CRS in IQ3

[takumee]

I just set up this yesterday.

very new in CRS. am thinking what can i do to speed up the cycling process?

can i introduce some fishes now which can help cycle the tank and yet able to live with my crs in the later stage?

i saw some tanks they have those fishes like sucker fish like capabilities.

any bros out there with iq3 tank wanna share your inputs?

my humble virgin setup for CRS.

please enjoy for the friday.

[schizome]

Wow how are you maintaining the temperature required? It will be a challenge to keep CRS in such a small tank but that's what makes it fun! Maybe you might want to test your parameters first and if they are ok, throw in one or two otos in as they will be able to live peacefully with CRS.

[Crystal Red Shrimp]

can buy or diy a mini clip on fan or diy a tank cover

[goody992828]

Start with lower grade crs first once your tank is cycled. Otto will be the best fish to live with shrimp.

[takumee]

thanks for all replies.

im in an air condition office envieonment temp from 23-26.

after 7 air con will be switched off.

saw the ottos but somehow find them looks very out of place in my nano tank. (as in easily visible within such a small tank)

i saw some really nice sucker with black body and bright blue spots on its body at c328 today.

its really small but pricey at 10 each.

can i put them in?meanwhile they got no waste to eat will they eat on my plants?

[takumee]

cycling usually how long?

any other type of shrimps i can put in now?

say 1 or 2 which when my tank is cycled, i will introduce some lower grade CRS.

so excited about my crs.. hehe

[schizome]

Ah then the temperature should be ok. I think you're talking about a pleco if I'm not wrong. Don't think you should keep them with shrimps as I think ottos are one of the few fishes that are strictly herbivorous so they are safe.

[takumee]

you make me feel so small in my CRS world..

kudos for your enthusiasms..

[takumee]

wow.

so now if i introduce the ottos in they will just feed on my moss?

[schizome]

Ottos feed on algae not moss so don't have to worry about your moss disappearing.

Haha I'm planning to set up something like yours to put in my hall residence when I start school in August so my comments are more or less my ideas!

Patience is the key in this hobby so everything should go fine if you take it slow!

[takumee]

ehh.

now my tank no algae as still new. meaning to say not necessary to introduce ottos now?

i got another issue here. as my tank is really small, and water to evaporate from time to time.

is it okay that i just top up to my desired level every day direct with tap water?

any detrimental impacts?

[schizome]

You can still introduce otto to quicken the cycling phase. If you see that they are hungry maybe drop in abit of shrimp food coz they do eat them. Never top up your tank with tap water directly as it has chlorine. Aged or distilled water should be fine but do watch your gH.

[takumee]

thanks for your advice.

just went to c328 and was told i can start introducing some crs to test water.not necessary to wait till 4 weeks since my tank is small.

else i can just buy some cycled water and run in a few days.

anyway, where can i buy good crs at good price? went to crs H before. nice place but of course boutique price.

[schizome]

I think it's still too early to test water. Cycle for at least one week for the tank to settle down. And you don't have to BUY cycled water just get a cup or two from any running tank or any bros here.

For cheap CRS definitely buy them from breeders in the forum!

[takumee]

if i just buy from fish shop, do i still have to wait for a week?

[schizome]

It is still better to imo to let the bacteria settle down.

[hyun007]

if i just buy from fish shop, do i still have to wait for a week?

If you are impatience, you can always try with a couple of lower grade first.

[Crystal Red Shrimp]

if not you can just buy afew cherries to see how it goes first

[koji™]

Get water test kit to find out if your water is ideal. No point keep guessing.

[takumee]

the pump by IQ3 seems a little strong from the current i see.

anyway i can adjust it?