I am a bad fish mommy. :-( Some questions.

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purplekelly

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 9, 2010
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Baltimore, MD
I've had a ten gallon tank for over a year now, and it's done pretty well. However, I recently have been noticing some issues with my pleco, and I came across this site while searching for answers. As I've read here, I am realizing that I haven't been doing nearly enough to care for the pleco - I didn't realize he needed food other than algae and whatever fish food sunk to the bottom. :( As soon as I read about them needing vegetation, I put a piece of cabbage in there for him (used a wooden skewer to keep it on the bottom). I will get him some other fresh stuff tomorrow.

So, questions. I really appreciate any advice you guys can offer.

I just bought a 29 gallon tank to upgrade to, because my plec is getting to big for the 10 gallon. He's probably about 5" now. He (or she, I guess) is a common pleco, L001 (or at least I am pretty sure). He's been freaking out a lot the past few days, having spells where he starts breathing fast and shaking or thrashing around. Any idea what could be causing this? What should I check for? The only thing that I changed recently was adding a couple of new plants. Maybe he's just growing out of this tank?

Next question, what's the best was to transition to the new tank? I don't want to shock all of my fish. How can I best establish the biological factors in the new tank?

What does my new tank need? I've been running with just a filter and lights on my 10 gallon, but I think I may need more things. I am looking at this Classic Whisper filter. Any thoughts on that? I've never needed a heater, because my tank has maintained a good temp without one. Will I need one with the bigger tank? Is gravel okay for substrate? I unfortunately am on a budget, but I also want to take good care of my fishy friends.

Oh, important detail that I left out: the other fish in the tank are 2 cory cats, 2 danios, 2 tetras, 3 guppies, and 2 platys. I'm a bit overfished, which is the other reason why I need the bigger tank. :) The tank is moderately planted with bamboo and swords. I think I need to add a cave of some kind for pleco?
 
If its a common pleco and not a bristlenose pleco, the best thing would probably be to trade it in at a local fish store. Common plecos grow very large and would need a tank much larger than a 29.

If your new tank came with filters and accessories and you arent planning on keeping anything in the old tank, i would just take everything from the old tank and put it on the new one for a couple months. There shouldnt really be any new cycle if you dont add alot of new fish. You can even take all the old water and top it off with conditioned tap water, it would be like a 67% water change which isnt a big deal. Basically just move everything over and make sure the new water is similar temp.
 
Common plecos grow to be 18-24 inches long. It will need a tank that is at least 75 gallons and would be a LOT better off in one that is at least 125.

Corry cats, danios and tetras are all schooling fish and need to be housed in schools of 7-8+ of their own species. They are going to be VERY grateful for their new tank.

Set up the new tank with what ever substrate and decorations you are planning, and the same filter you are using on the ten gallon tank. The bacteria you need are all in that filter. I would recommend a Marineland Penguin 200 filter, or if you can afford a little nicer one the Emperor 280. Run the two filters together for about 3 weeks, then you can turn the older one off. The older filter will seed the new one.

Yes you should have a heater.


Be sure to have drift wood for the pleco to chew on.
 
CHANGED the filter media?!?!?!?!?!?!


Ooooops.

Do you own a test kit?

How often are you changing the water? If you changed the media (Big mistake) you will need to do daily water changes for a while.
 
Oh jeez. I am going to sound like a complete idiot here. I changed the bio bag and the black scrubby thing in the filter, which is what the instructions say to do. Is that wrong? :( Or am I calling it the wrong thing?

I did a 30% water change about a week before that. I don't to the water change and the filter at the same time, because I read it can take away too much of the bio matter.

He may be a bristlenose pleco, now that I looked up pictures of those. I will need to get some pictures of him to post over on the pleco board.
 
On a properly stocked tank, do 50% water changes at least once a week. That is the minimum to change. Your tank is over stocked, I would change more than that. Fresh water fish love fresh water.

The bacteria that break down your fish waste into non toxic substances live in your filter, not in your water. Their waste is in your water, and that is why you need to change the water.

If you changed your filter media, you tossed out all of your bacteria. Your tank is no longer cycled and will have ammonia building in it rapidly.

You need to go do a water change, tonight. Do another one in the morning.

GO buy a test kit.
 
The instructions tell you to change your media so they company making the filter can make $$.

Go buy quilt batting from the fabric store. One square yard will last you the rest of eternity. When your filter media is falling apart, put the quilt batting in and run the filter with the old media and the new quilt batting for about 2 weeks. Then toss the old media and use the quilt batting for the new media.

No loss of bacteria, costs about 12 cents a filter.
 
Cuccumber was a big fav for mine but give him a chunk every other day or so. Feeding everyday will produce alot of waste.
As far as the temper tantrums I can only suggest testing the water. Hopefully someone esle will know here and chime in.
Transferring can be done by submerging a bag like a zip-loc freezer bag in the old tank, get him into the bag, put the bag in the new tank for 30-45 mins dosing it little by little with the new tanks water then simply scooping him out and putting him in.
You must make sure the new tank water is cycled though so test for ammonia and what not. If the new tank has any ammonia it isn't finished cycling. Best way to start a tank is either using 'cheap' fish like feeders to start the cycle or ammonia(fishless cycle). Research both of em and take your pick.
It'd be wise to use a heater so there isn't a chance of the tank ever dropping in temp.
And gravel will be fine, rinse it of course though.
Cave is a good idea too if he's stressed.
Hope I helped!
 
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