New to group and a dilemma

[Klane]

Hi, I've come here with a bit of a dilemma. My grandson who lives with
me along with his mother, received a Spongebob aquarium as a gift. It's
1.8 gallons with gravel and an air pump.

Originally he was given two goldfish but a quick check showed that to
be a poor choice. They were taken back and I suggested a Beta but he
wanted two fish so he got 2 Zebra Danios instead.

The thing is, the more I look on line the more I find out that this too
may have been a poor choice. Not only that but I am clueless about
maintenance of the tank.

I asked at work, they have a beautiful 55 gallon salt water coral tank
with about 6 fish. I was told to only feed the fish on Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays because otherwise the tank will get dirty and
the fish will die. This has worked well for them because all of their
fish seem to live a very long time, and their Clown Fish is 10 years
old. I know this isn't a lie because I've worked there 8 years and he's
been alive since I started.

Now checking around I'm finding out I should feed them once or twice a
day. Also that the tank should have 20% of the water changed twice a
week. We haven't done it once in the two weeks he's had the fish. The
water is still clear, with no odor and the fish are pretty active. The
water was treated with "Stress Coat".

Also, when I have the grandson feed them, he's only given them one
broken up flake. The fish are so small that it looks like a lot of
food. They seem to eat most of it with very little falling to the
bottom of the tank.

So, could someone help me out and give me step by step instructions? Or
point me to a website for small tanks. It seems like everything for
small tanks is for a one gallon (or less) for Betas and without an air
pump.

Thanks,
Klane

[Klane]

Okay, I double checked and it has a filter, but I didn't get any
instructions on it's care. Here is the link to the aquarium he has.
Also, even being so small, should I put in a small plant or two? Live
or fake?

[Klane]

Okay, I jsut double checked and I guess it does have a filter. I didn't
get any instructions for it though. Here's the link to the system.

http://www.pet-shop.net/html/sponge.html

Also, with as small as it is, should it still have a small plant or
two? Live or fake?

Thanks,
Klane

[Elaine T]

Klane wrote:
> Hi, I've come here with a bit of a dilemma. My grandson who lives with
> me along with his mother, received a Spongebob aquarium as a gift. It's
> 1.8 gallons with gravel and an air pump.
>
Welcome. I'm sure we can help you out.

> Originally he was given two goldfish but a quick check showed that to
> be a poor choice. They were taken back and I suggested a Beta but he
> wanted two fish so he got 2 Zebra Danios instead.
>
> The thing is, the more I look on line the more I find out that this too
> may have been a poor choice. Not only that but I am clueless about
> maintenance of the tank.
>
You were right to take the goldfish back. I think zebra danios are a
reasonable choice for your tank. They do not require a heater and are
hardy. Bettas require heat in the wintertime. Another good choice for
small, unheated tanks is white cloud minnows.

> I asked at work, they have a beautiful 55 gallon salt water coral tank
> with about 6 fish. I was told to only feed the fish on Mondays,
> Wednesdays and Fridays because otherwise the tank will get dirty and
> the fish will die. This has worked well for them because all of their
> fish seem to live a very long time, and their Clown Fish is 10 years
> old. I know this isn't a lie because I've worked there 8 years and he's
> been alive since I started.
>
> Now checking around I'm finding out I should feed them once or twice a
> day. Also that the tank should have 20% of the water changed twice a
> week. We haven't done it once in the two weeks he's had the fish. The
> water is still clear, with no odor and the fish are pretty active. The
> water was treated with "Stress Coat".
>
Sal****er coral tanks are a whole ecosystem and require different care.
All sorts of tiny critters live on the rocks that the fish find and
eat, so they don't need as much food. They're also bigger fish so can
go longer with less food.

Yes, you do need to change the water regularly. I keep a 2 gallon tank
and change 50% of the water weekly. 20% twice a week should work too.
Stress coat is fine, but overkill. Tank water doesn't need aloe. Once
you've used it up, choose an inexpensive water conditioner without extra
ingredients. You'll need to find out whether you have chlorine or
chloramine and the choose one. I like Genesis for clorine and AmQuel
for chloramine.

> Also, when I have the grandson feed them, he's only given them one
> broken up flake. The fish are so small that it looks like a lot of
> food. They seem to eat most of it with very little falling to the
> bottom of the tank.

One medium sized broken up flake sounds about right. You can think of a
fish's stomach as being about the size of its eye.

> So, could someone help me out and give me step by step instructions? Or
> point me to a website for small tanks. It seems like everything for
> small tanks is for a one gallon (or less) for Betas and without an air
> pump.
>
> Thanks,
> Klane
>
Step by step.

1. Your new tank is going to "cycle" as the filter starts to work.
This explains it. http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-cycling.html The best
way to deal with this in a tiny tank where the ammonia and nitrite can
really build up is to change lots of water. You can change as much as
half every other day if necessary. If your grandson loses a fish while
the tank is cycling, wait until there is no more ammonia or nitrite
before replacing it.

2. Feeding - feed once or twice a day. Missed feedings will not hurt
the fish. Zebra danios would probalby enjoy freeze dried bloodworms or
brine shrimp as a treat food a couple of times a week.

3. Water changes - As above, change 20% twice a week or 50% once a week.
Replacement water should be treated for chlorine/chloramine and at
tank temperature. Since your tank is at room temp, you can just let the
water sit out for a while before the water change if you like.

When you change water, use a "gravel vacuum." It's a siphon with a
large end that you stick down in the gravel. As you siphon, move the
large end around the gravel. Gravel will tumble around in it, and an
amazing amount of debris will siphon up and out of the tank.

4. Other cleaning - find an acrylic-safe algae pad and scrub any algae
off of the inside of the tank "glass" as often as necessary. Twice a
month does the trick for me. Clean the outside with water and a soft
cloth. Scrub plastic plants and decorations if necessary.

5. Filter maintenance - I believe your tank has an undergravel filter -
you'll have to let us know if that's right. If so, the gravel vacuuming
is doubly important because that's how you clean the filter. I haven't
seen how the bubble wall part works, but if it starts to clog, you'll
need to clean it out or replace the air diffuser. Good airflow is
what's moving the water through the gravel.

