Petfish.net Message Board Archive No. 13 Part 3
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From: Karen 7/14/00
Subject: Message for CT - please read :-)
CT:
You recommended I try to find the book "the complete idiots guide to aquariums" by Mike Wickham, but that it was out of print.
I just wanted to let you know that while browsing the aquaria at Walmart, I found a book "sponsored" by either AquaTech or AquaClear and it's a fairly small, paperback book written by Mike Wickham. I don't know if they took his "idiot's guide" and slapped their logo on it, but it looked to be an easy-reading guide. Just thought you might like to know.
Also, you suggested 1 Cory for every 5 gallons (which gives me 4 for my tank), then 5 or 6 Harleys (are these the same as Tiger barbs? that's what I've decided on). Will this max me out on the 20g? (my husband, bless his heart, wants to put AS MANY barbs in the tank as possible, for appearance. I'm trying to explain the consequences!) We have a long 20-gallon (12 X 30). Does that make a difference? There are several references in the library books I have found on tropical fish aquariums that indicate you can use surface area to figure out how many fish to put in your tank. Have you ever heard of this?
One more question: I read today that Tiger Barbs are very good eaters (first to start eating and last to finish) and that they don't leave anything to rot on the bottom. So - would I really need the Corys? Or would you recommend them just for activity on the bottom?
As you can tell, I am SO NEW at this and I don't want to mess it up. I welcome ANY and ALL suggestions from the board.
Thanks!
p.s. have definitely decided on the bio-wheel, probably a Marineland.
From: Karen 7/16/00
Subject: hmmm . . . what to do . . . what to do . . .
I guess I should just pick a fish and go with it. If I ask 50 people which fish to buy, I'm sure I'll get 50 different answers.
btw the LFS guy told me a good first fish would be anything that's really aggressive. HUH? How's that for advice?
:-)
From: CT 7/16/00
Subject: There is no wrong decision
Spend some time at the LFS and make up your own mind. Check out the fish FAQ while you're thinking it over:
http://faq.thekrib.com/
Let us know what you decide.
CT
From: J.D. Martin 7/15/00
Subject: Re: Message for CT - please read :-)
Hi,
I am not an aquaria expert but I have had tiger and
cherry barbs for about 3 years in my community tanks.
I have black skirt tetras with them now and there are never
any nipped fins. I like to keep at least 4-5, with at least
2 females if possible. I bought my current stock as babes
and too young to sex. I ended up with only 1 female and she
gets harried sometimes in their play and goes to hide.
Cherry barbs have blended well with them and engage in their play.
I like to keep at least one pair m/f b/c their mating roll is so
neat to look at.
Finally, I had a clown loach who thought he was a tiger barb and
joined in their play, hiding only at night to sleep. Unusual for them.
Tiger barbs do tend to be pigs. I have yet to find anything they don't
like! I have even fed sodium-free peas (I squish the pea "meat" from the
hull and drop it in) and they love that.
I resolved my feeding problem by training the tiger barbs to one end of my tank
(by feeding there first) and my other fish to the opposite side of the tank (where
they could eat relatively hassle free. This has worked pretty well for all concerned.
For bottom feeders/nocturnals. My tiger barbs tend not to bother eating after dark, so
I can drop an algae tab or tabmin in for my pleco or upside down cats.
Hope this helps you on the barbs. I love their antics and will always have a small
community of them!
From: CT 7/16/00
Subject: Yep, some folks swear by them n/m
n/m
From: CT 7/14/00
Subject: More on Harleys, etc...
I think you're referring to the "Pocket" idiot's guide, which is not nearly as comprehensive as the "Complete" idiot's guide. I'm currently looking for the complete idiot's saltwater version but it's out of print as well. Ironically enough, the "For Dummies" book company bought out the "Idiot's Guide" book company. Feel free to fill in your own joke. :)
Harleys are Harlequin Rasboras, which are Cyprinids (as are Tiger Barbs). It's been many years since I've had Tiger Barbs but I do remember them as being very nippy and piggish no matter how many you put in the tank. Some folks swear by them while I remember swearing at them. Harleys on the other hand are wonderful schooling fish and get along well with everything (as far as I know). It's a matter of preference at this point.
