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Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 1, 2005, 3:32 AM

Post #1 of 39 (6659 views)
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Koi in Aquarium	Can't Post

Hi everybody!

I have just been given an aquarium measuring 33'x20'x20' with 1' of medium gravel and 2 7' Koi. a friend of mine was moving and gave me this as he no longer could keep it.

Now, though I've kept tropical fish, I'm completely new to Koi. Can you please help me? What do you think of the set-up? What advice can you give me?

Please note that there's no ways I can move these Koi to a bigger tank nor into a pond.

Thank you.

B.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

Koihuggr
Koi Lover

Apr 5, 2005, 6:52 AM

Post #2 of 39 (6588 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think you might mean " (inches) rather than ' (feet). I think that would be about 125 gallon aquarium. I'd like you clarify how many Koi you are thinking of keeping in the tank and if you have, or are thinking or, an alternative home for them when they are too big.

Although some people on this forum will say that you cannot keep Koi in aquariums, I have (out of necessity) kept Koi that are growing and will soon be released, in tanks for over a year. I would not consider doing so for much longer because they need to be able to do what they are meant to do - live free and grow. And they will grow.

That said, they can be kept in a healthy environment in an aquarium, for a while. This means pure water and clean filters. This has been my choice as opposed to death by Blue Heron. I think we may have that figured out. Also, extreme winters can be a problem for outside fish without adequate human intervention.

So, that being said - how many Koi do you have and what are their sizes in inches? Am I correct in thinking this is a 125G? You can call any pet store and verify the measurements. My first advice is Double the aeration and Double the filtration. IE: 125 Gallon tank would need 250 gallon (minimum filtration). And the filter tubes need to go deep into the water, not just sit on the top third. This will not negate the fact that you will have to frequently change filter cartridges and do water changes. This is the minimum you will have to do to have healthy Koi.

I now have 9 Koi, doing beautifully, but they are in 3 separate tanks, and my husband thinks that they had better love me because I lug so many buckets of water and wash or change filter cartridges so often. Most of them will be in the pond this spring, but none of my Koi has been ill. They are probably not growing as they would in a pond; but, then again, Native Vermonters are short, as a rule.

Frosty the Snowman likes skating on our pond - "watch out for the hole!!"

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 5, 2005, 7:09 AM

Post #3 of 39 (6583 views)
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Re: [Koihuggr] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you for your reply, my dear. Smile

I sincerely apologise for the inches-feet mistake. I'm rather more familiar with the metric system (as a matter of fact, the tank measure 82 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm and I was made to uderstand by the previous owner that it contains 200 litres).

It currently has a filter that deals with 1000 litres per hour and whose power filter is (according to ignorant me) strong enough to always send billions of tiny air bubbles in the whole of the tank. To be noted that the power filter is placed very near to the bottom (not so that it will suck the gravel). Water changes consist of a third of the volume on a weekly basis and the filter sponges are cleaned every 2 weeks.

It houses 2 20 cm long Koi. I have no intentions whatsover of adding more.

I would also like to add that the previous owner told me that when he bought these Koi 2 years ago, they were about 5 cm long. They have always been housed in that tank.

I'd love to put them in a pond but unfortunately I live in an appartment so... Unsure

It would have been great to see them in a pond though. I live in a tropical island so winters are definitely not a problem (the lowest temperature we get here is 12 degrees Celcius).

So...what do you think?

B.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

(This post was edited by Bilou on Apr 5, 2005, 7:11 AM)

mike c
Koi Kichi

Apr 5, 2005, 10:53 AM

Post #4 of 39 (6568 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

your aquarium is roughly 50 gallons.

ok, first of all, their growth WILL be stunted (if thats ok with you ... lets move on)
2nd, i also have a 50 gall with 2 kois same size as yours, but i replace 80-90% of the water with clean water from my pond. every week.
3rd, they each get 1 large pellet per day. (you can give them several mini pellets divided throughout the day)

you should clean the sponges alternately so that you dont wash off the good bacteria. also, try and use aquarium water.
make sure you vacuum the crap at the bottom (they crap more than other fish)

so yeah, they can survive in an aquarium

____________________________________

If you know how it works, you'll know how to fix it

(This post was edited by aragorn on Apr 5, 2005, 11:03 AM)

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 7, 2005, 4:18 AM

Post #5 of 39 (6514 views)
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Re: [aragorn] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you for your reply, Mike. Smile

Ok, as from this week I will do an 80% water change weekly. But what do you mean by water from your pond and aquarium water? I normally use the water that I have ventilated for 1 week (water in a big barrel with a power filter in it).

