Inheriting 10 gallon freshwater tank; algae eter and harlequin razbora. Tips?

[carfreemama]

We have been wanting an aquarium for a while and now friends are moving cross-country, so we are inheriting their fish tank.

Where should I put it? Do I need a really sturdy table? How to cat-proof against a determined hunter feline?

I have a good friend with an aquarium, so hopefully she'll be able to show me the ropes; but she's away right now (and I'm looking after her aquarium).

Hoping this is the beginning of fishy-love and we can add more fish/aquariums as time goes by. But for now, how do I make our pets most comfortable and safe?

It's only 10 gallons, BTW

And what's the best way to move them from one end of the city to the other (ours)?

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Even a 10g is heavy each gallon of water weighs in at just over 8pds plus most 10g aquariums have at least 5 pds of rocks so you will need a table sturdy enough to hold a lot of weight. You will also need to anchor it to the wall in some way to prevent it from being knocked over.

Not sure how many kids you have or how young but be aware they will put things in there and in some cases it will kill the fish.

Helpful tips:
1)Never change all the water at one time in the tank. It will kill off the good bacteria and cause spikes in bad things like ammonia.

2)Do 10% water changes weekly and I prefer to do 50% changes every 6 months.

3)When you do a filter change make sure that it isnt at the same time as a 50% change of water because that means you have killed off to many good bacteria.

4)Avoid snails that reproduce under water because they will take over your tank. Pond snails are the worst. If the tank already has them kill as many as you can find daily.

5)You should only have 1inch of fish per gallon so be careful about adding more.

6)Keep the temp. as stable as possible to avoid the dreaded ick.

7)Dont overfeed it is better to feed 2-3 times a day tiny amounts than to give 1 big feed. It is even ok to skip a day of feeding every once in awhile.

8)Put the tank out of direct sunlight because that will make algae grow faster and mean more cleaning for you. Try and keep the light on an even amount as well for the same reason.

For me aquariums became addictive in a big way I have 6 tanks right now 2 20g's 4 10g's and a 25g long. at one point I even had a tupperwear container on my kitchen counter with baby fish I was into livebearing fish big time and for those I needed more room.

Good luck with your fish.

[carfreemama]

Thanks for the info!

No plans to add to the fish until I can get used to my new responsibilities. I like the way it's set up now. I'd actually like to add another tank at some point, once I'm used to this one.

I have 1 6 1/2 year old daughter, who is very responsible about animals. We also have a cat and a dog. She is, however, VERY into the animals and if anything, she could cause harm by being too helpful. I can see her having trouble to resist the temptation to overfeed, for example.

The best place I can see for the tank, according to what you've written, is the bedroom bureau in our room. That might be good for controlling dd a bit too; though she often sleeps with us and has free access, it's still a bit out of the way (then again, I can't see her...) But it's the best space in terms of lighting and having a heavy table underneath. Otherwise, I think I'm going to have to go and buy something specific.

How do I transport them? I guess you're saying it's better not to drain the tank? I'll have to warn my friend. Do I leave the fish in the tank with the remaining water during the move?

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

What you can do when you move them is take 2 gallons of water out and keep it I use milk jugs but any container will do. Keep the filter as well. Empty the tank out as much as you can since you are not supposed to pick them up with any water in them because of the weight it can mess up the seals and cause a leak.

Then take a zip lock bag and test it for leaks and then put some water from the tank into that bag and put the fish in. Just like they do at the pet store to bring home fish.

I have moved fish in the tank in the past once and it wasnt a pleasant experience for them since it sloshes no matter how careful you are. But if you dont have far to go you could go that route but only keep the bare minimum of water in there because of the weight and leaking possibility.

Be sure to use a dechlorinator as well as something that removes minerals. Dosnt have to be fancy I use tetra brand water conditioner and it works great.

I wouldnt worry about the cat if it does fall in once it wont do so again at least not in my experience. If it does happen unplug the light before you reach in the water also learned that from experience wont hurt the fish any but umm it dosnt feel so good to human skin.

[nd_deadhead]

Have fun with your new tank! You've gotten good advice.

A few additions: when you do move the fish (and a ziplock is a good idea), make sure the bag is only about half full of water - there needs to be air in the bag, so oxygen gets into the water.

If you need to take the gravel out of the tank to carry it, put it in milk cartons and keep it damp.

At home, either leave the tank light off or put it on a timer. This helps to keep algae under control. Of course, if it's in your bedroom, you'd probably remember to turn it off at night anyway!

Keep in mind that whatever kind of fish you're calling an "algae eater" can't survive on what little algae is in the tank, and needs his own food(usually something that sinks to the bottom, since fish called "algae eaters" are generally bottom feeders, while your rasbora eats from the surface).

[carfreemama]

Thanks, nd_deadhead. I really have no idea what the algae eater is and I'm not sure its current owner does, either. He doesn't have very detailed instructions and seems surprised by all my questions, yet he's kept these fish going and the tank always looks nice. He only showed me one kind of food, so I'll have to ask about what exactly he feeds them and maybe show him this thread. ETA today or tomorrow!