From: CT 7/30/00
Subject: Water Quality is the Key
Barb is right on the money.
You want to address the cause of your problems versus simply treating the symptoms. In other words you may have a water quality problem that is manifesting itself by stressing your fish and making them susceptible to all kinds of infections. If you drop in some medicine you will have done nothing to eliminate the underlying problem (and may actually make things worse).
The only way to know the quality of your water is to test it. Take a water sample down to your LFS if you don't have a test kit. At the very least pick up ammonia and pH test kits (ammonia is very toxic to fish while pH reports water stability).
Check out the fish FAQ (http://faq.thekrib.com/) and bone up on the water chemistry sections if at all possible.
Bottom line: Water quality is truly the key to success with fish keeping.
CT
From: Sammie 7/30/00
Subject: Undergravel filter removal
I am thinking about removing my UGF. I've been hearing of horror stories about the build up. I've had my tank for 3 months. I also have a power filter. What's the best way to do this without freaking out my fish? Thanks
From: CT 7/30/00
Subject: Re: Undergravel filter removal
This article provides the details on how to remove a UGF:
http://www.bestfish.com/tips/050699.html
CT
From: Sammie 7/30/00
Subject: Re: Undergravel filter removal
Thanks great info. I took the "test" and I'll be okay. Project for next weekend!
From: CT 7/30/00
Subject: Re: Undergravel filter removal
Let us know how it turns out.
CT
From: alexis 7/31/00
Subject: QUESTION: CLEANING w/o Undergravel filter removal
I don't have an undergavel filter, but I do have a lot of live plants. My tank is kept very clean, but after about 6 months, I am noticing that my gravel is getting grungy under the top layer. How, and how often, if at all, do I clean gravel in a heavily-planted aquarium (i.e. lots of roots), without destroying the plants and upseting the fish, and destroying the positive parts of the eco-system which has been developed in the tank?
From: CT 7/31/00
Subject: "Grinding Gravel"
I'll probably break ranks with a lot of people on this -- but I don't believe in deep cleaning gravel with a gravel vacuum ("gravel grinding") in a well-planted tank. The plants will use the nutrients as food and the plant roots will aerate the gravel somewhat.
Deep vacuum clean a 1/3rd of the tank per session if the tank has a UGF. In a planted tank without a UGF just remove the surface "mulm" -- going down no more than a 1/4" or so all around the tank (no need to overdo it).
Excess gravel grinding can remove a large portion of the good-guy bacteria in your tank.
Hope that helps!
CT
From: Ruth 7/30/00
Subject: Safe size to release fry?
I have a platy fry in a breeder net. It's the only one I could save :-(. What is a safe size to release it into the tank. It's about -- big. I have platies and swordtails in my tank. Thank you.
From: CT 7/30/00
Subject: Safe size for fry
Your fry will be safe for the community tank when they are too big to fit in the mouths of your other fish. Best to move the fry to a separate "grow out" tank or use a partition rather than leave them in the breeding net. I understand some fish have been known to suck the fry right through the mesh net.
CT
From: Rose 7/29/00
Subject: Worried about Bala's
I bought my two bala's Eek and Ook this last Thursday and I haven't gotten them to eat anything I have put in the tank for them or the other fish. I've gone as far as to put frozen brine shrimp in one night and frozen beefheart the next. All the other fish ate like they were starving (which they are not). The bala's didn't touch it even when it was in front of them. What is going on? They seem healthy. Color is great on them, non of the fish are picking on them, They play in the bubbles. Play chase with Antonio (my swordtail). I don't get it. Please help. Rose
From: Brad 7/29/00
Subject: Re: Worried about Bala's
I wouldn't worry, if they're not behaving as if stressed or upset about anything. Sometimes it takes several days for them to get used to a new place and act normally. When they decide to eat, they'll eat anything you put in for them.
From: Amy 7/29/00
Subject: sick fish need help right away!!!!
