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I have a 23L/5g Meiko Paradise Grand Aquarium, i've looked all over the net for a picture of it, but can't find one, so i guess i'll just have to describe it. It's 5g as i said before, It's got a built in light, hood and filter. I need some ideas on stocking it. I've kept Betta's before and was thinking of putting one in there, but i really wanted something different. I wouldnt mind guppies, but i've heard they breed like mad. I wouldnt want the tank to get too full. Any suggestions would be great. Oh, also, how do i set it up? I know i should know all this by now, but i have No idea about cycling, i basically don't understand any of the instructions i've seen, even the most basic instructions! Yes, i know i'm stupid <img src='/images/forums/tongue.gif' border=0> Can someone give me step-by-step instructions on how to cycle a tank? Is cycling even necessary? I've never cycled any of my other tanks and all my fish have lived long happy lives.

Okay, you are of course limited to smaller species in a 5 gallon tank. You could look at killies and guppys. With guppys, they will breed basically year round... You could go with all male guppys, or even some swordtails or platies. You could put a few small cory cats in there, but they do prefer a shoal of 5 or more... Basically, you shouldn't put more than 5 or 6 fish in there, but that does vary depending on the fish. Bettas are fine to be kept with peaceful fish, but you don't want anything in there with long fins, because a male may attack them. Setup with everything built in should be rather easy. Choose where you want to put the tank. Put the tank there. If the filter needs filter floss, then put that in the filter. Place your gravel in the bottom of the tank, and arrange the dechor any way you want to. Fill the whole thing with dechlorinated water. You may need to add some water directly to the filter to get it started. Plug everything up. And voila your tank is setup.

Now for the cycle.

The cycle is the establishment of beneficial bacteria and the conversion of ammonia (fish waste) to nitrate. There are three different types of bacteria that will establish themselves over a month as long as a food source for them is supplied. With fish in the tank, they will produce waste. Waste is broken down into ammonia (a very toxic substance) naturally. The beneficial bacteria is naturally in the atmosphere and will find its way into your tank on it's own. The ammonia will build up in the tank and a new bacteria will come in and convert the ammonia to nitrite. After that, another bacteria will come and change the nitrite to nitrate. The nitrate is then taken out of the water through partial water changes, which is a part of normal tank maintenance and should be done every week or every other week. This whole process takes about a month.

You should add your fish gradually to prevent loss to new tank syndrome, etc. If you add too many at a time, the ammonia spike could prove lethal to your inhabitants.

I hope that helps. If you have any follow up questions, just ask.

Amy

Where in OZ are you if you are in my general area I would be easer to explain every thing over the phone.

Regards Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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