Ammonia and nitrites need to be 0, did you add ammonia to cycle the tank?
I think I am ready for fish?
I have had my tank set up for a while now and I think I am ready to start adding stock.
I tested the water and theses were my results:
Nitrates-0
Hardness- soft(75)
Alkalinity- between 180 and 300
P.H- 8.4
What I want to add to my tank:
Snail
ghost shrimp
tetras
one male betta
I just wanted to make sure that my water is ok to add fish to and what the best order to add them in is.
I tested the water and theses were my results:
Nitrates-0
Hardness- soft(75)
Alkalinity- between 180 and 300
P.H- 8.4
What I want to add to my tank:
Snail
ghost shrimp
tetras
one male betta
I just wanted to make sure that my water is ok to add fish to and what the best order to add them in is.
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
Are the plants growing good now?
What size is the tank and what type of tetras? I'm guessing you either forgot ammonia and nitrite or dont have a test kit. Was in that position (and still am) and it is so annoying!
And the pH is wayyy to high for bettas. If it is Congo tetras then I think you'll be okay, but I think that pH is even to hard for the shrimp, but I'm not sure.
And the pH is wayyy to high for bettas. If it is Congo tetras then I think you'll be okay, but I think that pH is even to hard for the shrimp, but I'm not sure.
I forgot to add but yes my ammonia is zero. Im not sure what kind of tetras really but I like the neon ones so probably those. The plants are growing well, lots of roots and green. Is there any way to lower the ph other than wait? Thanks=)
you can filter water through peat moss. It lowers the KH and pH but also stains the water with tannins if you want a slight blackwater effect.
if you haven't added ammonia, you've not had your tank cycled. look up how to do a fishless cycle. and do it, be patient, there's no way to succeed in this hobby without having a good amount of patience.I forgot to add but yes my ammonia is zero. Im not sure what kind of tetras really but I like the neon ones so probably those. The plants are growing well, lots of roots and green. Is there any way to lower the ph other than wait? Thanks=)
oops also it is 10gallons
Your KH (Alkalinity ) is so high that peat moss will not lower the pH.
Adding a few minerals to raise the GH (General hardness) is easier than trying to soften the water. I would use GH booster to raise the GH to about 100 ppm.
I would suggest you go with fish that thrive in those conditions:
Platy (3 males, or 1M + 2F. Return the babies to the store often)
Guppy (up to 10 males, or start with 1M + 3F and let them breed, return the babies to the store)
Smaller Rainbow relatives like Pseudomugil (not for beginners)
Small Cichlids like Shell Dwellers (1M + 1F, they will grow a colony)
Snails instead of shrimp.
--------------------------------------------------
If you want a soft water tank then blend reverse osmosis water with the tap water until the KH is about 100. Then filter it through peat moss. This will allow the pH to drop into the range acceptable to most hatchery raised soft water fish.
For practice you can buy a gallon of RO water in the grocery store and test some mixes with your tap water. You will probably end up somewhere about 25% tap + 75% RO to get the KH low enough that peat moss will then be able to lower the pH.
If this works you will have some work to do to maintain this tank.
You will need to make that mix of water every time for water changes.
When you buy new fish you will need a quarantine tank (you need one anyway, for new fish) and the fish you buy will be gradually acclimated to the water in your main tank.
Adding a few minerals to raise the GH (General hardness) is easier than trying to soften the water. I would use GH booster to raise the GH to about 100 ppm.
I would suggest you go with fish that thrive in those conditions:
Platy (3 males, or 1M + 2F. Return the babies to the store often)
Guppy (up to 10 males, or start with 1M + 3F and let them breed, return the babies to the store)
Smaller Rainbow relatives like Pseudomugil (not for beginners)
Small Cichlids like Shell Dwellers (1M + 1F, they will grow a colony)
Snails instead of shrimp.
--------------------------------------------------
If you want a soft water tank then blend reverse osmosis water with the tap water until the KH is about 100. Then filter it through peat moss. This will allow the pH to drop into the range acceptable to most hatchery raised soft water fish.
For practice you can buy a gallon of RO water in the grocery store and test some mixes with your tap water. You will probably end up somewhere about 25% tap + 75% RO to get the KH low enough that peat moss will then be able to lower the pH.
If this works you will have some work to do to maintain this tank.
You will need to make that mix of water every time for water changes.
When you buy new fish you will need a quarantine tank (you need one anyway, for new fish) and the fish you buy will be gradually acclimated to the water in your main tank.
You could do head and tail light tetras. My friend has a school of those, so active. And she has a rummynose, which she no's she needs more of but finds there quite delicate.
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
The Planted Tank Forum
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