Once a year on tiny tanks with undergravel filters, I like to take the
tank apart and rinse it out. I gently rinse the gravel (you want to
keep the bacteria alive) and clean all the gunk out from under the
filter plate where the gravel vac can't reach. This keeps the tank much
healthier and is not too much work.

That's about all. You also asked about plants in another post. Yes, do
put silk or plastic plants, rocks, or ornaments in the tank. The fish
will appreciate the cover and the tank will be more interesting. Unless
the tank has fluorescent lighting, live plants are not really an option.

HTH, and feel free to ask all the questions you have.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Klane]

Thank you so much for the help. We'll be going out in a bit to buy the
gravel vacuum and a couple of plants today. How can you tell if you
have chlorine or chloramine? Can I use untreated bottled water until I
find out? Since I figure I need to clean the tank today it might be
faster that way.

Thanks,
Klane

[Steve]

Elaine T wrote:
> Klane wrote:
>
>> Hi, I've come here with a bit of a dilemma. My grandson who lives with
>> me along with his mother, received a Spongebob aquarium as a gift. It's
>> 1.8 gallons with gravel and an air pump.
>>
> Welcome. I'm sure we can help you out.
>
>> Originally he was given two goldfish but a quick check showed that to
>> be a poor choice. They were taken back and I suggested a Beta but he
>> wanted two fish so he got 2 Zebra Danios instead.
>>
>> The thing is, the more I look on line the more I find out that this too
>> may have been a poor choice. Not only that but I am clueless about
>> maintenance of the tank.
>>
> You were right to take the goldfish back. I think zebra danios are a
> reasonable choice for your tank. They do not require a heater and are
> hardy. Bettas require heat in the wintertime. Another good choice for
> small, unheated tanks is white cloud minnows.
>
>> I asked at work, they have a beautiful 55 gallon salt water coral tank
>> with about 6 fish. I was told to only feed the fish on Mondays,
>> Wednesdays and Fridays because otherwise the tank will get dirty and
>> the fish will die. This has worked well for them because all of their
>> fish seem to live a very long time, and their Clown Fish is 10 years
>> old. I know this isn't a lie because I've worked there 8 years and he's
>> been alive since I started.
>>
>> Now checking around I'm finding out I should feed them once or twice a
>> day. Also that the tank should have 20% of the water changed twice a
>> week. We haven't done it once in the two weeks he's had the fish. The
>> water is still clear, with no odor and the fish are pretty active. The
>> water was treated with "Stress Coat".
>>
> Sal****er coral tanks are a whole ecosystem and require different care.
> All sorts of tiny critters live on the rocks that the fish find and
> eat, so they don't need as much food. They're also bigger fish so can
> go longer with less food.
>
> Yes, you do need to change the water regularly. I keep a 2 gallon tank
> and change 50% of the water weekly. 20% twice a week should work too.
> Stress coat is fine, but overkill. Tank water doesn't need aloe. Once
> you've used it up, choose an inexpensive water conditioner without extra
> ingredients. You'll need to find out whether you have chlorine or
> chloramine and the choose one. I like Genesis for clorine and AmQuel
> for chloramine.
>
>> Also, when I have the grandson feed them, he's only given them one
>> broken up flake. The fish are so small that it looks like a lot of
>> food. They seem to eat most of it with very little falling to the
>> bottom of the tank.
>
>
> One medium sized broken up flake sounds about right. You can think of a
> fish's stomach as being about the size of its eye.
>
>> So, could someone help me out and give me step by step instructions? Or
>> point me to a website for small tanks. It seems like everything for
>> small tanks is for a one gallon (or less) for Betas and without an air
>> pump.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Klane
>>
> Step by step.
>
> 1. Your new tank is going to "cycle" as the filter starts to work. This
> explains it. http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-cycling.html The best way to
> deal with this in a tiny tank where the ammonia and nitrite can really
> build up is to change lots of water. You can change as much as half
> every other day if necessary. If your grandson loses a fish while the
> tank is cycling, wait until there is no more ammonia or nitrite before
> replacing it.
>
> 2. Feeding - feed once or twice a day. Missed feedings will not hurt
> the fish. Zebra danios would probalby enjoy freeze dried bloodworms or
> brine shrimp as a treat food a couple of times a week.
>
> 3. Water changes - As above, change 20% twice a week or 50% once a week.
> Replacement water should be treated for chlorine/chloramine and at
> tank temperature. Since your tank is at room temp, you can just let the
> water sit out for a while before the water change if you like.
>
> When you change water, use a "gravel vacuum." It's a siphon with a
> large end that you stick down in the gravel. As you siphon, move the
> large end around the gravel. Gravel will tumble around in it, and an
> amazing amount of debris will siphon up and out of the tank.
>
> 4. Other cleaning - find an acrylic-safe algae pad and scrub any algae
> off of the inside of the tank "glass" as often as necessary. Twice a
> month does the trick for me. Clean the outside with water and a soft
> cloth. Scrub plastic plants and decorations if necessary.
>
> 5. Filter maintenance - I believe your tank has an undergravel filter -
> you'll have to let us know if that's right. If so, the gravel vacuuming
> is doubly important because that's how you clean the filter. I haven't
> seen how the bubble wall part works, but if it starts to clog, you'll
> need to clean it out or replace the air diffuser. Good airflow is
> what's moving the water through the gravel.
>
> Once a year on tiny tanks with undergravel filters, I like to take the
> tank apart and rinse it out. I gently rinse the gravel (you want to
> keep the bacteria alive) and clean all the gunk out from under the
> filter plate where the gravel vac can't reach. This keeps the tank much
> healthier and is not too much work.
>
> That's about all. You also asked about plants in another post. Yes, do
> put silk or plastic plants, rocks, or ornaments in the tank. The fish
> will appreciate the cover and the tank will be more interesting. Unless
> the tank has fluorescent lighting, live plants are not really an option.
>
> HTH, and feel free to ask all the questions you have.
>
> --
> Elaine T __
> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

Re: Plants in a small tank, my 1-gal plastic tank has plants, which do
quite well. It gets some indirect sunlight, plus it has two little
fixtures on top with incadescent night-light bulbs (7.5 watts each?).
The lights are on 12-14 hours/day.

