FINALLY!!!!!

[Connie]

WOOHOO - I don't know how many of you remember my saga, but after a fishless
cycle, which I thought was good to go, I bought fish and had another major
cycle. I completely cleaned out my tank, refilled it, and still had 8ppm of
ammonia...

ANYHOO - my tank is FINALLY cycled, and correctly/ I have 80 of nitrates...
so now comes a water change and then some fish. I was about to give up....
YEAAAA!!!

Thanks to all who helped me!
Connie

[NetMax]

"Connie" > wrote in message
...
> WOOHOO - I don't know how many of you remember my saga, but after a
> fishless cycle, which I thought was good to go, I bought fish and had
> another major cycle. I completely cleaned out my tank, refilled it, and
> still had 8ppm of ammonia...
>
> ANYHOO - my tank is FINALLY cycled, and correctly/ I have 80 of
> nitrates... so now comes a water change and then some fish. I was about
> to give up.... YEAAAA!!!
>
> Thanks to all who helped me!
> Connie


Congrats! Do things right and you never have to cycle a tank again.
Now the fishy fun begins :o).
--
www.NetMax.tk

[Elaine T]

Connie wrote:
> WOOHOO - I don't know how many of you remember my saga, but after a fishless
> cycle, which I thought was good to go, I bought fish and had another major
> cycle. I completely cleaned out my tank, refilled it, and still had 8ppm of
> ammonia...
>
> ANYHOO - my tank is FINALLY cycled, and correctly/ I have 80 of nitrates...
> so now comes a water change and then some fish. I was about to give up....
> YEAAAA!!!
>
> Thanks to all who helped me!
> Connie
>
>
Now is the fun part - choosing fish! Feel free to ask here about any
fish or plants you're thinking about buying. We may be able to
recommend some you never thought of or warn you about size or
incompatibility problems in advance.

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

[Connie]

> Now is the fun part - choosing fish! Feel free to ask here about any fish
> or plants you're thinking about buying. We may be able to recommend some
> you never thought of or warn you about size or incompatibility problems in
> advance.
>
> --
> Elaine T __
> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

Thanks Elaine,

So far I am thinking a few gourami (pink kissers and such), a school of
neons, and an angel or two. I would also like to get another black ghost, as
I loved having the one I did, but I know he will outgrow my tank quickly -
so I will be prepared... also a pleco, upside down, and cory cat.

Connie

[NetMax]

"Connie" > wrote in message
...
>> Now is the fun part - choosing fish! Feel free to ask here about any
>> fish or plants you're thinking about buying. We may be able to
>> recommend some you never thought of or warn you about size or
>> incompatibility problems in advance.
>>
>> --
>> Elaine T __
>> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
>> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com
>
> Thanks Elaine,
>
> So far I am thinking a few gourami (pink kissers and such), a school of
> neons, and an angel or two. I would also like to get another black
> ghost, as I loved having the one I did, but I know he will outgrow my
> tank quickly - so I will be prepared... also a pleco, upside down, and
> cory cat.
>
> Connie


How big was this tank? Gourami will often not cohabitate with other
gourami, and Kissers are not an easy gourami to keep. From a very
credible hobbyist (actually making a living out of being a hobbyist),
Kissers have a very high metabolism so should be fed often and need a lot
of vegetation in their diet, a combination which is problematic to the
average person. They also grow to a good size.

Neons and Angelfish are a natural pairing in nature, with the Neons being
on the Angelfish's menu. The Black Ghost might also enjoy a few ;~).
Research the pleco as many get very large. Corys are great in groups, as
many as your tank will hold ;~), well.. at least 3 of each species
anyways.
--
www.NetMax.tk

[Elaine T]

Connie wrote:
>>Now is the fun part - choosing fish! Feel free to ask here about any fish
>>or plants you're thinking about buying. We may be able to recommend some
>>you never thought of or warn you about size or incompatibility problems in
>>advance.
>>
>>--
>>Elaine T __
>>http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
>>rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com
>
>
> Thanks Elaine,
>
> So far I am thinking a few gourami (pink kissers and such), a school of
> neons, and an angel or two. I would also like to get another black ghost, as
> I loved having the one I did, but I know he will outgrow my tank quickly -
> so I will be prepared... also a pleco, upside down, and cory cat.
>
> Connie
>
>
Black ghosts are so cool. Don't they eat small fish like neons, though?
If the ghost doesn't, the pink kissers likely will - I've seen huge
pink kissing gouramis. My favorites are pearl gouramis. They stay
smaller than kissers and the color is amazing.

