Petfish.net Message Board Archive No. 2
Jack Dempseys
Posted by Richard on September 19, 1999 at 22:20:35:
How big do these guys get? How do they behave in the tank?
Re: Jack Dempseys
Posted by Clint on September 20, 1999 at 13:25:35:
In Reply to: Jack Dempseys posted by Richard on September 19, 1999 at 22:20:35:
They get about 7 inches, and they are a heavy type of fish, they are bigger than 7 inches sounds.
They are very mean, they were named after "Jack Dempsey" a former heavy weight boxing champion.
They will tear up any plants you put in the tank too.
They are still a great fish, very good looking and intelligent. A great fish if you have a tank to devote to them alone.
Good Luck,
Clint
Convicts
Posted by Mary on September 19, 1999 at 22:18:02:
If there is any information you can offer me about convicts I'd appreciate it very much.
*Water requirements
*Behaviour - do they dig?
*Food
*Aquascape
*Tankmates
Re: Convicts
Posted by Clint on September 20, 1999 at 13:20:46:
In Reply to: Convicts posted by Mary on September 19, 1999 at 22:18:02:
I just wrote another article about convicts, just good timing on our part I guess.
Heres the link Convicts
Good Luck,
Clint
dyes
Posted by confused on September 18, 1999 at 17:58:51:
I applied a dye to treat a disease in my tank. Does the dye stain the glass? If so, how do I get it off?
Re: dyes
Posted by Clint on September 19, 1999 at 11:10:48:
In Reply to: dyes posted by confused on September 18, 1999 at 17:58:51:
It shouldn't stain the glass, but if it does I would believe you could get it out with bleach, with the fish removed of course.
Charcoal will get it out of the water after your fish are recovered.
Good Luck,
Clint
Thanks, Clint, for the info about the Painted Glassfish...
Posted by Tyesha on September 18, 1999 at 09:08:07:
I was in the pet store yesterday and almost bought a school of the painted glassfish but decided not to at the last minute adn decided on a Powder-Blue Gourami and a school of 5 Neon Tetra. The Painted Glassfishs' colors were so vibrant and beautiful which is why I wanted a school of them. And they also looked like little punk rockers with the neon streaks on the top of their bodies. I would have been very disappointed when the color wore off and they were "normal" again. Well, thanks again for always keeping us informed and up-to-date on the latest fish.
Tyesha
Albino corycats
Posted by Patrick on September 16, 1999 at 19:25:10:
I have a pair of albino corys (actually I have five) that will breed and have eggs everywhere. My problem is they never hatch out. I know there is a male and female but I am begining to wonder if the male just isnt operating like he is supposed to. They were in a community tank when I first noticed them laying eggs, I observed them several time just to make sure of the correct two were moved. Then I put the two into a ten gallon with water from the 55 gallon. Allowed the water level to stay down about five inches or so from the top, after a couple of days I filled the tank up, the pair started breeding almost immediatly. The eggs looked fine but just never hatched. What am I doing wrong?
Re: Albino corycats
Posted by Clint on September 17, 1999 at 18:41:53:
In Reply to: Albino corycats posted by Patrick on September 16, 1999 at 19:25:10:
You might try leaving the eggs in total darkness, as light really messes up the eggs, and especially for albinos.
CN
Re: Albino corycats
Posted by Eddie on September 17, 1999 at 15:32:26:
In Reply to: Albino corycats posted by Patrick on September 16, 1999 at 19:25:10:
Albino male corys are mostly sterile, try cory aeneus(regular)
Then the eggs will probably hatch. HTH
Bubble nest
Posted by Greg French on September 16, 1999 at 12:39:25:
My male will not blow a nest and the female is ready to drop,HELP!!!!!!!
Re: Bubble nest
Posted by Clint on September 16, 1999 at 18:25:23:
In Reply to: Bubble net posted by Greg French on September 16, 1999 at 12:39:25:
Bettas like the temperature around 82F for spawning and blowing bubblenests. If the water is clean and the temperatures right he should have a nest ready all the time. If not try proping a mirror up next to his tank so he will see his reflection and think it's a rival. That should prompt him to make a nest.
Good Luck,
Clint
Re: Bubble net
Posted by neVar on September 21, 1999 at 21:10:27:
In Reply to: Re: Bubble net posted by Clint on September 16, 1999 at 18:25:23:
Try a water change as well. Also some males won't build nests without being conditioned by live (frozen) foods for a few weeks befor breeding. Also Some males are too distracted by having the female around to build the nest. We do not introduce the female beside the male until a nest is started (they have one track minds ya know, it's either on the nest or the girl)
ehhh.. yer male WHAT?
