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12475

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Can you have a betta in a small heated tank with no filter?
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 18:09:23: Re: (12473.html) Can you have a betta in a small heated tank with no filter?
Posted by bujeeboo on August 23, 2000 at 16:12:01:
Yes you can. How ever heating that small a tank might be tricky. Do not know if you can get a heater that small. Of my three bettas only one has a filter, the other two enjoy frequent water changes. What kind of problems have you had with filters? 12494

From: bujeeboo 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Can you have a betta in a small heated tank with no filter?
Posted by bujeeboo@yahoo.com) bujeeboo on August 23, 2000 at 23:26:22: Re: (12475.html) Re: Can you have a betta in a small heated tank with no filter?
Posted by Karen on August 23, 2000 at 18:09:23:
A filter is a deadly weapon in my hands, or so it seems. I'm just trying to get my aquarium to cycle and have had several ammonia-related deaths. Baggy the Betta fish is fine in his little jar, but I don't want to risk a death due to cycling but I want him to be warm in the winter. I don't mind doing water changes at all for him because he's survived them in the past. Thank you all again. 12478

From: zabeth 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Can you have a betta in a small heated tank with no filter?
Posted by zabeth on August 23, 2000 at 18:40:24: Re: (12475.html) Re: Can you have a betta in a small heated tank with no filter?
Posted by Karen on August 23, 2000 at 18:09:23:
Yep, you can get heaters that small... BUT most are lacking in quality and wear out fast. I was following a thread on heating 2g bowls on aquamaniacs's betta forum and they reccomend a 25w Visitherm heater in 2 and 3 gallon tanks. That thread can be found here, if anyone's interested - (http://pub36.ezboard.com/faquariumbbsfrm3.showMessage?topicID=342.topic" target="new) http://pub36.ezboard.com/faquariumbbsfrm3.showMessage?topicID=342.topic as for filtration, you can go without it as long as you do 100% water changes every week or so. 12495

From: bujeeboo 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Can you have a betta in a small heated tank with no filter?
Posted by bujeeboo@yahoo.com) bujeeboo on August 23, 2000 at 23:34:48: Re: (12478.html) Re: Can you have a betta in a small heated tank with no filter?
Posted by zabeth on August 23, 2000 at 18:40:24:
That thread was helpful for precisely my question. Would you believe, I actually have a spare small 25watt heater, (yeah, ME who kills fish) but it seems to be stuck on 80. I would like to acclimate Baggy gradually and not just dump him in a sauna, so I think I will take it back and get the Visitherm. Thanks again, zabeth. 12469

From: bujeeboo 8/23/2000
Subject: Question regarding ammonia and nitrite testing
Posted by bujeeboo@yahoo.com) bujeeboo on August 23, 2000 at 15:52:21:
Okay, all my fish have died except 4 tetras in my 6 gallon tank. So I am no longer overstocked. My ammonia and nitrite levels are still high. I have been using the Ammo-Lock daily, plus doing daily water changes of 1 gal (from the bottom, with a gravel vaccume. My question is, if you continue to get a positive reading for ammonia even while using the Ammo-Lock (as the bottle says you will) then how do you know if you still have an ammonia problem? But the nitrite level? Also does anyone know how long you can use Ammo-Lock? I lost a fish shortly after using it, and I wonder if it was the ammonia or the Ammo-lock or both... Does it sound like I am handling this right? -bujee 12531

