Go To Archives Index

From: Barb 4/12/00
Subject: Re: I found fish eggs in my aquarium what should I do? Posted by BarbAquamaniacs.net) Barb on April 12, 101 at 12:57:48: Re: (8650.html) I found fish eggs in my aquarium what should I do? posted by Kimely on April 11, 101 at 18:16:06: You did the right thing by removing the parents as they would simply eat the eggs with great pleasure. Fertile goldfish eggs are clear or pale amber to pale yellow in color. Infertile eggs generally look white within twenty four hours and eventually become fungus covered, so they will have white fuzzies. With fertilized eggs, after two to three days, the developing larvae will begin to wiggle inside the eggs. By day #5, these embryos and yolk sacs are heavily pigmented (having a darkened color). On Days #5-7, the eggs open up and the fish burst out, tail first, with yolk sacs still attached to their bellies. This sac will feed the newly hatched fry for the first few days of life. For the next 48 hours, the 1/4 of an inch long larvae cling to plants and the sides of the pond or aquarium by sticky head glands. They are able to jerk about in the water, but they cannot swim normally and therefore, will spend much of their time resting. At approximately two to three days of age, the yolk sacs are absorbed and the fry begin to swim freely in search of food. Barb www.aquamaniacs.net 8668

From: johna 4/12/00
Subject: Re: I found fish eggs in my aquarium what should I do? Posted by sky_28043yahoo.com) johna on April 12, 101 at 08:58:02: Re: (8650.html) I found fish eggs in my aquarium what should I do? posted by Kimely on April 11, 101 at 18:16:06: go to this site it'll tell you everything you need to know about fry and eggs. http://www.petfish.net/gold.htm 8649

From: Jane 4/11/00
Subject: New Tank & Water Posted by Jane on April 11, 101 at 18:12:22: I just purchased a Eclipse Explorer 1 gallon system. However, the air pump brothers me, in that, will the bubbles stop my Betta from making a bubble nest? Do I need to leave the lid open (it has a small opening for feeding, which I don't think it big enough for him to jump out of)for air. Also I read that dechloriated water should be on stand by for a water change. How soon cqan I prepare this water? Would a month in advance be too much? 8676

From: Barb 4/12/00
Subject: Re: New Tank & Water Posted by BarbAquamaniacs.net) Barb on April 12, 101 at 13:26:56: Re: (8649.html) New Tank & Water posted by Jane on April 11, 101 at 18:12:22: In addition to using NovAqua, which removes chlorine and heavy metals from your tap water and provides a protective coating for your betta, you should also use AmQuel, which removes toxic chloramines and ammonia from your water. It is perfectly fine to use tap water. Bottled water is expensive and not necessary in most cases. You can leave your tap water sitting out over night, so that it is the same temperature when you perform your water change. The temperatures (of the old and new water) should be extremely close when changing water, like no more than a 1-2*F difference. Lids are a must, otherwise they make a jump for freedom! A one gallon container needs to have 100% of its water changed every week. I take it that you have an UGF (underground filter) and trying to "cycle" a betta in a one-gal will be a daunting task. You would have much better success with a 3-gal Eclipse. The turbulence from bubbles often makes it difficult for a bubblenest to stay together. Furthermore, if the bubbles bother you, then you can simply remove the UGF and perform weekly 100% water changes and all will be well.:) Barb www.aquamaniacs.net 8653

From: Kathleen 4/11/00
Subject: Re: New Tank & Water Posted by Kathleen on April 11, 101 at 20:19:56: Re: (8649.html) New Tank & Water posted by Jane on April 11, 101 at 18:12:22: It may or may not keep him from making a bubble nest. Yes you do need to condition the water with Novaqua.You don't need to keep it a month in advance. I use spring water but I still condition it. You can use spring water straight away when you do a water change...which BTW with a small tank you should do once a week. He can't jump out of the tank if you keep the lid on it. I have 2 bettas..one in a 2 gallon tank like yours and one in a 3 gallon Eclipse with a filter and bio wheel. 8648

From: Randy 4/11/00
Subject: Cycling a new 20 gallon tank Posted by pineau01earthlink.net) Randy on April 11, 101 at 17:30:31: Okay, I setup at 20 gallon tank, let it run with a Whisper 30 and air pump for two weeks. Tested the PH at 7.0, Amonia at 0, Nitrite at 0, Nitrate at 20 ( not sure why there was Nitrate without any fish? ). It is now 6 weeks after the fish have been introduced: two tiger barbs, three danios ( I didn't read about cycling until after I put too many fish in the tank! ). Anyway, I've done two water changes, the water is for the most part crystal clear. My question is that my Amonia and Nitrite/Nitrate levels have pretty much not moved too much - .2, 1, 20 respectively. My books say that by now, if my bio filter were working correctly, the Amonia and Nitrite should be zero. I purchased and have put in two doses of BioZyme with hopes that the two "poisons" would decrese as expected. I can't say that I've seen any "spikes" in either of the two elements. The Nitrate hasn't budged. A friend of mine has a Whisper 40 and I noticed that his has an added foam filter thing in addition to the bio bag/filter. Seems like a good place to grow the micro organisms that eat the bad stuff. Do I need that for my tank to cycle properly? 8680

