So I set up my 55 gallon tank and had problems with the water - growing a mold bloom ( that's what y'all told me) but now I think I have it correct.
I had vacuummed the gravel to get the nasty "spider web" looking stuff out and removed an old decoration that I thought may contribute to the problem. Then, last weekend, I got an ammonia remover filter to add to the water pump and added some aquarium salt. I took a chance and I bought 2 cherry barbs, 2 zebra danios, and 2 neon tetras. I already had a headlight tetra, 3 neon tetras, and an algea eater in the tank. I think the AE is a pygmy catfish, but not absolutely sure. I had put in an algea disc for him, but it had the mold growing on it so it got sucked up.
So the next day 2 of the neon tetras were gone, but everyone else seemed fine. (These tetras were so small that they didn't look like they would make it from the get-go.) The mold started again so I repeated the above, added some more salt to the tank, and replaced about 10% of the water. I did not add another piece of the algea disc.
A day or so later I got worried because I couldn't find the AE. He hides really well though. So I have waited to do anything else to the tank. Tonight he came out. Seems he has taken over this one plastic driftwood piece as his private sanctuary, and he snuck out just for a bit. I was so happy to see him. He has been around for about 3 years and it killed me to think I had hurt him.
So now I think I am ready to add some more fish to the tank. My water is still testing a little high on the nitrite side, but everything else is safe and good to go. So . . . am I ready to add some guppies and playties or whatever else you may recommend?
Thanks for all your help! My fishie boys appreciate it! (Not that they are all boys!)
I had vacuummed the gravel to get the nasty "spider web" looking stuff out and removed an old decoration that I thought may contribute to the problem. Then, last weekend, I got an ammonia remover filter to add to the water pump and added some aquarium salt. I took a chance and I bought 2 cherry barbs, 2 zebra danios, and 2 neon tetras. I already had a headlight tetra, 3 neon tetras, and an algea eater in the tank. I think the AE is a pygmy catfish, but not absolutely sure. I had put in an algea disc for him, but it had the mold growing on it so it got sucked up.
So the next day 2 of the neon tetras were gone, but everyone else seemed fine. (These tetras were so small that they didn't look like they would make it from the get-go.) The mold started again so I repeated the above, added some more salt to the tank, and replaced about 10% of the water. I did not add another piece of the algea disc.
A day or so later I got worried because I couldn't find the AE. He hides really well though. So I have waited to do anything else to the tank. Tonight he came out. Seems he has taken over this one plastic driftwood piece as his private sanctuary, and he snuck out just for a bit. I was so happy to see him. He has been around for about 3 years and it killed me to think I had hurt him.
So now I think I am ready to add some more fish to the tank. My water is still testing a little high on the nitrite side, but everything else is safe and good to go. So . . . am I ready to add some guppies and playties or whatever else you may recommend?
Thanks for all your help! My fishie boys appreciate it! (Not that they are all boys!)
Comment