From: bujeeboo 8/24/2000
Subject: Ammonia and Nitrite levels, other data folks asked for
Posted by bujeeboo@yahoo.com) bujeeboo on August 24, 2000 at 18:00:13: Re: (12469.html) Question regarding ammonia and nitrite testing
Posted by bujeeboo on August 23, 2000 at 15:52:21:
Various fish oracles that are helping me with this problem wanted to know some additional info, so here it is: Yes, this is the now 4 week old 6 gallon. The Ammo-Lock (an Aquarium Pharmaceuticals product) is added directly to the water. It says you may use 3 doses (5 mL for each 10 gal. H20) before having to do a water change. If after 7 days you still have a pos. ammonia reading you are over feeding or over stocked (neither is true anymore in my case - all my fish have dies except 4 tetras and they eat like 4 flakes total). I am coming up on the 6th day soon, and that brings me to my next answer. Today's ammonia and nitrite readings are the highest they have ever been. Ammonia = 6.0 to 7.0 ppm and nitrites = .50 ppm. When I see numbers like that, I feel I MUST do a water change, even though I have been instructed not to because that seems like an almost emergency situation. I add more Ammo-lock as well. I also noticed that the walls of the tanks are getting really cloudy (algae?) The 4 tetras are sort of boring little fish, so it's hard to tell if they are stressed, but I would imagine they are. They breath rapidly, but aren't surface-gasping, perhaps a little sluggish. Hardy little suckers, I'll say that. I think I will call them "Destiny's Child". They have survived the fish holocaust (so far). My ammonia in my tap water is 0. I put a little salt in there. We'll see. Two more weeks of this, right? 12500

From: Mary 8/24/2000
Subject: Re: Question regarding ammonia and nitrite testing
Posted by Mary on August 24, 2000 at 07:47:04: Re: (12469.html) Question regarding ammonia and nitrite testing
Posted by bujeeboo on August 23, 2000 at 15:52:21:
Have you tested your faucet. Maybe your city treats the water with chloramine, that will always show a positive (ammonia). In an established tank the filter will take care of it in a short while. Keep the water changes going to reduce some of the nitrIte and don't forget to add 1 tablespoon of salt to your tank, feed very little. Do not vacumm your tank unless you have overfed. Vacumm will prolong the cycling also do not clean your filter. Of course don't add any more fish. Hang on your almost there. 12485

From: zabeth 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Question regarding ammonia and nitrite testing
Posted by apathesia@aol.com) zabeth on August 23, 2000 at 19:09:53: Re: (12469.html) Question regarding ammonia and nitrite testing
Posted by bujeeboo on August 23, 2000 at 15:52:21:
This is a 6g tank, right? Stop the daily 1gal changes. When you're cycling, you don't want to really touch the bottom -- you're sucking up the beginnings of the tank's bio filter, which sets you further back in the process and causes your ammonia and nitrite to spike and respike over and over. I'm not too familiar with Ammo-Lock, so I've got some questions for ya :) It's supposed to bind ammonia or convert it to a "non-toxic" form while leaving it in the tank, right? Is it added to the water or put in the filter? It's an Aquarium Pharmacueticals product, no? What's your current ammonia level? The best way to find out if you've still got an ammonia problem is to monitor your fish. You'll want to look for signs of stress -- rapid breathing, red gills, gasping at the surface line, sluggishness, not eating, frayed fins, etc. However *if* Ammo-Lock goes into the water and you're adding the proper amount each time you do a water change ((one sixth of what you added the first time around.)), you shouldn't have a problem with your ammonia. How much ammo-lock are you adding daily? If you're seeing any of the things I mentioned above, they may be caused by NitrItes, which are also stressful to fish. Where they at last time you tested? You can use Ammo-lock as long as you run your tank. It's not harmful to your fish :) I imagine the loss was caused by ammonia -- or a combination of ammonia and a number of other stressors in your tank. Couple of suggestions: - kill the 1g daily changes. shoot for 10% when fish are showing signs of stress due to nitrIte or ammonia, and 20 or 25% every 10-14 days as needed. don't disturb the gravel :P - a bit of aquarium salt in the tank will lower the toxicity of nitrIte. i'm not sure how well your tetras would handle it, though. 1/4 or 1/3 teaspoon should be sufficient enough to make a dent and not harm the tets. however, 10% changes will also help with the 'trites and you avoid the risk of harming the fish. hope this helped :) 12471

