Mcheuk's Tank And Filtration Setup, Experience/comments on use of pebbles Options

[MCheuk]

Dear veterans,

Originally I had pebbles & plants in my tank for visual appeasement (see attached picture). However, after two months, I found that the pebbles retained a lot of poop and debris. I also discovered baby snails developing (which could be a good / bad sign, depending on the person).

I made 20% water changes per week, but noted some of my ranchus developing red sores on the bodies and blood veins in their fins recently (Water temp was 26C. The tank was running a week before any fish were added) Therefore, I assumed the water quality was inferior. I decided to revamp the tank and it is now a bare tank. The pebbles and plants made the tank look nice, but it created water issues.

Have many of you experienced this?
For goldfish/ranchus - is the best suggestion to have a bare tank?

Thank you.



This post has been edited by CP: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 4:26 pm
Reason: Topic moved & renamed

[MCheuk]

Doc goldrush

Unfortunately, my stock did not make it. The contamination was too powerful and I was not able to save them.

Over the past month, I have been cycling the tank and the new batch of stock has arrived. I will share the update on a new forum.

Thanks for your guidance.

Best regards.

[gohks]

Doc goldrush

Unfortunately, my stock did not make it. The contamination was too powerful and I was not able to save them.

Over the past month, I have been cycling the tank and the new batch of stock has arrived. I will share the update on a new forum.

Thanks for your guidance.

Best regards.

Is better you understand the cause of the problem before you take in new fishes. Why is there an outbreak in your tank

[MCheuk]

Is better you understand the cause of the problem before you take in new fishes. Why is there an outbreak in your tank

You are right, but I was not able to diagnose the outbreak. Case made worse because I was always travelling and not able to observe the fish all the time. Based on everyone's comments, it could be viral imported from new stock, high ammonia (doubtful as I was vigilant about water quality), dorment internal virus (because all fish infected were from the Fu shou farm). I am afraid I am still learning about it and sadly, it cost me my current stock to learn.

Thanks for your comments Goldrush, Mickey85 and Chochiss

My disinfecting / cycling process: I disinfected the tank with 1/10 bleach overnight, replaced the water and added baking soda to clean the tank (as per the suggestion of the fish manager). Emptied the tank and introduced new water (added chlorine remover and BSP), let it run for a week. Then the fish manager loaned me four 2 inch Ryukins as cycling fish. They will help build up the ammonia, then nitrite and nitrate cycle. Once the tank is ready, I will return the Ryukins and introduce two new stock and will start 20 - 40% water change weekly

Thanks for advice on snails and Saki-Hikari

This discussions on this website is very informative and useful. It's good to see so many knowledgeable and caring fish lovers