I'm sure you know cories like to be in groups. I usually get a trio but
the more you have, the cuter they act. :-)

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

[Daniel Morrow]

"Connie" > wrote in message
...
> WOOHOO - I don't know how many of you remember my saga, but after a
fishless
> cycle, which I thought was good to go, I bought fish and had another major
> cycle. I completely cleaned out my tank, refilled it, and still had 8ppm
of
> ammonia...
>
> ANYHOO - my tank is FINALLY cycled, and correctly/ I have 80 of
nitrates...
> so now comes a water change and then some fish. I was about to give up....
> YEAAAA!!!
>
> Thanks to all who helped me!
> Connie
>
>

Awesome job connie! Did you do this latest cycle 100% fishless, or in other
words did you "Cheat" a little (you know - add pre-colonized filter material
from someone else's tank, etc.?)? If you did a 100% standard fishless cycle
I would be even more impressed. I would like to do a 100% standard fishless
cycle sometime even though I might never need to because it is so
empowering, awesome! Later!

[Connie]

> Awesome job connie! Did you do this latest cycle 100% fishless, or in
> other
> words did you "Cheat" a little (you know - add pre-colonized filter
> material
> from someone else's tank, etc.?)? If you did a 100% standard fishless
> cycle
> I would be even more impressed. I would like to do a 100% standard
> fishless
> cycle sometime even though I might never need to because it is so
> empowering, awesome! Later!


I did it 100% fishless... this is my second time doing a successful tank
this way. I did try a few months ago, and failed. the only thing I can link
it to was a poor working filter. It was tough going for awhile...

[Connie]

> Black ghosts are so cool. Don't they eat small fish like neons, though?
> If the ghost doesn't, the pink kissers likely will - I've seen huge pink
> kissing gouramis. My favorites are pearl gouramis. They stay smaller
> than kissers and the color is amazing.
>
> I'm sure you know cories like to be in groups. I usually get a trio but
> the more you have, the cuter they act. :-)
>
> --
> Elaine T __
> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

Oh, the black ghost I had was awesome... I was so heartbroken when he died.
You are right about the neons, I had forgotten about that. Thanks...

Connie

[Connie]

>> Connie
>
>
> How big was this tank? Gourami will often not cohabitate with other
> gourami, and Kissers are not an easy gourami to keep. From a very
> credible hobbyist (actually making a living out of being a hobbyist),
> Kissers have a very high metabolism so should be fed often and need a lot
> of vegetation in their diet, a combination which is problematic to the
> average person. They also grow to a good size.
>
> Neons and Angelfish are a natural pairing in nature, with the Neons being
> on the Angelfish's menu. The Black Ghost might also enjoy a few ;~).
> Research the pleco as many get very large. Corys are great in groups, as
> many as your tank will hold ;~), well.. at least 3 of each species
> anyways.
> --
> www.NetMax.tk


One more thing, if you don't recommend a dwarf pleco (if they aren't really
dwarf or something), what do you recommend for algae? Thanks

[Connie]

>> Connie
>
>
> How big was this tank? Gourami will often not cohabitate with other
> gourami, and Kissers are not an easy gourami to keep. From a very
> credible hobbyist (actually making a living out of being a hobbyist),
> Kissers have a very high metabolism so should be fed often and need a lot
> of vegetation in their diet, a combination which is problematic to the
> average person. They also grow to a good size.
>
> Neons and Angelfish are a natural pairing in nature, with the Neons being
> on the Angelfish's menu. The Black Ghost might also enjoy a few ;~).
> Research the pleco as many get very large. Corys are great in groups, as
> many as your tank will hold ;~), well.. at least 3 of each species
> anyways.
> --
> www.NetMax.tk
>\

Hi Netmax,

It is a 29 gal tank. Thanks for the info on the kissers, I did not know
that. I was thinking the pearl gourami, and the blue, opaline and golden
gourami also. Do they get along? I am not going to get one of each...
probably just a couple to a few all together.

I think I saw a "dwarf" pleco at one of the fish stores. Also, there were
some neons that were quiet large at one of the fishstores, but now that you
mentioned it, I remember waking up to my last tank many years ago and find
my neons had disappeared. I had 2 angels - I loved those fish (the angels).
I am looking forward to owning one of those again!!

Ok - so, a few gourami, maybe a pearl, blue, and golden, 1-2 angels, 3
corys, a black ghost, and a few livebearers, like swords or guppies?? Sound
a bit better. I am out of practice, but am researching before I get the
fish... Thanks for all the great info!!

