Regular Water Fish Tank

At time/point 5 ammonia starts to drop off in concentration, being readily oxidized by the first group of nitrifiers. Ditto at time/point 6 for the second group of bacteria. At time seven the system has officially "cycled" with ammonia and nitrite now at undetectable levels. In completely cycled, balanced systems the curve of nitrate concentration will flatten as marked (8) with an unbalanced situation (too little denitrification, use of nitrates by other life, transport by water changes, over-feeding/under-filtration...) accounting for an ever-increasing level/concentration of nitrate as indicated by (9)

There are many hundreds of beautiful and fascinating species that will not only survive, but will thrive in aquaria, often longer than they would in the wild, due to a lack of predation and parasites. There is simply no reason to trade in, or display, species that do not have a good record of survival in aquariums.

Why wont these fish survive in an aquarium?

Some species may have special requirements that we cannot provide, such as a special diet. The Moorish Idol and almost all Parrotfish, for instance, feed almost exclusively on live coral, a resource too precious to be used as fish food. Other species may

regular water fish tank

(there is no clear dividing line in which nitrate is absolutely harmful; conditioned fishes and invertebrates have been cultured in water of several hundred (even thousands) ppm. All that can be agreed is less is better.)

5) pH, within a range of 8.0 to 8.5 ideally.

6) Temperature, 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit. (Periodically higher, not generally a problem for tropical systems. Stability more important than any given point.)

regular water fish tank

Power Filters come in several formats; inside or outside of the system, hang on the back, under the tank, pressurized and not, wet-dry and canister. Outside power filters are pre

1) Commit! Decide you are going to spend the $$ it takes to make a proper go of it. At a minimum, most tanks, (from 10 gal to 55 gal) take between $250 and $500 to get going. Can you do it cheaper? Yes, but usually not your first one. You have to know what you are doing and understand how things can and will go wrong before you can choose less expensive husbandry options and/or equipment. Save up if you have to, but count on that first tank being expensive.

Realize that this is not a short term commit

Reply to Need more fishy advice please

Photography is a still of life posted a reply:

Ok well i would agree with everyone here about the guppy being the hardiest fish you can buy, not much else will survive where these happy critters cant.

I think as you are a newby to aquariums the who.

DIY Aquarium Cave
This tidbit I recieved in the mail today was too good not to share. Mark Shoemaker and Esther Baum wrote these great 10 step do it yourself instructions for creating an....