From: bujeeboo 8/23/2000
Subject: Correction to my question
Posted by bujeeboo@yeahoo.com) bujeeboo on August 23, 2000 at 15:58:34: Re: (12469.html) Question regarding ammonia and nitrite testing
Posted by bujeeboo on August 23, 2000 at 15:52:21:
The way my question read didn't make sense. What I mean is,if you continue to get a positive reading for ammonia even while using Ammo-Lock, is the nitrite level accurate as well and doesn't high nitrite also hurt fish even though the ammonia isn't killing them? 12502

From: Mary 8/24/2000
Subject: Re: Correction to my question
Posted by Mary on August 24, 2000 at 07:58:14: Re: (12471.html) Correction to my question
Posted by bujeeboo on August 23, 2000 at 15:58:34:
NitrIte is slightly more dangerous than ammonia. Yes the readings of nitrIte will be the correct reading even though your using the Ammo-lock. Ammo-Lock will only bind the ammonia but will give you a positive reading. You must continue with the water changes to bring down the nitrIte readings, but do not vacumm unless you've over fed. Good luck 12505

From: Karen 8/24/2000
Subject: Re: Correction to my question
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 24, 2000 at 08:14:43: Re: (12502.html) Re: Correction to my question
Posted by Mary on August 24, 2000 at 07:58:14:
Funny, the advice on vacumming has gone from do it daily to not at all. Here is my opinion. I would continue the vacumming but not daily. Once a week as you should continue to do even after the tank is all cycled and ready to go. I would also keep up the water changes, but maybe to every three days. If you wait til your fish show stress that is not really to good for them. You want to do it before they get stressed. 12463

From: the painted horse 8/23/2000
Subject: male & female battas ???
Posted by the painted horse on August 23, 2000 at 12:25:10:
hello again were can i see a picture of the male battas & female. so i can see what they look like . so fore all i seen is the male fish. not sure what the female battas looks like . thanks . the painted horse. 12497

From: katie 8/24/2000
Subject: Re: male & female battas ???
Posted by kteblkwel@hotmail.com) katie on August 24, 2000 at 04:02:30: Re: (12463.html) male & female battas ???
Posted by the painted horse on August 23, 2000 at 12:25:10:
Try www.bettatalk.com or put bettas in you search engine and weed throught the sites...there are many dedicated to bettas-look at your local library there might be books with info and pics of female bettas- I think most of them have much shorter fins and very dull colors-brown alot of the time i think. although i saw one very attractive female in a community tank at the LFS. Nice colors-but dull compared to the males! 12462

From: the painted horse 8/23/2000
Subject: male & female battas ???
Posted by the painted horse on August 23, 2000 at 12:24:12:
hello again were can i see a picture of the male battas & female. so i can see what they look like . so fore all i seen is the male fish. not sure what the female battas looks like . thanks . the painted horse. 12464

From: Angel 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: male & female battas ???
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 23, 2000 at 12:48:31: Re: (12462.html) male & female battas ???
Posted by the painted horse on August 23, 2000 at 12:24:12:
The female almost looks like the male but with less flare fins 12460

From: Angel 8/23/2000
Subject: Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 23, 2000 at 11:02:39:
I hae this huge shell and I want to put it in my 55gal tank, will it hurt any of my fish, 12499

From: Mary 8/24/2000
Subject: Re: Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by Mary on August 24, 2000 at 06:42:14: Re: (12460.html) Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by Angel on August 23, 2000 at 11:02:39:
If its a real shell you cannot put it in a freswater tank because it will leak out calcium in the tank. 12465

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 15:29:28: Re: (12460.html) Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by Angel on August 23, 2000 at 11:02:39:
A real shell or a manmade shell? Either should be ok. Has this shell been sitting on a shelf being dusted or sprayed with any kind of polish on a rag? Then no. Out in the garden where fertilizer or weed killer might have gotten on it. Then no. Soak it and rinse it very well. It might cause a slight rise in your ph but not enough that I would be too concerned. 12484

