Petfish.net Message Board Archive No. 11

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41.
From: amber 1/01/100 Subject: just my luck Posted by amber on January 01, 19100 at 18:42:00:
I returned my CAE and bought some ghost shrimp two days ago. This morning when I was feeding my fish, I noticed that one of my fish has a couple white spots on its fin. My aquarium has ich :( I got the the disease control and found out that it will harm invertebrates. Lucky me huh? Do u think it might be a sign that i should have gotten a different type of bottom feeder? Or just a crappy pet store? I just want to know how long it normally takes to get rid of ich, that's all.

43.
From: Jose 1/01/100 Subject: Re: just my luck Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on January 01, 19100 at 19:40:02: Re: (41.
) just my luck posted by amber on January 01, 19100 at 18:42:00:
I am sorry to hear that your fish got infected by ich. I have gone through this problem several times, the last one made me do what I already knew for many years was the right thing to do: set up a quarantine tank. You should never put new fish directly into your display tank. Most fish at LFS are very stressed, and hence have a weakened immune system and are prone to acquiring many diseases, being ich a prominent one. Once you put them in your display tank (where the temperature is likely to be higher), the life cycle of the ich parasite speeds up, and the evil white dots appear! I'd treat the aquarium with 1tsp aquarium salt/5gal of water, and raise the temperature to 82F. Will your invertebrates be harmed? There's a real possibility, but at least you won't lose your biological filtration capacity with the salt treatment. Keep the temperature at 82F and the same amount of salt thorugh water changes for 21 days. This should erradicate ich from your tank. I hope you do set up a quarantine tank, even if it's a small 5 gal, it's worth the work!!! Good luck, Jose

52.
From: amber 1/02/00
Subject: Re: just my luck Posted by amber on January 02, 100 at 12:51:26: Re: (43.
) Re: just my luck posted by Jose on January 01, 19100 at 19:40:02:
im gonna start saving up for a quaratine (sp?) tank now...thanx for the info

39.
From: Lisa 1/01/100 Subject: Dalmatian Molly--very fat!! Posted by LNiemiec67aol.com) Lisa on January 01, 19100 at 16:37:23:
does anyone know anything about dalmatian mollys? I have one in my tank and recently she/he has seemed to balloon! We don't know if there is anything wrong or if it's normal. The fish eats well... and seems fine. Maybe it's a "she" and she's pregnant???? Any help would be appreciated! Tx.

46.
From: sao 1/02/100 Subject: Re: Dalmatian Molly--very fat!! Posted by saochaos.net.au) sao on January 02, 19100 at 08:50:32: Re: (39.
) Dalmatian Molly--very fat!! posted by Lisa on January 01, 19100 at 16:37:23:
Its easy to tell if your molly is a male or female. Females have fan shaped anal fins and males have a pointed one. Mollys tend to breed quite easily and quickly, if its a she you can probably presume she's pregnant and should follow amber's advice and put her in a separate breeding tank or floating breeding trap.
Good luck!
Siaolin

42.
From: amber 1/01/100 Subject: Re: Dalmatian Molly--very fat!! Posted by amber on January 01, 19100 at 18:43:58: Re: (39.
) Dalmatian Molly--very fat!! posted by Lisa on January 01, 19100 at 16:37:23:
most likey she is pregnant, if you want to keep the babies, get a floating nursery, those work well

35.
From: Steve 12/30/99 Subject: South American Biotype Posted by Steve on December 30, 1999 at 11:04:32:
I finally decided that I want to turn my 10 gallon tank into a South American Biotype. What I want to know is if anyone can help me with what plants and stuff that I sould put in the tank. I'm going to have Neons or Cardnals, corys, otos, and I already have 2 serpeas in there. Thank you for any help you may have.

34.
From: wmily 12/29/99 Subject: silly betta .... Posted by fuzzykurama.zzn.com) wmily on December 29, 1999 at 20:37:18:
My betta has been trying to eat the catfish food pellets. He'll search the bottom for an undissolved chunk, pick it up in his mouth, and then swim around trying to swallow it. He's also been hanging out on the bottom a lot more since I got the catfish (I think he is finally leaving the two I have alone, no more chasing). I was thinking that he only sees these cory cats and is trying to act like them. I don't think it's anything to be terribly excited about, but I'm kind of hoping for input on his behavior. At the moment, I only have two kinds of food to give him, betta flakes and freeze-dried bloodworms. Maybe I should get something else to distract him with? (My other idea was to get a fish that didn't stay on the bottom so much so he'd stop thinking he was a catfish. I have no idea if that'd work at all. ^^)

83.
From: Jill 1/04/00
Subject: Re: silly betta .... Posted by jillbronzepig.com) Jill on January 04, 100 at 19:58:20: Re: (34.
) silly betta .... posted by wmily on December 29, 1999 at 20:37:18:
my betta likes to hang with the corydoras too. He seems to like them a whole lot better than the tetras in the tank and will often cruise along the bottom following them, but not in a threatening manner as he does sometimes with the tetras, after they nip his fins)they're buddies. He too likes the sinking pellets, but he's just a lil pig, he likes EVERYTHING, bloodworms, brine shrimp he goes nuts over, shelled green peas are another favorite, spirulina wafers he likes too, about the only thing he doesnt like is staple flake food. Maybe give some food that is meant for both the corys and betta, (though if the sinking tablets are like mine they are not at all bad for him, consisting mostly of brine shrimp)like frozen bloodworms every once in a while. The corys and betta both love these and they are healthier for them. when the corys are still small they only can eat a few though, and it takes them a while as they suck out the insides then spit out the bloodworm skin. I usually make a small lump sink by holding it against the gravel so both the betta and corys get some (if I let it float down the betta will grab the disolving lump and take off with it to a secluded spot inside this hollow tank decoration and devour it all himself)