The plants are: water sprite, rotala (rotundifolia?), a small crypt
(wendtii?) and a clump of java moss. Hornwort might also do well, but I
haven't had any lately. The plants came from my other aquariums, which
include a large plant aquarium. The 1-gallon tank is the easiest for
maintenance; a water change takes only minutes.

The tank has no filter, but there is a heater that we used when the tank
housed a betta. The tank was originally my daughter's. Over several
years it has housed the betta, followed by some baby white clouds that
moved to the big aquarium when they grew big enough. Now I'm raising red
ramshorn snails in the tank. There are currently too many of these
snails, and they're beginning to devour the plants.

Regarding water changes/ gravel vacuuming, I cut the large-diameter
plastic tube of the gravel syphon shorter using a hacksaw, and it works
easily within the small tank. Scoop up some water to get the syphon
running, and you're all set!

I agree with previous posters that a "cycle" will take place, and it
happens without a filter too. Water changes every 1-3 days in the first
few weeks avoided problems, plus the plants probably had nitrifying
bacteria on them to help.

I hope the original poster enjoys the small tank! Some live plants may
add interest and improve water quality.

Steve

[Justin West]

Klane, you should be able to contact your local water works and request
information on how they treat the local water. (of course, this becomes
a lot simpler if your on well water.)

Personally (and i'm still new, so this may be right or wrong), I picked
up a small bottle which specified it will remove both. It's been
working well for me so far.

Regards, JW

[lgb]

In article >,
says...
> Regarding water changes/ gravel vacuuming, I cut the large-diameter
> plastic tube of the gravel syphon shorter using a hacksaw, and it works
> easily within the small tank. Scoop up some water to get the syphon
> running, and you're all set!
>
I did the same thing with mine, but the one-way valve quit working soon
after. So I just tossed the scoop and use the hose as a siphon. Of
course, I don't have to vacuum anything but snails.

But shortening it for a small tank is an excellent suggestion. Even if
the valve sticks (in the open position) it can still be used by just
filling the hose under a faucet.

--
BNSF = Build Now, Seep Forever

[Klane]

I want to thank everyone for the help. Got back a while ago, $51
poorer. Still I think I have everything I need for awile, including a
master test kit. Took me a bit to get the vacuum going but I finally
managed to get it done.

Speaking to the lady at the pet store she suggested I buy another Zebra
Danio because there shouldn't be under 3. I didn't, figuring I would
ask you guys first. Anyway I'm a bit hesitant to add more fish within
the first 6 weeks.

I also didn't understand what was meant by cutting off the large hose,
but now that I've cleaned the tank I do. I may have someone at work do
it for me.

Again, thanks for all of the help. Hopefully with your assistance I
won't be sending any of the fish to that great pond in the sky.

Klane.

[Klane]

Thanks. I actually went on line and looked up the reports they have to
do. They use chlorine.

[Steve]

Klane wrote:

>
> Speaking to the lady at the pet store she suggested I buy another Zebra
> Danio because there shouldn't be under 3. I didn't, figuring I would
> ask you guys first. Anyway I'm a bit hesitant to add more fish within
> the first 6 weeks.
>

2 zebra danios in a 1.8 gallon tank is plenty of fish, especially while
the tank is new. Later, you might try a 15 gallon tank or a long 20
gallon with a school of these interesting, active fish. Good luck and
much enjoyment with your aquarium!
Steve

[Elaine T]

Klane wrote:
> I want to thank everyone for the help. Got back a while ago, $51
> poorer. Still I think I have everything I need for awile, including a
> master test kit. Took me a bit to get the vacuum going but I finally
> managed to get it done.
>
> Speaking to the lady at the pet store she suggested I buy another Zebra
> Danio because there shouldn't be under 3. I didn't, figuring I would
> ask you guys first. Anyway I'm a bit hesitant to add more fish within
> the first 6 weeks.
>
> I also didn't understand what was meant by cutting off the large hose,
> but now that I've cleaned the tank I do. I may have someone at work do
> it for me.
>
> Again, thanks for all of the help. Hopefully with your assistance I
> won't be sending any of the fish to that great pond in the sky.
>
> Klane.
>
Glad to hear your first water change went so well. Very good call on
not adding another danio. Fish far prefer good water quality to
company. ;-) Two danios is a good number for that tank, and they can
keep each other company just fine.

One rule of thumb for stocking small tanks with small fish is one inch
of fish body/gallon of water. You'll have about 3" of fish body and 2
gallons of water once your danios are grown so you're in good shape.
Add another, and water quality problems or low oxygen in the summer heat
are somewhat more likely.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Daniel Morrow]

> 5. Filter maintenance - I believe your tank has an undergravel filter -
> you'll have to let us know if that's right. If so, the gravel vacuuming
> is doubly important because that's how you clean the filter. I haven't
> seen how the bubble wall part works, but if it starts to clog, you'll
> need to clean it out or replace the air diffuser. Good
Go to the following link on the web and scroll down and read my messages to
read my solution to clogged airstones I had revealed a few years ago before
I got back into fishkeeping.
http://www.fishkeepingbanter.com/q-t_5558-Two-helpful-tips-spread-the-word-U
pdate!.html .I have been using that solution for at the very least 1 and 1/2
years so far with 100% satisfaction and usefulness. All of my air input into
my tanks has a airstone connected to it and I have never had to replace any
since using my solution. Now I have rejected recent "try-out" airstones
because they don't emit bubbles fine or small enough for me but I have kept
all of my old airstones and this includes air bubble walls. Also - That is a
good idea to just cut a gravel vac to size for a small tank and you don't
have to start it with a one way valve. You can start it by filling the
cylinder with water, hold it at an angle above the rest of the gravel vac
and let gravity pull the water down into the very bottom of the gravel vac's
hose while you keep the end of the gravel vac's hose plugged with your
finger. If you wait until bubbles stop rising to the top of the gravel vac
cylinder you can then put the cylinder into the tank's water and stop
plugging the end of the gravel vac's hose and then a powerful siphon should
start. Pretty easy. Good luck and later!

