New Member

Posts: 4
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 09-06-2003 04:53 PM         

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I just purchased a 55 gallon tank a few weeks ago and I just got my fish. I have 2 Bala Sharks, 2 Silver Dollars, 2 Opal Gouramis, a catfish, and a Red Bellied Pacu. They are all getting along great. I have heard many mixed opinions about this Pacu. I know they get very large so I plan to get rid of it when it gets huge. I hope it does not eat my other fish when it gets bigger. What do you guys think about the fish I got? Can I put more in there or would it get to crowded? What other fish would go good? Feel free to give me any info about water changes, fish, etc as I am new to this hobby and I don't know much about it.

Thanks...

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Member

Posts: 64
From: Indy
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 09-07-2003 06:13 AM            

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Sounds pretty crowded already. You can probably keep them in this condition for a while if you keep up on maint.
I would change the water every week at the minimum every two. Which ever you decide it's important to stay with your scheduele if you alter it to much you will effect the ph level in your tank. Change about 20 percent of the water sucking the water from the bottom to get waste out of the rocks. If you don't own a vaccum siphon you need to go buy one to do this.
Mainly I'm concerned about the fact that you bought this 55 "a few weeks ago". Doesn't sound like this tank is cycled yet. Go buy a test kit or individual tests for amonia, nitrites, nitrates and maybe ph.
I would test for amonia right away. With that many fish in a new set up I'd be shocked if there was none. If buying tests right away is out of the question you could take a sample to your LFS. I would recommend buying the test some store's test are not reliable.
Let us know if you test and find amonia or nitrites you should not see any of either. nitrates in low amounts are normal.

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James (The Grateful One)

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New Member

Posts: 4
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 09-07-2003 10:35 AM         

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Thanks for the help. I bought the tank a little over 4 weeks ago and I cycled it for 3 weeks with 12 Zebra Danios. I have had the fish that are in it now for 1 week. All of the Zebras where eaten by the Pacu. I had my water tested the day I added the fish and the pet store said it was good. My tank sure does not look crowded the fish have plenty of room to swim. I have a 5 gallon tank with 14 small fish in it that many people have told me was way to crowded, but some of the fish in that tank I have had for over 2 years and they seem very healthy. Only 2 or 3 have died. Also, I think the test at my pet shop was reliable because they used the liquid stuff that you add to the water. They didn't use the test strips.

Thanks...

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New Member

Posts: 4
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 09-07-2003 10:37 AM         

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By the way, I am from Lafayette IN.

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