38.
From: Diana 1/01/100 Subject: Re: silly betta .... Posted by Karmaratsaol.com) Diana on January 01, 19100 at 07:33:10: Re: (34.
) silly betta .... posted by wmily on December 29, 1999 at 20:37:18:
I had a male in with my corrys and he was verry social with them, infact I put a cheezy lil decoritive cave in there and he slept in it with the corrys. Now I dont know if he was weird or somthing but it sure was cool to see him having friends. however he Usualy fed from the top and snacked on the corry food once in a while. he was a pretty cool fish who suffered an untimly death due to the land owner using a well treetment in the water before notifying me of course it just happened to be the day I was doing water changes, however the corrys survived. and Im still in a mood over the whole situation. *frumps*

32.
From: Brandon Johnson 12/29/99 Subject: Aquarium Setup Posted by Brandon Johnson on December 29, 1999 at 08:20:27:
I Have 20 gallon tank with tiger barbs.I Wanted to know if cichlids would mix good with tiger barbs.

36.
From: Jose 12/30/99 Subject: Re: Aquarium Setup Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 30, 1999 at 14:57:25: Re: (32.
) Aquarium Setup posted by Brandon Johnson on December 29, 1999 at 08:20:27:
I know some people that keep tiger barbs with cichlids, but it's not recommended. Tiger barbs prefer soft, slighly acidic water (pH 6.6-7.0) while cichids (especially Africans) are best kept in hard alkaline water with a rather high pH (7.5-8.6). Tiger barbs serve to ameliorate the aggressive behavior of cichilds, as they're not peaceful themselves, and are fast swimers (can usually get away undamaged from cichlids' attacks). If you decide to keep them together, I'd advice you to get them small, and let them grow used to the hard alkaline water that cichlids like. Good luck, Jose

20.
From: amber 12/28/99 Subject: Otto Cats Posted by acarter85netzero.net) amber on December 28, 1999 at 17:29:20:
I did some research on Otto cats and found that when they get older/bigger they attach themselve to other fish, and that it is best to keep at least three in one tank, which means i would need at least a 15 gallon tank. I have a ten gallon which is all i can afford right now. From other sources I heard that since my angelfish is so small, it will not bother the shrimp that much, and the shrimp are cheap.....If any one has been in the same situation as me it would really help me, and my poor fish being harrased by my CAE thanks!

37.
From: Eddie 12/31/99 Subject: Re: Otto Cats Posted by Eddie on December 31, 1999 at 20:57:37: Re: (20.
) Otto Cats posted by amber on December 28, 1999 at 17:29:20:
The angel will outgrow the 10 gallon, shrimp don't really help. Just get 3 otos, it'll be okay just as long as you do water changes weekly.

40.
From: amber 1/01/100 Subject: Re: Otto Cats Posted by amber on January 01, 19100 at 18:36:53: Re: (37.
) Re: Otto Cats posted by Eddie on December 31, 1999 at 20:57:37:
I have a 29 gallon tank that has a grown angel and other tetras, the small angel is going to be in there until the tank is too small

24.
From: Diana 12/28/99 Subject: Re: Otto Cats Posted by Karmaratsaol.com) Diana on December 28, 1999 at 20:05:46: Re: (20.
) Otto Cats posted by amber on December 28, 1999 at 17:29:20:
I adore the otto cats Ive had. I had the most beautifull 10g set up in which I had 2 quarter sized angels 2 Corry cats 2 Khulie loaches and 4 Ottos Lush greenery and beautifull natural gravel. Ive since moved and am again in the prossess of moving so I no longer have that setup but I miss it alot. Especialy the Ottos.

21.
From: Clint 12/28/99 Subject: Re: Otto Cats Posted by Clint on December 28, 1999 at 17:39:34: Re: (20.
) Otto Cats posted by amber on December 28, 1999 at 17:29:20:
The chinese algae eaters are the ones that attatche to other fish. Oto's don't get but about 2" max. But anyway if the angel is small the shrimp would work fine, and usually if the angel gets used to them now he won't try to eat them later. So go ahead with the shrimp. Clint

23.
From: amber 12/28/99 Subject: Re: Otto Cats Posted by amber on December 28, 1999 at 17:44:38: Re: (21.
) Re: Otto Cats posted by Clint on December 28, 1999 at 17:39:34:
thanks a lot and i mean ive been so confused for the past couple days :)

19.
From: Kenneth Johnson 12/28/99 Subject: Golden Gourami Posted by Kenneth Johnson on December 28, 1999 at 15:59:24:
Currently I have Tiger Barbs in my tank and wanted to know if obtaining a Golden Gourami was a good idea.

22.
From: Clint 12/28/99 Subject: Re: Golden Gourami Posted by Clint on December 28, 1999 at 17:43:27: Re: (19.
) Golden Gourami posted by Kenneth Johnson on December 28, 1999 at 15:59:24:
Normally I would say no, but I've had a recent visitor who is very experienced with Tiger Barbs, and said that if you have at least 6 or so Tigers that they won't bother the other fish at all. The usual worry about Gouramis is the long "feelers", which are seemingly just too much of a temptation to pass up taking a bite on. Clint

118.
From: bob 1/10/00
Subject: Re: Golden Gourami Posted by dive3062aol.com) bob on January 10, 100 at 03:09:55: Re: (22.
) Re: Golden Gourami posted by Clint on December 28, 1999 at 17:43:27:
I have a Golden and an Opaline Gourami living in peace with 3 Tiger Barbs. There are also Giant Danio, Hatchetfish, platys, Flying Fox and Neon Tetra. I have not seen a nipped fin or anything else in over 1 1/2 years. An occasional chase around he tank but nothing bad.

