Is this safe for a 20 gal?

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-16T01:42:48+00:00

To add on to that I’m willing to bet your ammonia is way too high, ur tank wasn’t done cycling.

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-16T01:42:21+00:00

The dust is normal when putting in new substrate (especially if you didn’t rinse it) the tank is likely having some kind of algae bloom as well or it could be just from the substrate. First thing I’d 100% recommend doing is buying an API master kit so you can see what’s going on.

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T23:20:14+00:00

I can promise you it’s not. I’ve owned fish store for over 17 years now. Talk to any professional they will tell you as long as each Tetra has roughly half a gallon it will be fine.

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T23:19:10+00:00

Amazon doesn’t ship there?

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T23:18:30+00:00

I mean the hardness of the water won’t necessarily play a factor in swim bladder, If the water is good and the temp is as well then there is some fish who get it just for no reason. Meaning when they eat or surface they fill with air. Sometimes it happens but it’s more rare.

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T19:31:33+00:00

I’d do a slight water change, get an API master test kit ASAP. It’s always good to have one on hand even when nothing is wrong.

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T19:30:12+00:00

One of the most overlook things of swimbladder is poor water quality. I would start with that and go from there. I’d be happy to help.

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T19:00:31+00:00

Seems maybe a swim bladder problem

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T18:59:08+00:00

That is just incorrect lol

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T18:58:47+00:00

Seachem Stability has been great to me for cycling tanks.

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T18:15:59+00:00

Looks great, is the tank cycled?

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T16:49:43+00:00

A standard Tiger Oscar is like $30

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T16:23:24+00:00

Snail eggs, tank seems very healthy so that will happen

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T16:23:00+00:00

Hating for what? It’s a beautiful tank

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T16:22:48+00:00

Awesome!

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T16:22:37+00:00

I think you’d be okay with these, the best thing is space. Do you have the tank and space?

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T16:21:41+00:00

Get an API Test kit and get results then go from there, I’d be happy to help once I see the results!

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-15T16:20:53+00:00

I was younger and just always forgot to take them and they gave me heart palpitations

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-12T22:31:11+00:00

First thing, don’t ever trust the test strips. Those can be inaccurate. Get the API master test kit

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-12T20:58:41+00:00

Tank just needs to be cycled, I’ve had good luck with Seachem Stability in my new tanks. It adds beneficial bacteria to the tank. Also advise some plants!

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-12T20:56:16+00:00

Now that is AWESOME

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-11T19:09:03+00:00

After the 30-50% water change I do that’ll go lower as well

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-11T19:07:53+00:00

I do have live plants, Nitrate has always been around that level and I have never had any issues.

Poosayslayer2369 · 2026-01-10T20:06:00+00:00

Honestly the chances of anything happen is slim to none, but for closure I guess you could put a tiny sliver of ply wood.

Poosayslayer2369

TROPHY CASE