As in regards to feeding, they get 2 little spoonfuls of mini pellets twice a day.

I have now started to clean one of the 2 sponges in the filter on a weekly basis (i.e. the sponges get cleaned once every 2 weeks).

The 1 inch layer of gravel is vaccuumed once a week during the water change.

It pains me to hear about the growth stunt but there's nothing I can do about that. Unsure

I have a 5 feet x 20 inches x 20 inches aquarium at home but it houses my oscars... I don't think I can move the koi to that tank. Even without considering the aggressivity level of the oscars, the koi will wreak the balance of the tank with all their excrements.

I welcome any more advice. Wink

Thank you.

B.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

mike c
Koi Kichi

Apr 7, 2005, 8:27 AM

Post #6 of 39 (6502 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

you should divide the water changes to like 3x a week of just 25% each (this should minimize shock of too muich change to your fish)

____________________________________

If you know how it works, you'll know how to fix it

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 7, 2005, 8:35 AM

Post #7 of 39 (6498 views)
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Re: [aragorn] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

25% 3 times a week... well, that seems to be quite a tedious task! Ah well, I love my koi. Will do that then.

Thanks, Mike. Smile

I'll keep you posted about how it goes.

By the way, do you have any idea about how to build a DIY bio filter for this tank? For the meantime it's running on only the 1000 L/hr filter which has sponge in it. I was thinking about doing something that would use ceramic rings... maybe get a power head to suck water from the tank into a small barrel in which it will flow over ceramic rings and another power head to suck the water from the bottom of the barrel back into the tank... what do you think? (was also thinking that this should help a lot in the water changes as I won't have to disturb the koi too much doing that as I can do it in the small barrel - sump. They are quite easily scared and I don't want to add to their stress...)

I really appreciate all your advices, man. Thanks a million. Wink

B.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

Koihuggr
Koi Lover

Apr 7, 2005, 9:06 AM

Post #8 of 39 (6491 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

Just wanted to apologize for my inaccuarcy about the metric conversion. Thank goodness there are people here that know more about those things than me. Glad you're getting on the right track.

Frosty the Snowman likes skating on our pond - "watch out for the hole!!"

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 7, 2005, 9:11 AM

Post #9 of 39 (6484 views)
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Re: [Koihuggr] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

No worries! Smile

Yes, I seem to be on the right track thanks to Mike and you. Wink

I really want these 2 koi to thrive even though I know that conditions are far from being perfect. I just want them to develop as much as they can with the very best I can provide them. Who knows? Maybe a pond might come handy later on but for now the tank will have to do.

Filtration is currently my main issue now that water changes have been sorted out.

B.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

mike c
Koi Kichi

Apr 7, 2005, 10:07 AM

Post #10 of 39 (6480 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

you are right about the sump thing!
not only will you get additional filtration, you avoid stressing your fish.
but you still need to vacuum your pebbles (though i would advise against pebbles)

unfortunately, i dont know how to plumb a sump to an aquarium. what i do know is that people who have marine aquariums almost always have a sump ... you should visit marine forums to ask how they plumb their aquariums with a sump. then you can teach us :)

____________________________________

If you know how it works, you'll know how to fix it

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 7, 2005, 10:31 AM

Post #11 of 39 (6475 views)
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Re: [aragorn] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have an idea about a sump-biofilter that will include the following:

- A small barrel
- Sponge
- ceramic rings
- 2 powerheads
- some tubings
- various fittings

The idea is to suck the water out of the tank and get it to trickle over the sponge where the debris will be trapped (the sponge will be cleaned every 2-3 days to ensure maximum efficiency). The water then trickles over the ceramic rings (quite a load of them) down to the bottom of the barrel (which is the sump itself). Finally the water is pumped back into the tank (water in = water out).

This, according to me, will provide the following:

- Extra water volume.
- Efficient biofilter using the trickle/wet-dry method.
- some mechanical filtering which will add to the one already in place but without the constraints due to the bacteria population in the sponges of the main mechanical one.
- Water changes without stressing my 2 weak-hearted but beautiful koi.

