Hi Andrei,

You can google "nitrogen cycle" and see more in detail but you need some ammonia (fish/food waste) in order to kick-start the 'bacteria colonization' process, hence either feeding the tank with food without any fish, or adding ammonia directly or putting some fish in the water...

Your pH of 7.6 is fine for the likes of the Danio Rerios for example. Just make sure you acclimatize them over a small period of time from the shop water to your tank water.
To begin with, I would recommend you get the fish that match the pH of your water rather than trying to change the pH to match the fish you want. It can become complicated quite quickly !

I personally find guppies cool. It's funny to see them giving birth and growing on. Don't let the fact that they reproduce relatively quickly stop you. It's all down to a question of taste/preference.

Regards,
Valerie

Hi Valerie!
Thank you very much indeed!
I am following your recommendations. I put some flakes to the tank - will measure the parameters again tomorrow. Hope, if everything's alright, to buy some Danios - name is funny. My sons were very impressed with the pictures. Although, the youngster said that he liked guppies in any case. I said - next time and if he is not trying to help them to gain more air - well, one morning he tried to get the hood off the tank.
In any case, both are very excited. Although the youngster wants Nemo (clown fish). I told him - next tank.
Good weekend to all!
Andrei.

Well done Andrei, I bet when the youngster see's the fish in the tank then Nemo will be all forgotten about! Also its great that you are doing research,it helps to know whats coming! Finally everyone's choice of fish is to their own taste. Personally I have alot of time for Bronze Catfish,they are bottom dwellers and have a fantastic character about them.I can assure you that you would love them also!
Gavin

Thanks a lot, Gavin!
And thanks to this site - really helpful!
Unfortunately, didn't buy any fish today - they don't have Danios in stock. Although, as we say in Russia, all waht happens is for the best. The lady in the shop promised to order some for me and they are expected by next Thursday. Hope to be more prepared for their arrival.
I'll let you know when they come and what are their first days in my tank.
Best regards,
Andrei.

Hi Andrei, where are you based??? We have 8 types of danios in stock at the moment in Aquatic Village 01-4582522

Hi Serratus,
Thanks a lot!
I am in Carpenterstown.
As far as I understand, Brittas is on N81 - what are the opening hours?
I am very frequent visitor to Citywest and hope to pop in this week.
In any case, I will call tomorrow.
Once again, thanks a lot,
Best regards,
Andrei.

Yeh on the N81, 10.30-6.00 7 days a week, 10.30-8.00 on Thurs!!!!

Hi all,
I bought 6 Danios Rerio (Zebra) - my first fish. Very funny fish. But again, I have several questions:

1)Some books say that if this is the very first fish in the tank, it is better to wait for 24 hors before feeding it. Some books say nothing. What is the best?

2)Lights. When I switched them on, the fish went down to the bottom as though were scared. What is the best way? Should I leave it on till they get used to it?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks in advance,
Andrei.

Hi Andrei

Don't feed them today, probably they are too stresed to eat anyway and u can leave the lights off as well till tomorow so they get used with your tank. I got fish that after months they still get scared sometimes in the mornings when lights came on so don't worry about that.

yeh above good advice, also keep testing your water!!!