noob with so.many.questions
These are really general questions about terminology that I've encountered while researching keeping an aquarium. I'm stuck in rural Georgia for a few weeks so I'm trying to get thoroughly familiar with the apparatus of the hobby before I start looking at tanks/equipment/paraphernalia in LA
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Air pumps and filters often seem to get confused. An air pump literally just pumps air. They're often connected to an airstone for a bubble effect. They're useful or extra aeration and decoration.
Filters hold the sponges, the 'strainer' and also agitate the water. I don't personally feel you need an air pump in addition to a decent filter. (Note: You don't need carbon in a filter on a regular basis, only after medication to remove any excess.)
To confuse the issue, you can get filters that are powered by the air pump but do the same job.
Minimum tank size usually refers (at least in my experience) to the size that individuals of that species need. However if it's a shoaling fish needing six individuals to be happy, then you need to work out if you can have that many without overstocking your tank.
I feed my bottom dwellers hikari algae flakes. With normal fish food you feed what they'll eat within two minutes, but these are ok to leave for two hours. My cories also nibble and the 'tab' food I provide for them, but show little interest in flake. They live well in a community and I've had no problems. But all fish are different. :P
As for plants, go for it! I'm useless with names unfortunately but there are a number of nice, easy-to-keep plants suitable for beginners.
Hope that helps!
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If I get a filter with AC in it should I put it in only for medication and then remove the AC after I'm done medicating the animals? Does it do harm to leave AC in a filter that includes AC?
Minimum tank size usually refers (at least in my experience) to the size that individuals of that species need. However if it's a shoaling fish needing six individuals to be happy, then you need to work out if you can have that many without overstocking your tank.
Clearly the formula for stocking a tank and the formula for the swimming room necessary for an adult individual are independent. Thank you =)
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The other way around, actually. If you're medicating for any reason you do *not* want carbon in there... it will stop the medication working. If you're not medicating and it's in there it's no big deal though. But putting it in after finishing medication will remove any excess.
You're welcome. :)
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