13.
From: amber 12/28/99 Subject: Ghost Shrimp or Golden Chinese Algae Eater Posted by acarter85netzero.net) amber on December 28, 1999 at 12:49:37:
I have a ten gallon tank w/ a small angelfish, betta, 2 neon tetras, white clouds and a golden chinese algae eater. I got the algae eater because the fishstore said that they were excellent algae eaters. I've had him for a couple months and now he is becoming very aggressive. I had a yellow fancy guppy in my tank but i had to put him in my 5 gallon tank because the algae eater kept harrasing only him. I have heard that ghost shrimp would be perfect for my tank, but i am not sure what to do. I love colorful yellow, orange, and red fish, but if i have the golden algae eater, he will just harrass the other fish that look like him Would a couple of ghost shrimp be better than a chinese algae eater? any help is appreciated :)

44.
From: Jinlong 1/02/100 Subject: Re: Ghost Shrimp or Golden Chinese Algae Eater Posted by psrossaol.com) Jinlong on January 02, 19100 at 03:14:59: Re: (13.
) Ghost Shrimp or Golden Chinese Algae Eater posted by amber on December 28, 1999 at 12:49:37:
Ghost Shrimp, if you must have one or the other. Chinese algae eaters, when they get older, would rather scrape your fish's sides than the algae in the tank, which can lead to fish disease and ill health. There's nothing you can do about it, so if you don't get rid of the algae eater, your other fish will almost definitely come to harm.

17.
From: Clint 12/28/99 Subject: Re: Ghost Shrimp or Golden Chinese Algae Eater Posted by Clint on December 28, 1999 at 14:43:33: Re: (13.
) Ghost Shrimp or Golden Chinese Algae Eater posted by amber on December 28, 1999 at 12:49:37:
Chinese algae eaters do get aggressive, and big. I don't know if the Angel would let the dhrimp live in peace either, the other fish would be no threat though. I'd have to suggest an Oto cat as the ideal solution. Clint

10.
From: Kristen 12/28/99 Subject: Missing algae eater Posted by Kristen on December 28, 1999 at 04:45:19:
I went home for the holidays and was gone only 2 and a half days. Based on what everyone has said here, healthy fish can go up to a week without food. I fed them just before I left and as soon as I came home. The thing was, when I came home, my algae eater was gone! Now I have very peaceful fish - zebra danios, neon tetras, and cories. Where could he have gone to? I did a water change and took out all that plants and decorations to look for him - no algae eater. I took apart the filter and searched behind the tank on the floor (even though the tank is covered) - no algae eater. Could he have died and the other fish eaten him? I NEVER noticed any of the other fish picking on him so I really don't think the others killed him. It's rather disturbing that he just vanished. Any ideas would be great.

16.
From: Clint 12/28/99 Subject: Re: Missing algae eater Posted by Clint on December 28, 1999 at 14:40:42: Re: (10.
) Missing algae eater posted by Kristen on December 28, 1999 at 04:45:19:
Yep he either died and got eaten or you can look on the floor around the tank for a dried corpse. It's incredible how small they get when they dry up. Clint

25.
From: Kristen 12/29/99 Subject: Re: Missing algae eater Posted by Kristen on December 29, 1999 at 05:29:16: Re: (16.
) Re: Missing algae eater posted by Clint on December 28, 1999 at 14:40:42:
Thanks for your input. I have a feeling he got eaten because the top of the tank is completely covered except by the power filter where the water pours back into the tank. When I did the water change, I took everything out of the tank and dug through the gravel, as well as crawled around the floor and took apart the filter completely. The tank is in my bedroom so I'd certainly notice any fishy smell if he was on the floor. It's like he decided to climb out of the tank and walk away. This algae eater was called a medium Chinese algae eater. He was only supposed to grow to 3 inches so I thought he's be perfect.

14.
From: amber 12/28/99 Subject: Re: Missing algae eater Posted by amber on December 28, 1999 at 12:52:28: Re: (10.
) Missing algae eater posted by Kristen on December 28, 1999 at 04:45:19:
that happened to me once, except it was a frog. look for any type of odd looking rock that may be part of his skeleton

65.
From: LBowes 1/03/00
Subject: Re: Missing algae eater Posted by belindavax2.concordia.ca) LBowes on January 03, 100 at 08:17:31: Re: (14.
) Re: Missing algae eater posted by amber on December 28, 1999 at 12:52:28:
I had the same thing happen with a Hatchet fish. These things are so incredibly skinny, a friend who works with fish told me the others probably gobbled him up during the night. It doesn't take long.

6.
From: Raf 12/27/99 Subject: Male betta spawning troubles Posted by Raf on December 27, 1999 at 21:17:35:
Hello. Long time no visit. How are you, Clint? Anyway, I'm trying to breed bettas now. I have a male and a female in a 10-gallon tank with a heater. It's only filled halfway, too. I'm floating some anacharis, hygro, and rotala indica stems in there for makeshift floating plants, also. The female has a place to hide. Temperature is 81 degrees, nothing disturbs the water surface. My problem is my male betta cannot seem to successfully build a bubble nest. I've seen him try a couple of times and he's had a few nests going, but the next day I see that his nest is gone. Why is he having problems? Help the poor guy. He's getting pretty embarassed, i bet. They've been together now for about 5 days and still no nest. The female is fine, by the way. She's been hiding and she's been chased, but she's doing okay, I believe. Thanks! raf

31.
From: Jose 12/29/99 Subject: Re: Male betta spawning troubles Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 29, 1999 at 07:08:07: Re: (6.
) Male betta spawning troubles posted by Raf on December 27, 1999 at 21:17:35:
One more comment....I agree with Clint's suggestion of covering the tank "shut". Remember that bettas are anabantoids, and as such, get air from the water surface. If the air above the water has a marked difference in temperature with respect to the water, their labyrinth will easily get damaged! The same applies (and is very important) to the fry once they're about a week or two old (and their labyrinth organ develops). Jose

