Setting Up New 10g Tank - Need Advice

Big Fish

This should read:

They believe the filter has not started to do the cycle thing yet and recommended Live Nitrifying Bacteria. 4oz per 10g.

I hit the "g" key instead of the "t" key right above it. Oooops!

Twistersmom

I am a strong believer that you can never do to many water changes. Personally, I would do a 50% water change, then add the bacteria.
If ammonia is still high the next day, I would repeat.

Big Fish

I did 4 water changes this week! I will check the water again tomorrow and Tuesday and do another if the ammonia levels don't drop.

Big Fish

Does anyone have fish that "eat" or look like they want to eat the plants in the tank? I have cobombas and my fish love to rip and tear at the leaves.

The snail, too, have moved off the glass (I bought a cool Magnet Cleany thing) and the glass is crystal so everyone is not working on my plants!! LOL

AquariumEnthusiast

I just set up my very first aquarium. It's a 10 gallon glass tank. This thread has been EXTREMELY helpful.

Big Fish

AE

Welcome to the forum. I am happy my plight is benefiting you! :) This is a great place. I am happy to share any of my personal experiences with you. Just ask.

I just bought this magnet glass cleaner. I love it. If you don't have one, consider getting one. It really does a great job on keeping the glass clean of algae.

Get the one that floats. It is snap to use!

Good luck with your new tank! Feel free to take over this "blog" with your own questions. The more the merrier.

Byron

Some fish are vegetarians and will eat plants, but previously I think you mentioned mollies which are more likely eating (or browsing for) algae on the plant leaves. Same for the snails, if they are the previously-identified pond or bladder snails, they do not eat healthy plants but graze over the leaves eating algae and microscopic food.

Byron.

Big Fish

Byron,

The mollies look like they are sucking up the algae on the leaves. They are not physically "eating" the plants. The snails have disappeared from the glass and I can see them cruising up and down the plant stems. There is no physical damage to the plants so algae is the food of choice here.

Tank is crystal in terms of being clear and clean. I mentioned a new glass cleaning tool, the name is Mag-Float. Cost about $20. It is basically two parts, one inside the tank and a magnet on the outside. The two come together and from the outside, you can easily and efficiently clean the inside of the glass from top to bottom. Highly recommend this tool.

I am going to check the water in the morning for ammonia.

Fish are still fine, amazingly. This is a rugged bunch.

Big Fish

Bryon,

I can't seem to drop my AMMONIA. I poured in that liquid and NADA, NOTHING!!!!

Still high ammonia!!!

Current definitive reading is: 1.0


Panicing now!

I have cut down feeding.
I am feeding them in small drabs so they eat most of the stuff I drop in.
I reduced one feeding to morning and evening.

This is starting to frustrate me!

Can it possibly be the filter?

Byron

Going back through this thread, I would stick with the advice Twistersmom and I gave. The fish are not showing discomfort, so let it be. Watch for the nitrite spike anywhere in the next several days. The plants will consume a lot of ammonia, the bacteria will establish and multiply...and if stress on the fish does manifest itself, a partial water change will help.

As for the feedings, fish only need once a day to be perfectly healthy. I don't understand how this could have anything to do with the filter.

Byron.