From: Barb 4/12/00
Subject: Re: Cycling a new 20 gallon tank Posted by BarbAquamaniacs.net) Barb on April 12, 101 at 14:05:47: Re: (8648.html) Cycling a new 20 gallon tank posted by Randy on April 11, 101 at 17:30:31: Hey Randy! Fish and bacteria don't read books, so don't feel so badly that they haven't followed what is written.:) Cycling is a process that will occur naturally in its' own time. For a great article on cycling, check out http://www.aquamaniacs.net/cycling safely.html. Your cycling process is taking longer than "usual" because... *You are cycling with a somewhat small bioload, that is, 5 fish (5 inches?) in a 20-gal, which is only 1/4 of the max load. Most cycling is done with 1/3-1/2 of max load. *Your water changes, particularly if you disturbed the gravel bed where the good guy bacteria are setting up house, as this would both remove beneficial bacteria from the gravel and/or lower the necessary chem (nitrites for example) in the water. Some tap water, like yours, does contain nitrates, so you are really awesome for having obtained baseline water chem values. Otherwise, you would have been way confused by nitrates showing up throughout the cycling process. Live plants can help to remove nitrates from the water. 20 is as high as you really want your nitrate levels to go for the best health of your fish. The healthiest levels are at about 5. Barb www.aquamaniacs.net 8690

From: Randy 4/12/00
Subject: Re: Cycling a new 20 gallon tank Posted by pineau01earthlink.net) Randy on April 12, 101 at 16:26:03: Re: (8680.html) Re: Cycling a new 20 gallon tank posted by Barb on April 12, 101 at 14:05:47: Also ... it would seem that a certain percentage of the "good bacteria" are living in my filter cartridge ( Whisper 30 ). If so, how often should I change that cartridge? and, when I change it, will there likely be increased ammonia / nitrite levels and fish stress? Thanks again! Randy 8693

From: Barb 4/12/00
Subject: Re: Cycling a new 20 gallon tank Posted by BarbAquamaniacs.net) Barb on April 12, 101 at 18:59:40: Re: (8690.html) Re: Cycling a new 20 gallon tank posted by Randy on April 12, 101 at 16:26:03: You've got it! Some beneficial bacteria do live in the filter media and if you change it completely, then you do lose those guys, but there are plenty of others in the gravel and on the plants and decorations to carry on. You should not have to go a-cyclin' every time you change the filter (once is enough, huh?).:=) If you do change out a cartridge completely, then don't do any other cleaning, such as a gravel vac, that week. So, change out your filter on an alternate week from your gravel vac. I'm not familiar with a Whisper cartridge but I'm assuming that it has some sort of a sponge with carbon inside it. The guys on my site are much more knowledgeable about tank filters/equipment than I. You might be able to rinse this type of filter out and use it for several months (preserving bacteria), but I am not sure. For sure though, I wouldn't change it any more frequently than once a month. Barb www.aquamanaics.net 8689

From: Randy 4/12/00
Subject: Re: Cycling a new 20 gallon tank Posted by pineau01earthlink.net) Randy on April 12, 101 at 16:22:04: Re: (8680.html) Re: Cycling a new 20 gallon tank posted by Barb on April 12, 101 at 14:05:47: Great! Okay, so I won't vacuum the gravel anymore! :o\ And I should hold off on the water changes for now? or just "skim" a percentage off the top instead? ( Thanks a bunch for your input! Much appreciated! ) Randy 8645

From: ashanti3 4/11/00
Subject: My Aquarium... Posted by nashanglmsn.com) ashanti3 on April 11, 101 at 15:44:49: I have a 30 gallon tank, and 18 fish in it: 3-tiger barb 2-bala shark 2-white molly 2-black molly 2-swordtail 1-rainbow, (one died, but we will replace it this weekend). also, 2-cory catfish, (one died, also). 2-black algae eaters(with long fins). 2-silver algae eaters (small, narrow). I want to add: 3-cory catfish 2-spotted catfish (w/whiskers). 2-african knives 2-neons, (or 4, if they are tiny). Do you think this is too many fish? ashanti3 8647

From: david 4/11/00
Subject: Re: stick with the fish you have Posted by david on April 11, 101 at 17:22:12: Re: (8645.html) My Aquarium... posted by ashanti3 on April 11, 101 at 15:44:49: i would stick with what you've got and even think about selling or giving back the bala sharks(and possibly others)....i have a few and they're going to get BIG.... the reason your other fish died might have alot to do with your fish load...before getting more i would think hard about it and maybe do some research... the one inch per fish rule is "very general" and applies to their full grown size, not the size they are now, as they will grow very quickly and rapidly overstock your tank.... 8658

From: vixen 4/11/00
Subject: Re: stick with the fish you have....I agree Posted by vixen on April 11, 101 at 22:12:54: Re: (8647.html) Re: stick with the fish you have posted by david on April 11, 101 at 17:22:12: The reason why those fish have died is most likely due to overcrowding. The bala sharks and rainbow get way to large for a 30 gallon, so try to find new homes for them or return them to the petstore. 8644