30.
From: Jose 12/29/99 Subject: Re: Male betta spawning troubles Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 29, 1999 at 07:07:48: Re: (6.
) Male betta spawning troubles posted by Raf on December 27, 1999 at 21:17:35:
One more comment....I agree with Clint's suggestion of covering the tank "shut". Remember that bettas are anabantoids, and as such, get air from the water surface. If the air above the water has a marked difference in temperature with respect to the water, their labyrinth will easily get damaged! The same applies (and is very important) to the fry once they're about a week or two old (and their labyrinth organ develops). Jose

29.
From: Jose 12/29/99 Subject: Re: Male betta spawning troubles Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 29, 1999 at 07:04:34: Re: (6.
) Male betta spawning troubles posted by Raf on December 27, 1999 at 21:17:35:
Hi. Are you sure the female betta is ripen enough? (has eggs?). Five days is a pretty long time for nothing to have happened... The failure of the male to build a bubble nest can be due to him being inexperienced in the business of breeding... I would separate them, "condition" them for a week with good water quality and some live food (i.e.;live brine shrimp), and then place the female back in the male's tank, but in a jar placed in the middle of the tank. Once the bubble nest is built, or at least, once you see the female flaring back at him, you can then release her into the water and see what happens. If nothing happens, I would desist from breeding them at this time, and will wait a couple of months. Alternatively, if you think the female indeed has eggs, will try another male. Good luck, Jose

7.
From: Clint 12/27/99 Subject: Re: Male betta spawning troubles Posted by Clint on December 27, 1999 at 22:45:04: Re: (6.
) Male betta spawning troubles posted by Raf on December 27, 1999 at 21:17:35:
You might try adding a plastic cup top to the surface. It will keep the bubbles from actually reaching the surface where they sometimes tend to burst. Other than that I can say that it's not all that unusual for a Betta to have a flimsy nest, some old pros have used a spoon to rob other non-breeding males of some of their bubbles to add to the active pairs nest. Also you can try covering the whole tank with glass or plastic (leave a little air space) as the temperature changes if any can cause the bubbles to disintergrate. Good Luck Raf, and glad to have you back, Clint

4.
From: Ken Johnson 12/27/99 Subject: Filters Posted by Ken Johnson on December 27, 1999 at 19:29:32:
Recently purchased a 20 gallon start up kit. Came with a power filter. Question is should I invest in a under gravel filter. Constantly getting different answers.

26.
From: Jose 12/29/99 Subject: Re: Filters Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 29, 1999 at 06:47:51: Re: (4.
) Filters posted by Ken Johnson on December 27, 1999 at 19:29:32:
I personally woudn't invest in an undergravel filter, I don't like them. Power filters are better at performing filther chores than UGF. They provide better biological filtration (in part because most of them have w/d capabilities), are easier to maintain, and give you choice for adding/changing biological/chemical media. UGF tend to get clogged a lot, depending on how much gravel you have in your tank, how often you clean it, etc... They used to be the gold standard in aquariums a long time ago!!! You don't mention what type/size of filter you have, which is an important consideration. Among power filters, and there are many, an old-time favorite is the Aquaclear line, they're silent, work well, and are very durable. I hope you're aware of the cycling process that your tank will go through now (if not doing the fishless cyclilng). Congratulations on your new set up and happy Y2K! Jose

69.
From: Victor 1/03/00
Subject: Re: Filters Posted by VABritoaol.com) Victor on January 03, 100 at 16:18:33: Re: (26.
) Re: Filters posted by Jose on December 29, 1999 at 06:47:51:
I currently have a 10 US gallon tank with both a AquaClear Mini and Tetra Brilliant Sponge filter. I purchased the sponge filter after two weeks of consistently cloudy water. In just two short weeks the water is crystal clear (with the help of Kordon's TransClear to prime the biological bed). I really believe now that the Mech/Chem method of filtration is not quite enough. I strongly recommend whatever filter you purchase it should incorporate some biological filtration. For example a bio wheel or sponge. Also, one more tip, increasing filtration and adding an airpump with airstones increses the surface area of the water and hence increases the minimum number of fish you can keep per gallon. I have my 10 gallon stocked with 5 Harlequin Rasboras, 5 Neon Tetras, and 3 Corydoras Paletus and they are all thriving. I did initally have a problem of overfeeding because determining the amount of tablet food for the Cories was difficult and, what was not consumed by the Neons, ended up floating in the water. So, I purchased a cheap Conch type ceramic shell made specifically for aquarium use and I sumbmerse my arm in the tank to place the food inside. The movements of the fish agitate the food within the shell. After about 5 minutes, when the feeding frenzy has subsided I remove the shell and rinse it out. It couldn't get any easier.

106.
From: Aereation won't allow overstoking 1/07/00
Subject: Re: Filters Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Aereation won't allow overstoking on January 07, 100 at 21:25:40: Re: (69.
) Re: Filters posted by Victor on January 03, 100 at 16:18:33:
I disagree with your idea that aeration will allow you to overstock your aquarium beyond the conventional 1"fish/gal (which has many exceptions of fish that require much more than just 1gal/inch). The water movement provided by your power filter will more than suffice to promote gaseous exchange (getting rid off CO2 and promoting oxygenation). The limiting factor for overstocking is not lack of oxygen in the water, but accumulation of toxic build ups (nitrates, DOC, etc...). If you'd tell me that the same 10-gal tank that you describe above is "heavily planted", then I'd say well, perhaps overstocking it the way it is won't have further consequences...(plants will provide added oxygenation while lights are on, and most importantly, will use nitrates as nutrients. I hope your tank will be OK, but I'd do biweekly partial water changes, and definitely won't add any more fish. Problems might not be readily apparent until it's too late. I know, "been there, done that... "How long have you had your tank going? Four weeks? This is too short of a time period to draw definite conclusions. Keep an eye on your fish, and good luck! Jose

5.
From: Clint 12/27/99 Subject: Re: Filters Posted by Clint on December 27, 1999 at 21:05:08: Re: (4.
) Filters posted by Ken Johnson on December 27, 1999 at 19:29:32:
The power filter should be adequate for the job, with no need to add another filter. People either like UG filters or don't, depends on thier experiences I guess. Personally I like em, but power filter are great too. Clint