My one fan tailed goldfish has been acting funny for a couple of days. It stays at the bottom of the tank all fanned out barley moving. I thought the water was too warm so I cooled it down a bit, then I changed the water and the air stones, nothing. I checked the water ph and it seems to be acidic. how do i fix that? I have also noticed there isn't much algae growth like there normally is. Or could this be because I only have I think a twenty gallon tank and I'm stunting his growth therefore he is dying?? Please help. I love my two fish!!:)
From: kitty fish 7/29/00
Subject: Re: sick fish need help right away!!!!
Hi Amy! A low pH and lethargic fish could indicate you haven't been vacuuming your gravel like you should! Do you have an undergravel filter? If so, when was the last time you lifted the plates out and cleaned under there? Build ups of mulm could become anaerobic (bacteria growing without oxygen, BAD STUFF!). When cleaning the plates, I suggest removing the fish to a bucket or rubbermaid tub equipped with at least an airstone til the crap in the tank has been removed or settled (don't change all of your water at once!). UGF's aren't the best for goldies as they produce tons of waste. Consider using a power or canister filter with or without the UGF. Goldfish need mechanical filtration. Post back with updates or more info (we can't have too much info ;). Good luck!
kitty fish
From: lirunaway 7/29/00
Subject: Re: sick fish need help right away!!!!
I agree with Kitty Fish. If you have some live plants it would also help.
From: Alan 7/29/00
Subject: Peace Lilly for Bettas
My question is, How do you clean the roots of the Peace Lilly plant so they are bright white? I've seen some that are really white and others that are dirty from the soil, but don't come clean by washing them.
From: Barb 7/29/00
Subject: Re: Peace Lilly for Bettas
To clean the roots, you can simply lift the plant with its' plastic holder out of the vase, rinse the roots with water under the faucet and trim off any that appear to be brown or rotting.
I have 2 important questions for you!!
Are you feeding your fish (and what are you feeding him)?
Are you regularly changing the water in the vase (and not just adding distilled water)?
You may or may not know that the betta fish needs to be fed, as it does not eat or live off of the plant roots as it is carnivorous (meat eater!). Also, bettas need regular (at least weekly) water changes with water that has been dechlorinated.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of erroneous info about these peace lily set-ups, so owners are unaware that they are slowly starving and torturing these innocent fish.
Please let us know if you need some help with understanding how to take care of your current set-up or in helping you to set up another environment that would be kinder to your fish.
Thanks for hearing me out and I look forward to your reply.
From: lirunaway 7/29/00
Subject: Re: Peace Lilly for Bettas
I allways thought plants were called plants because you "plant" plants into the ground.
If you look further thoughout this site you will see many comments on this subject. Please don't kill the fish.
From: The Fish Lady 7/29/00
Subject: Re: Peace Lilly for Bettas-just remove the plant things will be better
I do not like the hole betta and lilly thing, the plant really does no good to the fish except keep the water cleaner between water changes. Really it is the fish keeping the plant alive with its wast, not the plant keeping the fish alive. If I were you I would just take the plant out, bettas are top breathers do closing off the top of the vase is not good.
The Fish Lady
From: ronibugg 7/28/00
Subject: ooto cats
I am having a hard time locating Otto Cats for sale. Any help would be appreciated.
From: Rose 7/29/00
Subject: Re: ooto cats
Try Petsmart or Petco. A word of caution when buying from Petco take a real good look at the fish in and around that tank. At the Petco in my town I have yet to go in and see less that a dozen tanks quarinteened. A big "supermarket" pet store usually has a tank just for these guys. Good luck. Rose
From: dave 7/28/00
Subject: dwarf gouramies and kribs
will dwarf gouramies and kribensis cichlids live together ok,in a tank with guppies and platties
From: Bruce 7/28/00
Subject: Re: dwarf gouramies and kribs
Dwarf gour. and kribs would get along as long as
your tank is 15 gal or bigger. But I would worry
about the kribs and your fancy guppy. Female guppy
are OK, but the kribs will chew and nip the tails
of the males.