From: johna 4/11/00
Subject: please read!!! Posted by sky_28043yahoo.com) johna on April 11, 101 at 15:16:03: hey this may seem like a dumb question but i realy want to know what kind of fish that i saw one time on a site but it had no info. on it. the fish is kind of shaped like a common goldfish and one of them was blue and the other one pink if you know what kind of fish i'm talking about please reply and give a little info. about them because they seem like wonderful fish and i'm kinda interested in learning a little about them. 8646

From: julie 4/11/00
Subject: Re: please read!!! Posted by julie on April 11, 101 at 17:03:44: Re: (8644.html) please read!!! posted by johna on April 11, 101 at 15:16:03: sounds like you are talking about blueberry and strawberry tetras. the arent natrualy that color, they are dyed. 8659

From: johna 4/11/00
Subject: Re: please read!!! Posted by johna on April 11, 101 at 22:58:11: Re: (8646.html) Re: please read!!! posted by julie on April 11, 101 at 17:03:44: if that's what they are isn't dyeing them dangerous and if it isn't does it effect their life span (not liveing as long etc.) 8813

From: julie 4/19/00
Subject: Re: please read!!! Posted by julie on April 19, 101 at 16:00:23: Re: (8659.html) Re: please read!!! posted by johna on April 11, 101 at 22:58:11: yes, it damages the slime coat making them more suseptable to illness and diseases. 8637

From: Jodi Turnage 4/11/00
Subject: Female Bettas Posted by jodi.turnagesonoco.com) Jodi Turnage on April 11, 101 at 07:30:47: Can you keep a couple of female bettas together? 8686

From: Crystal 4/12/00
Subject: Re: Female Bettas Posted by Crystal on April 12, 101 at 15:23:36: Re: (8637.html) Female Bettas posted by Jodi Turnage on April 11, 101 at 07:30:47: I have 8 females and 1 male in my community tank. So far I haven't had any problems. I have noticed that they have two distinct groups that stick together in different parts of the tank. 8652

From: Kathleen 4/11/00
Subject: Re: Female Bettas Posted by Kathleen on April 11, 101 at 20:14:04: Re: (8637.html) Female Bettas posted by Jodi Turnage on April 11, 101 at 07:30:47: Yes as long as they are good buddies. They can be agressive toward each other. 8642

From: vixen 4/11/00
Subject: Re: Female Bettas Posted by vixen on April 11, 101 at 08:33:24: Re: (8637.html) Female Bettas posted by Jodi Turnage on April 11, 101 at 07:30:47: Yup. Sometimes a female betta will act like a male, so when buying a female, make sure she is coming from a tank with other female bettas(so you know for sure she is peaceful). 8636

From: sharon 4/11/00
Subject: clown loaches Posted by sharon_ensburybio-rad.com) sharon on April 11, 101 at 06:02:10: I have only two clown loaches left in my tank. Most of the time they hide under a stone, only ocassionally coming out. When they do come out, they tend to swim up and down the tank (vertically). What I really want to know is do they do this when they are stressed or happy? I know two is not a good number but the others I bought at the same time died long ago. 8669

From: Guy 4/12/00
Subject: Re: clown loaches Posted by gadams1pclink.com) Guy on April 12, 101 at 10:02:43: Re: (8636.html) clown loaches posted by sharon on April 11, 101 at 06:02:10: I learned through the school of hard knocks about these beautiful (but expensive fish). Mine would last a month or 2 then die. I found out they were dying of malnutrition! The guy in the pet shop told me these little guys need plump bellies. So he recommended I fed them twice a day which I did. I now have 6 clown loaches and they're doing great. I good food for them is shrimp brine pellets because it drops to the bottom of the tank and clown loaches are bottom feeders. Good luck! 8641

From: vixen 4/11/00
Subject: Re: clown loaches Posted by vixen on April 11, 101 at 08:31:39: Re: (8636.html) clown loaches posted by sharon on April 11, 101 at 06:02:10: Well, the best thing to do is to get a couple more loaches, depending on your tanks size. You know two is not a good number for clowns, so go out and fix it. Remember to get loaches around the same size are yours to minimumize fighting. Perhaps the reason why they are swimming like that is because they are looking for their old buddies ? 8635

From: Rich 4/11/00
Subject: Saw a fry in a 5 day old tank Posted by cougiehotmail.com) Rich on April 11, 101 at 05:37:04: I had set up an aquarium for the first time in years recently. I bought some fish to put in (two pair of Platies [two different kinds] and three, what the store called 'gold skirts'. They are happy and healthy and everyone getting along in a 45 g hex tank. They have only been in there for 3 days and last night while feeding them, I noticed a fry peeking out from under one of the 'caves'. I thought I was seeing things. I observed them for a while and out he peeked again. It seemed to be a platy. I haven't seen him this morning, but I can only assume that he is hiding out and under there somewhere. I don't have another tank set up to move him (I don't even know if I should), but he seems to be pretty well protected; the opening isn't large enough for the adults. Is there anything I should do? Or should I leave him be as long as he's found shelter (if he's even still there). I've hatched BBS and added to the tank hoping some would find their way to him as well as grinding up flake food. Also, I'm not very knowledgeable with fish species yet, although i've been doing as much reading as I can and surfing... I've found vast information on the platies, but I can't find anything on the 'gold skirt'. Is there another name for the species? All I know is they're active, just like the platies, and they all get along very well. Thanks in advance for any help. 8640