Posted by Kitty Fish on September 16, 1999 at 13:39:08:
In Reply to: Bubble nest posted by Greg French on September 16, 1999 at 12:39:25:
im guessing your talking about bettas... is the female in the same tank with the male (using a separator of course. i think if the male could see the femalehed go at it... could be any kinda problem though.. maybe not the right food, or temperature.. any floating plants for him to build on? you should really give some information about yer setup before you go asking questions..
Kitty Fish
Soft water
Posted by Treyver on September 16, 1999 at 00:07:32:
I went to the petshop for some water sofening agents and they didn't have any. I want to know how to sofen water with something else. Any suggestions?
Re: Soft water
Posted by Clint on September 16, 1999 at 18:28:25:
In Reply to: Soft water posted by Treyver on September 16, 1999 at 00:07:32:
You can add distilled water from the grocery store for water that is close to zero hardness.
Or you can get a reverse osmosis system for about 90.00 and have all the soft water you could ever need. A home distiller will work too, again around 90.00 to 100.00.
And you can always try the mail order pet suppliers for the water softening chemicals.
Good Luck,
Clint
Schooling fish
Posted by Lenny on September 14, 1999 at 23:04:22:
hi,
i am concerned about my tetras. they always hide when people walk into the room. The aquarium is in the living room where there is plenty of movement. They are supposed to use the ample space I gave them to swim in - the front of the aquarium but instead they swim in the upper rear section and its really starting to bother me. Any help would be great.
Re: Schooling fish
Posted by Clint on September 15, 1999 at 19:22:43:
In Reply to: Schooling fish posted by Lenny on September 14, 1999 at 23:04:22:
There are at least 2 possible reasons, one, they would like more plant cover (they are insecure) or maybe the water is a little too acidic, sometime if the water is too acidic it will cause a kind of hiding behavior. Don't go messing with the water chemistry unless you have to, it sometimes backfires.
Also if they are new fish, you'll need to give them some time to get used to the traffic, they might be wild caught fish and the treatment they've got from humans so far has taught them that hiding is the best policy.
Good Luck,
Clint
How long do fish live?
Posted by Theresa on September 13, 1999 at 20:11:29:
Yes it's me again. I just got home and found my female molly and a danio dead in the tank. The danios I've had for a while, so I assume maybe just old age, but the molly too? The molly I've had for 6 months or so. Curious. Of course it could just be one of those things.
Re: How long do fish live?
Posted by Eddie on September 14, 1999 at 17:48:52:
In Reply to: How long do fish live? posted by Theresa on September 13, 1999 at 20:11:29:
Was it pregnant? If so, it probably died because of that, livebeearers have a tendency to die before, during, or after giving birth. My two guppys (one fancy, one feeder) died before birth :(
Re: How long do fish live?
Posted by stuart smith on September 13, 1999 at 23:36:57:
In Reply to: How long do fish live? posted by Theresa on September 13, 1999 at 20:11:29:
hi.
most tropical fish i no usually live from anywere from 2-5 yrs
Help!
Posted by Lora on September 13, 1999 at 17:41:32:
Help I need some information on Tiger Barbs...I have a 1 1/2 page paper due on them and I can't find enough information. Anything you can give me would be a great help!
Thanks
Lora
Re: Help!
Posted by Clint on September 13, 1999 at 19:12:13:
In Reply to: Help! posted by Lora on September 13, 1999 at 17:41:32:
Just the facts maam, are available at http://petfish.net/ff7.htm
Other than whats there they like soft water, acidic water, they swim in schools (but they flunk a lot)they like to fight, they are like minature pirahnas.
They are very pretty and very popular.
Good Luck on your paper.
Clint
Cardinal Tetras
Posted by Renee on September 13, 1999 at 02:34:39:
I have a species aquarium (90cm) of Cardinal Tetras. So far I've got 10 of them and planning to add 15 more.
I provide a densely planted aquarium and the fore ground is clear for swimming space. The water has a pH of 6.5 and is relatively soft. My questions are:
- If I get them to breed, will the parents or other Cardinals eat the eggs?
- Any methods to induce them to breed?
Any answers will be greatly appreciated - Thanks!
Re: Cardinal Tetras
Posted by Clint on September 13, 1999 at 19:06:08:
In Reply to: Cardinal Tetras posted by Renee on September 13, 1999 at 02:34:39:
Hi Renee,
Sounds like an excellent aquarium for Cardinals.
They will definately lay some eggs in this tank, but as you guessed the parents and all the other fish will feast on the eggs and any fry that happen to make it.