From: Angel 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 23, 2000 at 19:05:34: Re: (12465.html) Re: Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by Karen on August 23, 2000 at 15:29:28:
It's abig shell that my mom got me from Hawii. So I don't know if it's man made or not.. 12506

From: Karen 8/24/2000
Subject: Re: Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 24, 2000 at 08:17:33: Re: (12484.html) Re: Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by Angel on August 23, 2000 at 19:05:34:
If it is solid on the inside it is man made, if hollow and not shiny it is likely but not definately natural. As someone said it can leach calcium into your tank. From my experience, and I do very regular water changes, I have not had a problem of a build up. I would strongly advice soaking it for a week or two, replacing the water daily. 12476

From: Eddie 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by Eddie on August 23, 2000 at 18:18:22: Re: (12465.html) Re: Can you put a big shell in a tank
Posted by Karen on August 23, 2000 at 15:29:28:
some fish may get stuck in there though, i wouldn't. 12457

From: Csy3 8/23/2000
Subject: Fish and Pots
Posted by Csy3 on August 23, 2000 at 09:44:26:
I was wondering, is it okay to put a terra cotta pot in my 30 gallon tank. I washed the pot out really good and it's soaked in clean water for a day. I also broke it to make it into pieces. I don't want to poison my fish. Secondly, I was wondering if anyone had some useful breeding information or a site for rosey red minnows. I have about 16 of them in my tank and I really want them to breed. There doesn't seem to be too much information about them on the net. Thanks to anyone who helps!!!! 12466

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Fish and Pots
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 15:31:03: Re: (12457.html) Fish and Pots
Posted by Csy3 on August 23, 2000 at 09:44:26:
Breeders of cichlids often use clay pots as caves. Should be fine as long as it did not have a plant in it. Fertilizers and weed killers will permeate the clay and be impossible to get out. 12456

From: Angel 8/23/2000
Subject: to Karen
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 23, 2000 at 09:33:14:
I found a greenswordtil and I also found a blue and red one it looks cool. Also my betta's fins look sickly they look limp. 12467

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: to Karen
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 15:34:01: Re: (12456.html) to Karen
Posted by Angel on August 23, 2000 at 09:33:14:
Glad to hear you found the swords you were looking for. Should be interesting to see what you get for babies. Limp. Bettas don't tend to carry their fins in an upright position. If you put a mirror so he can see himself does he flare? This is not 100% as one of mine just kind of flicks his fins at the image or when placed where he can see another male. Is he swimming normal? Eating normal? Are his fins torn or ragged? 12482

From: Angel 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: to Karen
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 23, 2000 at 18:55:00: Re: (12467.html) Re: to Karen
Posted by Karen on August 23, 2000 at 15:34:01:
Fancy his fins look a little ragged. I'm going to try to sell the swords when they get bigger.. 12489

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: to Karen
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 19:18:00: Re: (12482.html) Re: to Karen
Posted by Angel on August 23, 2000 at 18:55:00:
Short memory here so forgive me. Is he in his own tank or does he share with the community? If alone and his fins are a little ragged I would just keep an eye to see if they get worse or better in hte next few days. If in the community tank he is getting picked on and i would put him in his own tank. 12444

From: tracy 8/23/2000
Subject: my filter keeps "eating" my fish!!!
Posted by tracy on August 23, 2000 at 06:22:20:
Hi everybody!! I have this problem with my filter. It keeps killing / hurting my little guys. Yesterday I came home with three new corys to add to my tank, so I was all happy. But then I couldn't find my oto. I found him a while later - his backend sucked into the filter intake. He was dead :( This has happened to me before - I once lost 3 neon tetras in 3 days (so I obviously decided I couldn't get any more fish that small). My filter is an Aquaclear Mini. This is really frustrating... Is there anything I can do to stop it? Like putting some mesh-like netting over the intake? If I did that though, I couldn't filter out anything bigger than a tiny piece of food or something. Any ideas?? Am I the only one this happens to? Any advice would be appreciated :) 12508

