Your current Fish tank Setups!
- Thread starter Malt_Vinegar
- Start date
yeah, soak for 24 hours with half bleach and half water, then soak for another 24 hours in fresh water it said, but like you i was a bit concerned about bleach, so i soaked for a week changing the water daily, then a good rinse under the tap, you can do these about 6 times before the Purigen is totally exhausted and that's it ready for the bin.
I do it on rotation with a stock pile of bags i have, change after about 4- 6 weeks of it being in filter or when the bag is black
The reality of getting a house comes a step closer round about sept/oct this year, so have decided i want another tank like this one Fluval Profile 1200, i like the idea of a deep tank although harder for cleaning it is very sleek.
Hello,
We decided to order THIS earlier.
We returned the Tetra Neons and got 2 more guppies instead. Now got 4 Guppies and 2 Albino Catfish (Wanted a bottom feeder to clean up the left over food)
With the new 60l tank, how many guppies would you say would be aloud? Would some Siamese Fighting fish go into the tank and get along with the Guppies?
I will get the new tank fully set up and run in before i add the fish to it. How long did you guys wait? I have read quite a few guides but they all conflict with each other.
We decided to order THIS earlier.
We returned the Tetra Neons and got 2 more guppies instead. Now got 4 Guppies and 2 Albino Catfish (Wanted a bottom feeder to clean up the left over food)
With the new 60l tank, how many guppies would you say would be aloud? Would some Siamese Fighting fish go into the tank and get along with the Guppies?
I will get the new tank fully set up and run in before i add the fish to it. How long did you guys wait? I have read quite a few guides but they all conflict with each other.
Thanks guys, yeah a month seems to be the average.
Hamesy, how is it on its own with the guppies? I know you cannot have 2 males as they will kill one another.
Would love to have one in there though.
Watched a few videos earlier to get a rough idea of how loud the tank sounded with the equipment that comes with it and came past one video where a guy grabbed some stones/pebbles from his local river and he made his tank look amazing. Mentioned he did the 'vinegar trick' to make sure the rocks were ok to go into the tank. Anyone know what this trick is?
Hamesy, how is it on its own with the guppies? I know you cannot have 2 males as they will kill one another.
Would love to have one in there though.
Watched a few videos earlier to get a rough idea of how loud the tank sounded with the equipment that comes with it and came past one video where a guy grabbed some stones/pebbles from his local river and he made his tank look amazing. Mentioned he did the 'vinegar trick' to make sure the rocks were ok to go into the tank. Anyone know what this trick is?
I've seen otherwise. They can see the long flowing fins on male guppies as competition and can go after them.
As for stocking load, depends on the filter. Bigger internal filter/an external filter = more fish for the same capacity. With the internal I had to clean it every two weeks, my external goes 6-9 months without needing a clean. Thinkfish.co.uk used to have a stocking calculator on the website that was useful for a guideline.
Last edited:
That's interesting, I've kept different fighters with guppies in various tanks over the years and never had a problem. I must be lucky.
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Thanks Euro Hunter.
Was reading a bit more into last night and i think i am going to decide against it. A lot of rocks out there could contain metals that could contaminate the aquarium. When in doubt and all that...
Found this which was useful to:
Pet store had loads of what i am sure was marble stones in. Going by that ^ guide, marble should be avoided.
The tank arrived yesterday and is semi set up. Got the sand and water and treatments in and the filter/heater running. Just need to to get some live plants and ornaments/stones for it now, o and a background.
I am loving this:
What testers do you guys have? I want a PH tester, maybe a digital one? What other testers are essential?
Edit: does anyone have one of These air pumps and are they actually quiet? I do have a airpump from my starter tank but it is loud and i can't wait to stop needing to use it.
Was reading a bit more into last night and i think i am going to decide against it. A lot of rocks out there could contain metals that could contaminate the aquarium. When in doubt and all that...
Found this which was useful to:
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11,131 posts
Gender:Male
Posted 05 September 2004 - 05:10 PM
Rocks
There are a lot of rocks to avoid in the fresh water aquarium, these include - Ores (rocks containing metal) & Calcareous (rocks containing Calcium) these shouldn't generally be used for fresh water tanks. As a rule of thumb, test the rock with an acid to see if it fizzes. If it does then the rock contains calcium and is unsuitable for aquarium use. I use white vinegar but you can, with the proper precautions and safety gear, use hydrochloric acid. Also you should pour boiling water over your rocks or wherever possible immerse them in boiling water to clean them and to kill any unwanted bacteria that may be living on it. Do not boil or roast in an oven and never use a microwave to heat up rocks.