From: newbie? 7/28/00
Subject: Re: dwarf gouramies and kribs
they should be but they prefer some room
From: dave 7/28/00
Subject: Kribs in community tank
Aside from a large tank that I am preparing for discus I also have a smaller community tank, with platties,guppies,and two dwarf gouramies.I am keen on kribensis cichlids and was wondering if they would be ok in this tank.
From: Robin 7/28/00
Subject: African Dwarf Frog question/Betta update...
Update on Betta...doing fine since I removed the plastic plant and added the aquarium salt.
Frog question...if I want to put an African Dwarf frog into the aquarium will it be ok with the salt in the water? Also, can I just put one in there...my tank is a 1.5 gallon hexagon is that enough room for one betta and one frog? I LOVE frogs and I would like to be able to keep one with my Betta.
Thanks,
Robin
From: Barb 7/29/00
Subject: Re: African Dwarf Frog question/Betta update...
I previously asked an expert (DaFishDude) about using salt with the frogs (as I was putting salt in with my bettas) and I was told that the salt will harm/ kill the frogs. I have never added salt to my frog's water.
From: clint 7/29/00
Subject: Re: African Dwarf Frog question/Betta update...
They are both air breathers and tolerant of high ammona and pollution levels, so there shouldn't be any problems with this set-up.
Good Luck,
Clint
From: lirunaway 7/29/00
Subject: Re: African Dwarf Frog question/Betta update...
Robin, You could go with just one Frog. I have read that they're better in pairs so I bought a second one, but mine haven't paid any attention to each other. My only consern for you would be the limited tank space. They say one inch of fish per gallon of water. I would watch for ammonia very closely and continue with the Salt. It is much harder to maintain the smaller tanks. I have the same problem. These smaller tanks should be labled "For Quarantine Fish". However there is no law to make them do it.
From: shannon 7/28/00
Subject: mollies and pearl gouramis
My roommate and I just got a black molly and a dalmation molly and 2 pearl gourami's. The fish store said they would all be fine together. Know I have found information saying that mollies need to be in brackish water. If this is so do I need to take the gourami's out and make the water brackish or can the mollies live in the same water as the gourami's. Also, I have heard about black mollies are the hardest one's to keep. Why??? Please Help!!!!!
From: jamie 7/28/00
Subject: paradise fish ??
I have a few paradise fish and I can't tell the females from the males? I'd like to try and breed them.
If anyone can help that would be great. THanks!!!!
From: Bruce 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Male and females
If your paradise are at least 2" or bigger, you should be able to tell the difference. The males
are usually longer, thinner and more color on the
body. Females are shorter in length, wider around
the stomach area and less in color compared to the
males. Hope this helps.
From: Matilda 7/28/00
Subject: Siamese Fighting Fish and Peace Lillies
I have seen something called a serenity bowl in which the fish feeds off the peace lily. Is this a healthy environment for both?
DOes anyone know where you can get them?
From: Rose 7/29/00
Subject: Betta and Peace lilly MUST READ!!!!
To all those who have not figured out why the Betta and the Peace Lilly are a bad idea if you just follow the directions PLEASE check out the message I sent to helper regarding this. My resonse is under the heading of "Fish Lady and Kick" Then look for Rose for the name. I hope that this will end the stupidity of the Peace lilly craze. I'm sorry if I offend in any way on this I didn't mean to and had no intention of doing so. Please forgve me if I did. Rose
From: The Fish Lady 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Siamese Fighting Fish and Peace Lillies
Hi I have had bettas for 10 years and when ever someone asked be about the betta in a vase set-up i always so no. They will live but that set up is not best for them, and only real healthy bettas can survive in this set up as I have seen. If you really want a betta here is a question and answer post that I posted to another person on this board and they were happy with it. The reason that some peoples bettas have survived in this vase thing is that it can take any where from 6 months to almost a year to just "kill" or "starve" a betta, sometimes strong and healthy bettas will componsate to the bad condidtion till they just cant take it any more and just die.