From: tracy 8/24/2000
Subject: Thanks
Posted by tracy on August 24, 2000 at 08:51:31: Re: (12444.html) my filter keeps "eating" my fish!!!
Posted by tracy on August 23, 2000 at 06:22:20:
Thanks for the ideas guys... I have a few things to try out now. Thanks again - you all are great! 12474

From: koko 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: my filter keeps "eating" my fish!!!
Posted by koko on August 23, 2000 at 16:28:42: Re: (12444.html) my filter keeps "eating" my fish!!!
Posted by tracy on August 23, 2000 at 06:22:20:
When I had a guppy tank and had many babies in it I use to use a cut up piece of fish net and wrapped that around the filter intake and used a white tie wrap to hold it on that stopped the babies from getting sucked up into the filter. I still use this on my Fuval 404 so that my goldfishes fins dont get sucked up into the filter. koko 12453

From: Mary 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: my filter keeps "eating" my fish!!!
Posted by Mary on August 23, 2000 at 08:12:50: Re: (12444.html) my filter keeps "eating" my fish!!!
Posted by tracy on August 23, 2000 at 06:22:20:
Tracy Sorry to hear about your loss. Yes, it has happened to me not only with small fish but big once as well. Usually when a fish get suck its ill/weak. I have tiny babby less than 1/4" swimming/playing around the intake and not get stuck. Otos are said to be weak fishes I had three once and they died shortly after I got them for no apparent reason. My corries are very hardy though I've had most for more than 5 years. Take a good look at them make sure they're not ill. Before you add new fish to your main tank it is wise to quarentine them for 3 weeks so that if they are ill they will not infect the healthy. Even when they look healthy after a day or two they might succum to ick because of the stress of moving and new environment. You can wrap the intake with nylon or even a SPONGE which some people like to do but as you say it will not pick up as much and will also slow down the power and will have to be clean. Good luck 12468

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: my filter keeps "eating" my fish!!!
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 15:40:51: Re: (12453.html) Re: my filter keeps "eating" my fish!!!
Posted by Mary on August 23, 2000 at 08:12:50:
The pantyhose is a good trick but it takes little to get them clogged so the filter does not work. Mine needed to be checked every few days. I have also tried the plastic mesh fruit bags over the ends but you have to be careful of insecticides and who knows what else might be on it. I also used a piece of plastic canvas to cover the intake.I have yet to find a solution I am happy with. I agree it usually is a weak or ill fish that gets sucked up. But I had a small gold that just liked to play by the intake. Have seen this in other fish also. 12447

From: Chris 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: my filter keeps "eating" my fish!!!
Posted by Chris on August 23, 2000 at 06:38:50: Re: (12444.html) my filter keeps "eating" my fish!!!
Posted by tracy on August 23, 2000 at 06:22:20:
When I have babies in the tank I put pantyhose over the intake. You might want to try something like that. 12443

From: Chris 8/23/2000
Subject: When do I put my baby mollies in with my adult mollies
Posted by Chris on August 23, 2000 at 06:04:00:
My baby mollies are only a week old, and still look too small to be in with the other mollies. But I was wondering at what age should I put them in with the others. 12446

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: When do I put my baby mollies in with my adult mollies
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 06:30:10: Re: (12443.html) When do I put my baby mollies in with my adult mollies
Posted by Chris on August 23, 2000 at 06:04:00:
The simple answer is when they are to large to be eaten. IF they are growing well a month. When I had a pair of mollies I left the babies in with the parents. If they ate any it was only weak ones. I was over run with the little guys and gals. 12441

From: Christina 8/23/2000
Subject: New Here/Goldfish Problem
Posted by Christina on August 23, 2000 at 05:21:20:
Hi there, Thanks for providing this great forum! Here's my problem... My goldfish has been swimming on a little on it's side but mainly on it's back since late last evening and I was wondering what could be causing him to do this? I read some other solutions for similar problems but mine may be different because the goldfish is having problems with his fins, meaning they appear to be tearing and wearing away. I also noticed some red streaking/spots on his fins this morning. He was in a tank with another, much larger goldfish but I took him out and put him in another tank once I realized he wasn't doing well last night. The other fish is much larger and seems to be doing just fine. Any suggestions on how I can help him? Thanks in advance, Christina 12445