Note; Rocks retain heat for a long, long time be extremely careful when handling hot rocks.
Alabaster
See Gypsum
AmethystPosted Image
Amethyst is a form of quartz, however it also contains Manganese and Iron.(this is what gives it the pale lilac to deep purple colours) darker the colour the more iron contained in it. The darker the piece the more hazardous it could be in an aquarium
Dead Coral. For Marine tanks only! Not Recommended.
Due to the poor collection methods and the unnecessary reef destruction this is a morally poor tank decoration and prohibited in some countries. Realistic artificial pieces are now widely available and are a much better choice.
Flint. (Flintstone) Posted Image
Flint is usually dark grey, blue, black, or deep brown in colour & can be very sharp. It will scratch your tank if not positioned carefully.
Geodes. Not Recommended. Posted Image
Geodes primarily consist of limestone, however many are quartz based. Sometimes minerals contained with in the hollow are harmful & even those that are �safe� are often razor sharp and can be lethal to fish.
Granite.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Granite is safe for aquariums; it is a very heavy rock and comes in many colours. Try to get rounded granite as it can come in jagged lumps.
Gypsum. Not Recommended.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Gypsum is Hydrated Calcium Sulphate a sedimentary rock. Being as it is made up of calcium sulphate it is entirely unsuitable for aquariums.
IronstonePosted Image
Ironstone has a chemical composition of (approx) per 88.85 gm
Fe 89.86 %, Hydrogen 1.13 %, Oxygen 8.01 % & other base elements 1%
the large amount of Fe maybe beneficial to a Dutch aquarium but one with fish it could be harmful in the long run.
Jade
A semi-precious stone.
Jade is a name applied to two different silicate minerals, Nephrite Posted Image and Jadeite Posted Image.
Nephrite is a form of amphibole, actinolite (a mineral that also includes a form of asbestos).
The second, the mineral jadeite, is a pyroxene.
Nephrite contains mostly iron ions and or magnesium ions and would therefore be more suited for jewellery than for an aquarium.
Jadeite is perfectly safe for aquatic use but probably more cost effective to sell it to a jeweller.
Jasper
Red Jasper Posted Image
Rainbow jasper Posted Image
A form of Chalcedony (mixture of Quartz and Moganite[SiO2])
This mineral is also an oxidate which means as it breaks down in water it produces oxygen and oxides.
Rainbow jasper has lots of metallic impurities in it, so is best avoided for aquatic use.
to emphasise
red jasper good
rainbow jasper, best avoided.
Limestone. African Cichlid tanks only!Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Limestone is a very heavy rock and will raise the pH. Limestone rocks are sedimentary rocks that are made from the mineral calcite which came from the beds of evaporated seas and lakes and from sea animal shells.
Live Rock. Calcium carbonate skeletons of long dead corals, or other calcareous organisms. For Marine Tanks only! Posted Image
Cured live rock looks great in a marine tank by making it as natural as possible. It can provide a very good biological filter. Lots of marine life will be added to the tank along with it.
Note; Some of the above life may be undesirable.
Marble. Do not use! Posted Image
As marble is a metamorphosed limestone and is composed of fairly pure calcite, it is very dangerous to be used in an aquarium.
Obsidian.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Obsidian rocks are igneous rocks that form when lava cools quickly above ground. It is actually glass and not a mixture of minerals. The edges of this rock are very sharp. It will scratch your tank if not positioned carefully.
Onyx. Posted Image
Onyx is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz and is therefore safe to use.
Petrified wood.
Petrified wood is safe for all aquaria it is often banded and of variable colours. It is almost always made up of microcrystalline quartz. It's very inert and safe to use in an aquarium. There are exceptions and you should use the acid test to be certain.
Pumice. May not sink.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Pumice rocks are igneous rocks which were formed when lava cooled quickly above ground. You can see where little pockets of air had been. This rock is so light, that many pumice rocks will actually float in water, so it may not be suitable for aquariums. Pumice is actually a kind of glass and not a mixture of minerals.
Note; do not boil or roast due to possible explosions of trapped air pockets.