THe Fish Lady
Betta Question and answer
1.. "I know I'm NOT going to put it in my community tank."---yes that is correct do not put a betta with other fish. The other fish will nip at the fins and that will kill a betta over time.
2. "What size tank/bowl is best?" Well you have some choices, I have many bettas so I do many setups. I have a 25 gallon tank with dividers in it for the bettas and I also have a few 2 and 3 gallon bowls. They really do not need a lot of space so for your one betta I would get just a 2 or 3 gallon bowl, (you might could use a goldfish bowl also)
3. "What is the best kind of food? How often do I need to feed?"--glad you asked, this is where a lot of incorrect information as been going around. Bettas eat meat not plants (flake food) you can try a lot of different kinds of food and see what your betta likes best. Try any of these:brine shrimp (they come in forms of frozen, freezdried, and sun dried, I do not use sun dried because the sun sucks out all the nutrence that they need.)Blood worms (comes in same forms as brine shrimp) and then there is some kind of product that called "Betta bits" that i have seen people on this board talk about, I have not used it but KICK says they are good. As for how much to feed a betta, they can be over feed easy, I feed mine( all 10 of them) brine shrimp or blood worms 2 to 3 times a week. depending on what you get you will just have to see.
4."What kind of water do they like best? What is the best water temp. for them?"-dechlorinated water only, you can use tap water and add some stress coat to it, the stress coat will dechlorinate the water and put a protective slime in the water for the bettas fins. Water temp-the water needs to be between 75 and 80 degrees.
5. "What kind of plant should I get? Gravel? Filter? Heater?"--any plant is fine as long as it is not pointed or has jagged edges it might cause fin damage. Gravel-I have gravel in all my tanks and bowls I am not use what the brand is but I got it at the lps. Filter and Heaters--You do not need at filter if you are going to change the water on a regular time. Bettas do not need air pumps they breath from the top (top water breathers) Heaters- if you can keep the water at 75 to 80 defrees with out a heater than that is fine, my room where I keep my fish is very cold because it is 95 to 100+ degrees where I live right now so the AC is on hight.
6. "How often do I need to clean the tank? What stress coat is best?"- I clean my tanks and bowls once a week alternating 50% and 100% water changes. I think, you could do 100% water change every other week with just one betta and be fine.There are a lot of different brands of "stress Coat" sometimes it is called something else. I use the brand that tetra makes.
Hope this helps
The Fish Lady
From: Bruce 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Betta in the vase
The betta in the vase are OK as long as you feed
them a little betta food daily and do water changes once or every other week. The peace lily
benefits by absorbing through its roots some of the waste the betta produces(fish fertilizer). The
betta benefits by the lilly helping keep his water
clean and ammonia free. At Wal-mart, they sell a
vase in fabrics with a picture card insert on setting up and caring for your betta. They also
sell bettas.
the betta and vase with
From: shannon 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Siamese Fighting Fish and Peace Lillies, Why is this so bad?
I have a beautiful blue, male betta in a 1 gallon vase with a peace lilly. I feed him blood worms and some other commerical food made for betta's. I do this twice a day. I change his water every 1 to 2 weeks and treat first before he goes back into the water. Why is this environment so bad for him??? Please someone respond.
From: Tipperpoo 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Siamese Fighting Fish and Peace Lillies, Why is this so bad?
The setup itself is not bad. Its the instructions of letting the fish eat the plant. Bettas are carnavores they eat meat! Sure the little vase with the Peace Lily is fine but make sure the fish are properly cared for. Feed them blood worms or betta bites. Betta in a vase are controvercial because they don't eat the plants and the instructions say they will.
From: lianne 7/28/00
Subject: Re: DO NOT DO THIS!!
First of all, the bettas do NOT feed off these plants. Bettas need special food. They also need regular water changes. It may seem like they are feeding on the plant, but in truth, they are eating the bacteria. It is still NOT good for the bettas. I hope you do not consider this.