Get some Corys if that's what you want. Best to get some bottom feeders to fill out the bottom zones in your tank. Kuhli loaches are also a great alternative. The 1 Cory per 5g is a basic rule of thumb, 3 in a 20g would be fine. The Corys will need to be fed sinking food rather than just dumping in a few extra flakes in the hope that some will fall to the bottom.
Hope that helps!
CT
From: Jeremy 7/14/00
Subject: green water algae----more questions?
OK i seem to have the same problem with the Green water algae as Joe did below. I normally turn my Aquarium on around 7:00 am and turn it off around 10 or 11pm Now i know this is 16 hours or so. Is this too much over the 10 to 12 hours as CT stated? What about Aquarium Pharmaceuticals ALGAE DESTROYER? has anyone ever used it? The directions are very vague on the bottle. doesnt state how often you can use it or if H20 changes are required in between applications. it just says something like "until the algae is gone"
thanks in advance
Jeremy
From: CT 7/14/00
Subject: 10-12 hrs light per day & don't over feed
Leave the "algae-no-more" products on the shelf.
CT
From: Michael 7/14/00
Subject: Water temperature for Mollies
I just bought a small, 2 1/2 gallon aquarium for 2 Mollies. Do I need to put a heater in the aquarium, or is room temperature water sufficient?
From: newbie? 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Water temperature for Mollies
please read this:
http://www.petfish.net/molly.htm
if you read the articles you can learn a bit more,
please, don't sue me :-))))
From: Rose 7/14/00
Subject: ARRRRRG!!!!
Someone help me stay sane while getting this 55 tank up and running correctly. I have no ammonia (yea!!) but my nitrate is off the chart many times over!!! I was told to put something called CYCLE in my tank in the hope to control the nitrates. Can anyone tell me how long it will take to see some control over the nitrates. Can anyone tell me anything about this CYCLE stuff. Thanks for the help.
"Going insane"
From: newbie? 7/14/00
Subject: here is a good one!!!
it's soooo visual...
http://www.bestfish.com/newtank3.html
From: Kick 7/14/00
Subject: Re: ARRRRRG!!!!
The nitrate reading is good. That means that your little bacteria are working. It's their way of catching up on the ammonia. You just need to be patient and in a few days the nitrate will turn to nitrite. Nitrate is not as bad as ammonia, and the nitrite is basically harmless to the fish unless it is apparent to a very large degree. This may happen several times while your tank is cycling upon adding new fish. That is why hardy fish who can withstand this are recommended when first setting up the tank The cycle would be okay, but personally, I don't like adding stuff to my tanks. Just let nature takes its course. Your tank is doing just what it is supposed to. Kick
From: CT 7/14/00
Subject: Where should I begin?
I know that Kick knows that nitrates follow nitrites...
You've got a new tank so you should not be seeing high nitrates unless you've added something to the tank that has nitrates in it. You may have overdosed your additives or your tap water is high in nitrates. You may also be using your test kit incorrectly. How are your fish through all this?
Stay calm as long as the fish are OK. Double check how you measured stuff and check the nitrates: 1) from your tap and 2) after letting it sit for a while.
CT
From: nwebie? 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Where should I begin?
be careful with live plants fertilizer too, pills
or liquid, it might alter the test results/change
water chemistry.
All the best.
From: ~deb 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Where should I begin?
I read, I will have to research where, that a nitrate test kit turns nitrites into nitrates so that the reading for nitrates is actually a combination of the two?
