Brand new here with 20 and 55 gallon tanks

[RackinRocky]

Hi - I am back into tropical fish after 30 years. (Did it all wrong the first time, and gave up). Bound and determined to do it right this time, now that I know about cycling, etc. Back then, I knew practically nothing, and wondered why my fish kept dying!

I have a 20 gallon high that houses a turquoise male betta, 3 Kuhli Loaches, 2 Otos, a mystery snail and a few ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp.

The newest addition is a 55 gallon which I'm having so much fun with. So far I have 4 female bettas, 4 platies, 3 Balloon Mollies, 2 Albino Cories, a Julii Cory and a Bolivian Ram, who I just got 4 days ago. And yes, they all get along beautifully so far, and I hope it stays that way! I've had this tank up and cycled for about a month.

I really look forward to learning all I can in how to keep my tanks and fish healthy and happy. I have Penguin filters, a Via Aqua heater and an Aqueon Pro heater.

I hope to make some friends here and learn as much as I can!

Randi

[VSGenesis]

Heya Randi,

Welcome to AQ mate. How about some pictures in Aquascaping section? =) Would love to see them. Is the tap water a problem there?

[RackinRocky]

Hi Genesis! Thank you so much for the welcome. If I can figure out how to post pics, I certainly will. Every forum seems to be a little different. I have dial-up, so it usually takes FOREVER just to post one pic, but I'll see how I do.

The tap water here has a high PH. Averages 8.0-8.2. Its also hard. So I can't have things like neon tetras, Blue Rams or anything that thrives in soft water. But found out I can still have quite a few fish, after some research. My test kit is my friend, and I'd be lost without it! Thanks again for the welcome.