From: vixen 4/11/00
Subject: Re: Saw a fry in a 5 day old tank Posted by vixen on April 11, 101 at 08:29:11: Re: (8635.html) Saw a fry in a 5 day old tank posted by Rich on April 11, 101 at 05:37:04: Livebearers in general are extremely hardy species. Add some floating plants for the fry to hide in, plus it will be easier to feed them. I dont see why the platy fry wouldn't survive, I've had guppy fry survive many cycles. :) 8630

From: nicole 4/10/00
Subject: goldfish pooping all the time is this bad? Posted by prttykathome.com) nicole on April 10, 101 at 22:33:40: hi I have some little goldfish of some kind, and they are pooping all the time, all day non stop, and I dont think i am overfeeding them, they look healthy, swimming around and stuff, but always 8 to 12 inches long poops, it just looks wrong, and i hope my fish are not having some stomach problems can anyone help? 8682

From: paul rob 4/12/00
Subject: Re: goldfish pooping all the time is this bad? Posted by pdr1ntlworld.com) paul rob on April 12, 101 at 14:28:34: Re: (8630.html) goldfish pooping all the time is this bad? posted by nicole on April 10, 101 at 22:33:40: thats ok all fish do that 8656

From: johna 4/11/00
Subject: Re: goldfish pooping all the time is this bad? Posted by sky_28043yahoo.com) johna on April 11, 101 at 21:38:02: Re: (8630.html) goldfish pooping all the time is this bad? posted by nicole on April 10, 101 at 22:33:40: i'm not to sure if it's bad for them, but it is bad for the water it can cause pollution and cloudy water if you don't have a filter i would recommend one, i'm sorry i don't know what's causing your fish to do that. 8616

From: Jennifer 4/10/00
Subject: sick dwarf gourami??? Posted by jadamspoohhotmail.com) Jennifer on April 10, 101 at 18:30:23: Recently, one of my gourami's passed away. it looked as if some of the scales on one side of his body had been damaged and removed. I though it was due to the algae eater in the tank sometimes chasing him and trying to stick to him. Now my blue gourami (Big Blue) seems to haved the same scale damage. I have never seen any interaction of this fish with any of the others in the tank, so now I'm wondering what the real cause is. I put Stress Coat in the water to help the healing process but don't know what else to do. I really don't want to lose this fish. Does anyone have any ideas??? Thank you - Jen 8681

From: Barb 4/12/00
Subject: Re: sick dwarf gourami??? Posted by BarbAquamaniacs.net) Barb on April 12, 101 at 14:17:38: Re: (8616.html) sick dwarf gourami??? posted by Jennifer on April 10, 101 at 18:30:23: If you have seen any signs of bullying, then you should seperate them... one dead gourami is evidence enough. A few missing scales will probably heal uneventfully, but for any signs of infection, then that should be treated with antibiotic. I can't advise you as to which one, as I don't have enough info about your tank or its' inhabitants. Barb www.aquamaniacs.net 8622

From: vixen 4/10/00
Subject: Re: sick dwarf gourami??? Posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:52:11: Re: (8616.html) sick dwarf gourami??? posted by Jennifer on April 10, 101 at 18:30:23: You have to find out if it is fungal or bacteria infection. Many good websites out there can have pictures and can help you figure out for sure what your fish has. Until then, do water changes, everyday! Dont have to vacuum, just change the water so it is very clean and oxygenated. That will help. 8615

From: Jane 4/10/00
Subject: Tap water Posted by Jane on April 10, 101 at 17:09:46: Sorry for sooo many questions, but as I said Iam a new Betta owner. Someone tried to sell me the Betta-in-the-vase deal. I wanted the Betta, but not the vase. Anyway, how long do you let the tap water sit before you test it, and put the Betta in it. I have reading the various web pages, but no mention of a time frame. 8685

From: Barb 4/12/00
Subject: Re: Tap water Posted by BarbAquamaniacs.net) Barb on April 12, 101 at 15:07:59: Re: (8615.html) Tap water posted by Jane on April 10, 101 at 17:09:46: Your tap water may contain toxic chloramines, so you need to get AmQuel which neutralizes these. I also use NovAqua, which removes chlorine, heavy metals and adds a protective coating for the betta. If you let water sit out over night then the chlorine will evaporate from it, BUT chloramines will not. So, it is a must to condition your water with the above conditioners. Leaving water to sit out overnight is a good thing because the water will be room temperature and will be the same temp as the water in your betta's bowl. It is important to change water at the same temp. Your thinking was good about testing for pH if you will be moving this betta from one water source to another water source, which could have a completely different pH and could therefore be quite stressful or even deadly, if he were not acclimated slowly to the new water. If the two water sources are from the same local vicinity, then you are probably in pretty good shape. As vixen implies, routine water testing for bettas kept in 1-gal bowls in which 100% of their water is changed once a week do not require any water chem testing. Welcome to the wonderful world of bettas!! Barb www.aquamaniacs.net 8618