~deb
From: CT 7/15/00
Subject: You need separate test kits for Nitrates & Nitrites n/m
n/m
From: newbie? 7/14/00
Subject: Re: ARRRRRG!!!!
isn't it nitrite that turns into nitrate?
also see this:
http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-cycling.html#how-much-ammonia
regards...
From: Robin Pollan 7/14/00
Subject: Aquarium Salt
How much aquarium salt per gallon do I add to my tank for my Betta? I noticed when I asked the question about the fins, The Fish Lady told me 1Tbs per gallon and Kick said 1tsp per gallon, I am confused.
Robin
From: THe Fish Lady 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Aquarium Salt
sorry yes kick is correct, I put the wrong abbreviation
From: Barb 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Aquarium Salt
If you are going to add aquarium salt routinely to your water, the amount should be one teaspoon per gallon. I have only heard of adding amounts of one tablespoon or more per gallon to treat constipation, not fin rot, in bettas.
From: kitty fish 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Aquarium Salt
1 tablespoon per 5 gallons or 1 teaspoon per 1 gallon is what ive always used. 1 tablespoon=3 teaspoons, so... a tablespoon per gallon seems like an AWFUL lot; perhaps its ok for brackish tanks. i use 1 tablespoon sea salt per gallon in my brackish bumblebee goby tank. in my brackish puffer tank, i only use 1 teaspoon sea salt per gallon, as the 2 species of puffs i keep are naturally fresh watrer.. i think the salt does them a lot of good ;) hth
kitty fish
From: Kick 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Aquarium Salt
The higher dosage of salt is for any disease or illness that the fish may have. In a healthy tank, l teasp. per gallon. To treat a fish that has velvet, ick or fin rot, l tablespon per gallon. Hope this clears up the confusion. Kick
From: Rob 7/14/00
Subject: Misconception Regarding Bala Skarks?
I've noticed at the LPS near my house, they labeled bala sharks as a "semi-aggressive" species. Is this an error on their part, because two of my friends both have tanks with balas in them, and they never bother any of the other fish. In fact, the balas that they have are one of the most peaceful fishes in their tanks (very active critters as well). I have a bala as well, and he never bothers any of the other fish in my tank. Can anyone else offer any additional insight? Thanks!!!
From: CT 7/14/00
Subject: Bala Sharks are aggressive eaters (otherwise peaceful) n/m
n/m
From: Rob 7/14/00
Subject: River Rocks Safe???
A friend of mine recently returned from a rafting trip on the Nantahala (is that how you spell it?) river. She brought me several rocks that she found in the riverbed for my 20 gallon tank. My only concern is that the rocks may leak unwanted "funk" into the aquarium. I wanted to know if my concerns were legitimate, or am I being a little too paranoid? Is there a way to treat the rocks if this is actually the case? I don't have the rocks in the aquarium yet because I wanted to hear other people's opinions first. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!
From: Gina 7/14/00
Subject: Test them first...
by pouring vinegar on them. If they fizz, then they're not safe & you shouldn't use them. Don't know how to make them safe, though.
Gina
From: nathan 7/14/00
Subject: Re: River Rocks Safe???
you definitely need to cure the rocks first. I have read some stuff about how to do it properly, but I can't remember any details. I am sure you will be able to find some info on the net, or in a book, though. Also, soft rocks, like limestone, will dissolve into the water and effect the Ph. Harder rocks, like granite, should be ok to use. Sorry I can't give you better info. I will check my library and see if I can find something less vague.
From: Kick 7/14/00
Subject: Re: River Rocks Safe???
As Gina said, if vinegar fizzes when you pour in on the rocks, don't use in your tank. If this does not happen, you still need to "cure" the rocks before putting into the tank to kill any disease or varmits that may be harboring there. An easy way to do this is to boil them for 20 minutes to half an hour. Make sure you let them cool before putting into the tank, and "never, never" use bleach on them. Kick
From: alana 7/14/00
Subject: Re: River Rocks Safe???