As such, I will be able to change 30% of the water weekly in the tank with the gravel vaccuuming as usual AND ALSO change all the water in the sump twice a week. This should totalise to 80% of the water on a weekly basis.

Also, if I can get some plants (floating ones) to grow in the sump, that should ensure that a greater amount of nitrates/nitrites are getting taken away from the water.

Now, this looks really great in theory. We will see how it goes in practice. Once I build the filter I will post pictures and water readings, etc...

I really want to develop koi keeping in tanks into something well-known. I know that where I leave (in Mauritius) many people keep koi in tanks as ponds are not always handy to come by. Maybe my experience will help them. I know that tanks will never replace ponds but for those who would like to keep one or two koi, maybe they'll be able to do so with more success than they currently have.

I would be grateful if the admins/mods could create a section solely dedicated to koi in aquariums. I am sure many of the members are keeping or have kept koi in tanks (for one reason or another) and that their experience may prove to be of immense value. Though I know most of you will say that koi are meant to be in ponds, let's try to think of those who can't afford these, shall we? Wink

And saying that if one can't afford a pond then one should keep koi will definitely not be much help. Thank you all.

B.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

(This post was edited by Bilou on Apr 7, 2005, 10:36 AM)

mike c
Koi Kichi

Apr 7, 2005, 11:03 AM

Post #12 of 39 (6468 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

its important for you to note that 2 pumps (even the same size/brand/etc) will NOT pump the same amount of water IN and water OUT.

that is why people use a sump pump, to "overflow" the water out of the aquarium and back to the sump.
you see, only one pump with regards to the sump ... and when there is a power failure, the pump stops pumping to the aquarium, the aquarium stops overflowing to the sump.

____________________________________

If you know how it works, you'll know how to fix it

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 7, 2005, 11:15 AM

Post #13 of 39 (6466 views)
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Re: [aragorn] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes, I have been thinking about that. My idea is in the correct placing on the powerheads (one in the aquarium and one in the sump). This will ensure that only so much water is sucked into the sump and out of it. The key is to find the equilibrium: water in = water out and that no matter the pumping capacities of the 2 powerheads.

I have seen these overflow devises in the marine tanks websites. They work on siphons. I am not too keen in using that.

As in regards to power failures, then in the even of these, both pumps will stop. A siphon will be created in the tubing coming from the aquarium but will fail as soon as the water level drops below the powerhead. I will have to make sure that the sump has the capacity of holding that volume so as to avoid flooding.

It's a pity that big canister filters are too expensive here. Or else I could have used one of these but then again, I wouldn't have gotten the sump facility but just a biofilter.

Thank you for your help, Mike. It is really much appreciated. Smile

B.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

neutokoi
Koi Lover

Apr 7, 2005, 2:34 PM

Post #14 of 39 (6457 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

A siphon will be created in the tubing coming from the aquarium but will fail as soon as the water level drops below the powerhead. I will have to make sure that the sump has the capacity of holding that volume so as to avoid flooding.

Hi,
You may be able to overcome this issue if you make the siphon with the shape like " N ", the height of the pipe in the filter should be shorter, but still higher than the filter material, even if the water in the sump drops below the end of the siphon pipe, you still can ensure that the pipe is still full with water.

Rgds,
Edo

kelabukoi
Koi Lover

Apr 8, 2005, 12:21 PM

Post #15 of 39 (6425 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Bil

just to remind you if the kois get bigger they can break the aquarium glass. Sudden movement around the aquarium or any disturbance may startled the kois and while darting around they can hit the glass and break it. Just make sure the aquarium glass is thick enough to withstand the water preasure and the kois.

Regards
Knowledge is Money!!!
www.onlinebusinesshouse.com

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 8, 2005, 10:44 PM

Post #16 of 39 (6401 views)
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Re: [kelabukoi] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have noted on several occasions how startled my 2 koi can get. That happens very often. It's a wonder how easily scared they can be. Approaching the tank just to feed them makes them go wild. And yes, they do dart about wildly and often hit the glass. Up to now I haven't worried about that much as the glass is quite thick. But eventually...

