Help with 36g freshwater set up.

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by joeydominick, Mar 14, 2010.

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  1. joeydominick

    joeydominick Astrea Snail

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    Hi, brand new to the aquarium world. Just some simple questions that I have before I add any fish. Here's where Im at. I have the aquarium set up, thermometer,gravel, aquaclear 70. Ive had it running for 3 days tomorrow. What do I do next, start adding fish,plants.... I have no idea! Also, how often do you do water test and what test need done, will the test kits have normal ranges to check for?
     
    joeydominick, Mar 14, 2010
    joeydominick, Mar 14, 2010
    #1

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  2. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    If you want to do it correctly, you will want to, first, cycle the tank with a hardy enough fish to handle the nitrification process. Plants should be okay if added sparingly and potentially beneficial in helping move the nitrification on. Hold off on inverts 'til the tank has cycled. Water testing will be done regularly over the next couple of weeks. Then, periodically, or, to rule out issues with fish deaths etc. Or, you can go to the store now and go nuts and stock to your liking and replace fish as needed. Meaning, there's potential for lost fish using this method. Probably the direction I am going to take when I get my gravel soon.
    Welcome to 3reef!
     
    missionsix, Mar 14, 2010
    missionsix, Mar 14, 2010
    #2
  3. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    Welcome to 3 reef joey dominic

    tests for freshwater
    ammonia
    nitrite
    nitrate
    ph
    GH -as this requirement changes between fish species - tetras, angels like soft acidic water, and some fish , notably african chichlids prefer hard alkali water (as do the livebearers like guppies, platies etc)
    temp - thermometer

    the above are a good start IME

    When you have tank set up, gravel in, run for 1 week, to make sure everything stays stable - all the equipment works as it should

    then add a couple of hardy fish, ( catfish like dwarf corydoras are good IME and they dont bother future additions)

    plants as missionsix stated can be added anytime you like

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Mar 14, 2010
    steve wright, Mar 14, 2010
    #3
  4. joeydominick

    joeydominick Astrea Snail

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    so far just went with 3 Glofish. Unfortunately the smallest one took a trip into the filter over night. Went back to hobby store and they replaced for free. About the testing kit, is there a reliable brand that u2 use or will any kit do? I am going to keep a log book when I do changes and add fish. Stupid question, what all is involved when cleaning the tank. (I rmember something about 20% water change,do i let the fish stay in the remaining water?Do I add any chemicals at this point?How often do you change out?What about the crap that is at the bottom, do you guys recommend a vacuum?) I added a suspended bridge in the middle and then 2 rock formations on the sides. As far as temp, the thermometer is reading 78*, is that ok?
    Thanks for the help.
     
    joeydominick, Mar 16, 2010
    joeydominick, Mar 16, 2010
    #4
  5. DustnF

    DustnF Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Freshwater is fun. No cycle to wait for. Do you have stocking plans.
     
    DustnF, Mar 16, 2010
    DustnF, Mar 16, 2010
    #5
  6. joeydominick

    joeydominick Astrea Snail

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    no plans yet, just have the glofish so far. really liked this one catfish at the store put it was 75.00. they recommended I wait a month or so.
     
    joeydominick, Mar 16, 2010
    joeydominick, Mar 16, 2010
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  7. joeydominick

    joeydominick Astrea Snail

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    it was an opal catfish.
     
    joeydominick, Mar 16, 2010
    joeydominick, Mar 16, 2010
    #7