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newby in need of some help

460 views 36 replies 11 participants last post by  Bluegill 
#1 ·
I got a new 20 gallon tank and 3 rbp's. I am new to the hobby and am already hooked..
I have had the tank for around 2 months and the water seems to be a little cloudy. It is a little white and opaque. Nothin too bad but iw ould like to have it crystal clear. I have what looks like a film on the inside of the glass. I don't know how to get that to go away either. Also my ammonia is at .25 and my nitrate and nitrite levels are so dark pink on the test strip i can't even tell what it reads.
I have a whisper 20 filter on it. So im wondering if i need another filter? need a lot of water changes? or if there is some chemicals i can add or something to clear this stuff up? Also there is what looks to be like gray dust on my driftwood and plants... how do i clear all of this up??
Any help would be very appreciated!! i love this site and have been reading it constantly since i got my p's... Thanks for any help!
 
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#29 ·
personally, i'd keep the whisper and add a fluval 204. it provides a ton of surface area for bacteria to build itself. you dont have to run it at full blast, but you could simulate a river in that tank with the powerhead, it would create a good current for a 20. turn the valves halfway down though and you'll be fine. also, your water will be CRYSTAL clear. it'll look(and smell) like spring water. lol. 3 reds is tough though. you're going to have fights when they reach 5"+. and it certainly cannot house them all full sized. for now, i'd keep them together, but after another month or two, i'd try to sell them. tell someone that they've been in the same tank for months already so are used to each other. heh. attract more $$.
 
#30 ·
:welcome:
I would sell two and keep one. They cant stay in that 20 for another year until you move into a house. Do you have a friend that can maybe keep the two until you move out. If not just sell them and when you move into a house and buy a new tank get more pygos to add to your existing guy.
As for the cloudiness see what happens with the new filter, it should help to clear things up. What are you using to do water changes? Do you have a Python? If not buy one and it will become your best friend! Also do not leave food in the tank for long periods of time. If the ps dont eat the food within say 30 mins to an hour take it out, or else it will just pollute your water.
and
 
#31 ·
Added the new filter, and within 4 hours everything was crystal clear.... things are lookin up... they will be moving into a bigger tank once the income is there and i am outta these dorms. Probably about 10 weeks. If anything starts happening you will see a post from me trying to seel them...
. but as for now things are going well and i keep them well fed and they enjoy life and i love looking at them. thanks for all of your help everyone!!
 
#32 ·
congrats on your new filter! Im sure you will see a difference. I have used and enjoyed aquaclear filters. My lfs loves them and they have been in buisness 25+ years. Are you using both together? I personally think you'll be fine for the 10 weeks. Thats just my opinion though. Just keep them fed and keep up on water changes is all.
 
#33 ·
Hero, Welcome to PFury!

A few things . . . First, use a net to fish out what the P's don't eat. Second, its already been said, but get a bigger tank as soon as you are able. Finally, I live in Ohio, and have lived in Columbus. Check out Aquarium Adventure at Sawmill and 161. They are kind of pricey, but occasionally run excellent specials on tanks. My All Glass 75g was only $80 brand new from there. Also check out Jack's Aquarium on Broad and Wilson. They have good deals there on occasion as well. Don't forget to check out the classifieds here, in the Dispatch, and on other fish websites.

Good luck with the P's.
 
#36 ·
THANKS EVERYONE!!! all of your posts have helped me 10 fold. I am looking at getting a bigger one and already have some things picked out so thats looking up.. and the filter is working great. Yea i have an Aquarium Adventure by where i live (mason, Ohio).. well where i am actually from. I will check the one out around here too... Thanks Bluegill!.. I think they will be in fine in there for the time being... Nothing but some small fin nibbling going on.. I am going to post pictures of the new cleaner tank ASAP. But thanks again for everyones help!! it is certainly well appreciated!!
 
#37 ·
Hero, I've actually been to the Aquarium Adventure store in Mason as well. I currently in Troy just North of Dayton. I don't know how often they do tank specials there, but I seem to remeber it being an annual event that occurs Mid-Summer. My brother picked up nice 65g tank (36"x18"x24") for his dart frogs. I won't swear to it, but I think that tank was also less than $100.00.
 
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