Fish questions!

Kristoph · 19 Apr 2011 at 13:09

I'm currently looking after some fish, one tropical tank and a coldwater tank.

The cold water tank has 4 large goldfish, and a small catfish type fish. The pump hasn't shown any signs of activity since I've been looking after them. To be honest I don't even think its working. Its got some vegetation, and the water is pretty clear. Would you be concenrned? The tank is fairly large for the number of fish.

Also, if any tropical fish owners turn up I have a couple of questions about starting my own tank.

lookitsjonno · 19 Apr 2011 at 13:15

theres loads of tropical owners on here so fire away

Kristoph · 19 Apr 2011 at 13:20

Well I've found a tank i'd consider buying, an Interpet 48 litre fish pod. I'm only looking at getting a handful of tropical fish, but this 'cycling' of the tank procedure is a lot to take in! Are there any good, well written guides on beginner tank setups that anyone here would recommend reading?

Thanks

lookitsjonno · 19 Apr 2011 at 13:23

Head over to fishforums.net there are loads of guides. Your best bet is to find a friend who has a tank and "borrow" one of his dirty sponges and stick it in your tank for a few weeks to seed your filter at the same time as adding fish.

Starting from scratch is a bit of a pain in the arse as it takes about 3 weeks doing a "fishless cycle".

Kristoph · 19 Apr 2011 at 14:42

About the pump/filter question in the original post,

Could somebody post this to a fish related forum? The pump was looked at a week ago and wasn't plugged back in, I've plugged it back in and it actually made a sound as if it was doing something and has gone silent again.

I presume its working, but its been off for a week and I have no contact with anyone who knows about fish keeping.

I tried registering to fishforums.com on my phone as I'm in work and was banned instantly? Could someone who's a member relay the question if possible? I don't want the fish dieing.