From: Rose 7/28/00
Subject: Silly question??
All the web sites I normally go to don't have any pictures of plecostomus'. I think their a algae eater. I'm not sure and would like some info on them and maybe a picture or two of what they look like. If anyone knows anything like this let me know. Thanks Rose
From: newbie? 7/28/00
Subject: Just a 'common' Pleco
look at this one:
http://www.aquahobby.com/gpleco2.html
From: Kick 7/28/00
Subject: In Catfish family. Check out www.planetcatfish.com n/m
n/m
From: alexis 7/28/00
Subject: evil mollies--follow up question
I posted a message below about a bad mix in a community tank (bettas and mollies together; mollies turning very agressive). I have already separated the bettas, and was thinking of trying to relocate the agressive mollies as well, but I came home from a business trip last night and my mollies had had babies and I now have a TON of baby mollies. Question: I am going back to super easy fish, and not listening to the people in my fish store anymore. However, after reading up on the subject in two books, would like to know opinions on the following. All I ever wanted in the first place were some neon tetras. I was planning to essentially start over with just some tetras. Now that I have a bazillion mollies, can mollies live with tetras? I know that mollies like a little salt, and tetras don't, but according to what I've been reading,it shouldn't be a bad combo. Before buying any fish, any opinions on the mollie-neon combo?
From: Meena 7/28/00
Subject: Re: evil mollies--follow up question
I have 2 cardinal tetras in the same 10 gallon tank
with 2 different mollies and they seem fine. The mollies
are a little aggressive and I thought that since they are so much
bigger than the tetras it would be a problem, but they
seem to be fine. Good luck with your babies!
From: Brad 7/28/00
Subject: Re: evil mollies--follow up question
I've never had any troubles...10 neon tetras, 2 adult mollies and 10 baby mollies (actually as big as the tetras now) They ignore each other.
From: A_00 7/27/00
Subject: TO KICK
This is my betta breeding process:
(Condition for a week.) Well I put her in a seprate jar so the male can see, but not get to her yet. Then, After the bubblenest is done, she stand on her head with stripes, and then I let her out. Then she will sit, on the bottom, for days and still no breeding! Then after a week they die:(
From: Kick 7/28/00
Subject: Re: TO KICK
What is the depth of the water you have them in. Is it heated. You do need heater with them for breeding and the fry. If there is no sparring going on, why do you suppose they are just "dying". How old are the two that you are trying to breed? Answers these and maybe I can help. Kick
From: A_00 7/28/00
Subject: READ THIS KICK!
4' inches depth of water with a heater in a 10 gallon. They do spare or flare. And they are 1 year old.
From: Rose 7/27/00
Subject: Bala's
To any of you who have Bala sharks. I just bought two about three hours ago and all is well. I have been looking all over the net for the last seven months trying to find info on these guys and have come up basically empy handed. If you have any info on these guys please tell me. I want to take care of them the way they should be but I don't know much about their behavior or anything else that I might need to know. Let me know what your Bala's are like so maybe I can get a idea. So far my Bala's are budding up to Antonio (my swordtail) and are swimming with my tiger barbs. I don't know if this is normal or if I'm well on my way with a tank full of fish that doesn't follow any of the rules. Eek and Ook would appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks for the help.
Rose, Eek and Ook
From: lianne 7/27/00
Subject: Re: Bala's
I have 2 balas, Jaws and Killer (how original, huh? well... my b/f named 'em), and they are very peaceful. They will eat anything you put before them. I feed mine f/d tubifex worms. It seems to make them healthier looking. They are very peaceful toward other fish. I have them w/ 4 guppies, 7 zebra danios, 4 albino corys, 3 glass tetras, 2 painted glass tetras, 6 bloodfin tetras, and 4 black tetras.
From: tutwiler 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Bala's
hi lianne, i've been interested in getting some balas as well but will wait until I am able get a larger tank (currently have 29g). what size tank are your balas in? thanks.....
