
With this cycling, are you going to do it with a fish or with fishless cycling methods?

Also, you should make sure that there is algae available for your Otos before you add them. If you do it the other way, you will have to do a lot of supplemental veggie feeding for them.

I know very little about Monk Tetras or Platies, so I will let others answer any questions about those. Best of luck!

Matthew
 
I plan on cycling using goldfish. I see your point about not putting too many Oto's first until there is algae enough to eat. Maybe I should put a couple in when I put in the tetra's. Thanks!

Chad
 
Anyway, still divided on the fake/real plant issue. What do you think? I know live plants are better for a natural looking tank but do the fish need live plants?
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it is not a MUST, but you can put it if you like live plants. live plants look nice but they grow fast, for some plants. i like plastic plants cos it's practically maintenance free.

my friends have goldfish that attacks plants, mine barely hurts any leaf on it.

I saw today some food pellets designed to feed fish a little at a time while you're on vacation. What do you think? I don't want to fall for gimmicks that are going to kill my fish!
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i don't trust my fish, i have a feeling they'll just eat and eat and eat and die.

how often do you go on vacation? and if you do, how many days usually? if it's for 3 - 5 days, leaving the fish without food is fine since they are suited for such environment, even in the wild they are not constantly fed.

as for long vacations, good to ask someone drop by and give some food.

==========

about cycling? i don't cycle. i just put my fish in and that's it. :) believe me, it works. :D
 
To start, I would avoid cycling your tank with goldfish. If you're planning on buying feeder goldfish for this be prepared to deal with some nasties that they could introduce into your tank. The goldfish will also outgrow a 29g (if they survive the cycling). If you are set on cycling with fish I would recommend using zebra danios, a hardy and healthier (generally) species. Have you considered fishless cycling? I would go that route, do some research and see what you think.

I would also avoid using the weekend feeders that they have in most local fish stores (LFS). They are composed of plaster and are not good for your water. If you are planning to be away from your tank for an extended period of time I would recommend an automatic/electronic feeder. If you'll be gone for only a few days I wouldn't worry about feeding them at all. Skipping a day or two here and there isn't bad for your fish, it actually lets their systems clean out a bit.

HTH (hope that helps)
 
Cycling with goldfish did I hear ?

Aviod this, they pollute the water, and anyways they are coldwater fish. I would cycle the tank with Zebra Danios, hardy and will take on anything you put them threw, also kinda cool fish.

Weekend Feeders, I don't like and somehow don't work for me, I have my parents feed mine if I a away for a while but if you are gone for a few days (1-4) days don't worry about it, fish can live without food for a few days.


about cycling? i don't cycle. i just put my fish in and that's it. believe me, it works.
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How many fish have parrished ? :D
 
Wow, I'm surprised about the fishless cycling...My lfs insists that cycling with fish is the way. I wonder why...it can't be because they want to sell me a few measly goldfish that they said they would take back when I was done cycling. Wierd. As suggested I think I'll look more into the fishless cycling. Oh, that reminds me, how would I measure 5ppm with the ammonia if I went that way?
Thanks for all the advice! You've given me something to think about. I was kinda leary about the feeders anyway so think I won't do that. I have a vacation scheduled in April for 7 days so will have someone come in and feed them.
Talk to you soon!:D

Chad
 
vacation feeding

Chad,

Make CERTAIN that you SHOW whoever is feeding your fish how much they should get. And let them know that over-feeding is much more dangerous to your fish than under-feeding.

I made the mistake of not doing this and lost half my fish over my honeymoon. :(
 
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