3.
From: Linda 12/27/99 Subject: cloudy water Posted by lindafrisbienetscape.net) Linda on December 27, 1999 at 16:16:23:
can someone tell me what causes cloudy water and how to eliminate it? I have a 30 gal aquarium with a glassfish,shark, catfish and a pleco, we do regular water changes and we changed the charcoal filters any help would be appreciated Linda

27.
From: Jose 12/29/99 Subject: Re: cloudy water Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 29, 1999 at 06:56:35: Re: (3.
) cloudy water posted by Linda on December 27, 1999 at 16:16:23:
The cause of "cloudy water" is elusive, and there's not a concensus on how/why it occurs... I suspect your tank is a newly set up tank. If that is the case, cloudy water is likely due to an outburst in the growth of bacteria in your tank. It will eventually clear up, don't despair. Just keep on with the partial water changes (20-25% twice a week would be OK). Partial water changes, not only will help clear the water (minor/unimportant task), but also to decrease deadly ammonia/nitrite spikes that will occur during cycling time. Just stop changing/messing with the filter, don't clean it or change anything, as you're disturbing nitrifying bacteria colonization, and thus extending the time your water will remain cloudy (and the time it would take for your tank to cycle). If your tank is indeed a new one, make sure you purchase some test kits to monitor for ammonia/nitrite frequently, and don't add anymore fish until your tank is cycled (ammonia and nitrite will read 0ppm). If your tank is already established and happily running for a few months, there could be other causes for the cloudiness. How much do you feed your fish? Overfeeding can increase the amounts of uneaten, particulate matter in the water, which can give it a cloudy appearance. Plecos tend to revolve the gravel and bring all of these excess particulate matter in suspension. How large is the pleco? Good luck, Jose

8.
From: Clint 12/27/99 Subject: Re: cloudy water Posted by Clint on December 27, 1999 at 22:49:53: Re: (3.
) cloudy water posted by Linda on December 27, 1999 at 16:16:23:
Is it a new tank, or has it been running a while and suddenly gotten cloudy? have you added any new gravel or rocks? There are some very inexpensive products made for particulate water cloudiness that work real well by combining the microscopic pieces together causing them to fall to the floor. One I can think of is called "filteraid". Clint

9.
From: Linda 12/28/99 Subject: Re: cloudy water Posted by lindafrisbienetscape.net) Linda on December 28, 1999 at 02:36:56: Re: (8.
) Re: cloudy water posted by Clint on December 27, 1999 at 22:49:53:
The tank has been running for awhile at least 4 mnths and now it is suddenly cloudy we havent added any gravel or stones . I will give filteraid a try thanks alot again , Linda

62.
From: LBowes 1/03/00
Subject: Re: cloudy water Posted by belindavax2.concordia.ca) LBowes on January 03, 100 at 07:32:42: Re: (9.
) Re: cloudy water posted by Linda on December 28, 1999 at 02:36:56:
I find, when my water gets cloudy, I try changing things little by little. First I change the charcoal, then wait a week and change the sponges. I find this usually clears up the problem.

28.
From: Jose 12/29/99 Subject: Re: cloudy water Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 29, 1999 at 06:59:58: Re: (9.
) Re: cloudy water posted by Linda on December 28, 1999 at 02:36:56:
Sorry, I didn't read this post before I answered the other one... Have you measured ammonia and nitrites? Your biological filter could have been damaged for some reason (rinsing sponge under cold tap water for instance), and you might be going through a re-cycling process. Good luck, Jose

15.
From: Clint 12/28/99 Subject: Re: cloudy water Posted by Clint on December 28, 1999 at 14:38:40: Re: (9.
) Re: cloudy water posted by Linda on December 28, 1999 at 02:36:56:
OK if it's a 4 month old tank and it suddenly clouds up you need to look real close for a dead fish or plant etc, or perhaps someone overfed them when you weren't there. There has to be a reason. Clint

704.
From: Kristen 12/23/99 Subject: Happy Holidays! Posted by Kristen on December 23, 1999 at 09:32:11:
I hope everyone who frequents Petfish.net has a wonderful holiday season! Best wishes for a healthy and happy year 2000!

712.
From: Clint 12/24/99 Subject: Happy Holidays Everyone Posted by Clint on December 24, 1999 at 10:35:47: Re: (704.
) Happy Holidays! posted by Kristen on December 23, 1999 at 09:32:11:
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Happy Holidays To All Clint

715.
From: Nicole 12/26/99 Subject: Re: Happy Holidays Everyone Posted by BIGPINEY1prodigy.net) Nicole on December 26, 1999 at 11:32:19: Re: (712.
) Happy Holidays Everyone posted by Clint on December 24, 1999 at 10:35:47:
Clint I hope you and all the others here on your boards had a Very Merry Christmas and will have a Very Happy New Year... The fish are all doing great and have stopped breeding for a year or two so as to devote my time to my New 7 month old Egyptian Arabian Stallion and our 3 month old Rottweiler puppy... With 5 dogs and 2 horses and all of these fish and kids sometimes I forget to slow down and find time for myself but as I get older I have to slow down a little more... Well Clint in joy the New Years Eves Parties and for the ones on your board remember to have a designated driver if you are old enough and have fun...

701.
From: LBowes 12/22/99 Subject: FOOD Posted by belindavax2.concordia.ca) LBowes on December 22, 1999 at 11:50:17:
I am a little confused. I bought a pretty expensive fish food which had flakes and bits of dried shrimp and blood worms in it. It is made by Sera (I think). One store told me it was very good and my fish love it. But another store told me it was the equivalent to Junk Food. Does anyone have an opinion on this food?