I agree with kick about bioling them, but you have to be VERY VERY careful... sometimes rocks can have small air pockets that may make them break or, worse case scenario, explode! Good luck though :) i don't mean to scare you...
~alana
From: newbie? 7/14/00
Subject: Re: River Rocks Safe???
5-10 mins WILL do, trust me.
My dad is a head of microbiologycal lab at a
limnological ( guess what it is?) institute and
I've been taken to a few expeditions when was a kid
and was educated a bit.
Just don't use your best pots though.
P.S. I kept fish for ~10 years in the past going
to an aquarium club once a week at that time and now
started over again. I'm not that old though.
From: Kristen 7/14/00
Subject: Algae and live plant questions
I have had the new tank set up for about 2 weeks and I've noticed some fine alqae on the glass. I am thinking I need to add an algae eater. Is it too early for me to do that? I would supplement his diet with bottom feeder food. I saved water and some gravel from my 10 gallon tank to start this one and my ammonia levels are at 0 so I don't think my tank is starting from square 1 with cycling. I just hope my tank isn't getting too much light. Where it sits between the dining room and living room, it doesn't get direct sunlight. However, the room is very sunny and bright (which I love about the place). Other parts of the room are very sunny which is great for my potted plants. Could just a bright room lead to algae growth?
Another question...
I am getting some java fern tonight. I am thinking about setting up my 10 gallon tank to start these plants. I was thinking of putting that tank by a sunny window so the plants will get a good boost and then I'd know if there are any snails or creepy crawlies in the plants. I was only planning to set up that tank temporarily and no fish would be in there - just the plants. Does that sound like a good idea?
From: Kick 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Algae and live plant questions
If you have algae on the glass, there is something in there for an eater to eat, so go for it. If you don't think he is getting enough, you can alway add some romaine lettuce secured with rubber band around a decoration.
Yes, just a bright room can lead to algae. Light is what it needs to multiply.
If you buy this java fern, put the tank in a sunny location, you eventually will have an algae bloom. It probably is already on the plant along with the snails, and the light will make it multiply. Plants do need the light, however, in order to have good growth, you need fish poop or fertilizer for them to prosper. Kick
From: nathan 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Algae and live plant questions
My aquarium is in a very sunny room also, and I have had a terrible struggle with green water. (free-floating algae) The books I have read say that unless you have a HEAVILY planted aquarium, too much sunlight will likely give you algae problems. That's about the limit of my experience.
From: Dagmar 7/13/00
Subject: Cloudy Eye
Hi Kick,
Thanks again for all your assistance, I really do appreciate it. Ok here goes - female angel has what looks like a bubble, clearish over both eyes, like an extra lens over the eyes, it seems to look like a smaller version of the bubble goldfish eyes. When her eyes move the bubble takes up most of the eye, is protruding like a bubble. She also had a thickish white poop and has a bit of fin rot on her fins, she is black & silver. The male is yellow & silver and his eyes appear ok but he has a bit of fin rot. The male krib has a white spot in the centre of one eye. The golden gourami does not look sick but is now sitting in the corner and not eating, as a matter of fact none of them are eating like they usually do. The kissing gourami seems ok. One of the guppies now has a spot on the eye, looks shiny. I don't know I haven't had this before, you wouldn't believe it but I did a water change at 20:30 last night , 3 buckets with only 4 teasp. aquarium salt and aquaplus and a squirt of stresscoat, threw out the old water then discovered that the guppies had had babies, don't know how many I threw out but there were still at least 10 left. Probably be all gone by tonight as I haven't been feeding as often so they are skimming the surface and will probably catch some. This is the 7th generation. But the main thing is the big babies as I have had them a long time.