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: New Here/Goldfish Problem
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 06:27:28: Re: (12441.html) New Here/Goldfish Problem
Posted by Christina on August 23, 2000 at 05:21:20:
The fins make me think ammonia, swimming on his side makes me think swim bladder. Streaking in the fins sounds like septicemia which can be caused form to small a tank and or too many fish or not enough water changes. Here is what we need, tank size and what do you feed. How often do you do water changes and how much. Any chemicals or medicines you have used to alter the water. Is the tank heated? You said you put him in another tank, what size and is he alone? I would do another water change in both tanks and let us know the above. See if we can help you out. 12458

From: abigail 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: New Here/Goldfish Problem
Posted by abigail on August 23, 2000 at 10:19:38: Re: (12445.html) Re: New Here/Goldfish Problem
Posted by Karen on August 23, 2000 at 06:27:28:
New here too and I've got the same problem.Ababy shubunkin fry i have ,from my grandad 's pond (sound like a school girl when I'm 25!)which was the only shubunkin he actually got this year any help on thAT PLEASE?also the fry he swims a litte bit at the side I never had this problem I moved from a 20 gallon tank to a 8footl x5footw x 4foot deep koi pond which i only have 3koi in that are 4' so i had to go out and spend £40 or roughly $90-$100 on a 7' thai koi advice on breeding those please. 12454

From: Mary 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Also needed your water parameters, ammonia, nitrIte and nitrAte. I believe here lies you problem. Stop feeding till you get back. n/t/
Posted by Mary on August 23, 2000 at 08:21:24: Re: (12445.html) Re: New Here/Goldfish Problem
Posted by Karen on August 23, 2000 at 06:27:28:
n/t 12436

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Wanting to find a blue sword tail
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 22:40:12:
Does anyone know how to find a blue swordtail I'm experimenting on breeding a green sword and a blue one with a orange sword. 12451

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Wanting to find a blue sword tail
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COm) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 06:55:51: Re: (12436.html) Wanting to find a blue sword tail
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 22:40:12:
Sounds to me you like swords and are having some fun with htem too. That is great. I have seen a bluish sword but it was only on the first half, last half was mostly black. And it was not that blue a blue. Have you done a lot of reading on these guys. One color variety is or was used in cancer research. I find that interesting. 12432

From: David 8/22/2000
Subject: Betta is not eating
Posted by eros_992165@yahoo.com) David on August 22, 2000 at 22:22:26:
I bought a male Betta on Saturday afternoon, brought him home and set up a 1-gallon bowl for him to live in. His coloration was a little weak and he had two or three brown spots on his body, which was why I bought him, hoping that by getting him out of a cup, I could build up his strength and color. Unfortunately, he never started eating. Through this site I figured he had a disease called "Velvet," so I've been medicating him using aquarium salt for the past three days. Then I tried "Ick Away," simply because it worked clearing multiple kinds of fungus. No positive results yet. So I turned to a THIRD medication tonight, called Maracyn-Two, which is supposed to help clear up this stuff he has (at least according to the Pet Shop owner). Questions: am I doing something wrong? How long does it take for a male Betta to recover from this sort of thing? and how long can a Betta last without eating? 12442