706.
From: Clint 12/23/99 Subject: Re: FOOD Posted by Clint on December 23, 1999 at 18:47:58: Re: (701.
) FOOD posted by LBowes on December 22, 1999 at 11:50:17:
If the fish like it, and continue to eat it, then it must be good. Always provide a variety of foods though, the more different types of foods you use the better chance the fish have of getting a well balanced diet. Clint

703.
From: ray jenkins 12/23/99 Subject: Re: FOOD Posted by rjenkinslooksmart.com) ray jenkins on December 23, 1999 at 07:55:34: Re: (701.
) FOOD posted by LBowes on December 22, 1999 at 11:50:17:
Yeah, its fine for what your feeding. I think the fish store was pissed cause you did not buy it from them. I feed my fish the same thing all the time and they are healthy. Good choice. Let me know if you need any further info.

700.
From: kitty fish 12/22/99 Subject: be back soon! Posted by kitty fish on December 22, 1999 at 09:02:02:
hey all... needed new isp... am at school now... be back this week or next ;) did yall miss me? :P kitty fish

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From: Clint 12/23/99 Subject: Re: be back soon! Posted by Clint on December 23, 1999 at 18:50:10: Re: (700.
) be back soon! posted by kitty fish on December 22, 1999 at 09:02:02:
Wondered what happened to you. Glad you're coming back soon. You got a free petfish email (forwarding)when you want it, let me know what name you want, it can be anythingpetfish.net Clint

714.
From: kitty fish 12/24/99 Subject: Re: be back soon! Posted by kitty fish on December 24, 1999 at 17:01:31: Re: (707.
) Re: be back soon! posted by Clint on December 23, 1999 at 18:50:10:
wow! thanks very much! i am officially online at home as long as modem doesnt act up anymore... fish are doing great ;) carnie, the goldfish from the fair is going through a major color change, grey to yellow/white... cleaner looking. kitty_fishpetfish.net would be great, if you can get it! thanks so much, and im glad im back. kitty fish ps-i liked jose's handling of the goldfish breeding question! go jose! :D

2.
From: Clint 12/27/99 Subject: Re: be back soon! Posted by Clint on December 27, 1999 at 12:28:44: Re: (714.
) Re: be back soon! posted by kitty fish on December 24, 1999 at 17:01:31:
Your new email alias is now activated. You are now officially kitty_fishpetfish.net Would you like me to start forwarding some goldfish questions your way? Only if you want to, no problem if you don't. Clint

11.
From: kitty fish 12/28/99 Subject: Re: be back soon! Posted by kitty_fishpetfish.net) kitty fish on December 28, 1999 at 09:39:06: Re: (2.
) Re: be back soon! posted by Clint on December 27, 1999 at 12:28:44:
that's great, clint! thank you ;) and id love to answer more goldfish questions. forward them to kitty_fishpetfish.net if you would ;) thanks a lot, talk to you later! kitty fish

697.
From: Clint 12/21/99 Subject: Write an article or send your aquarium pic and get an Email alias Posted by Clint on December 21, 1999 at 17:33:52:
If you send me an original article or a picture of your aquarium for use at Petfish.net you can have a email alias such as youpetfish.net. And my sincere Thanks. Clint

702.
From: Jose 12/22/99 Subject: Re: Write an article or send your aquarium pic and get an Email alias Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 22, 1999 at 19:20:10: Re: (697.
) Write an article or send your aquarium pic and get an Email alias posted by Clint on December 21, 1999 at 17:33:52:
Where do we send the article? Thanks, Jose 705

705.
From: Clint 12/23/99 Subject: Re: Write an article or send your aquarium pic and get an Email alias Posted by Clint on December 23, 1999 at 18:43:35: Re: (702.
) Re: Write an article or send your aquarium pic and get an Email alias posted by Jose on December 22, 1999 at 19:20:10:
Send it to me by email. It will be put on the petfish.net website. Clint

170.
From: Fran 1/16/00
Subject: Re: Write an article or send your aquarium pic and get an Email alias Posted by toyro86email.com) Fran on January 16, 100 at 14:45:14: Re: (705.
) Re: Write an article or send your aquarium pic and get an Email alias posted by Clint on December 23, 1999 at 18:43:35:
Keeping an aquarium can be a great deal of fun and relaxing. Someone once told me that for each minute you watch a fish tank, you gain an hour on your life. Physicians say it lowers your blood pressure so much for confirmation. But it can also be a nightmare if you're not careful. I received my first fish tank - a 55 gallon- a gift from my husband in Feb 1999. I hadn't hand a tank in over 20 years and back then we didn't know too much about anything especially about water changes and 10 gallon tanks. Thus, I immediately read everything I could, began setting up my own fish library at home(now own 20 books), subscribed to Aquarium Fish magazine, searched the internet, and talked with others. I started out with 10 small fish(3 z.danios, 3 lemon tetras and 4 sepae tetras). I thought I was prepared for anything. I was wrong as having an aquarum is not a science but a hobby and experience is what really counts. What works for one aquarium may not work for others. Most importantly, read and listen to everything you can butthen sift through it all very carefully. Try anything cautiously that is offered. Try your own instinct. Let's use cycling as an example. One book I read said that when cycling, check your fish, leave the tank alone and test the water everyday. If the ammonia gets high, or the water gets cloudy(even milky) don't be concerned, leave it alone. I left it alone. I was concerned about high ammonia and following the tests advice added ammonia lock stuff. But the ammonia continued higher and then the milky water appeared. I noticed some of my tetras had torn fins and thought my fish would die. I was a wreck. I didn't know what to do. It would have been so easy to just quit. That book was obviously wrong. Help! I went to a pet store and was told the high ammonia was burning them and was advised to do a 50% water change with distilled water for three days in a row. Mind you I wasn't warned this would cause my tank to start to cycle all over again. I still had high ammonia so I went to a local pet store and was told not to change any more water (distilled is unnecessary) and don't add any chemicals as this interferred with the tests. The changes cleared the water and the salt I had added since the beginning helped. My tank took 76 days to cycle. Until November 1999 when I gave my fish away due to relocation, I did a 20% partial water change every twelve days and had no problems. Now where I moved to, I set up the same tank (of course with everything cleaned without soap) and placed into the same tank. Began this cycle with the same number and type of fish (zebra danios and lemon and glowlight tetras.) To keep my ammonia down without interrupting the cycle, I did a 1" or about 3 gallon water change once a week until it cycle. I added no chemicals except water conditioner and salt and some ammonia rocks to the bottom. This time my tank cycled in 18 days without mishaps. My fish are happy and so am I. I currently have 4 more tetras (2 lemon and 2 glowlight) awaiting their entry into this tank in a 5-1/2 gallon quarantine tank. I treat them the same way and have had no problems. I believe as so many have said. Partial water changes dones regularly can prevent alot of problems. I also believe in erring on the side of caution. A word of caution, don't believe everything you read or are told. Had I known then what I know now, I could have saved myeself alot of aggravation and harm to my fish. Hopefully, this experience will save someone else the aggravation I experienced.