[Daniel Morrow]

I will try the link one more time -
http://www.fishkeepingbanter.com/q-t_5558-Two-helpful-tips-spread-the-word-U
pdate!.html

"Daniel Morrow" > wrote in message
...
>
> > 5. Filter maintenance - I believe your tank has an undergravel filter -
> > you'll have to let us know if that's right. If so, the gravel vacuuming
> > is doubly important because that's how you clean the filter. I haven't
> > seen how the bubble wall part works, but if it starts to clog, you'll
> > need to clean it out or replace the air diffuser. Good
> Go to the following link on the web and scroll down and read my messages
to
> read my solution to clogged airstones I had revealed a few years ago
before
> I got back into fishkeeping.
>
http://www.fishkeepingbanter.com/q-t_5558-Two-helpful-tips-spread-the-word-U
> pdate!.html .I have been using that solution for at the very least 1 and
1/2
> years so far with 100% satisfaction and usefulness. All of my air input
into
> my tanks has a airstone connected to it and I have never had to replace
any
> since using my solution. Now I have rejected recent "try-out" airstones
> because they don't emit bubbles fine or small enough for me but I have
kept
> all of my old airstones and this includes air bubble walls. Also - That is
a
> good idea to just cut a gravel vac to size for a small tank and you don't
> have to start it with a one way valve. You can start it by filling the
> cylinder with water, hold it at an angle above the rest of the gravel vac
> and let gravity pull the water down into the very bottom of the gravel
vac's
> hose while you keep the end of the gravel vac's hose plugged with your
> finger. If you wait until bubbles stop rising to the top of the gravel vac
> cylinder you can then put the cylinder into the tank's water and stop
> plugging the end of the gravel vac's hose and then a powerful siphon
should
> start. Pretty easy. Good luck and later!
>
>

[Daniel Morrow]

It definitely will work as long as it isn't car battery powered and I am not
sure but I am pretty sure that you will be able to get a secure enough
connection with the foot pump and airline tubing but be sure to flip the
lever on the foot pump to prevent the air hose from coming out of the valve
while pumping. One of my other friends tried to use a electrically powered
air pump intended for pumping car tires and he ruined his airstone that way
as the pressure was so high it forced a path of least resistance (first exit
the air had) that made the airstone only output air through it's top and it
wasn't distributed elsewhere along the airstone. The hand and I think the
foot operated air pumps are perfect for this use as the pressure isn't high
enough to force anything damaged. Give it a try - back when I was a kid I
pioneered this method with a toy air pump and that was the only time I
shattered one airstone and it was easy to learn that lesson for life as I
had a ton of "dead" airstones to revive and I was successful except for one
airstone as I previously mentioned because I "played" with the toy pump and
shattered the airstone with overzealous pumping action which is obviously
unnecessary for this use. Ever since I came upon this technique I have love
for airstones, they are pretty. Good luck and thanks, even someone with my
modesty has to admit it is a "neat trick"! Later!
"Elaine T" > wrote in message
m...
> Daniel Morrow wrote:
> >>5. Filter maintenance - I believe your tank has an undergravel filter -
> >>you'll have to let us know if that's right. If so, the gravel vacuuming
> >>is doubly important because that's how you clean the filter. I haven't
> >>seen how the bubble wall part works, but if it starts to clog, you'll
> >>need to clean it out or replace the air diffuser. Good
> >
> > Go to the following link on the web and scroll down and read my
messages to
> > read my solution to clogged airstones I had revealed a few years ago
before
> > I got back into fishkeeping.
> >
http://www.fishkeepingbanter.com/q-t_5558-Two-helpful-tips-spread-the-word-U

> Neat trick! I've always soaked in vinegar but it eventually breaks down
> the airstones and doesn't work very well for bubble walls. Do you think
> an inexpensive foot-operated car tire pump would work if I could hook it
> to airline tubing?
>
> --
> Elaine T __
> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Elaine T]

Daniel Morrow wrote:
>>5. Filter maintenance - I believe your tank has an undergravel filter -
>>you'll have to let us know if that's right. If so, the gravel vacuuming
>>is doubly important because that's how you clean the filter. I haven't
>>seen how the bubble wall part works, but if it starts to clog, you'll
>>need to clean it out or replace the air diffuser. Good
>
> Go to the following link on the web and scroll down and read my messages to
> read my solution to clogged airstones I had revealed a few years ago before
> I got back into fishkeeping.
> http://www.fishkeepingbanter.com/q-t_5558-Two-helpful-tips-spread-the-word-U
> pdate!.html .I have been using that solution for at the very least 1 and 1/2
> years so far with 100% satisfaction and usefulness. All of my air input into
> my tanks has a airstone connected to it and I have never had to replace any
> since using my solution. Now I have rejected recent "try-out" airstones
> because they don't emit bubbles fine or small enough for me but I have kept
> all of my old airstones and this includes air bubble walls. Also - That is a
> good idea to just cut a gravel vac to size for a small tank and you don't
> have to start it with a one way valve. You can start it by filling the
> cylinder with water, hold it at an angle above the rest of the gravel vac
> and let gravity pull the water down into the very bottom of the gravel vac's
> hose while you keep the end of the gravel vac's hose plugged with your
> finger. If you wait until bubbles stop rising to the top of the gravel vac
> cylinder you can then put the cylinder into the tank's water and stop
> plugging the end of the gravel vac's hose and then a powerful siphon should
> start. Pretty easy. Good luck and later!
>
>
Neat trick! I've always soaked in vinegar but it eventually breaks down
the airstones and doesn't work very well for bubble walls. Do you think
an inexpensive foot-operated car tire pump would work if I could hook it
to airline tubing?