You might possilby (very slim) get a few fry to survive if you wait long enough.
Usually to actually spawn for production of fry, you have to use a tank of about 10 gallons, use marbles or large gravel for the bottom (for the eggs to fall in, away from hungry fish) and about the same water as you have (maybe make it softer, you can add some distilled water). Pick some obviously roe filled females and a few males and let them spawn (leave em for 24 hours) then remove the parents. Keep the tank dark (light has bad effects on eggs) and in a few days you should see some super tiny fry. You have to feed the the smallest of foods for the first week, thn you can use microworms or baby brine shrimp.
Cardinals are a tough fish to spawn.
Good Luck,
Clint
moving house with fish
Posted by Theresa on September 12, 1999 at 11:29:16:
I'm moving soon and was wondering if anyone has any tips on moving my fishy friends. I'm hoping to take the water they're already in so I don't have to take 3 days to recondition the tank, but that's 30 gallons of water!!! Anyone done this before and has some handy hints?
Re: moving house with fish
Posted by Clint on September 12, 1999 at 19:28:34:
In Reply to: moving house with fish posted by Theresa on September 12, 1999 at 11:29:16:
You'll have to drain just about all the water out of the tank, but leave enough in there to keep the gravel wet and most of the filter bed will remain alive.
If its not that far you could go ahead and have some water sitting in a container so it can age, then all you'd have to do is move the fish in about a 5 gallon bucket.
If it's a long way, you can try to get some one else to age some water for you.
Actually if you can keep the filter bed alive you just about have it made. Fish are tough and they can take the bucket treatment for a day or 2 with no problems.
Good Luck,
Clint
hmm...
Posted by Kitty Fish on September 15, 1999 at 13:36:54:
In Reply to: Re: moving house with fish posted by Clint on September 12, 1999 at 19:28:34:
im not so sure about leaving the gravel in the tank while you move it... i think ive heard it causes too much stress on the tanks seals and could cause the tank to leak once you set it up again... id have aa cooler or two for the fish, and a cooler for the gravel.. empty the tank completely.. you can still keep the biological filter going in the cooler with the gravel.. also coolers help when there are great temp swings on the drive over there.. good luck!
Kitty Fish
hmm...is right
Posted by Clint on September 15, 1999 at 19:27:00:
In Reply to: hmm... posted by Kitty Fish on September 15, 1999 at 13:36:54:
I agree with Kitty Fish, a cooler would be a better container for the gravel. There is a small possiblity that the gravel might cause a leak in the tank with all the bumping around on the trip. If the tank is 10 gallons or under I think it would be ok.
Clint
Hope you haven't moved yet!
cooler it is
Posted by theresa on September 16, 1999 at 11:34:00:
In Reply to: hmm...is right posted by Clint on September 15, 1999 at 19:27:00:
Nope, haven't moved yet, cooler sounds good as I'm moving more than one tank, so if I put the gravel from each tank in a sealed plastic bag or container (labelled really clearly) and put them all in my big cooler this should work quite nicely. Cool! Thanks guys
Annoying fish
Posted by annoyed on September 11, 1999 at 02:26:41:
I hate it when cichlids go up and down the glass - and I mean constantly, I want to watch them as they would act naturally but there they are going up and down the glass. Any tips - I think that they think I'm gonna feed them.
Re: Annoying fish
Posted by Clint on September 12, 1999 at 19:12:31:
In Reply to: Annoying fish posted by annoyed on September 11, 1999 at 02:26:41:
Yep, They are waiting for the food.
About the only thing you can do now (since they are so well conditioned) is to get an automatic feeder so they won't associate food with your presence. Or move the tank where there is constant human activity.
Smart fish don't you think?
Good Luck,
Clint
Re: Annoying fish
Posted by Theresa on September 12, 1999 at 11:32:14:
In Reply to: Annoying fish posted by annoyed on September 11, 1999 at 02:26:41:
I think it's because they're too darn smart for their own good. I honestly belive that they are either curious about you or they are just plain bored. (mine do it too). I'd love to give you some advice, but I can't.
Perfect cichlid aquarium
Posted by crazy on September 11, 1999 at 02:18:54:
What cichlids mesh well? I prefer aggressive or peaceful suggestions
Re: Perfect cichlid aquarium
Posted by Clint on September 12, 1999 at 19:15:19:
In Reply to: Perfect cichlid aquarium posted by crazy on September 11, 1999 at 02:18:54:
Angels and Dwarf South American cichlids do allright together.