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From: sao 12/22/99 Subject: Re: Write an article or send your aquarium pic and get an Email alias Posted by saochaos.net.au) sao on December 22, 1999 at 08:27:54: Re: (697.
) Write an article or send your aquarium pic and get an Email alias posted by Clint on December 21, 1999 at 17:33:52:
Hello Clint, Since everyone seems to lack enthusiasm about placing their aquarium on petfish.net you can feel free to copy any of the photos on my web page. I've got a few more tanks up since you last visited http://www.iinet.net.au/~milokek/mytanks.htm Merry Christmas
Siaolin

690.
From: Rick 12/21/99 Subject: Weekend Feeders? Posted by Rick on December 21, 1999 at 00:26:06:
Are these things any good or will they just foul the water? I'd like to be able to spend more than just a couple of days gone over the holidays without having to ask a friend to come over and feed my fish for me. Any advice would be appreciated! Rick

694.
From: Clint 12/21/99 Subject: Re: Weekend Feeders? Posted by Clint on December 21, 1999 at 17:12:40: Re: (690.
) Weekend Feeders? posted by Rick on December 21, 1999 at 00:26:06:
Any healthy fish should do well without food for up to a week. In fact it has been my experience that it's better to let them go without food for a few days instead of getting someone who is inexperienced in fish care to feed them. Leave the aquarium lights off but give them something like a night light or a light from another room to make it pretty dark, this will slow down their activity. Don't overfeed to compensate for the vacation, just give them the normal ration for the last day. They should be fine. The so called "Vacation Blocks" are a scam, it's low quality food mixed with water altering chemicals that will harden your water, and there's really no need for them. Good Luck, Clint

689.
From: wmily 12/20/99 Subject: betta + cory = :( Posted by fuzzykurama.zzn.com) wmily on December 20, 1999 at 22:46:33:
Recently I added two cory cats to my betta's tank (10 gallons). One died; so far, the other has lived. I've tried to provide a lot of hiding places, but the betta keeps on chasing the cory and tries to bite him. He never succeeds (to my knowledge) because the cory swims something like 3 times faster than him. However, I don't think this is a particularly good living situation for him. What should I do? More hiding places? Ones that are too small for the betta? (The cory is a small one - I'd picked in the hopes of getting juvenile fish) And would it be a good idea to get more cory cats, partially to keep this one company and partially so that the betta won't bother any one of them to an unhealthy extent?

693.
From: Clint 12/21/99 Subject: Re: betta + cory = :( Posted by Clint on December 21, 1999 at 17:06:44: Re: (689.
) betta + cory = :( posted by wmily on December 20, 1999 at 22:46:33:
It is unusual for a Betta to attack a bottom dweller fish like your Cories. He might have been isolated so long that he is aggressive to all fish thinking them rivals. I would try the mirror trick to keep his mind on his own reflection that should look a lot more like a rival Betta than the catfish does. Also you could get up to 3 more Cories and still be well within your tank limits. Good Luck, Clint

692.
From: Jose 12/21/99 Subject: Re: betta + cory = :( Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 21, 1999 at 15:59:47: Re: (689.
) betta + cory = :( posted by wmily on December 20, 1999 at 22:46:33:
I don't think it's a matter of hiding places... First of all, male bettas do better in bowl than in tanks. This is because their swim bladder is genetically conditioned for shallow water. They are also not particularly demanding about high dissolved oxygen concentrations, they can get air from the surface (through an organ called "labyrinth"). Male bettas will chase any fish that resembles their own (and I guess you male bettas "sees" the cory as a female betta. Fancy guppies and other long-finned fish are particularly vulnerable as well. I'd put your male betta either in a bowl (covered!!!), or in one of those bettas displayers that you can attach to the walls of your tank by means of succion cups (although I don't particularly like these devices). If you do this, you can then add other fish to your 10-gal (slowly and monitoring the amonia/nitrite to prevent new-tank syndrome), and make a community tank out of it. Good luck, Jose

691.
From: Kristen 12/21/99 Subject: Re: betta + cory = :( Posted by Kristen on December 21, 1999 at 04:35:58: Re: (689.
) betta + cory = :( posted by wmily on December 20, 1999 at 22:46:33:
Definitely get more cory cats. If you only have one betta and one cory in a ten gallon tank, you certainly have the room. I read that cories like to be in groups of three or more anyhow. I only have two in my ten gallon, but there are no aggressive fish in that tank. My betta is in a separate two gallon tank. Also, one of the reasons fish school in the wild is to confuse predators. If there are more cories, chances are the betta will leave them alone or at least not pick on one of them constantly. Do remember, though, that the cories are bottom feeders and will need some nutritious pellet food that sinks. Left over betta bits will not be enough especially if you get a few more!

688.
From: Clint 12/19/99 Subject: I need your aquarium pictures Posted by Clint on December 19, 1999 at 17:27:15:
I would like to put a picture of your aquarium on the "Aquariums From Around The World" page. It's free, come on and email those pictures in.

