New aquarium

[Russ]

We just started our 20 gallon long freshwater aquarium. We filled it
with distilled water a week ago, and put 3 zebra danios in it to help
start the cycle.

We know nothing about fish.

We just tested the pH and it is 6.4. Seems low to me, but not
dangerously. Is 6.4 OK, and if not, how do we raise it up? Add a
seashell?

Also, for 3 new danios, how many of the large Tetra flakes should we
put in per day? We put 3 flakes in and they ate 2 of them and the 3rd
fell down onto one of the decorations (I dont think they saw it!) I
guess 2 flakes is good? Theyre the big tetra flakes.

Thanks

[blove]

dont use distilled water, it has no minerals in it and fish need minerals.
feed the fish as much as they can eat in 3-5 minutes once a day.

[Velvet]

blove wrote:
> dont use distilled water, it has no minerals in it and fish need minerals.
> feed the fish as much as they can eat in 3-5 minutes once a day.
>
>
Use water out of the tap, but make sure you treat it with dechlorinator
first, or the chlorine will harm the fish and the bacteria.

--


Velvet

[chas good]

On 21 Jul 2004 18:55:40 -0700, (Russ) wrote:

>We just started our 20 gallon long freshwater aquarium. We filled it
>with distilled water a week ago, and put 3 zebra danios in it to help
>start the cycle.
>
>We know nothing about fish.
>
>We just tested the pH and it is 6.4. Seems low to me, but not
>dangerously. Is 6.4 OK, and if not, how do we raise it up? Add a
>seashell?
>
>Also, for 3 new danios, how many of the large Tetra flakes should we
>put in per day? We put 3 flakes in and they ate 2 of them and the 3rd
>fell down onto one of the decorations (I dont think they saw it!) I
>guess 2 flakes is good? Theyre the big tetra flakes.
>
>Thanks

Do a web search. there are several sites with fish profiles. Generaly
they give the PH, hardness and other factors each fish needs. Danios
are schooling fish. After the tank has cycled you might want to get
two or three more of them.
Wondering why you use distilled water? Just starting out new in the
hobby I would not suggest doing a lot of tinkering with the water.
Find out the PH and hardness (GH) of the tap water and get fish that
like it. After you get the hang of it and you want fish that need it
then try distilled or RO water.

As far as feeding goes. In general feed twice a day as much as the
fish can eat in 2 or 3 minutes. Break up the large flakes. I put in as
much as they can eat in half a minute. When that is gone do it again 2
or 3 more times. I drop the food in the same place each time so they
know where to expect it.
My Tiger Barbs will take the food right from my fingers. They arent
shy when it comes to food.

Here are a few sites with good info to get you started.

http://fishprofiles.com/

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/ Nice forum

http://www.netmax.tk/

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/index.php

http://www.solodvds.com/

There are many more sites like these too.

[Flash Wilson]

On 21 Jul 2004 18:55:40 -0700, Russ > wrote:
>We know nothing about fish.

Well, the only way is up! :)

Hi Russ,

I've written a website about keeping fish, and it starts with
beginners info, written when I was going through the same stuff
myself, so it's not too full of confusing info but should get you
started.

Have a look at http://www.gorge.org/fish - then when you've taken
that in and got your initial worries over, there are links to more
detailed sites when you're ready to move on!

Best wishes,
--
Flash Wilson
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