Member

Posts: 60
From: WI USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-07-2004 07:57 PM         

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My 10 gallon with 3 platties finally cycled and I added 3 juli cory cats...one looked sick from the get go so it died. I took it back to the pet store to get it replaced and they tested my water and detected nitrites...I knew this was to be expected with the addition of new fish. How long does this mini cycle take. I don't have another tank to quaritine the new arrivals. Also, after this cycle is complete I want to get a clowm pleco because of my algae boom...are these fish disease ridden? Someone made the comment that they infected their other fish then died. I need an algae eater in the near future and these store in my area aren't carrying ottos. Suggestions? Thanks!!

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Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 01-07-2004 11:20 PM         

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Hi concerned, Your first statement said it. He didn't look good from the start. After the initial cycle, your tank stays in a continual cycle state. Fish give off waste (ammonia). Bacteria breaks down the ammonia into nitrites. Secondary bacteria breaks the nitrites down into nitrates. So it's not really a mini-cycle. The nitrite reading just indicates that a water change and debris removal is needed. To my knowledge clown plecos are not anymore disease ridden than any other fish. They are not quite as hearty as some of the other plecos, but they are a nice fish and should do well in a 10 gallon. With any fish purchase look over all the fish in the tank. If any in the tank look sick it would be best to wait. If your really worried about disease and parasites you can add meds at a prophalaxis rate before acclimating any new fish. As a parasite prophalaxis you can add 2 drops of Maracide to 10 gallons. As a fungus (bacterial) prophalaxis you can add 1/2 tablet of Maracyn. These two meds can be used together. I generally don't recommend prophalaxis treatments because of the possiblity of creating resistant strains of bacteria. Hope this helps.

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Member

Posts: 60
From: WI USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-08-2004 06:46 PM         

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thanks kc once again for your advice...your a gem!!

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