From: vixen 4/10/00
Subject: What are you testing the water for? NT Posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:39:11: Re: (8615.html) Tap water posted by Jane on April 10, 101 at 17:09:46: nt 8623

From: Jane 4/10/00
Subject: Re: What are you testing the water for? NT Posted by Jane on April 10, 101 at 21:20:11: Re: (8618.html) What are you testing the water for? NT posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:39:11: Isn't the tap water suppose to be tested for chlorines, and the pH tested? How long do you let the tap water set before it is considered conditoned? 8638

From: vixen 4/11/00
Subject: Re: What are you testing the water for? NT Posted by vixen on April 11, 101 at 08:21:37: Re: (8623.html) Re: What are you testing the water for? NT posted by Jane on April 10, 101 at 21:20:11: Ah okay. You can buy water conditioner at any fish shop that instantly neutralizes chlorine, ammonia, etc. Otherwise, you can have the water sit overnight with a powerhead or air pump to circulate the water. As for the pH, bettas arent that picky, and if you spend your time trying to adjust the pH, that will cause even more problems, so just leave pH where it is at. 8612

From: Jane 4/10/00
Subject: Betta Feeder Posted by JARTIS8802AOL.COM) Jane on April 10, 101 at 14:27:51: I will be going out of town for a week. I have an automatic feeder for my 20 gal tank, which has worked out very well in the past. I am a new Betta owner. My Betta is in a 2 gal tank. Can I put a feeder on that? 8617

From: vixen 4/10/00
Subject: Re: Betta Feeder Posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:37:58: Re: (8612.html) Betta Feeder posted by Jane on April 10, 101 at 14:27:51: Nah. If you are leaving for just a week, the betta will be fine with no food. Does the tank have a filter/heater? 8624

From: Jane 4/10/00
Subject: Re: Betta Feeder Posted by Jane on April 10, 101 at 21:25:06: Re: (8617.html) Re: Betta Feeder posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:37:58: My 20 gallon tank has a heater, and filter, but those are differnt species. I have had them for about 2 years. Also the larger tank has a feeder. I'm concerned about my Betta no eating for a week, especially since it is fed 1-2 times per day. Please advise me, I am new at this Betta stuff. 8626

From: Kathleen 4/10/00
Subject: Re: Betta Feeder Posted by Kathleen on April 10, 101 at 21:38:01: Re: (8624.html) Re: Betta Feeder posted by Jane on April 10, 101 at 21:25:06: Jane..please go to http://www.Aquamaniacs.net for expert advice on this. 8610

From: Aurora 4/10/00
Subject: bettas n guppies Posted by AuroraB0RAAol.com) Aurora on April 10, 101 at 12:51:35: So you guys are saying that its ok to have guppies in a bowl without a filter... My betta is in one of those vases which holds about 2/3 gallon of water. Do you think it would be ok to put one guppy in there with him? 8627

From: Kathleen 4/10/00
Subject: Re: bettas n guppies Posted by Kathleen on April 10, 101 at 21:39:14: Re: (8610.html) bettas n guppies posted by Aurora on April 10, 101 at 12:51:35: No..contrary to popular belief...that's barely enough water for him! 8613

From: Julie 4/10/00
Subject: Re: bettas n guppies Posted by Julie on April 10, 101 at 15:53:30: Re: (8610.html) bettas n guppies posted by Aurora on April 10, 101 at 12:51:35: No! Firstly thats barely room enough for the betta, secondly, the betta will more than likely attack the guppy, because of the colorful finnage of the guppy. 8654

From: Kathleen 4/11/00
Subject: Re: bettas n guppies Posted by Kathleen on April 11, 101 at 20:24:13: Re: (8613.html) Re: bettas n guppies posted by Julie on April 10, 101 at 15:53:30: You are right Julie! Bettas shouldn't be in those little vases anyway..much less with another fish. 8619

From: vixen 4/10/00
Subject: Re: bettas n guppies Posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:40:23: Re: (8613.html) Re: bettas n guppies posted by Julie on April 10, 101 at 15:53:30: Also the guppy will dramatically pollute the water because they are messy fish. If you want to keep bettas with other fish, you'll need a larger tank and a filter. 8628

From: Kathleen 4/10/00
Subject: Re: bettas n guppies Posted by Kathleen on April 10, 101 at 21:40:12: Re: (8619.html) Re: bettas n guppies posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:40:23: Thank you vixen!!!!! 8608