From: Mary 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Betta is not eating
Posted by Mary on August 23, 2000 at 06:03:44: Re: (12432.html) Betta is not eating
Posted by David on August 22, 2000 at 22:22:26:
Hi David, Good of you for rescuing him. You asked if your doing something wrong. In my opinion the single worst thing your doing is the use of too many medications. It's true that the right medication can help to remedy/cure, however, use of too much medication makes the fish system get use to it and will be of none effect when needed. Also too many medications can weaken an already ill fish. I wonder how you managed to get the right dosage for a 1 gallon bowl (no offence intended) cutting that little pill into 10 sections. When medicating it most be done exactly as instructed. I would change half the tank water every other day. The single most important thing necessary to ensure the health of the fish is their environment which is their water, keeping it in prestine condition will assure their health excluding genetics. They also do well with one TEAspoon of salt for ea gal. As for not eating have you tried frozen and freeze dried bloodworms, frozen brine shrimp as well as the hikari pellets and the beta bites. My bettas love all. Good luck 12435

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Betta is not eating
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 22:34:59: Re: (12432.html) Betta is not eating
Posted by David on August 22, 2000 at 22:22:26:
seems to me you got a sick betta on your hands. Where did you get him from. Some places get alot of there fish from farms in mass quentites and some of the bettas get sick very easily my advice is hadle the betta with care and love 12437

From: David 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Betta is not eating
Posted by David on August 22, 2000 at 23:10:00: Re: (12435.html) Re: Betta is not eating
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 22:34:59:
Of course the Betta is sick. Why else would I post this info on the board? I bought him from Petco--big mistake, I see, since there seems to be quite a few problems coming out of their fish supply lately. Care and love the cure? I think not. I give my bettas plenty of that. There is some other reason why he is like this. 12448

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Betta is not eating
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 06:42:17: Re: (12437.html) Re: Betta is not eating
Posted by David on August 22, 2000 at 23:10:00:
I am wondering. When you switched from one medicine to another did you change his water first? Velvet, common in these guys that come from the littel cups from what I have seen and heard. I have rescued three from Walmart. One of them is Lucky, he had so much gunk on the bottom of his cup and his fins were so bad they looked like threads and I thought he had velvet too. (I am not exagerating about those fins either) I put him in a gallon jar with 1/8 tsp salt and the doasage for a liquid product called fungus cure. The first day, water change and the salt the second day, new water and 1/4 tsp salt the third. I had two jars, one that sat with water over night so I could just pop him into a totally new and clean gallon each day. After two weeks fins were growing back and his color was looking good. Ugly purple guy but I like him any way. As for not eating. I sometimes think these guys give up in those little cups. Mine love frozen Daphnia. Kinda floats around before sinking. 12429

From: chriss 8/22/2000
Subject: best way
Posted by 007beta@mediaone.net) chriss on August 22, 2000 at 20:32:45:
the best way to breed betas is to have at least3 to 9 female betas and one male 12428

From: chriss 8/22/2000
Subject: best way
Posted by 007beta@mediaone.net) chriss on August 22, 2000 at 20:32:24:
the best way to breed betas is to have at least3 to 9 female betas and one male 12420

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Dalmation mollies are they the same as mollies
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:38:29:
I was planing on getting dalmation mollies this weekend but I have regular mollies in my tank will they mate with the other mollies. 12421

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Dalmation mollies are they the same as mollies
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 19:57:18: Re: (12420.html) Dalmation mollies are they the same as mollies
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:38:29:
Yes dalmation mollies and black mollies will breed. They are the same fish different color as far as I have ever heard. 12431

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Dalmation mollies are they the same as mollies
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 22:20:58: Re: (12421.html) Re: Dalmation mollies are they the same as mollies
Posted by Karen on August 22, 2000 at 19:57:18:
I have 2nd genration mollies they are all white and spotted, I gave my white female and black male away.. 12415

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Sorry to ask alot of questions
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:09:49:
I've only had most of my fish for almost a year and these are my first tanks, and coming to this message board is helping me learn. 12416

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Welcome
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 18:18:17: Re: (12415.html) Sorry to ask alot of questions
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:09:49:
and glad we could help. Even after all these years of fish keeping I am still learning a lot to so ask away. 12419

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Welcome
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:31:26: Re: (12416.html) Welcome
Posted by Karen on August 22, 2000 at 18:18:17:
I'm starting to breed swordtails and I wantto find a green one but I seem to can't find one. So help please 12422

