Switching to 20g Tank...Help!

Byron

First, my error, I was thinking Chinese, not Siamese, AE fish. But, there is still a problem with the SAE, it needs a 4-foot tank and fairly soon if it is to grow properly. So still an issue if a much larger tank is not in the near future.

LexCorp

Ooh, okay good to know. Thank you Byron. I know I will have the 20gal for the next year, I'm guessing that will be way too long to wait for the SAE?

If I end up getting rid of him what would be a good replacement, I need a fish that can eat black algae since I always get it in my tank.

Byron

Many of us do not recommend acquiring specific fish for algae problems. It is better to resolve the cause. I would suggest that here, given the size the SAE will attain and the issues that creates.

Brush algae is caused by too much light. So, let's explore that.

Do you have live plants?
What is the light (please be specific)? And how long is it on?

Byron.

LexCorp

Umm, I have a flourescent bulb that fits in the hood of my 10 gal. I bought it at Walmart, not sure on much more than that. Normally the hood takestwo bulbs but I only put in one.

I noticed the black algae getting bad, I used to leave the light on about 5-7 hours scattered throughout the day. For a couple weeks I left it off 100% of the time, after I did a good cleaning of the tank, and the black algae all returned. Slightly slower but ended up just as bad. That's why I got the SAE.

edit-- I do not have any live plants either. I tried to get a few but the local shops tend to sell more 'wetland' plants and claim they are for aquariums. Which resulted in two plants starting to rot in my tank a year ago. So I've stuck with fake plants and little caves etc. for hiding places.

Byron

Your light will cause algae, you cannot avoid it. Algae will use the nutrients in the water (and there are plenty with a tank of fish) in the presence of any light. The type depends upon several factors, but brush algae seems quite a common one. Algae arrives in water, from spores in the air, anyplace.

Live plants can keep algae in check. They do this by using the light and nutrients before algae can; ironically, plants are quicker at this than algae, provided the light and nutrients are balanced and sufficient for the plants' needs. Algae in a planted tank is a sign that something is out of balance, and those of us with planted tanks try to keep it in check because on the leaves of plants it can suffocate the plant.

In tanks with no plants, algae is a very good thing. It is using nutrients and thus oxygenates the water and uses CO2 and generally keeps the tank in better health, much the same as plants though the latter would do it to a much greater extent. It can be decorative. If it were not for my plants, I would not fuss over algae, and even with plants, the wood in my tanks is covered in brush algae and sometimes other types.

Reducing the light period will help keep algae in check. As you have no live plants, light only serves one purpose--illuminating the tank so you can observe the fish. Thus, you only need it on minimally. If there is good general light in the room, this will be no issue. Fish need regular light/dark periods, but "light" can be ambient room light with a few hours of tank light.

Byron.

LexCorp

Thank you very much for your help Byron. I am still very much a beginner and trying to learn more.

I actually thought if the algae got to be too much it could be harmful, good to know it can be useful and healthy for the fish. Until I can find access to quality aquatic plants I'll have to stick with my fake decor.


Is there a good website to order plants, and research what ones are compatible with my fish? I know fish will eat certain plants and kill them.

Byron

It is better to consider the fish rather than plants first. Your Silver Dollar is a plant eater, especially soft plants. Some that should be safe would be Java Fern (I don't think any fish will eat this tough plant) and possibly Anubias. The larger swords might be OK, not sure. Considering the tank size and shoaling, I would as previously mentioned get rid of the SD.

I've not ordered plants online, so I will leave it to those who have to suggest reliable sources.

LexCorp

Thanks Byron I will look into finding the SD a home again. I just hate to give him to the local shops because they are all chains, and I know they don't take proper care of the fish since they always give me terrible advice. So I'm really trying to find a person I know who can take it, where I know it will not be thrown into a 5 gallon tank with 20 other SDs and end up dying in a week.


Now that I have some names I'll have to doulbe check the pet shops maybe there is some Java Fern or something mixed in with their random plant selection.


Thanks for the help! I have no power from Hurricane Irene still so once I get it I'll post some pictures of the new tank. Just applied a new black background today and purchased a bigger heater.

Jbrofish8

I order all my plants off of Aquabid.com . Ive used sweetaquatics.com as well, however I've found they are a little slower at shipping than I like.

LexCorp

My friend who has a 150 gallon tank is coming over tonight hopefully he knows someone who can take the SD and potentially the SAE.



If/when I get rid of these what could be some good potential tank mates for my two swordtails and two corys? Or would this be considered a full tank already? I want to make sure I have the proper information this time way before I add any new fish!


Finally got power back--just setup the new 20 gallon with old decor, filter, put in 25% old water just in case, used old gravel and only used a little bit of new gravel since I didn't have enough to cover the bottom. That gravel I poured boiling water over to clean before placing in the tank. I also have a bubble strip in the back for air/oxygen in the water. Will post pics soon!