698.
From: wmily 12/22/99 Subject: Re: I need your aquarium pictures Posted by fuzzykurama.zzn.com) wmily on December 22, 1999 at 00:06:17: Re: (688.
) I need your aquarium pictures posted by Clint on December 19, 1999 at 17:27:15:
If I took physical photographs, would you be able to scan them in? For once, I have access to a camera and not a scanner. (Hm, I wonder if those office/copy type places have scanners I could use...) I mean, not like I have the prettiest tank in the world, but if you want aquarium pictures, I can always try! (Okaie, it looks like a plastic gym on an acid trip. It has fish in it!)

713.
From: Clint 12/24/99 Subject: Re: I need your aquarium pictures Posted by Clint on December 24, 1999 at 10:46:37: Re: (698.
) Re: I need your aquarium pictures posted by wmily on December 22, 1999 at 00:06:17:
Yes, I have a scanner. But I think it might be too much trouble for you to get the pictures to me. If you're willing to send them to me let me know, I'll pay for the return postage. Clint

685.
From: Sabercat 12/16/99 Subject: Tiger Shovelnose... Posted by Sabercat29aol.com) Sabercat on December 16, 1999 at 17:54:48:
Is anyone interested in my Tiger Shovelnose Catfish? It is 10" long at this time. Please E-Mail me if you are.

680.
From: Angela 12/15/99 Subject: My swordtail is pregnent. Posted by dica82hotmail.com) Angela on December 15, 1999 at 14:36:53:
Hey I am trying to find info or pages about the female sword. I just want info about how to go about her haveing the babies. Should I put her in another tank by herself and what will the fry eat? I will keep looking Thanks.

683.
From: Jose 12/15/99 Subject: Re: My swordtail is pregnent. Posted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 15, 1999 at 17:13:43: Re: (680.
) My swordtail is pregnent. posted by Angela on December 15, 1999 at 14:36:53:
I haven't kept livebearers in manyyears, but I still remember a few things about them... You can place your pregnant female sword in a separate tank (a 20-gal will be ideal, but a 10-gal will work). The temperature should be about 78-79 degrees F, and if the tank isn't cycled, you need to watch for amonia and nitrite and do partial water changes as they rise. Put some floating plants for the baby to hide if they're born when you're not in the house. Alternatively, near term (when you can actually see the little fish through her belly) you can put her in a container that floats and has holes throught where the fry will fall into the aquarium and away from the mom's mouth...). Once they're born, you can immediately feed them live brine shrimp or crumbled flakes. To speed up their growth, do frequent partial water changes (20% every two days), raise the temperature to about 80-82 degrees F, and feed them a varied diet. The whole pregnancy term I think lasts about 4-5 weeks, but I am not so sure... Livebearers (mollies, platties, guppies, and swords) like some salt in their water, one tsp of aquarium salt per each 5 gallons of water in your tank. Good luck, Jose

682.
From: Clint 12/15/99 Subject: Re: My swordtail is pregnent. Posted by Clint on December 15, 1999 at 15:37:12: Re: (680.
) My swordtail is pregnent. posted by Angela on December 15, 1999 at 14:36:53:
It would be better to put her in a tank by herself, but don't wait until right before she's about to deliver the fry, moving her when she's that far along is not good for her or the fry. As soon as you see that all the baby fish are swimming around you need to remove the female, or she will eat some of the fry. Sword fry are very easy to raise and will eat flake foods right off. Baby brine shrimp and/or micro-worms are better but not absolutely required. You might want to grind the flakes up a little with your fingers for the first week or 2. Good Luck, Clint

672.
From: Bigworm 12/14/99 Subject: New 20 gallon saltwater tank. Posted by chevelle68hotmail.com) Bigworm on December 14, 1999 at 18:32:42:
I just bought a twenty gallon tank that I wish to make into a saltwater fish tank.I need all the info on small saltwater tanks that I can get.Any help would greatly be appreciated.How should I set the tank up.Thanks.

679.
From: russell 12/15/99 Subject: Re: New 20 gallon saltwater tank. Posted by russell_souciehotmail.com) russell on December 15, 1999 at 11:09:25: Re: (672.
) New 20 gallon saltwater tank. posted by Bigworm on December 14, 1999 at 18:32:42:
i have a salt water tank .you have to set the tank up and have the salt about 1.023.they have a thermometers for testing.you have to let the tank set for awale.you will have to by a test ket to test the ph,ammonia,nitrite,copper,nitrate.when you by your test ket it should tell you what the levels should be. russell

671.
From: Crusaders 12/12/99 Subject: making your own tanks.. Posted by cakineinterpac.net) Crusaders on December 12, 1999 at 17:55:54:
Can anyone tell me how to go about making my own fish tanks? thanks.

From: Clint 12/15/99 Subject: Re: making your own tanks.. Posted by Clint on December 15, 1999 at 15:31:40: Re: (671.
) making your own tanks.. posted by Crusaders on December 12, 1999 at 17:55:54:
Try This Link for a lot of homemade tank links.Clint670

670.
From: Crusaders 12/12/99Subject: Goldfish breedingPosted by cakineinterpac.net) Crusaders on December 12, 1999 at 17:53:05:
Can anyone tell me how to breed goldfish? I am a complete beginner, so suggestions as basic as they may sound to you, will definitely help me! Another thing that befuddles me is the proper tank size for fish. I have two small (about an inch) goldfish in a fifteen gallon tank. I want to know what the best sized tank would be, to grow them to their max. Thanks.677

677.
From: Jose 12/15/99Subject: Re: Goldfish breedingPosted by FrankPA99aol.com) Jose on December 15, 1999 at 07:16:16: Re: (670.
) Goldfish breeding posted by Crusaders on December 12, 1999 at 17:53:05:
Goldfish need to be at least 5-6"