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Ozdude]

"Klane" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Okay, I jsut double checked and I guess it does have a filter. I didn't
> get any instructions for it though. Here's the link to the system.
>
> http://www.pet-shop.net/html/sponge.html
>
> Also, with as small as it is, should it still have a small plant or
> two? Live or fake?

Hi Klane and welcome.

I must admit a tear came to my eye when I saw the aquarium and recalled your
situation. So cute.

You did the right thing by taking the goldies back and getting the Danios
IMO.

I'd put a couple of small live Twisted Valisneria (Val.) and some Java Moss
in there, not knowing really what type of light and "Aqua Bright Cover"
contains. I am presuming it's probably not a fluoro?, if it isn't then just
Java Moss.

The little danios will love the moss and it's great stuff in lower light
which aids in detoxifying the water.

The feeding your are doing sounds about right. Usually the "rule of thumb"
is as much as they will eat in five minutes, once per day.

One flake in two bits sounds like very little to me (flakes compress to less
volume when wet), but then again I've a propensity to slightly over-feed in
my tanks lately, so I don't really know what I'm talking about.

You could try freeze dried blood worm and mini floating pellets as more
all-round course of food for them as well, but it sounds as though you are
just doing enough to keep them healthy and with appetite.

The whole thing sounds really cute.

Also with a tank that small I would change 25 to 40% of the water in it 2
times a week to make sure it's little filter isn't overloaded.

Adding some Java Moss though will go a long way to clean and heathy water.

All the best

Oz

--
My Aquatic web Blog is at http://members.optusnet.com.au/ivan.smith

[Gill Passman]

"Ozdude" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Klane" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
> > Okay, I jsut double checked and I guess it does have a filter. I didn't
> > get any instructions for it though. Here's the link to the system.
> >
> > http://www.pet-shop.net/html/sponge.html
> >
> > Also, with as small as it is, should it still have a small plant or
> > two? Live or fake?
>
> Hi Klane and welcome.
>
> I must admit a tear came to my eye when I saw the aquarium and recalled
your
> situation. So cute.
>
> You did the right thing by taking the goldies back and getting the Danios
> IMO.
>
> I'd put a couple of small live Twisted Valisneria (Val.) and some Java
Moss
> in there, not knowing really what type of light and "Aqua Bright Cover"
> contains. I am presuming it's probably not a fluoro?, if it isn't then
just
> Java Moss.
>
> The little danios will love the moss and it's great stuff in lower light
> which aids in detoxifying the water.
>
> The feeding your are doing sounds about right. Usually the "rule of thumb"
> is as much as they will eat in five minutes, once per day.
>
> One flake in two bits sounds like very little to me (flakes compress to
less
> volume when wet), but then again I've a propensity to slightly over-feed
in
> my tanks lately, so I don't really know what I'm talking about.
>
> You could try freeze dried blood worm and mini floating pellets as more
> all-round course of food for them as well, but it sounds as though you are
> just doing enough to keep them healthy and with appetite.
>
> The whole thing sounds really cute.
>
> Also with a tank that small I would change 25 to 40% of the water in it 2
> times a week to make sure it's little filter isn't overloaded.
>
> Adding some Java Moss though will go a long way to clean and heathy water.
>
> All the best
>
> Oz
>
> --
> My Aquatic web Blog is at http://members.optusnet.com.au/ivan.smith
>
>
>
Hi Klane,

I'm actually really getting into the smaller tanks now - think I did this
hobby in reverse :-)

They can really be quite good fun and easily slotted into places around the
house unlike a 50UK gall tank (of which I've got two) or a 30 UK gall (which
we have one of).

They do need more maintenance (water changes) than the larger tanks but
afterall the changing of water in a small tank takes far less time....

There is also quite a range of small fish you can put in one.....BTW I don't
have any danios but I think that they are quite cool....

Wishing you and your grandson all the best with your new hobby - I'm sure
that you will make a success of it - and possibly one day be posting about
your new big tank - he, he (it's addictive - lol)

Gill
Started big and now going small.....

[Angrie.Woman]

"Elaine T" > wrote in message
...
> Klane wrote:
>> Hi, I've come here with a bit of a dilemma. My grandson who lives with
>> me along with his mother, received a Spongebob aquarium as a gift. It's
>> 1.8 gallons with gravel and an air pump.
>>

>
> When you change water, use a "gravel vacuum." It's a siphon with a large
> end that you stick down in the gravel. As you siphon, move the large end
> around the gravel. Gravel will tumble around in it, and an amazing amount
> of debris will siphon up and out of the tank.

I have a SpongeBob tank too. My thoughts are two things - buy more gravel
than comes with it, and buy a better pump than they give you. That little
orange thing is just cruddy. The bubble wall will look pretty good after you
upgrade the pump though.


>
> 5. Filter maintenance - I believe your tank has an undergravel filter -
> you'll have to let us know if that's right. If so, the gravel vacuuming
> is doubly important because that's how you clean the filter. I haven't
> seen how the bubble wall part works, but if it starts to clog, you'll need
> to clean it out or replace the air diffuser. Good airflow is what's
> moving the water through the gravel.

Like I said above - the pump they supply is horrible, but with a better one
the airflow is really pretty good.

Siphoning it is a pain, because it is so small, the water just drains so
fast there's not much time for vaccuuming.

>
> Once a year on tiny tanks with undergravel filters, I like to take the
> tank apart and rinse it out. I gently rinse the gravel (you want to keep
> the bacteria alive) and clean all the gunk out from under the filter plate
> where the gravel vac can't reach. This keeps the tank much healthier and
> is not too much work.



>
> That's about all. You also asked about plants in another post. Yes, do
> put silk or plastic plants, rocks, or ornaments in the tank. The fish
> will appreciate the cover and the tank will be more interesting. Unless
> the tank has fluorescent lighting, live plants are not really an option.

No lighting in Bikini Bottom.