Question: I want to do a big water change about 6 buckets, but also take out the furniture as I still haven't found the flying fox and that may be contributing to the problem, should I take the fish out or just gravel clean as usual. 2. should I use more medication for the finrot - I have only put the myxacyn in once or rock salt?? I did find that after putting rock salt in that the algae food would not sink. I will log on in the morning from home to check your message. I know that there is a huge time difference between us about 16 hours I think! Please don't lose sleep over this just answer when you can. It is now 13:00 (1PM) in the arvo here and I will be at work until 19:00 (7PM) Once again, thank you
Cheers Dagmar
From: Kick 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Cloudy Eye
Dagmar, just hang with me for a bit while I sort this all out. I have been gone all day and have an engagement tonight and really need to think this through and read over your posts again to try and get the whole picture. It may be morning or so before I can get back with you. In the meantime, maybe someone else will have a clue as to what all is happening in your tank. Sounds like you have your hands full, too, now with babies. Argh!!! I will reply as soon as I can. Kick
From: Dagmar 7/14/00
Subject: Re: Cloudy Eye
Hi Kick & Everyone,
I am writing this from home, hence the different email address. I don't think any of my fish will survive. The female angel is now sitting on the bottom, can hardly swim, not eating at all (3 days)just a while ago had her nose in the substrate. The others are not much better, they now all have it. Baby guppies (at least 4) are still alive. I am going to do half water change but don't hold out much hope. The plants even don't look good, look a bit scummy, tank also has a smell which goes away when the lid is left open for a bit. Wish me luck, I know I am going to need it. Thanks again for everything. Will let you know what happens.
Cheers Dagmar
From: CT 7/14/00
Subject: I'm too lazy to copy and paste :)
I have a reply to your post down below. If your temp is bouncing around enough to cause cloudy eyes -- there's no telling how much stress these fish are under.
CT
From: Dagmar 7/15/00
Subject: Re: I'm too lazy to copy and paste :)
Hi Kick,CT and All,
I have had an absolutely shocker of 3 weeks of this! I love my fish and as they were between 12 to 18 months old (that I have had them) devastating to say the least. Paricularly when family and friends who also have tanks of various kinds of aquatica have not taken the same care of their beautiful new pets and theirs have survived it makes it even worse. I had to remove 3 things, to accommodate the different species one thing I have found is - they have to have a hidaway- kribs change their minds daily as to where their home will be, as dig - well the upshot is that my 6" flying fox died in their last dugout - and was not real accessible so when I found him today he buried, was crytalised - and stunk - and the bristlenose was also very dead - and stunk. I think everyone will understand that obviously eveb though that tank, which has an EHEIM filter and no ammonia was bad. All fish have to my guess an internal infection of some sort - don't forget I am no expert - I only have 2 years experience with trops. Sorry this is long but thought you might get something to pass along. No matter how hard it is - get that dead fish out. I now only have 4 babies Guppies- they seem to survive anything - 7th Generation plus 1 very sick male angel - he has 1 pectoral fin clamped -bit of eye problem - male krib who sasheyes back and forth -he can't seem to get moving, but manages to get around tank, not well! female appears ok and looks after him, Kissing gourami who kept poking at the male angel to fall over when he was having a real problem with staying afloat. Golden Gourami just keeps sitting in a corner and her eyes are now glassy too. The guppies, the female who obviously had the spawn is the main one affected - one eye. Message for Kick - the other medication that was added on last Sunday was Wardley's Para-Ex (an anticholinesterase compound) control of parastic infestations (recommended dose 5 tablets in 56 gall tank) they did not disolve fully, I vacuumed most of it up today. I think, that if I had removed the dead fish sooner and used Myxazin (I can never remember how it's spelt)at the end of the quickcure (which LFS agree 50 drops to 56 gall tank) is less rather than more - but my clowns died so I agree with you. Today I added 4 sp.Aq.salt, stresscoat, aquarplus accordingly to conditioned water plus 1 tea.sp.stress zyme for good bacteria to replace bad, I hope.
Either way, water looks good, tests good but probably more deaths unfortunately. Good night, to all
Dagmar