Quartz. Posted Image
Quartz can be sharp and it is harder than glass. It will scratch your tank if not positioned carefully. IMO doesn�t look very nice in aquariums.
Sandstone. Not recommended.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Water-worn pebbles of varying sizes can give a very natural look to an aquarium. Sandstone is mostly safe to use for all tanks after the standard cleaning protocols; however it is a sedimentary rock made from small grains of quartz and feldspar.
Note; due to the feldspar, (which can contain potassium, sodium or calcium) it may be harmful.
Slate.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Slate can vary in colours for pale grey to a deep purple. Completely inert and is cheap to buy. Large thin pieces can be used as a background.
Note; Beware of sharp edges.
Tuffa Rock. For Marine and African Cichlid tanks only! Posted Image
A very light rock ideal for where a lot of rock is needed to build a reef. Very cheap to buy if you get it from garden centres instead of local fish shops.
Note; Tuffa rock is formed from Magnesium Sulphate so it will harden the water.
PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
11,131 posts
Gender:Male
Posted 05 September 2004 - 05:10 PM
Rocks
There are a lot of rocks to avoid in the fresh water aquarium, these include - Ores (rocks containing metal) & Calcareous (rocks containing Calcium) these shouldn't generally be used for fresh water tanks. As a rule of thumb, test the rock with an acid to see if it fizzes. If it does then the rock contains calcium and is unsuitable for aquarium use. I use white vinegar but you can, with the proper precautions and safety gear, use hydrochloric acid. Also you should pour boiling water over your rocks or wherever possible immerse them in boiling water to clean them and to kill any unwanted bacteria that may be living on it. Do not boil or roast in an oven and never use a microwave to heat up rocks.
Note; Rocks retain heat for a long, long time be extremely careful when handling hot rocks.
Alabaster
See Gypsum
AmethystPosted Image
Amethyst is a form of quartz, however it also contains Manganese and Iron.(this is what gives it the pale lilac to deep purple colours) darker the colour the more iron contained in it. The darker the piece the more hazardous it could be in an aquarium
Dead Coral. For Marine tanks only! Not Recommended.
Due to the poor collection methods and the unnecessary reef destruction this is a morally poor tank decoration and prohibited in some countries. Realistic artificial pieces are now widely available and are a much better choice.
Flint. (Flintstone) Posted Image
Flint is usually dark grey, blue, black, or deep brown in colour & can be very sharp. It will scratch your tank if not positioned carefully.
Geodes. Not Recommended. Posted Image
Geodes primarily consist of limestone, however many are quartz based. Sometimes minerals contained with in the hollow are harmful & even those that are �safe� are often razor sharp and can be lethal to fish.
Granite.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Granite is safe for aquariums; it is a very heavy rock and comes in many colours. Try to get rounded granite as it can come in jagged lumps.
Gypsum. Not Recommended.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Gypsum is Hydrated Calcium Sulphate a sedimentary rock. Being as it is made up of calcium sulphate it is entirely unsuitable for aquariums.
IronstonePosted Image
Ironstone has a chemical composition of (approx) per 88.85 gm
Fe 89.86 %, Hydrogen 1.13 %, Oxygen 8.01 % & other base elements 1%
the large amount of Fe maybe beneficial to a Dutch aquarium but one with fish it could be harmful in the long run.
Jade
A semi-precious stone.
Jade is a name applied to two different silicate minerals, Nephrite Posted Image and Jadeite Posted Image.
Nephrite is a form of amphibole, actinolite (a mineral that also includes a form of asbestos).
The second, the mineral jadeite, is a pyroxene.
Nephrite contains mostly iron ions and or magnesium ions and would therefore be more suited for jewellery than for an aquarium.
Jadeite is perfectly safe for aquatic use but probably more cost effective to sell it to a jeweller.
Jasper
Red Jasper Posted Image
Rainbow jasper Posted Image
A form of Chalcedony (mixture of Quartz and Moganite[SiO2])
This mineral is also an oxidate which means as it breaks down in water it produces oxygen and oxides.
Rainbow jasper has lots of metallic impurities in it, so is best avoided for aquatic use.
to emphasise
red jasper good
rainbow jasper, best avoided.
Limestone. African Cichlid tanks only!Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Limestone is a very heavy rock and will raise the pH. Limestone rocks are sedimentary rocks that are made from the mineral calcite which came from the beds of evaporated seas and lakes and from sea animal shells.