A

[Elaine T]

Angrie.Woman wrote:
> "Elaine T" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>Klane wrote:
>>
>>>Hi, I've come here with a bit of a dilemma. My grandson who lives with
>>>me along with his mother, received a Spongebob aquarium as a gift. It's
>>>1.8 gallons with gravel and an air pump.
>>>
>
>
>>When you change water, use a "gravel vacuum." It's a siphon with a large
>>end that you stick down in the gravel. As you siphon, move the large end
>>around the gravel. Gravel will tumble around in it, and an amazing amount
>>of debris will siphon up and out of the tank.
>
>
> I have a SpongeBob tank too. My thoughts are two things - buy more gravel
> than comes with it, and buy a better pump than they give you. That little
> orange thing is just cruddy. The bubble wall will look pretty good after you
> upgrade the pump though.
>
>
>
>>5. Filter maintenance - I believe your tank has an undergravel filter -
>>you'll have to let us know if that's right. If so, the gravel vacuuming
>>is doubly important because that's how you clean the filter. I haven't
>>seen how the bubble wall part works, but if it starts to clog, you'll need
>>to clean it out or replace the air diffuser. Good airflow is what's
>>moving the water through the gravel.
>
>
> Like I said above - the pump they supply is horrible, but with a better one
> the airflow is really pretty good.
>
> Siphoning it is a pain, because it is so small, the water just drains so
> fast there's not much time for vaccuuming.
>
I found a slender gravel vac with thin tubing made by Python. I use it
for my 2 gal and I can get a decent amount of gunk out of the gravel by
changing 50%. That's why I do 50% weekly on small tanks rather than 20%
twice weekly.

I've also switched over to a small sponge filter hidden behind plants in
my 2 gal hex. It's much nicer because the mulm lands in the sponge
where I can clean it up and plants grow better.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Klane]

Do you have a model # for the vac? I got the smallest I could find but
it's still pretty big. I take the plants out of the tank, as well as
the Spongebob figure, but it still isn't very good. It doesn't even
suck up the gravel some like it's supposed to.

[Steve]

Klane wrote:
> Do you have a model # for the vac? I got the smallest I could find but
> it's still pretty big. I take the plants out of the tank, as well as
> the Spongebob figure, but it still isn't very good. It doesn't even
> suck up the gravel some like it's supposed to.
>
Sorry, I do not have model numbers but years ago I purchased first one,
then another "generic" or possibly Hagen (TM) gravel syphon for less
than $10 each. The first was smaller, with a thin hose, and proved not
useful for my 15 gal and larger tanks. This smaller syphon is the one on
which I cut the large end shorter, and it works quite well in the small
tank. As another poster mentioned, you may need to syphon up to 50% of
the water, to get most of the dirt.

If you have live plants that are rooted in the gravel, I'd suggest not
removing them, and going easy when vacuuming around their roots.

I think that a water change doesn't need to leave the tank spotless.
Remaining dirt will feed the plants, and in a natural pond or lake you
find organic sediment on the bottom, too. Just changing the water
removes dissolved pollutants, and rinsing out your filter medium (after
the tank's cycled?) may remove lots of grunge from the aquarium system,
anyway.

Established tanks may not look spotless as when new. Some algae on the
back glass and decorations, live plants growing well, a bit of mulm on
the bottom... it all adds to the "natural" ecosystem of the aquarium, in
my opinion :)
Steve

[Elaine T]

Angrie.Woman wrote:
> "Elaine T" > wrote in message
> m...
>
>
>>I found a slender gravel vac with thin tubing made by Python. I use it
>>for my 2 gal and I can get a decent amount of gunk out of the gravel by
>>changing 50%. That's why I do 50% weekly on small tanks rather than 20%
>>twice weekly.
>
>
> Thanks - I'll have to look for one.
>
>
>>I've also switched over to a small sponge filter hidden behind plants in
>>my 2 gal hex. It's much nicer because the mulm lands in the sponge where
>>I can clean it up and plants grow better.
>
>
> Right now, #1 son is trying to grow triops (I've never heard of them..) in
> the Sponge Bob tank. After that, I'm wanted to use it as a betta tank, but
> the extremely good bubble wall would not be betta friendly. I bought a
> small sponge filter, but the SpongeBob tank has a curvy front wall which
> makes it awkward to put the filter in.
>
> I might end up getting a different tank, and keep this one around as a
> quarantine tank, which is why we got it in the first place.
>
> BTW - how do you like your snail?
>
> A
>
>
Heh. He's cool when he stays in the tank. Rearranges things a bit, but
I never have to pull any dead plant leaves out of the tank now. I
particularly like the way he delicately climbs over the java moss eating
bits of food caught there without sinking and squashing it.

Triops look much more fun than the Sea Monkeys we were stuck with as
kids to me. I hope his hatch and grow.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Klane]

I don't have live plants. Without a light I don't think the system
would keep them. Just the Danios and a couple of silk plants. Oh, and
Spongebob, can't forget him.

It just seems that all I do is stir up the gunk and not really get rid
of much.

[Daniel Morrow]

"Angrie.Woman" > wrote in message
. ..
>
> "Elaine T" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Klane wrote:
> >> Hi, I've come here with a bit of a dilemma. My grandson who lives with
> >> me along with his mother, received a Spongebob aquarium as a gift. It's
> >> 1.8 gallons with gravel and an air pump.
> >>
>
> >
> > When you change water, use a "gravel vacuum." It's a siphon with a
large
> > end that you stick down in the gravel. As you siphon, move the large
end
> > around the gravel. Gravel will tumble around in it, and an amazing
amount
> > of debris will siphon up and out of the tank.
>
> I have a SpongeBob tank too. My thoughts are two things - buy more gravel
> than comes with it, and buy a better pump than they give you. That little
> orange thing is just cruddy. The bubble wall will look pretty good after
you
> upgrade the pump though.
>
>
> >
> > 5. Filter maintenance - I believe your tank has an undergravel filter -
> > you'll have to let us know if that's right. If so, the gravel vacuuming
> > is doubly important because that's how you clean the filter. I haven't
> > seen how the bubble wall part works, but if it starts to clog, you'll
need
> > to clean it out or replace the air diffuser. Good airflow is what's
> > moving the water through the gravel.
>
> Like I said above - the pump they supply is horrible, but with a better
one
> the airflow is really pretty good.
>
> Siphoning it is a pain, because it is so small, the water just drains so
> fast there's not much time for vaccuuming.

