Using filtered water, what fish next, other noob questions...

Wask · 08-25-2006, 01:59 PM

Hey guys, I'm a noob at this, never had much luck with fish, had a few, but giving is another go.

I just have a 10 gallon tank that I have started up again. I have a couple of large feeder goldfish and a couple of really small ones in it right now. Been in for a few days, seem to be doing alright.

I am using Reverse Osmosis water (Aquafina equivalent) because my well water just sucks. I have an RO machine under my sink, so it isn't costing me a fortune or anything. Is this a good idea, or something I should steer clear of? My well water is rusty and awful and would just gum everything up. Is this alright?

Assuming it is...

What fish should I add next? I'm looking for some more easy/ smaller fish to get it going before I add anything else...

THANKS!

Matt

ahill3780 · 08-25-2006, 03:09 PM

Welcome to FishTankForums!

I will let others chime in with advice on the stocking question. Just as a forwarning though, you may be told that your tank size is inadequate for the fish you have already. I will let others explain though. It seems like every other post in this site is from me and I don't want to sound like a know-it-all (far from it!) and give everyone else a chance to chime in and share their knowledge too.

The water you are using is a great source though. RO water is to be desired in most cases. If it is a single stage RO process (water only passed through that one filter) then you may want to run an Activated Carbon filter on the water to help remove any leftover impurities. Beyond that you may also find the need to add beneficial nutrients back into the water that the RO process removes. Kent Marine makes a great RO water conditioner that also adjusts Hardness. It is called Freshwater RO Right.

Jay · 08-25-2006, 03:30 PM

Hi Wask and welcome.

I'm with Aaron, look around and read the stickies on tank cycling, water quality etc. Look at other threads. You have a way to go before your tank is ready.

RO water takes you to an acceptable level of detoxifying the water, but you must restore the water to a condition that will support biological health.

Seachem's "Equilibrium' is enormously popular for that purpose.

Regards,
Jay

thewebpop · 08-25-2006, 05:08 PM

Even though I have a 20 gal. Jay and others explained to me why I Could not keep more than a couple of Gold Fish in a small tank. Yes, My fish seemed to be doing fine but I learned real fast how messy they are. They really keep a small tank stressed. Following the advice from this forum, I found all 9 of them a Great new home in a friends pond. They are much Happier I am sure.

I switched over to Tropical and I am now enjoying my:
14-Neon Tetra's
8-Serpae Tetra's
1-Clown Loach
2-Snails
Live Plants

Good Luck with your Tank! Later, Pop's