[WendyKL]

Hi all,

Thanks for the welcome - much appreciated. So here's some information about my fish family (before I ask my questions).

Tank: 2.6 gallons with a Betta, Black Swordfin and Platey (who are all getting along quite nicely for now!!!)

Note: I realized pretty quickly that this is too many fish for 2.6 gallons. I will be upgrading to a larger tank as the fish get larger - right now they are all quite small.

Tank is filtered and heated.
All three fish are eating vigorously and swimming about with good energy - today the Betta had some "different" behaviors (quite a bit of hiding with bursts of swimming about fast - mixed in with a fair amount of "gentle" swimming).

I am doing fish-in cycling (since last Friday). I have been doing frequent partial water changes (about 20%) and I have also used Tetra's Safestart Plus - along with Prime.

I had the water tested 3 times since Friday - today I tested the water myself and got the following results:
Ammonia .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate range of 5.0 to 10 (I'm having a hard time "reading" the exact color of orange)

My questions: I don't quite know what to do with these results?
Also - how often do I test the water?
Also - I would like to hear recommendations on feeding schedule, most highly recommended foods, and amounts. Right now, I am experimenting with feeding every other day - when I feed, I watch to make sure that the food is gone within the first minute of feeding.

Thank you in advance for your help and advice.

WendyK

 

[sandybottom]

hello wendy. i am going to give you a few suggestions for your set up. any time you test your water and see ammonia,you will want to do a water change. since you have a small 2.6 gallon,you will want to do a 50% change daily.please read our cycling thread.keep feeding lightly for now. if you have a petco nearby, they are having a $1/gallon sale.or you can look on craigslist for a used tank.i have found complete set ups for free or under $20 for a 10 gallon.i suggest that you get at least a 10 gallon soon.keep in mind that the larger tanks are easier to maintain.they are also more fun to stock. if you have any questions about equipment,do not be afraid to ask.2.6 gallons are hard to cycle,but not impossible.i suggest not trying to cycle it and going with the water changes.get a decent size tank and cycle that.once you cycle you are going to want your tests to read at; ammonia-0,nitrite-0,nitrate-below 20ppm.you do not have to worry about ph,unless it is below 6 or above 8.or unless you want to breed,but that will come later.when getting new fish,consult here instead of the fish store. they are all about selling as many fish as possible.there are a few exceptions.we are happy to help here so ask anytime.

 

[WendyKL]

I'm picking up a used 10 gallon today ( I lucked out through freecycle - put the feelers out last night and got a response this morning - I'm thrilled). Since I am not in a super rush - I want to make sure that I clean it properly. I'll be using vinegar and water and I'll be drying it out in the sun (if our weather warms). Any other suggestions on cleaning - disinfecting? Last night we had 15 below here - yikes - which brings me to another question - when it gets this cold - I add supplemental heat using a night heat lamp (exo terra) - is this OK?

WendyK

 

[sandybottom]

great!do you have a heater for the ten? see no problem with the heat lamp as long as the tank stays a constant temperature in the upper 70s.you have a thermometer?

 

[WendyKL]

Yes - I have a heater and filter for the 10 and I have thermometers. The 10 gallon is in really great shape - it will be easy to get clean and I will get started on cycling it properly!

Wendy
Black Swordtail named Mo
Platey named Larry
Betta named Curly

 

[sandybottom]

should have asked what the heater wattage is. is it adjustable?