From: Dee 4/10/00
Subject: African Dwarf Frogs Posted by bradcanslerbellsouth.net) Dee on April 10, 101 at 09:01:20: I have a 25 gallon aquarium with 4 mollies, 2 bala sharks, a pleco, and up until 3 days ago, 4 African dwarf frogs. I have had the frogs for over 2 weeks and they had been doing fine. Saturday night, I looked in the tank and one had died. On Sunday another frog started swimming funny and then he died after several hours of coasting on the top of the water. Now a third one is coasting and almost lifeless. The fourth keeps squeezing into tight quarters. For example I have a pregnat swordtail in a floating plastic breeding container, and frog #4 keeps squeezing between the plastic and the tank glass. The water temperature in my tank is usually 76-78 degrees. PH level is 7.0. My aquarium has been established for four years. I have a penguin 330 dual filter. My fish range in age from 3 months old to 2 years old. I am hoping that maybe the petstore just had a bad batch of frogs. I have really enjoyed the little guys. I have read that some people put salt in their frogs water, but have read other places that this is bad. Could someone clarify? Please I need help. I am very attached to my frogs and fish. 8687

From: Barb 4/12/00
Subject: Re: African Dwarf Frogs Posted by BarbAquamaniacs.net) Barb on April 12, 101 at 15:25:58: Re: (8608.html) African Dwarf Frogs posted by Dee on April 10, 101 at 09:01:20: Hi Dee! ADFs are my loves (don't let the bettas hear that)!! Your ADF should be fine with the clown loach, but the CAE, I don't know about. Smart move on your part to remove your last froggie to "better" waters. This is a good lesson that when something goes wrong in your tank and fish get sick, the first thing to do is to measure your water parameters. It's good that you figured out this problem and I commend you for it! No added salt with frogs. Enjoy your froggie... he will bring you hours of joy!:) Barb www.aquamaniacs.net 8625

From: Kathleen 4/10/00
Subject: Re: African Dwarf Frogs Posted by Kathleen on April 10, 101 at 21:35:38: Re: (8608.html) African Dwarf Frogs posted by Dee on April 10, 101 at 09:01:20: You need http://www.Aquamaniacs.net for expert help on the frog forum. 8620

From: vixen 4/10/00
Subject: Re: African Dwarf Frogs Posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:43:12: Re: (8608.html) African Dwarf Frogs posted by Dee on April 10, 101 at 09:01:20: Hmm, could just be a bad batch of frogs. Are the other fish harrassing the frogs? Are you sure the frogs are getting enough to eat? 8657

From: Dee 4/11/00
Subject: Re: African Dwarf Frogs Posted by bradcanslerbellsouth.net) Dee on April 11, 101 at 21:48:21: Re: (8620.html) Re: African Dwarf Frogs posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:43:12: Thanks for the aquamaniacs website. I check that out. The fish seem to ignore the frogs. I haven't ever noticed them bothering them. I checked the frogs after they died but didn't see any signs of nipping. I lost another frog yesterday. #4 seems to still be okay though he keeps propping himself up in the corner for about a half hour or so before swimming around. I got a master test kit and everything tested normal but the GH was off the charts. I called the lab company and they thought it might be the natural rocks in my aquarium boosting the GH level so I have taken all the rocks out. I am testing the rocks separately to find the culprit. I have moved frog #4 to a 10 gallon quarantine aquarium where the GH level was much lower. He is in a net breeding enclosure for the moment since I have Chinese algae eaters and a clown loach in that tank at the moment. Will they bother the frog. The loach took care of a major snail problem in that tank and I am concerned that he might also be partial to frogs. 8666

From: Mary 4/12/00
Subject: Re: African Dwarf Frogs Posted by Mary on April 12, 101 at 07:11:40: Re: (8657.html) Re: African Dwarf Frogs posted by Dee on April 11, 101 at 21:48:21: Dee; Two things. 1. Frogs are scaleless; therefore no salt at all it is a constant irritation (like salt on a wound). 2nd. they need to reach the top for air so if the tank is too tall they'll be too worned out by the time they reach the top. HTH 8606

From: Kim 4/10/00
Subject: new tank ideas? Posted by ks1sanger.ac.uk) Kim on April 10, 101 at 06:16:54: Hi I've had a 10 gallon tank for just over a month now, but it's not enough! I have a space about 60cm by 1m which I'm eventually planning to fill with a bigger tank. My ideas so far are: 3/4 Clown Loaches a red-tailed black shark kissing gourami (not sure how many) 5/6 Giant danios Is there anything stupidly obvious wrong with this, and how big a tank would I need to cope with any territory issues? Also, what would be the best fish to start cycling with and how quickly do they all grow so I don't end up putting tiny fish in with bigger ones? Any ideas/opinions? Kim 8609

From: FishGuruJen 4/10/00
Subject: Re: new tank ideas? Posted by FishGuruJen on April 10, 101 at 11:28:59: Re: (8606.html) new tank ideas? posted by Kim on April 10, 101 at 06:16:54: I think a 55G should cope nicely with those. All the fish get atleast 5"+ so you need space. The kissing gourami can grow to about 12", and the clown loaches bout 9", and the RTshark about 6". The giant danios about 5". But I see no reason why a 55G wouldn't handle those fish. GoodLuck!:) 8621

From: vixen 4/10/00
Subject: Re: new tank ideas? Posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:49:38: Re: (8609.html) Re: new tank ideas? posted by FishGuruJen on April 10, 101 at 11:28:59: Actually, that is the bare minimum.75 gallon would be better, more room for the fish. Because a 55 gallon is only 4 feet long, while the gourami can reach about 1 foot, so that does not give him much swimming room. Of course, it does take time for the fish to grow to their maximum, so you can get away with it for a couple of years :) 8634

