Hi everyone Freshwater here.

Discussion in 'Say Hello!' started by Hodge209, Jul 21, 2008.

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  1. Hodge209

    Hodge209 Plankton

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2008
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    Whats going on!

    My names Jake and im just starting on my good first freshwater tank. My dad and cousion have always been into it so I thought I would give it a shot. I went online and baught a 20 gallon. Looks a bit cloudy sofar but from what I hear you need to let it filter for about a week-2 weeks?

    Anyways I'm hoping to start out with maybe a pleco and a pair of chiclids.

    Any suggestions?
     
    Hodge209, Jul 21, 2008
    Hodge209, Jul 21, 2008
    #1

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  2. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    Hey Jake...Welcome to 3reef! :wave: my suggestion....turn it into a salt water tank and freak em all out(j/k) hey fw is better than no water :) good luck with it and show us some pics when it clear up!
     
    cuttingras, Jul 21, 2008
    cuttingras, Jul 21, 2008
    #2
  3. phorn

    phorn Bristle Worm

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    Welcome aboard! You'll need to cycle the tank. That may take two weeks, maybe more, maybe less. You should get a test kit so you can check for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. You should "feed" the tank, before you add fish, and let the food decompose. Test for ammonia first, it should spike, then drop. Nitrites next, should spike then drop. Once that happens, the tank is cycled, and you should be able to add some fish. Just have patience and add fish slowly AFTER the tank cycles. ;)
     
    phorn, Jul 21, 2008
    phorn, Jul 21, 2008
    #3
  4. phorn

    phorn Bristle Worm

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    Jeeez...that sounds like I'm preaching or sumthin'. Sorry if it sounds like that to you Jake...
     
    phorn, Jul 21, 2008
    phorn, Jul 21, 2008
    #4
  5. omard

    omard Gnarly Old Codfish

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    Start out right...invest in some live rock and some salt mix!!! ;)
     
    omard, Jul 21, 2008
    omard, Jul 21, 2008
    #5
  6. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Fresh is way more forgiving then salt is. The cloudiness may only take a couple of days but it could take a couple weeks. It depends on what is in the tank. If there is just a little food and no fish that you are continuing to feed it will go quickly. Plecos are great and will keep your tank clean but until you have a algee build up make sure to have algee discs to feed it. Ciclids are good fish but depending on the kind they can get really big and a 20 may not be big enough! Have fun with it and let us know how it is going! :wave:
     
    cannedmulder, Jul 21, 2008
    cannedmulder, Jul 21, 2008
    #6

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  7. Hodge209

    Hodge209 Plankton

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    Thx guys. Ill have to pick up test kits. Ive never really had to test the water. I guess I can always read the box. :p
     
    Hodge209, Jul 21, 2008
    Hodge209, Jul 21, 2008
    #7
  8. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    live rock and salt mix for a fresh water tank?
     
    cuttingras, Jul 21, 2008
    cuttingras, Jul 21, 2008
    #8
  9. Hodge209

    Hodge209 Plankton

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    Lol i think what he means is go saltwater.
     
    Hodge209, Jul 21, 2008
    Hodge209, Jul 21, 2008
    #9
  10. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I agree he means go SW
     
    cannedmulder, Jul 21, 2008
    cannedmulder, Jul 21, 2008
    #10
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