Advice please

smanf

Hello everyone, i'm just starting out and need some advice. I have a 57lt tank with filter system and small heater. The tank has been set up for a week (no problems) and i just introduced my fish yesterday. Woke up this morning and the water is quite murky. The ph is 7. Is this normal???? Dont want my fish to get sick. Thanx in advance.

Castro235

I'm still fairly new with all of this stuff, but I'm sure everyone can help you a little better if you give some more information.

Have you tested the nitrite and nitrate levels before and after the fish?
What kind of filter are you using?
What kind of substrate do you have
What kind, and how many fish did you put in the tank?

Angel079

Welcome tot he forum!

You need to test your NO2, NO3 and Ammonia - Can you do that and post the numbers?

smanf

Is the nitrate levels the same as the ph?
The tank is a EC Hexa 15. It came with its own pump (3 stages filtration with sponge, active carbon and bio-balls inclusive)
I only have 4 Clown Loach and 6 cardinal tetras.

I was told to add ammonia chlorine eliminator and bio booster to the water, which i have done.
I also put a new plant in with the fish, could it be that?

Sorry to sound clueless!!!

smanf

Wow, just seen your post Angel079. I have nothing to test the water levels other than a ph testing kit. What do i need to get to test the NO2 & 3 and ammonia?

jeaninel

Since your aquarium is so new it is starting to "cycle" and that is why your water is cloudy (bacteria bloom). You will need a liquid test kit to test for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and Ph. Ammonia and nitrite are what you will want to test for in the early stages of the cycle. You don't need to worry about nitrates until the cycle is almost done. API makes a good test kit like this http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...54&pcatid=4454 or you can buy the tests individually. You will need to test for ammonia and nitrites every day or every couple days and do partial water changes when ammonia/nitrite levels rise in order to keep your fish from dying/getting sick. Your tank will be finished cycling once these levels drop to 0 and you have some reading for nitrates. This cycle usually takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks. The bio booster may or may not speed up the cycle.

Read up on the aquarium cycle here http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/f...ium-cycle-252/ and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions.

iamntbatman

Welcome to TFK!

Agreed with the advice given so far. I would also warn that clown loaches will grow much too large for a 57l tank. They can get to over a foot in length.

smanf

Thanx for the advice. I will go and get some of those testing kits 1st thing tomorrow. Bit annoyed that i wasn't advised to get them beforehand. I'll keep you all updated and no doubt be back with more questions :)

iamntbatman

The opportunity for shameless plugging presents itself!

Here are two articles I posted recently, one on the aquarium cycle and one on fish stocking:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/m...m-cycle-38617/
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/m...tocking-38626/