From: Kim 4/11/00
Subject: Re: new tank ideas? Posted by ks1sanger.ac.uk) Kim on April 11, 101 at 01:32:44: Re: (8621.html) Re: new tank ideas? posted by vixen on April 10, 101 at 18:49:38: How about if I didn't have the gourami? I don't have a huge amount of space so I'm not sure a 75 gallon would be feasible. So I think it'll be a red-tailed shark, 4 clown loaches and 6 giant danios. Best fish for cycling out of those? Which of them grows fastest? 8639

From: vixen 4/11/00
Subject: Re: new tank ideas? Posted by vixen on April 11, 101 at 08:25:02: Re: (8634.html) Re: new tank ideas? posted by Kim on April 11, 101 at 01:32:44: OKay yeah, that would work. Most giant danios you will find are mostly grown. They are best for cycling the tank. I'm not sure about the shark, but the clown loaches will grow pretty slow. When you get the shark and loaches, try to have them all be the same size. That will help prevent any fighting. 8643

From: Kim 4/11/00
Subject: Re: new tank ideas? Posted by ks1sanger.ac.uk) Kim on April 11, 101 at 09:22:16: Re: (8639.html) Re: new tank ideas? posted by vixen on April 11, 101 at 08:25:02: Thanks for the advice. I'll go with the Danios first, but I have quite a bit of DIY to get sorted before I get the new tank anyway. 8592

From: Tanya 4/09/00
Subject: bully fish Posted by BrahmaBLLChicaol.com) Tanya on April 09, 101 at 18:58:22: I am a novice at owning fish and recently started up a 10 gallon aquarium. My first two fish were a glassfish and Red Wag High Fin Platy. The following week I got a dwarf gourami, a golden algea-eater and two Long Fin Red Minor Tetras. All of these fish are docile, or general and are good for communtiy tanks(as I was told.) The platy apparantly doesn't know that it's supposed to be docile because it constantly harrases the two tetras. As I was observing my fish today I noticed that one of the tetra's tail had peices that looked like they were bitten off. I suspected the platy as the cuprit. I have taken the platy out of the tank and put him/her (not sure of the sex) in a separate bowl with this bubble/air maker thing (it's a green oval attached to a tube attached to a vibrating box). Should I get rid of the platy altogether? The tetras? What should I do??? please reply ASAP because I'm really worried about my fish. and any general good fish-keeping tips will be greatly appreciated 8809

From: J.B 4/19/00
Subject: Re: bully fish Posted by J.B on April 19, 101 at 14:39:58: Re: (8592.html) bully fish posted by Tanya on April 09, 101 at 18:58:22: Decide which fish you like the best the tetras or the platy keep the one you like the most. Your tetra shouldn't die from a nip in his tail, watch him for fungus or ick in the next few days. If you keep your platy put a teaspoon of salt in your tank. No salt if you keep anything but the platy. Your platy is a male if it has a long rounded fin under it's belly and a female if it doesn't. Maybe you could get a few more platy's to occupie this one's attention. 8593

From: Jada 4/09/00
Subject: Re: bully fish Posted by Jada on April 09, 101 at 20:21:13: Re: (8592.html) bully fish posted by Tanya on April 09, 101 at 18:58:22: flush him... no no no.. i'm joking.. if you can find anyone to take the platy that would probably be your best bet. sometimes the pet store will take them back if you explain the situation. if he's harrassing the other fish you can't put him back. maybe you could get another aquarium :) but if the tetra's are getting along with the other fish i'd get rid of the platy. 8575

From: Danielle 4/09/00
Subject: Guppy Breeder Posted by tommygirl5246aol.com) Danielle on April 09, 101 at 16:00:24: I have started breeding guppies & I was wondering how to give my females a break.I don't want too many babies & the males are always chasing the females & courting them.The females haven't had a break since I got them.Should I put a seperator in there? 8604

From: Nick 4/09/00
Subject: Re: Guppy Breeder Posted by Nick on April 09, 101 at 23:51:45: Re: (8575.html) Guppy Breeder posted by Danielle on April 09, 101 at 16:00:24: A separator is fine to use, and is a good idea if you can't handle all the fry. However, females can store sperm, so they will continue to have several more batches of fry without contact with a male. 8594

From: Jada 4/09/00
Subject: Re: Guppy Breeder Posted by Jadajo80aol.com) Jada on April 09, 101 at 20:23:01: Re: (8575.html) Guppy Breeder posted by Danielle on April 09, 101 at 16:00:24: you could separate them to give them a break from courting but they will still have babies once a month for sometimes up to 6 months. 8574

From: Lynnette 4/09/00
Subject: my dragon fish has spots?? Posted by wrangler_baby_2000yahoo.com) Lynnette on April 09, 101 at 14:38:47: my dragon fish has little white spots on him/her...he didn't have them before..we got a bad fish and now the dragon has spots that keep multiplying but none of the rest of the fish seem to have it...i tried salt but it isan't getting better...help!!!! 8601