Different sizes of gravel vacs are sold for this reason. The marineland
siphon clean brand of gravel vacs are probably better for smaller tanks and
you can also cut to size too. For a sponge bob squarepants tank I would use
a mini-sized one at approximately $04.00 each - you probably only need 1 but
if you botch one when resizing it you could also buy another.

[Klane]

Where did you get the mini vac? I looked at my local pet store and
didn't see one.

[Daniel Morrow]

"Klane" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Where did you get the mini vac? I looked at my local pet store and
> didn't see one.


If you mean the small gravel vacs you can get them online at
http://www.thatpetplace.com or at your local walmart most likely (probably a
different brand though). Same goes for the battery powered units except I
doubt walmart has them. Good luck and later!

[Dick]

On Sat, 14 May 2005 05:31:17 GMT, Elaine T >
wrote:

>Klane wrote:
>> Hi, I've come here with a bit of a dilemma. My grandson who lives with
>> me along with his mother, received a Spongebob aquarium as a gift. It's
>> 1.8 gallons with gravel and an air pump.
>>
>Welcome. I'm sure we can help you out.
>
>> Originally he was given two goldfish but a quick check showed that to
>> be a poor choice. They were taken back and I suggested a Beta but he
>> wanted two fish so he got 2 Zebra Danios instead.
>>
>> The thing is, the more I look on line the more I find out that this too
>> may have been a poor choice. Not only that but I am clueless about
>> maintenance of the tank.
>>
>You were right to take the goldfish back. I think zebra danios are a
>reasonable choice for your tank. They do not require a heater and are
>hardy. Bettas require heat in the wintertime. Another good choice for
>small, unheated tanks is white cloud minnows.

You can get fish for warm water if the room is kept warm in the
winter. There can be a problem in the summer if room temperature gets
too high.

>
>> I asked at work, they have a beautiful 55 gallon salt water coral tank
>> with about 6 fish. I was told to only feed the fish on Mondays,
>> Wednesdays and Fridays because otherwise the tank will get dirty and
>> the fish will die. This has worked well for them because all of their
>> fish seem to live a very long time, and their Clown Fish is 10 years
>> old. I know this isn't a lie because I've worked there 8 years and he's
>> been alive since I started.
>>
>> Now checking around I'm finding out I should feed them once or twice a
>> day. Also that the tank should have 20% of the water changed twice a
>> week. We haven't done it once in the two weeks he's had the fish. The
>> water is still clear, with no odor and the fish are pretty active. The
>> water was treated with "Stress Coat".

I am one that changes 20% twice weekly, however my tanks are larger.
One of the issues is chlorine. I don't like to add chemicals. I
think with this small (and very cute) tank, I would change a small
amount daily. I am thinking of keeping the added water small enough
so dilution will solve the need to add chemicals.

>>
>Sal****er coral tanks are a whole ecosystem and require different care.
> All sorts of tiny critters live on the rocks that the fish find and
>eat, so they don't need as much food. They're also bigger fish so can
>go longer with less food.
>
>Yes, you do need to change the water regularly. I keep a 2 gallon tank
>and change 50% of the water weekly. 20% twice a week should work too.
>Stress coat is fine, but overkill. Tank water doesn't need aloe. Once
>you've used it up, choose an inexpensive water conditioner without extra
>ingredients. You'll need to find out whether you have chlorine or
>chloramine and the choose one. I like Genesis for clorine and AmQuel
>for chloramine.
>
>> Also, when I have the grandson feed them, he's only given them one
>> broken up flake. The fish are so small that it looks like a lot of
>> food. They seem to eat most of it with very little falling to the
>> bottom of the tank.
>
In a small tank, I would consider getting an Apple snail to clean up
the bottom.

>One medium sized broken up flake sounds about right. You can think of a
>fish's stomach as being about the size of its eye.

I have read this comment before. I looked at my Clown Loaches,
Angels, Siamese Algae Eaters, etc. and said "no way." I have never
understood this "size of eye" formula. Giving advice to anyone about
how to feed their fish is hard. I am not sure what I do, but I do
know they like a lot more flakes than what their eye size would
dictate. I think I am guided by whether the flakes reach the bottom.
I put in enough so the tribe can get to the flakes, then feed the
other tanks, returning to see if any flakes are left and are the fish
still actively catching the flakes before reaching the bottom.

>
>> So, could someone help me out and give me step by step instructions? Or
>> point me to a website for small tanks. It seems like everything for
>> small tanks is for a one gallon (or less) for Betas and without an air
>> pump.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Klane
>>
>Step by step.
>
>1. Your new tank is going to "cycle" as the filter starts to work.
>This explains it. http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-cycling.html The best
>way to deal with this in a tiny tank where the ammonia and nitrite can
>really build up is to change lots of water. You can change as much as
>half every other day if necessary. If your grandson loses a fish while
>the tank is cycling, wait until there is no more ammonia or nitrite
>before replacing it.
>
>2. Feeding - feed once or twice a day. Missed feedings will not hurt
>the fish. Zebra danios would probalby enjoy freeze dried bloodworms or
>brine shrimp as a treat food a couple of times a week.
>
>3. Water changes - As above, change 20% twice a week or 50% once a week.
> Replacement water should be treated for chlorine/chloramine and at
>tank temperature. Since your tank is at room temp, you can just let the
>water sit out for a while before the water change if you like.
>
>When you change water, use a "gravel vacuum." It's a siphon with a
>large end that you stick down in the gravel. As you siphon, move the
>large end around the gravel. Gravel will tumble around in it, and an
>amazing amount of debris will siphon up and out of the tank.
>
>4. Other cleaning - find an acrylic-safe algae pad and scrub any algae
>off of the inside of the tank "glass" as often as necessary. Twice a
>month does the trick for me. Clean the outside with water and a soft
>cloth. Scrub plastic plants and decorations if necessary.
>
>5. Filter maintenance - I believe your tank has an undergravel filter -
>you'll have to let us know if that's right. If so, the gravel vacuuming
>is doubly important because that's how you clean the filter. I haven't
>seen how the bubble wall part works, but if it starts to clog, you'll
>need to clean it out or replace the air diffuser. Good airflow is
>what's moving the water through the gravel.
>
>Once a year on tiny tanks with undergravel filters, I like to take the
>tank apart and rinse it out. I gently rinse the gravel (you want to
>keep the bacteria alive) and clean all the gunk out from under the
>filter plate where the gravel vac can't reach. This keeps the tank much
>healthier and is not too much work.
>
>That's about all. You also asked about plants in another post. Yes, do
>put silk or plastic plants, rocks, or ornaments in the tank. The fish
>will appreciate the cover and the tank will be more interesting. Unless
>the tank has fluorescent lighting, live plants are not really an option.
>
The picture shows, what I would assume, is a light hood (the red box
on top). Live plants are rated by light range. I would sure try to
find some "low light" plants. I find plants almost as interesting as
the fish and the fish really seem to appreciate having places to go.


