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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/6/2008 10:08:38 AM
Posts: 53,
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| Ok, so the last comet I had died (check out "Can't seem to keep fish alive" to get the full story). I want to restart my tank, do it the RIGHT way, and put the RIGHT fish in so I can be successful (aka keeping fish alive for more than several weeks to 2 months). I have a 10 gallon tank. I tested the water last night just before the fish died. The pH was around 6.8-7.0 (got it up to 7.2 ONCE, but my pH won't change, no matter what I try). There was FINALLY NO ammonia (I've always had VERY HIGH ammonia). Nitrates were 5ppm, but the Nitrites ended up this weird clearish-greyish color, so I don't know if that would be 0ppm or what. It's always previously turned a color that matched something on the grid. SOOOOOOO........before I do ANYTHING, I want to know what should I do? Do I dump out all the water completely and wash everything? Just change the filter? I don't want to even touch my aquarium until I know what needs to be done so that the next fish (NOT comets) can stay alive for a long time. Just so everyone knows, my comet that just died did have fin rot, if that makes a difference in what to do. It seemed to be getting a little better, but I don't know........Oh, and it never grew in size (at least not noticeably). Don't know if those bits of information will affect what I need to do.
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Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 12:10:10 PM
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You have no fish now, correct?
You should dump in some fish food to keep the cycle on your tank running. As the food breaks down, it releases ammonia, which will feed your bacteria. If you let it stand for too long with no ammonia source, or change the filter now, you'll have to go through the cycling process all over again, and it sounds like you finally got yours to a good place.
In the meantime, check out the links at the top of each forum. One is called "hailey's ten-gallon stocking guide" or something like that. It has a list of appropriate fish for a 10g tank. Look through the list, take a look at pictures of each fish and decide what you like. If you post up what you like, we can go over it with you to make sure it'll work.
Once you've decided on what fish you like, you'll want to add them slowly, but we'll get to that later.
Do you have a heater for this tank? Almost all of the appropriate fish will be tropicals, which require a heater.
I know it's discouraging to start out in this hobby that way, but you really are a good track now to being able to care for your fish without frustration and heartache. :)
20 gallon long
Lionhead - Kiko
Calico Lionhead - Little Bean
29 gallon
Fantail - Oliver
Black Moor - Damian
Calico Ryukin - Serafina
2.5 gallon
male betta - Pirate
10 gallon planted
minnow, betta, guppy
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/6/2008 10:08:38 AM
Posts: 53,
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| Nope, all my fish are gone now. I'll add the food now. I don't have a heater, just the filter and bubbler. I'll try to take a look at that on my break at work, otherwise I will look when I get home.
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Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 7:15:32 AM
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| Honestly, I suggest against changing the pH. Keep it the way it is. You want stability in the pH, not a fluctuating one. If your pH goes up and down multiple times during the day, it just stresses your fish and dead fishies. There are many fish that love an acidic environment. Also, don't worry. Many fish are bred in captivity for so long they can adapt to nearly any pH provided extremes are avoided.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cut Here If life gives you lemons, squeeze them into people's eyes and run away! }<(((0>
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Senior Member
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Last Login: Today @ 9:47:18 AM
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| Hello, If you haven't done it yet, you'll want to add some crushed coral or gypsum to the aquarium to help stabalize your aquarium, as fluctuations, even if small, aren't ideal. If you don't have a filter, you still have some options, but don't expect a ton of color. Additionally, this may be a bit preemptive, but one fish you might want to look into is the paradise fish or paradise gourami. If you keep a single specimen in a heated tank (they can survive in unheated but fare much better in a heated tank), they are usually very hardy, develop a unique personality, and have a decent amount of color. MOA
"Tears aren't a sign of weakness, they're a sign of poor plumbing." --Dead Men's Lies
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/6/2008 10:08:38 AM
Posts: 53,
Visits: 185
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| I do have a filter (probably should put a fresh pad in?) I'll have to buy a heater. Last time I went to PetSmart (closest place on the way back), I couldn't find it. Asked someone on the floor and they said you don't need it. I'm looking into what other stores there are that would be more knowledgable. I had done the baking soda trick you mentioned once, MOA. Not sure how often I needed to do that. I just looked at all the types of schooling and semi-schooling fish that are listed for a 10 gallon tank that Haley listed in that post. Here are the ones I liked: Schooling (I like these more): Neon tetra, green fire tetra, black phantom tetra, blue emperor tetra, dwarf rasbora, pencilfish, featherfin rainbowfish, forktail fish. Not 100% sure, but kind of like gold neon tetra and ember tetra. Semi-Schooling: cherry barb and emperor tetra. Whatever advice you guys have, let me know b/c I have no clue. I'm just going by looks here.
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