From: Nick 4/09/00
Subject: Re: my dragon fish has spots?? Posted by Nick on April 09, 101 at 23:41:08: Re: (8574.html) my dragon fish has spots?? posted by Lynnette on April 09, 101 at 14:38:47: Do the spots look like tiny white grains of salt? If so, it probably has ich, parasite that attaches to the fish, reproduces, and gets released back into the water. Salt obviously doesn't help because it doesn't kill ich. Ich can only be killed in its free-swimming stage of it's life cycle. You need to use a ich medication such as Rid-Ich, Quick Cure, or Maracide. It would be best if you treat it in a quarantine tank. 8572

From: alyssa 4/09/00
Subject: help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by divastar273aol.com) alyssa on April 09, 101 at 13:31:46: ok i need help! Can newborn baby guppies live without a filter? Or do they ahve to have a filter? because my guppies are having babies and i dont know what to do, either put them in a bowl (without a filter) Or leave them in the tank.please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!! 8580

From: Carol 4/09/00
Subject: Re: help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by blueyes1957hotmail.com) Carol on April 09, 101 at 16:36:40: Re: (8572.html) help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! posted by alyssa on April 09, 101 at 13:31:46: Are your guppies in a tank with other fish? I know that betta's and mollie's are meat eaters and eat their young if not seperated. I don't know forsure about guppies, but I remember as a kid having guppies in a small globe and boy did they multiply!! I don't think it would matter if you had a filter, but you could buy a small one in Wal-Mart. They have suction cups on them and are real easy to use. That's what I did for my baby mollies. I put them in a one gallon olive jar that had been bleached and rinsed real well. They're doing great. Also you can buy liquid food for fry. My babies have graduated to flakes! Let me know how your babies do, it's so cool to watch them grow! Carol 8655

From: alyssa 4/11/00
Subject: Re: help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by alyssa on April 11, 101 at 20:29:26: Re: (8580.html) Re: help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! posted by Carol on April 09, 101 at 16:36:40: well yea there are 2 guppies in my tank,3tigerbarbs,1 bella shark and thats it! 8695

From: Carol 4/12/00
Subject: Re: help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by blueyes1957hotmail.com) Carol on April 12, 101 at 19:50:52: Re: (8655.html) Re: help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! posted by alyssa on April 11, 101 at 20:29:26: If your baby guppies are in your tank with other fish and they haven't gotten eaten yet, I'd say they'll be ok. I really don't know about the other types of fish that you have. I've been told by my local pet shop the all barbs are aggressive, but I don't know if that matters. How are your little guppies doing? 8569

From: Jane 4/09/00
Subject: R. O. Water Posted by JArtis8802aol.com) Jane on April 09, 101 at 12:50:36: I have had a 20 gallon aquarium for many years, and have used R. O. (reverse osmosis) water. I have been reading post on the Betta fish (this is my first one). I was misinformed with the Betta-Peacelily craze. Then I was further misinformed with the Betta Hex container. Fortunatetly, my Betta is still doing good. I've only had him for 1 day. I want to put him in a 2 gal jar, but I don't have the stuff for the tap water. Why can't I use R. O. water like I use for my 20 gal? Thank 8602

From: Nick 4/09/00
Subject: Re: R. O. Water Posted by Nick on April 09, 101 at 23:47:04: Re: (8569.html) R. O. Water posted by Jane on April 09, 101 at 12:50:36: RO water is not the same as water that's been filtered using a carbon filter. RO works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, in which only water can pass through, leaving behind minearals and other substances in tap water. Thus, RO water is almost pure water. It is ok for humans to consume, but it is genearlly inappropriate for fish. RO water is used by advanced aquarists to make specific water necessary to raise and breed sensitive fish. RO water can also be mixed with tap water to obtain desireable pH and water hardness, but again that is beyond the requirements of common tropical fish. 8596

From: Kathleen 4/09/00
Subject: Re: R. O. Water Posted by Kathleen on April 09, 101 at 21:02:36: Re: (8569.html) R. O. Water posted by Jane on April 09, 101 at 12:50:36: I've never used RO water for my Bettas. I use bottled spring water.I use Novaqua to condition it (even though you may not need to). I just want to be on the safe side. I also use Amquel.I have very bad tap water. Distilled water is not good for them since it has no minerals in it that they need. Would RO also remove minerals? I don't know. 8586

From: Carol 4/09/00
Subject: Re: R. O. Water Posted by blueyes1957hotmail.com) Carol on April 09, 101 at 16:58:48: Re: (8569.html) R. O. Water posted by Jane on April 09, 101 at 12:50:36: I've never heard of R.O. water. What exactly is it? 8590

From: Jane 4/09/00
Subject: Re: R. O. Water Posted by JArtis8802aol.com) Jane on April 09, 101 at 18:12:53: Re: (8586.html) Re: R. O. Water posted by Carol on April 09, 101 at 16:58:48: R. O. means Reverse Osmosis. A carbon filter is on the tap water faucet. The filter takes out the impurities, including chlorine. It's the same purified drinking water that you buy.