>HTH, and feel free to ask all the questions you have.

Sorry to bust into the middle of other's posting, but I am a "Johnny
come lately" to the thread and only wanted to put my 2 cents in once.

dick

[Klane]

Hey, Dick. The colored top doesn't have a light. It has a clear grill
in the center that comes out for feeding. I've put in a couple of silk
plants because of that.

Actually I'm thinking about trying to find a used 10 gallon at a yard
sale, is this an early sign of addiction?

Klane

[Elaine T]

Klane wrote:
> Hey, Dick. The colored top doesn't have a light. It has a clear grill
> in the center that comes out for feeding. I've put in a couple of silk
> plants because of that.
>
> Actually I'm thinking about trying to find a used 10 gallon at a yard
> sale, is this an early sign of addiction?
>
> Klane
>
Uh oh. It's an early sign of MTS (Multiple Tank Syndrome). Other signs
are hanging out at fish stores, moving furniture to make room for
fishtanks, thinking about what's going in the next tank before you've
bought it, and excessive posting to rec.aquaria. ;-)

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Gill Passman]

"teri" > wrote in message
...
>
> >Hey, Dick. The colored top doesn't have a light. It has a clear grill
> >in the center that comes out for feeding. I've put in a couple of silk
> >plants because of that.
> >
> >Actually I'm thinking about trying to find a used 10 gallon at a yard
> >sale, is this an early sign of addiction?
>
> I also recently started a small tank (early April with an Eclipse 3
> gallon), and in my mind I have already jumped to a 30 gallon.
> Realistically though this weekend I decided I will have to settle for
> a 20 gallon due to space issues.
> So... I think the answer is yes, addiction.
> Teri

Absolute, total addiction....maybe we could start a help group for all of us
with MTS....I actually pre-bought the office tank (Malawi) so there was no
debate but that it needed to fit in.....bought new furniture for the living
room so I could get my hex tank in.....planning a new kitchen so I can get
something bigger than the 5gall in there (and still find space for the 5
gall).....

I've got two 50galls and am still trying to work out where I could get
something bigger and failing miserably....hence my new habit of slotting in
the small tanks where they won't get noticed too much.....

Pond in the planning....moving outdoors as well - he, he

We only started with the Tropicals last August - 6 tanks already :-)

Gill

[Dick]

On 22 May 2005 11:52:43 -0700, "Klane" > wrote:

>Hey, Dick. The colored top doesn't have a light. It has a clear grill
>in the center that comes out for feeding. I've put in a couple of silk
>plants because of that.
>
>Actually I'm thinking about trying to find a used 10 gallon at a yard
>sale, is this an early sign of addiction?
>
>Klane

If so, I can't think of a nicer addiction! <g>

If you can fit a larger tank into your room, go for it. I have 3 ten
gallon tanks because they were the largest the available space would
take, but first I fit in a 75 gal and a 29 gal. Space is the problem,
then money. <g>

dick

[lgb]

In article >, eetmail-
says...
> Klane wrote:
> >
> > Actually I'm thinking about trying to find a used 10 gallon at a yard
> > sale, is this an early sign of addiction?
> >
>
> Uh oh. It's an early sign of MTS (Multiple Tank Syndrome). Other signs
> are hanging out at fish stores, moving furniture to make room for
> fishtanks, thinking about what's going in the next tank before you've
> bought it, and excessive posting to rec.aquaria. ;-)
>
Damm! I'm doomed!

OTOH, having a spouse might cure the condition :-).

--
BNSF = Build Now, Seep Forever

[Scott]

"lgb" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, eetmail-
> says...
>> Klane wrote:
>> >
>> > Actually I'm thinking about trying to find a used 10 gallon at a yard
>> > sale, is this an early sign of addiction?
>> >
>>
>> Uh oh. It's an early sign of MTS (Multiple Tank Syndrome). Other signs
>> are hanging out at fish stores, moving furniture to make room for
>> fishtanks, thinking about what's going in the next tank before you've
>> bought it, and excessive posting to rec.aquaria. ;-)
>>
> Damm! I'm doomed!
>
> OTOH, having a spouse might cure the condition :-).
>
> --
> BNSF = Build Now, Seep Forever

Nope, having a spouse just means that someone is going to raise hell every
time you come home with another tank because you are gonna be moving
something of hers to squeeze that tank in!! (No really honey, I think your
sewing machine would be great in the garage!)

---scott

[teri]

>> Actually I'm thinking about trying to find a used 10 gallon at a yard
>> sale, is this an early sign of addiction?
>>
>> Klane
>>
>Uh oh. It's an early sign of MTS (Multiple Tank Syndrome). Other signs
>are hanging out at fish stores, moving furniture to make room for
>fishtanks, thinking about what's going in the next tank before you've
>bought it, and excessive posting to rec.aquaria. ;-)
Yikes, 5 for 5. :-)
Teri