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Just lost my entire post! Starting over: *s*

I have an established tank (10) with about 15 fish: 1 adult male platy, 1 adult female platy, lots of fry from 3/4 inch to 1.5 inches, born January 15th. I've read everything from this number being great to being overcrowded. For platies, is this ok?

Either way, I'm not 100% comfortable with the numbers. I'm planted with 4 live plants (2 bananas and 2 unknown from bulbs), 1 largeartificial rock with 2 caves and a pebble substrate.

I want to move some fish to a new environment and later get some other compatible varieties.

I've acquired two tanks - used. I don't know the size other than the outer dimensions. I also would like to know how to recondition these tanks to prepare them for fish. Here are the stats:

Tank 1
12.5W x 30L x 12.5H

Tank 2
12.5W x 30L x 18.75H

They came with 1 hood, flourescent light, 1 heater, a vaccuum (one of those siphon kinds with lime green and black connectors) and a double stand (metal).

They both are dirty, of course with white grime (for lack of a better term), some of which is almost powdery when rubbed. There's also plenty of "regular" dirt and webs.

As a quick recap:

1. am I overcrowded?
2. whats the size of my tanks or where to get this info?
3. how do I recondition the tanks for use?

*4 ADDED!* With the metal stand, what precautions should I take to ensure stability for these two tanks when filled with water? I was thinking of bolting the wall and attaching to the posts/legs of the stand to help a bit, but would that suffice? Shoud I consider another option altogether?

Thank you very much for any assistance.

Im not sure about how crowded you are, but here are the tank sizes,
the first tank is a 20 gallon long (as compared to one thats taller, and not as long)
the second tank is a 30 gallon tank.
im not sure but i think you wash the tanks first with just water to get anything off the glass that you can. And then i think you use a really small bleach solution, something like 1 part bleach to 16 parts water, but i am not sure of this, and then you would rise the tanks alot to mach sure all of the bleach is out of the tanks.

its me sk8freak20...i need to get premie so i can change my name back

When the fry gets bigger, you will be overcrowded. So when they get big enough to move, I would move them.
The tank sizes are a 20g and a 30g both in US gallons.
You can go to the Interactive tab at the top and go to calculators, then tank capacity to find out how many gallons you have, by putting in the measurements.

In either tank you could put some of the fry and later get some tetras, cories and other fish.

Try just washing the tanks out with water and a soft, new sponge. If that doesn't clean it then use some distilled vinegar and make sure to rinse it well. Or bleach...but only use 19 parts bleach to 1 part water.

edit: rbm beat me to it...

*Kristin*

19 parts bleach to 1 part water

Don't you mean 1 part bleach 19 parts water?

Rick
See all my pictures at Google Web Albums

It's so odd... everytime I get halfway through writing my post this one page freezes up.

Anyway, thank you for the great information and advice. I will begin cleaning with just water and a sponge or new algae scraper, then move to diluted vinegar if needed. I'll try the bleach if it gets really tough. I have a nice sprayer with hose for indoor gardens to help with rinsing.

I'd like to get tetras as my next batch. We'll see how the platies like the new environment for a while.

My next obstacle is location. I've picked a so-so spot close to a window. It's late afternoon sun, but I keep the blinds closed for this window. Still I'll have to barrier the tanks I believe. Drafts is my other concern for this location (window drafts, the room vent is hooded).

I have two other choices: 1 get very limited daylight but is an otherwise optimal place. The other gets appropriate lighting, but is next to a sliding glass door which stays open 4 months out of the year. That would seem a bit much, correct?

==> How much should I worry about lighting if I am using artificial lighting anyway?

Thanks again for the help and support!

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The white "grime" that turns powdery when rubbed is quite likely calcium deposites from the water supply. Save yourself some trouble and hunt down a razor blade or exacto knife and use that (carefully!!!! of course ). Hold the blade almost flat against the glass (I'm assuming these are glass tanks of course dont use a razor blade if it's plastic >.< and gently scrub against it...should come right off.

On the lighting issue. If you're considering live planted tank with plenty of live plants (careful they're as addictive as fish ) you'll need a minimum of 2 watts per gallon for each tank. Have a look around in the planted and technical tinkering forums for ideas on how to increase the lighting as most standard tanks dont come with nearly the right ammount of light.

^_^

Don't you mean 1 part bleach 19 parts water

Haha...sorry. Yes I meant 1 part bleach to 19 parts water. It was a long day...

*Kristin*

With the metal stand, what precautions should I take to ensure stability for these two tanks when filled with water?

I have two of those dual metal tank stands...the first holds 2 10g tanks, the other a 29g and a 20l.

I've had no problems with stability. One thing I would suggest is putting the taller tank on top. Even if it fits on the bottom there isn't much space left for tank maintenance.



~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Thanks for the additional cleaning and lighting tips! Both are acrylic so I'll avoid the razor

Regarding the stand, you're probably right about putting the larger one on top. I was thinking just the opposite for the sake of stability. I'll measure twice and lift once in any case and be sure to leave room like you've suggested.

Um who mentioned plants becoming addictive? I already am and bought another today (a Cobumba bunch!) and a couple of snails for the 10 tank

(added Of note, I'm lucky to have gotten these tanks and equipment. The vaccuum is a python with 30-40 feet of tubing and works perfectly. The light works. Got the tanks, equipment and stand for $40. Now hope for me that I get no water leaks to lessen my joy, lol.