Yup, kinda figured that would be the case. Guessing 150g would be minimum for these three based on the discussions around the poly forums
Am I doing this right?!?
- Thread starter DannielR
- Start date
Welcome to fishkeeping. I would focus more on the footprint of the tank, than the volume. An endlicheri can get 30" so a large tank with a narrow footprint will not work long term. If you go with an interim upgrade, I would be looking for a 75g instead of a 55g. A standard 75 has an 18" width as opposed to a 55 with 12".
You stated this is a new set up, is the tank cycled and do you have the ability to test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate? If you are not already familiar with the aquarium nitrogen cycle, I would suggest reading up on it and asking questions.
My LFS gave me this conditioning solution they said I had to put in the tank prior to putting fish in it to clear the tank of ammonia and other harmful substances.
That's all they said I had to to do.so thats all I did. Didn't know I had to check these things and had to take sure the conditions were good for a week or two.
My endli and delhezi seem pretty chill most of the time and swim around from time to time. My ornate however, keeps on swimming towards the glass, like it wants to get away or something. What should I do?!
Don't want anything bad to happen to them.
Can't test the tank for the nitrogen cycle yet, I'm from a small province in the Philippines and I can't get my hands on those types of equipment at the moment.(ordering them really costs a lot) still waiting for payady.haha
is there any way to test in a DIY kind of way?
I don't know of any diy method, but it is a guarantee that you have ammonia levels building up. Water conditioners will detoxify ammonia temporarily, but you will need to start doing frequent water changes to keep it from reaching toxic levels. What brand conditioner are you using? Cycling a tank actually takes about five or six weeks, during which time your fish will be exposed to potentially deadly levels of ammonia and nitrite. Basically your fishes biological functions eg respiration and excretion release ammonia into the water. It will quickly build up and poison your fish. Over time a colony of bacteria will develop that convert ammonia into nitrite which is still quite toxic. A second type of bacteria will eventually colonize the tank and convert the nitrite into nitrate, which at high levels is toxic but easy to manage(relatively speaking). Most of the bacteria will colonize the media in your filter, not the water. The only way to manage the ammonia and nitrite levels during cycling is to remove a portion of the water and replace it with fresh hopefully ammonia free water. Since you are unable to test for levels you will probably need to change at least 50% of your tank water every other day. I am no polypterus expert but I think they are pretty tolerant of less than ideal water conditions, so that may work in your favor. What is the brand and model of the filter you purchased?
Im really worried, cause I read some testimonies stating that their fishes died after a week due to improper cycling. I hope my fishes are Hardy enough to survive.
I'ma upload a pic of the conditioner and the filter head.
Already looking for an aquarium test kits online, cause none of the LFS have it here.
I'ma have a 60"x41"x15" tank by March, I hope that'll be big enough, really focused on the footprint as previously stated.
what kind of dark sand or gravel should I look for?
Are live plants recommended? Cause I read they help with nitrite and convert them to nitrates. But I'm afraid that if my polys get large they'd begin to uproot them though.
Hey DannneilR, Hope all is well with your fish. I am not familiar with either of those products and could only find info on a showa 602 top filter. It was rated at 1200lph which would be sufficient for your 25gallon. Did it come with ceramic biological media? I would also recommend the use of an additional sponge filter, they are inexpensive, simple, and very good bio filters. I run at least 2 filters on all my tanks just in case one fails for some reason. Here is a link to some detailed info on cycling.
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/cycling-an-aquarium/
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/cycling-an-aquarium/
That would mean I should upgrade my filter when I get my 200gal tank then.
The article really helped. Trying to learn more about live plants too.
My delhezi or drogon, as I've come to name him, is looking alot better now. Thank guys
Wassup bro, just wanted to show you my delhezi and how well he's been doing lately.
Just wanna thank you again for the help.