From: lianne 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Bala's
my balas (i have 2 now) are in a 29 gal. tank as well. i have the smaller ones. of course they are growing, but they have plenty of room to grow. e-mail me if you would like to know more about my tank.
chellbell_2003@yahoo.com
From: Brad 7/27/00
Subject: Re: Bala's
I have six balas, and they are a very peaceful lot...they like to swim in a school, which is fascinating to watch. They'll eat anything. They get along well with everyone. You must be aware that they grow very big, though...12 inches in the real world, probably more like 8 or 9 in an aquarium. Watch out for a red rash on the back of their necks, and twitching behaviour...I don't know what it is, but it's deadly. Say hi to Eek and Ook for me!
From: Meatfree 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Bala's.....PLUS POSSIABLE MATING?????
What brad said is right just wanted to add a couple things. They are very playful, mine chase the bubbles from my bubble wand (Also tried to eat an ant on the outside of the tank, funny!). I have a question about mine. I often see one chasing the others and when he gets along side of another he slams the back end of his side into the others. Could someone please tell me what the heck they are doing??
From: Brad 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Bala's.....PLUS POSSIABLE MATING?????
I've read that these guys won't mate in captivity, but I guess there's always a chance. I've never seen mine do that, but they do like to chase any bubbles they can find! *g*
From: lianne 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Bala's.....PLUS POSSIABLE MATING?????
more than likely, they are NOT mating. i've read that in captivity they usually don't mate. of course there is the slight chance that they are. hope this helps a little.
From: Karen 7/27/00
Subject: CT - continued from below . . .
Okay, so we've got 6 zebras and 2 cory cats and a kuhli loach. You suggested maybe a centerpiece fish; a dwarf gourami. Just one? Or do they need company? (other than the speed racers!)
Just wanted to make sure that one was enough for the gourami and the "coolie."
Thanks for your help! :-)
(I can't wait until they're all in the tank!!!)
From: CT 7/27/00
Subject: Re: CT - continued from below . . .
I'm inclined to go with either Kuhlis or corys in a tank rather than mixing them. Probably for no reason other than personal preference and a desire not to see the two compete for food.
Here's how it could shake out taking max size into account:
6 long-tailed zebra and/or leopard danios (@1.5 inch each)
3 corys (@2 inch each)
1 Oto, maybe 2 if they are tiny (@2 inch)
1 Dwarf Gourami (@2 inch)
Total max inches: 19
Start cycling with some of the zebras and then add the rest slowly over time after the tank cycles.
CT
From: dave 7/27/00
Subject: Discus
I am currently building a community tank with the main breed to be discus.Will clown loach be compatible with the discus.I currently have four clown loach,and a school of ten cardinal tetra.My tank has a 60 gallon capacity.
From: Gina 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Discus
I went to the site recommended by CT that deals with the suitable tankmates (I am preparing a tank for discus now)& I found that they recommend plecos. Although I have no experience keeping the fish, I've done a lot of research to make sure that when I do get them that I won't have a tank disaster. Every book I've read states that it's important to not keep plecos in a discus tank because they can attach themselves to the sides of the discus & hurt or kill them. They said that plecos are attracted to the extra thick slime on discus. Again, I could be totally wrong, since I have no experience. But I know I wouldn't risk it.
Gina
From: CT 7/28/00
Subject: Re: Discus
There are a number of Discus links on the internet that cover the topic of tankmates. Just about any search engine will point you in the right direction (try www.ask.com). Bear in mind that you may find some conflicting information. Here is a decent beginners discus site:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/4494/water/index.html
He seems to think that clown loaches are acceptable tankmates.
CT
From: Theresa 7/27/00
Subject: how many is too many?
I'm wanting to get an cory cat for my 5 gal but I already have an oto cat in there. I'm wondering if I put in the cory, will it eat algae as well and if it does will there be enough food for the oto cat? Failing that anyone have any suggestions for a 5 gal with undergravel filter. I've been keeping live breeders for years and am looking for something new that can live in a small tank. Cheers.