Hello,

I have a 55 gallon tank with Chiclids i have had a guy come every month to service the tank for the past 5 years and he would do a complete breakdown once a year he started to wig out for some reason i think he has been having personal issues well it got to the point that i didn't want him around anymore so i let him go. so i'm thinking i can do this myself and save me 45.00 a month now i
need help with this any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Sorry to hear he went a little nuts. I am sure you can take care of the 55 gallon yourself. Good luck and hope you get all the info you need.

What are your water level readings? What kind of gravel are you using? Do you have live plants? What kind of substrate do you have? And what type of fish are you keeping? Answering most if not all of these questions will help us to help give you advice. Unless we know what your tank has it is impossible to help because of lack of information.

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email me and I'll show up and service your tank.. and leave ya detailed findings ... Bill in va.

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12 Tanks, 900 gallons. Discus/Angels/Malawi/Lake Victorias. Just added a 135 & 2 - 29's..

Um Don't know the water readings have to get a tester today, substate? Chiclids , what kind of gravel? brown, blue? I know I know.....

And your in VA? That's a hell of a drive.

I would get some basic tools for maintenance. An aqaurium 5gal bucket, an API master test kit, water conditioner, a gravel vacuum or a water changer kit that incorporates a vacuum....just to name a few things.

I do have a python 25ft clean and fill system that's still in the package.

One thing my fish guy never did was use water from the tap he always swore using bottled spring water.

$45 a month? WOW! That is like $2700 over 5 years.

You should definitely do all your own maintenance. It gives you a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction when it is completed. Assuming you have a FW tank I can say from experience that it is very easy to do. If you own a salt tank I am sure there are a lot of differences, but millions of people do it without a service and keep fish for decades. There are many things to know, but once you learn keep a routine and things will go much easier than you think.

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75 Gallon Planted

Python works great. You should come up with some type of schedule so-to-speak and just try to make it part of your regular routine. Most believe in regular weekly water changes of at least 25-30% and can get higher based on your stocking level.

How many and what type of fish do you have?

I have about 5 African Chiclids i was told by my old fish guy that i could use a couple more my guy would come by once a month.

Thank you you are absolutely right but i need all the help i can get the tank is not looking good at the moment so i'll have to get on this today!

Your tank is I'm guessing 5 years old at least, right? In any case with a tank that is 5 years old should be very well established and in great shape as far as water parameters go. You Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates should be zero. Start with making sure your PH is at the appropriate level(around 7.8-8.2 for cichlids if memory serves me) If it isn't in that range they should still be fine as they have been living in the same water for a while now. As far as Algae and other growth in the tank just make it look "pretty" as best you can. Remember that fish can live in pretty gross looking water providing all your levels are in the acceptable range. Focus on that and when water parameters are correct then worry about the clarity of the water. It is easy to care for a tank. Knowing what to do when problems arise is where it gets interesting, but that is what the forums are for.

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75 Gallon Planted

Jup.. my offer was a bit "tongue in cheek".. as you don't state your location.....but seriously.. If you want to take over the maintenance of your tank, I'd suggest you go to CL and post under Pets a plea for help getting your tank(s) under control.. establishing a base line of where ya are. Most cities have some local fish clubs with members that monitor CL and Pets and jump at the chance to volunteer help for those that ask for it. I'm sure a local would spend the time checking out the status of the tank.. give ya feed back on what fish you really have in there.. (Could be west Africans which like softer/warmer/lower ph waters versus East African lake/rift fish which are the exact opposite).Feedback on your current water chemistry. Just let the volunteer know what equipment you have on hand: Test kit. Python, Buckets water treatment etc. That volunteer should then suggest a schedule of what you need to do.. and more importantly the WHY of your tasks..
In return?.. I'm betting they'd be most pleased with ya just joining or visiting their "online" club and giving up a thanks to the club as a whole.
Now if you're looking for a replacement maintenance individual... posting to one of the online fish clubs close to you should generate more than a few willing sub-contractors... Or go the professional route and look up "Aquarium Maintenance" businesses in your locale.
As a last resort if you are in a small community?
List the following findings:
Water hardness.
Ph.
Ammonia levels.
Nitrite level.
Nitrate level.
Tank size.
Filtration system in place.
Substrate in use.
Type of rocks in the tank.. "Holey rock?" Limestone? Spent corals?
Type of "African's" you have in the tank.

Bill in Va.

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12 Tanks, 900 gallons. Discus/Angels/Malawi/Lake Victorias. Just added a 135 & 2 - 29's..

My ph is 7.6, High ph is 7.8 i did the ammonia test it was clear no color.

CL?

Yes i think i can handle this once i get the hang of it with this forums help.

Yea.. CL is Craigs List.. here is a link to Norfolk/Hampton Va.
On the right hand side you can change the state or country.. If it's a state, you can then narrow it down to a city.. LINK: craigslist: hampton roads classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

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12 Tanks, 900 gallons. Discus/Angels/Malawi/Lake Victorias. Just added a 135 & 2 - 29's..

I have around 5 Chiclids The guy that used to service my tank would only use Bottled spring water what are your thoughts on that.

I think it's a waste of money unless your tap water is really out of wack.. which is unlikely if you are using it for personal use. Bill in Va.

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12 Tanks, 900 gallons. Discus/Angels/Malawi/Lake Victorias. Just added a 135 & 2 - 29's..