Live Rock. Calcium carbonate skeletons of long dead corals, or other calcareous organisms. For Marine Tanks only! Posted Image
Cured live rock looks great in a marine tank by making it as natural as possible. It can provide a very good biological filter. Lots of marine life will be added to the tank along with it.
Note; Some of the above life may be undesirable.
Marble. Do not use! Posted Image
As marble is a metamorphosed limestone and is composed of fairly pure calcite, it is very dangerous to be used in an aquarium.
Obsidian.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Obsidian rocks are igneous rocks that form when lava cools quickly above ground. It is actually glass and not a mixture of minerals. The edges of this rock are very sharp. It will scratch your tank if not positioned carefully.
Onyx. Posted Image
Onyx is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz and is therefore safe to use.
Petrified wood.
Petrified wood is safe for all aquaria it is often banded and of variable colours. It is almost always made up of microcrystalline quartz. It's very inert and safe to use in an aquarium. There are exceptions and you should use the acid test to be certain.
Pumice. May not sink.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Pumice rocks are igneous rocks which were formed when lava cooled quickly above ground. You can see where little pockets of air had been. This rock is so light, that many pumice rocks will actually float in water, so it may not be suitable for aquariums. Pumice is actually a kind of glass and not a mixture of minerals.
Note; do not boil or roast due to possible explosions of trapped air pockets.
Quartz. Posted Image
Quartz can be sharp and it is harder than glass. It will scratch your tank if not positioned carefully. IMO doesn�t look very nice in aquariums.
Sandstone. Not recommended.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Water-worn pebbles of varying sizes can give a very natural look to an aquarium. Sandstone is mostly safe to use for all tanks after the standard cleaning protocols; however it is a sedimentary rock made from small grains of quartz and feldspar.
Note; due to the feldspar, (which can contain potassium, sodium or calcium) it may be harmful.
Slate.Posted Image
Photo used with permission from Franklin Institute Science Museum and Tammy Payton www.tammypayton.net
Slate can vary in colours for pale grey to a deep purple. Completely inert and is cheap to buy. Large thin pieces can be used as a background.
Note; Beware of sharp edges.
Tuffa Rock. For Marine and African Cichlid tanks only! Posted Image
A very light rock ideal for where a lot of rock is needed to build a reef. Very cheap to buy if you get it from garden centres instead of local fish shops.
Note; Tuffa rock is formed from Magnesium Sulphate so it will harden the water.
Pet store had loads of what i am sure was marble stones in. Going by that ^ guide, marble should be avoided.
The tank arrived yesterday and is semi set up. Got the sand and water and treatments in and the filter/heater running. Just need to to get some live plants and ornaments/stones for it now, o and a background.
I am loving this:
What testers do you guys have? I want a PH tester, maybe a digital one? What other testers are essential?
Edit: does anyone have one of These air pumps and are they actually quiet? I do have a airpump from my starter tank but it is loud and i can't wait to stop needing to use it.
Last edited:
Can confirm the air pump is near silent, pretty impressive actually!
Starting to notice I have spent quite a bit of money on all this now lol... Been to every shop going looking for some decent size stones to put into the tank... Fish shops charge a fortune, BnQ didn't have anything I wanted except in 25kg bags which I didn't want.
Even Internets is failing me a reasonable priced stones.
Might go down to river and get a a wheel barrow full, get ebaying them
Starting to notice I have spent quite a bit of money on all this now lol... Been to every shop going looking for some decent size stones to put into the tank... Fish shops charge a fortune, BnQ didn't have anything I wanted except in 25kg bags which I didn't want.
Even Internets is failing me a reasonable priced stones.
Might go down to river and get a a wheel barrow full, get ebaying them
Aquatics shop tried to sell me 4 small polished pebbles for £8.99. His face said it all after me and mrs both said "for some rocks?".
Off to river in the morning
Will grab some then do some research before boiling and testing them.
Off to river in the morning
Will grab some then do some research before boiling and testing them.
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- 27 Jun 2012
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- 1,108
- Location
- Brighton
Today we got 6 Guppy's and 6 neon plus 1 betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) already have 3 black molly's and a albino catfish.
Your tank looks lovely mate
To the guys who helped me above - no more black algae stuff or any other nasty stuff so thank you
Good stuff Mike, what products did you buy in the end