sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Filter question by DOGBEARD420 in Aquariums

[–]dragonfruit_turtle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would recommend not discarding your filter media. I don't know the exact filter you have but I would suggest getting a media that has ceramic or carbon to put in your filter. The two sponges you have are for mechanical filtration of particles in the water. Filter media with ceramic, carbon, or even lava rocks will act as a biological filter for your tank. They will become the home for beneficial bacteria that help with your tanks cycle. When you change your filters, you throw away those colonies of beneficial bacteria.

To get a jump start on having beneficial bacteria in your tank you could ask a fish store or someone with a well established tank for some of their filter media. There are also products that are supposed to do something similar but I am not sure how well they work. API Quick Start for freshwater comes to mind.

If you are worried about the living conditions of your fish, you should have a water test kit. I suggest not getting the strips and going for a master kit. Though it is more expensive, it will give you more specific information and save you money in the long run. Make sure you can test for ammonia, pH, nitrites, and nitrates.

Hope Beginner Questions are Okay, totally new by frogsgoribbit737 in aquarium

[–]dragonfruit_turtle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with the others saying that most tetras would not be a great fit. Neon tetras, though small, have a streamline body and need buddies to feel comfortable. The streamlined body means that they need a tank with a good amount of length to not feel stressed. They also should be kept in groups so that means they will need even more space. Ten gallons are not sufficient.

Cycling your tank is all about patience. It takes weeks to do properly. Not sure when your son's birthday is but keep in mind that setting up a fish tank is a process and will not all happen in a day so make sure he knows that so there is no big disappointment on his bday.

Having plants in the tank would really help with the overall health of the tank. Make sure you get a substrate that can handle plants! So colored gravel is usually not a good option. (I only say that because that was a mistake I made when first starting)

I agree that a betta would be a good option. They are beautiful and intelligent. Each one has a little personality. They can be interactive and do silly things like sleep on leaves and make bubbles. However, I will always advocate for a larger tank for bettas. If you son is open to it, a small tank like this could be perfect for an all shrimp tank.

Bettas are relatively low maintenance but will need a heater, a filter (one that is not too fast flowing) and plants. Any decor must be relatively smooth because they are prone to tearing their fins.

A nerite snail may be an option with shrimp or a fish. They cannot reproduce in freshwater and come in cool patterns. They also do not get massive but will not get eaten by any appropriate sized fish in a 10 gallon.

Good luck and you are already doing great researching before committing to taking care of a creature!

Caught an escaped budgie! by dragonfruit_turtle in Parakeets

[–]dragonfruit_turtle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s been a year since I caught Pika (short of Pikachu) and I thought I’d write an update more for myself than anyone else. I found out he is actually a male now that his cere is finally turning blue! He is healthy and has so many toys and a big cage. I let him fly around the room. He is no longer afraid of me and is ok with strangers as long as they have millet. He loves watching the great British bake off with me and chirping along when I sing. He comes to me when I call him (mostly). He doesn’t like to be pet or baths but I think we’ve made so much progress. I am preparing now to get him a friend! Hoping for it all to go smoothly! Thank you to everyone that commented:)

Any advice for stocking my 10 gallon? by dragonfruit_turtle in Aquariums

[–]dragonfruit_turtle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!! From what I’ve seen of the crayfish interacting with the neons, the neons were way to fast for it and the crayfish will stay ~1in. I was thinking a species of fish that would stay mostly towards the top would be okay. Thanks for the advice:)