I love these 2 koi but I should maybe think about selling them... Unsure

Ah well...

Bil.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

mike c
Koi Kichi

Apr 8, 2005, 10:52 PM

Post #17 of 39 (6396 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

you already have them, why dont you try your best anyway.

if your aquarium is against a wall - cover the back portion with black paper ...
if against a corner - cover the back and the side to the wall ...

this will give them a place to "feel" safe

____________________________________

If you know how it works, you'll know how to fix it

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 8, 2005, 10:58 PM

Post #18 of 39 (6395 views)
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Re: [aragorn] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks, Mike. Smile

Your encouragement is much appreciated.

The tank is against a wall and there's a wallpaper stuck to the back (rocks, nothing really stressing).

I will stick the same wallpaper to the 2 sides. This should do the trick, right? Or must I use something black on the 3 sides?

Bil.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

mike c
Koi Kichi

Apr 9, 2005, 5:15 AM

Post #19 of 39 (6385 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

oh i know that coral wallpaper! i think it'd be fine

____________________________________

If you know how it works, you'll know how to fix it

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 9, 2005, 5:17 AM

Post #20 of 39 (6379 views)
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Re: [aragorn] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

Will get that done then.

Thanks Mike. Smile

Bil.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

Koihuggr
Koi Lover

Apr 13, 2005, 10:06 AM

Post #21 of 39 (6314 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I would be grateful if the admins/mods could create a section solely dedicated to koi in aquariums. I am sure many of the members are keeping or have kept koi in tanks (for one reason or another) and that their experience may prove to be of immense value. Though I know most of you will say that koi are meant to be in ponds, let's try to think of those who can't afford these, shall we? Wink

And saying that if one can't afford a pond then one should keep koi will definitely not be much help. Thank you all.

B.

I would like to preface this message by saying that I mean the following in the most civil way. I don't think there is much (if any) support on this Forum for keeping Koi in tanks. I, personally, have thoroughly enjoyed keeping my Koi inside and interacting with them for two years. I have 3 Koi tanks. I know, full well, that they will not grow to be two feet long. I wonder, though, if the world needs millions of two foot long Koi. I feel there is a place for the culls to be enjoyed as pets. I also think that the advice given here about how to care for Koi in tanks has become alarmist and overwhelming to new enthusiasts. There are too many Koi in pet stores to be placed in ponds. Realistically, every Koi lover cannot have a pond, just as every dog owner cannot own a home and may need to live in a condo. Does that mean they should not have a dog? What about a horse owner who needs to supplement with hay all summer? Should they not own a horse because they have an inferior environment? And what happens to the Koi in pet stores if pond owners do not buy them? Why should they not live in a tank. Koi grown for shows and breeding obviously need the ultimate, optimum environment, but let's think about the others.

I have never done a 90% water change per week, nor do I ever envision needing to. I have 3 tanks of Koi inside. One of my Koi is 14". So far he has not come close to breaking the glass in the tank. I totally understand that there needs to be a plan for when the Koi outgrow the tank. That's only responsible. However, I started keeping Koi with no knowledge of fish keeping and have never had a sick Koi or any water problems and I have only been running double filters and double air, doing 25-33% water changes almost weekly, and cleaning the gravel during water changes. No sump pumps, ceramic rings, bio filters (other than sponges). I wonder if people on this Forum are trying to scare newcomers away from keeping Koi in tanks? Do we have open minds on this subject or is there only one way to keep Koi?

Frosty the Snowman likes skating on our pond - "watch out for the hole!!"

kelabukoi
Koi Lover

Apr 13, 2005, 7:05 PM

Post #22 of 39 (6300 views)
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Re: [Koihuggr] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi

I don't think the forum is scaring any newcomers. You got it all wrong here. Everywhere in the forum you can see advise and advise and lots of them. The forum does not differentiate anybody. I have an aquarium too (for 4 years now) apart from my pond. You see, what the members are trying to do here is to warn each other for any possible mistake/mishap which are likely to happen in any given situation. Most of them are giving advise from long years of experience in keeping koi. I don't think it will scare anybody if he is really into koi keeping. Nobody likes to learn about a mistake only after experiencing it and suffered losses. So this is where the forum comes handy. You get advise and opinion before doing something. This is better than doing it and later regret your action.