Connie

[NetMax]

"Connie" > wrote in message
...
>>> Connie
>>
>>
>> How big was this tank? Gourami will often not cohabitate with other
>> gourami, and Kissers are not an easy gourami to keep. From a very
>> credible hobbyist (actually making a living out of being a hobbyist),
>> Kissers have a very high metabolism so should be fed often and need a
>> lot of vegetation in their diet, a combination which is problematic to
>> the average person. They also grow to a good size.
>>
>> Neons and Angelfish are a natural pairing in nature, with the Neons
>> being on the Angelfish's menu. The Black Ghost might also enjoy a few
>> ;~). Research the pleco as many get very large. Corys are great in
>> groups, as many as your tank will hold ;~), well.. at least 3 of each
>> species anyways.
>> --
>> www.NetMax.tk
>>\
>
> Hi Netmax,
>
> It is a 29 gal tank. Thanks for the info on the kissers, I did not know
> that. I was thinking the pearl gourami, and the blue, opaline and
> golden
> gourami also. Do they get along? I am not going to get one of each...
> probably just a couple to a few all together.
>
> I think I saw a "dwarf" pleco at one of the fish stores. Also, there
> were
> some neons that were quiet large at one of the fishstores, but now that
> you
> mentioned it, I remember waking up to my last tank many years ago and
> find
> my neons had disappeared. I had 2 angels - I loved those fish (the
> angels).
> I am looking forward to owning one of those again!!
>
> Ok - so, a few gourami, maybe a pearl, blue, and golden, 1-2 angels, 3
> corys, a black ghost, and a few livebearers, like swords or guppies??
> Sound
> a bit better. I am out of practice, but am researching before I get the
> fish... Thanks for all the great info!!
>
> Connie


*Whew*, you have a 90g enthusiasm to fit in a 29g tank.

I wouldn't put more than one Angelfish in a 29g. I wouldn't give him
more than 2 gourami as company, and they would be very docile Pearl
gourami or Dwarfs. I would not put a Blue or a Gold gourami in that mix
(far too aggressive).

Then I would put in some dither fish (some Platys), and ground crew (ie:
Bristlenose). I don't know if that would allow room for a Black Ghost,
but if you did, then I might be planning that next tank soon ;~).

Your natural water parameters might influence your selection as well, so
if your water was very soft, replace the platys by a trio of Golden barbs
(or something similar, but not Tiger barbs). Neutral water and you are
fine all around. Very hard water and I still think you are ok, depending
on how hard it was (the gouramis might be the first to protest).
--
www.NetMax.tk

[Daniel Morrow]

"Connie" > wrote in message
...
> > Awesome job connie! Did you do this latest cycle 100% fishless, or in
> > other
> > words did you "Cheat" a little (you know - add pre-colonized filter
> > material
> > from someone else's tank, etc.?)? If you did a 100% standard fishless
> > cycle
> > I would be even more impressed. I would like to do a 100% standard
> > fishless
> > cycle sometime even though I might never need to because it is so
> > empowering, awesome! Later!
>
>
> I did it 100% fishless...

Awesome!

this is my second time doing a successful tank
> this way. I did try a few months ago, and failed. the only thing I can
link
> it to was a poor working filter. It was tough going for awhile...
>
>

[Connie]

> *Whew*, you have a 90g enthusiasm to fit in a 29g tank.

LOL, I know, I know ;-)

>
> I wouldn't put more than one Angelfish in a 29g. I wouldn't give him more
> than 2 gourami as company, and they would be very docile Pearl gourami or
> Dwarfs. I would not put a Blue or a Gold gourami in that mix (far too
> aggressive).

Sounds good...
>
> Then I would put in some dither fish (some Platys), and ground crew (ie:
> Bristlenose). I don't know if that would allow room for a Black Ghost,
> but if you did, then I might be planning that next tank soon ;~).

Already am :-) See, he would give me the push I need... LOL

>
> Your natural water parameters might influence your selection as well, so
> if your water was very soft, replace the platys by a trio of Golden barbs
> (or something similar, but not Tiger barbs). Neutral water and you are
> fine all around. Very hard water and I still think you are ok, depending
> on how hard it was (the gouramis might be the first to protest).
> --
> www.NetMax.tk
>

[NetMax]

"Connie" > wrote in message
...
>
>> *Whew*, you have a 90g enthusiasm to fit in a 29g tank.
>
> LOL, I know, I know ;-)
>
>>
>> I wouldn't put more than one Angelfish in a 29g. I wouldn't give him
>> more than 2 gourami as company, and they would be very docile Pearl
>> gourami or Dwarfs. I would not put a Blue or a Gold gourami in that
>> mix (far too aggressive).
>
> Sounds good...
>>
>> Then I would put in some dither fish (some Platys), and ground crew
>> (ie: Bristlenose). I don't know if that would allow room for a Black
>> Ghost, but if you did, then I might be planning that next tank soon
>> ;~).
>
> Already am :-) See, he would give me the push I need... LOL

ROTFL, you fit right in here ;~)

I had a Black Ghost who would extract the food from my fingers. His
favorite was a special-order Discus food, frozen beefheart with garlic.
--
www.NetMax.tk

>>
>> Your natural water parameters might influence your selection as well,
>> so if your water was very soft, replace the platys by a trio of Golden
>> barbs (or something similar, but not Tiger barbs). Neutral water and
>> you are fine all around. Very hard water and I still think you are
>> ok, depending on how hard it was (the gouramis might be the first to
>> protest).
>> --
>> www.NetMax.tk
>>
>
>