The Rift Lake African Cichlids will thrive if you have several of each species (not just two males or two females)
But mostly Cichlids do best when they are the only Cichlids in the tank.
CN
Kribensis
Posted by Carl on September 11, 1999 at 01:53:48:
Hi,
Kribs are my favorite fish because of their colors. I want to have a species tank full of Kribs. My questions are:
- What's the best landscaping?
- Will every single Krib be colorful?
- If there are dominant Kribs will the others loose their colors?
- What other fish go well with the Krib?
Re: Kribensis
Posted by Clint on September 12, 1999 at 19:18:17:
In Reply to: Kribensis posted by Carl on September 11, 1999 at 01:53:48:
The best landscaping would be plants and caves, and lots of them.
I think it would be best to keep only one male, but you could have several females as long as you have plenty of hiding places for them.
Other fish that do well with Kribs would be schooling fish like Neon or Cardinal Tetras, or maybe Zebra Danios.
CN
sick fishies
Posted by rk on September 10, 1999 at 20:09:27:
Yesterday, I bought three orange and black, what i think are tiger bards.
now one appears to be floating at the top and just barely puffin'.
What is happening and what can I do? (could one of them be picking on the other 2?)
Re: sick fishies
Posted by Clint on September 12, 1999 at 19:22:34:
In Reply to: sick fishies posted by rk on September 10, 1999 at 20:09:27:
You wrote on the 10th, I would bet that by now (12th)he's already expired. He might have gotten picked on by one of the others or it might have just been all the trauma from moving around until he finally got home.
Usually if a fish makes it past a week or 2 after they come to your home they will live a long time. But it doe's seem like the mortality rate for the first few days are very high.
If you can you should take him back to the shop and get a replacement.
Good Luck,
Clint
GH for kribs
Posted by Heidi on September 07, 1999 at 17:10:36:
I've lost 5 fish in 2 weeks. My Ph is 7.4, my nitrates and amonia are not readable and my
nitrites are hardly their, So should I be considering GH? The fish were very healthy when I purchased them and ate up until the end. any ideas.
I have 4 kribs left and 4 bolivian rams. Everyone of them has their own hiding place, caves, lots of plants clay pots ect. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Heidi
Re: GH for kribs
Posted by Clint on September 08, 1999 at 17:53:38:
In Reply to: GH for kribs posted by Heidi on September 07, 1999 at 17:10:36:
Do you mean pH? If so thats not the problem, Kribs can take a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5 with no problem.
I suspect that you have one rogue fish that is killing the others. Fish are just as crazy as people sometimes, maybe he had a bad childhood. Occasionally you run across a nutty fish.
Kribs are generally pretty peaceful, really so are Rams, unless they are spawning.
My guess is a pair of Kribs are spawning, the pH is probably too high for the Rams to spawn (it's fine for them to live in, just not for spawning)
Anyway keep looking, I don't think it's the pH.
Clint
PS If you meant dh, that's not a problem either.
harquelin rosbaras
Posted by stuart smith on September 07, 1999 at 01:37:43:
hi i would just like to comment on agreat fish.
i have had a school of 6 harqueil rosabaras for the last 6 months they have withstood diseases such as whitespot and ick which other tankj mates got. they are one of the best fishes ive ever had and no doubt my favourite along with the emerald ctfish and neon and black-widow tetra and betta.
i was just suggesting u should give this fish ago they make a great show in almsot any aquarium if u have not tried these fish go on and give them ago there good
Re: My first Biotype
Posted by Clint on September 06, 1999 at 18:01:04:
In Reply to: My first Biotype posted by Steve on September 06, 1999 at 12:24:19:
Sounds cool, and very easy to maintain.
It's a KIS tank! A KIS biotype.
Yes add the Cory, he will love it too, you might even add another Cory but that would be the limit.
Good Luck on a great tank.
Clint
Prudish Platies
Posted by Theresa on September 06, 1999 at 11:59:16:
Would you believe I can't get my platies to breed? I had 2 males and 4 females in the tank, but I've removed the larger male (he's pretty aggressive so maybe the smaller didn't get a chance) and added a new female. This is very strange.
Re: Prudish Platies
Posted by Kitty Fish on September 06, 1999 at 13:10:45:
In Reply to: Prudish Platies posted by Theresa on September 06, 1999 at 11:59:16:
my platies also wont breed. i had my males a few months before i added any females so i guess theyve forgotten what to do! :P i dont worry about it b/c i really wouldnt want to be overrun with platies. id call it a blessing in disguise ;)
good luck, though, if you are trying to get them to reproduce.
Kitty Fish