There is nothing wrong in keeping koi in a tank or aquarium. If you are satisfied with what you have, let it be. You are so lucky not to have any problem with your water or fish but others may not. So they come to this forum to get opinion and along the way the "pond issue" will arise. The general view is just that they should be kept in pond so that their growth is not hindered. We are trying to give the kois the closest possible environment to their natural habitat. Don't get the feeling that this hobby is just for rich people who can afford a pond because it is not. Some of them doesn't even have a tank in their home let alone a pond, but they like koi so much that they even keep them in koi hotels! One way or another it will cost you money no matter how small the sum is.

Of course there are a lot of differences in keeping koi in an aquarium and in a pond. The issues being discussed about a pond does not necessarily need to be applied to an aquarium. In pond most of the time there are a lot more fish and often huge ones. You will need a lot of media to handle all the waste produced. In doing so all kind of media is being mentioned and suggested by the forum members. In an aquarium the you may have three or four kois depending on your aquarium/tank size and the filter media needs are not that great. Its nothing wrong not to have all those kind of media in your aquarium filter anyway!

I think the issue here is how do we take all those advises after asking for them in the forum. You may or may not agree with the advises and opinion. That's find. I think everybody has long been open minded in this forum. Nobody will reply to Bilou if keeping koi in aquarium/tank is wrong. Instead the members gave advises. Its up to Bilou whether to accept it or not and i think he's very receptive. No matter what, the good thing is people are discussing, something we all need in order to enjoy this common hobby of ours.

Cheers Wink

Knowledge is Money!!!
www.onlinebusinesshouse.com

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 13, 2005, 10:22 PM

Post #23 of 39 (6289 views)
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Re: [kelabukoi] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

First of all, I wish to thank Koihuggr and Kelabukoi for their contributions to this thread. What they have written is very pertinent but I do not wish this thread regarding koi in aquarium to become an object of debate about whether koi are to be kept in aquariums or not.

Let's make it clear: as Koihuggr has said, koi are kept in tanks whether we like it or not. This is a fact. Most people may come and say that koi are best kept in ponds, koi are kept in tanks. I will add that the majority of koi in this world are kept in tanks. I will not extend myself on that, Koihuggr has given sufficient examples.

My point in starting that thread was that how to make the lives of these tank-dwelling fish better and not whether they should be kept in a tank or in a pond. From the very beginning it was stated that they were living in a tank and that the possibility of moving them into a pond was out of question.

What I was looking for was advice about how to make their lives better in their current environment and I was and still am convinced that you people have all the expertise to help me. I am grateful for that and would much appreciate more.

I am perfectly aware that what might have worked for one might not work for another and also that one advice must not be deemed incorrect just because it has not worked in one particular case. Your experience in ponds may prove handy when dealing with aquariums. You may not think so but, believe me, it does.

Kelabukoi is on the right track when saying that the most important thing is that people are discussing. And sharing. Let's make it constructive.

Thank you.

Bil.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

Fishbone
Koi Lover

Apr 16, 2005, 11:11 AM

Post #24 of 39 (6234 views)
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Re: [Bilou] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well I've been reading this forum for the past month and must say there's a lot to learn about koi. Along with reading magazines I hope to be able to provide a nice home (pond) for my koi someday soon. But for now.....

I have 2 koi about 5 inches long in a 55 gallon aquarium along with a catfish (2") ,a pleco (2"), and a goldfish (2").
I've had these koi for over a month and it appears they have grown an inch already. I have no idea what type they are but one of them is without scales ezcept for some near the tail section on the sides and the rear of the dorsal fin. That's him (or her?) in my signature.

I am using a Rena X3 filter with foam, ceramic, and charcoal/zeolite. Also an undergravel filter with one of those pumps that sucks the water up the tube (instead of air) and makes a ton of bubbles. Also using two air pumps with two air outlets (60 to 80 gallon rated if you can believe ratings LOL) - one air pump for the remaining 3 undergravel tubes, the other air pump for ceramic bubble stones 4" long.

I have been reading about the Nitrogen Cycle and think i understand it for the most part. I've made some 5 gallon water changes to keep the amonia under control. I've cleaned some of the solids from the filter foam already, making sure to use the water from the aquarium and not tap water. I noticed my amonia peaked then the nitrites and nitrates are peaking now. My 55 gallon aquarium was set up a little longer than 2 weeks ago. Prior to this the golfish and 2 koi were in a 10 gallon tank.

So much to write and ask about ...but this will have to do for now. I do appreciate any help you can offer me in this new hobby of mine :)
USA - Koi Newbie - 2 years now

(This post was edited by Fishbone on Apr 16, 2005, 11:17 AM)

Bilou
Koi Lover

Apr 16, 2005, 9:51 PM

Post #25 of 39 (6213 views)
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Re: [Fishbone] Koi in Aquarium [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello Fishbone! Smile

First of all, I would advise you not to add any more fish to your tank. You already have 5 that will certainly grow quite big (I have a pleco in my oscar tank at home. From the 2 inches it was when I purchased it, it is now measuring about 9 inches. And that's after about a year). So, if you would like your fish to be at ease in their tank and have enough space to grow and thrive, do not add any more.

From what you have written, I have understood that it has been 2 weeks since you've set up your 55g tank. And I am also understanding that you have already placed your 5 fish in it. Well, no worries about that. But it would have been better if you placed only 1 or 2 for the 1st 2-3 weeks then add 1, wait for another 2-3 weeks and then add... on like this till you have all of them in.

The reason behind this has to do with the Nitrogen Cycle. With the 2 fish in and excreting, bacteria population will start building up and will start breaking down the ammonia. They will also deal with the nitrates and nitrites. The amount of waste produced will be proportional with the bacteria population (this usually happens within 2-3 weeks of setting up) and your tank will be stabilised. This will then be the time to add more fish. Only 1 normally. The cycle will start all over again until the tank has stabilised itself hosting 3 fish. Then you start again.

This is a soft way of cycling a tank. Soft in the sense that it is less stressful for the fish.

The fact that you have added all your fish since day one means that you are forcing your tank to undergo a massive cycle. And that implies quite a lot of stress on your fish. Though it is known that in many such cases some fish may die, I have done the same thing that you did when I set up my first tank. I also had 5 fish placed in an uncycled tank. Though none of them were koi, a couple were oscars, fish well known for crapping a lot. I am glad to say that none died. And that 1 year later, they are still doing fine.

After all that I've learnt afterwards, I want to think that I have been lucky that my fish were hardy enough to withstand the dreadful conditions pertaining in a cycling tank. And I want to think that you are as lucky as I was.

Anyways, I'm sure that when we will both set up another tank, we will not do the same mistake and will opt for the softer approach to cycling.

Your filtering system seems ok. And I will advise you to add another Rena if you can. Maybe not now but in the future. This will definitely ensure that you have more than adequate (if not perfect) filtration. Please do not forget that there is no such thing like over-filtration! Wink

Aeration looks good. Just keep a watch on your fish to see whether they seem to have the tendency to come up to the water surface to gulp some air. With your set-up I don't think they would but there's no harm being on the watch for any trouble.

I will also advise you not to change the water for the coming 3 weeks but to monitor the water closely. Your ammonia should go down, the nitrite should peak and then go down and then will be the turn of the nitrate to peak. As soon as this happens, you should do about a 30% water change (about 17g).

As from then you do 20% to 30% water change weekly, monitoring your water before and after the water change.

That should easily do the trick. Smile

Now, in regards to your filter media, you will have to wash your sponge on a weekly basis (doing it with the aquarium water is definitely the way to do it though washing it with tap water will not be a problem as you don't have to worry to much about the bacteria in the sponge. Most of the bacteria in your tank will be living in your undergravel filter). Take care to change your carbon every 2 months (or less if your water monitoring reveal that the parameters are persistently below good). You can gently rinse the ceramic once a year with the aquarium water to get rid of the dirt. Careful with them though as they host bacteria also.

Doing your water changes, you can siphon your gravel so as to remove the fish crap and uneaten food. This will minimise ammonia, etc production in your tank.

That should be it, my friend. Just be consistent, attentive and careful about not over-feeding and everything should be ok. We'll see what we can do when your fish get too big for their home. But we have time for that. Wink

Take care.

Bil.
A soul of water, A soul of stone.
A soul by name, A soul unknown.
The hours unmake
Our flesh, our bone.
The soul is all; And all alone.

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