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Welcome
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 19:58:21: Re: (12419.html) Re: Welcome
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:31:26:
They are pretty easy to find around my area. If you can't find them maybe you have a lfs that would order them for you. 12414

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Put a snail in a tank
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:02:51:
I have a 30gal tank with baby swordtails and I wanted to put a snail in it to get the alge and uneaten food. But I don't know what kind to get so a little help please 12438

From: katie 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Put a snail in a tank(apple snails-mystery snails)
Posted by kteblkwel@hotmail.com) katie on August 23, 2000 at 03:33:42: Re: (12414.html) Put a snail in a tank
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:02:51:
Apple snails or Mystery snails don't multiply-at least mine never have...I just love snails but so far haven't had the best of luck! I am trying to learn-you will have to buy it Alage chips if you don't have sufficeint algae in your tank-I they sink to the bottom and your little snail guy will find them...I have one named Petunia. They have golden mystery nails and black mystery snails and the kind with "ram" shells...these are not supposed to multiply-they run from two-to three dollars, are cute cleaning the glass, and remember you should get one bigger than your fishes mouths....get a healthy fat one...um-just ask the LFS to make sure you are purchasing the ones that don't multiply...Good luck! You don't have brackish water do you? They are sensitive to copper if you have to treat with it....There is a site that will tell you probably as much info out there as there is: something like-Wallys snail care....But there is a link on the site AquariumFish.net-if you are looking on this site at snails, it will prompt you with a link to go to the site for more snail info-Click on Wallys...HTH and isn't to confusing! 12539

From: Eddie 8/24/2000
Subject: Re: Put a snail in a tank(apple snails-mystery snails)
Posted by Eddie on August 24, 2000 at 20:48:32: Re: (12438.html) Re: Put a snail in a tank(apple snails-mystery snails)
Posted by katie on August 23, 2000 at 03:33:42:
err....if they don't multiply, where did that snail come from? 12417

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Put a snail in a tank
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 18:20:00: Re: (12414.html) Put a snail in a tank
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:02:51:
I can't really help you here as I do not like snails. Personal opinion. There is a small algae eater nicknamed an Otto that I like. Pretty tame little guy and more fun to watch than a snail. Again personal opinion. 12418

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Put a snail in a tank
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:28:28: Re: (12417.html) Re: Put a snail in a tank
Posted by Karen on August 22, 2000 at 18:20:00:
I heard them guys get expesive and I heard that snails can mulitply like mollies. 12423

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Put a snail in a tank
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 20:00:07: Re: (12418.html) Re: Put a snail in a tank
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:28:28:
Some snails multiply by the hundreds and some don't. I do not do snails so can't tell you which ones are which other than the pond snail. Don't want them in your tank. As for Ottos being expensive, they are around $2-$3 around here. 12459

From: Noreen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Put a snail in a tank
Posted by Noreen on August 23, 2000 at 10:20:52: Re: (12423.html) Re: Put a snail in a tank
Posted by Karen on August 22, 2000 at 20:00:07:
There is a cool species of snail that is shaped like a cinnomin bun on its side. They do crazy snail things and dont multiply. Some of them are brown with stripes,(my favorite) and some are yellow. I think they are really fun to watch. 12413

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Put a snail in a tank
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 18:00:19:
I have a 30gal tank with baby swordtails and I wanted to put a snail in it to get the alge and uneaten food. But I don't know what kind to get so a little. 12411

From: Michelle 8/22/2000
Subject: still more questions for Karen
Posted by devadust@yahoo.com) Michelle on August 22, 2000 at 17:42:05:
Ok, so I won't worry about the Ph anymore - do you mean as a pet only and not to breed? I certainly don't want to breed! (-: Yea, he even come right to the top of the tank and asks for the food - I usually give him a couple bio gold bits in the morning, then in the afternoon (or around there)I'll give him some waterfleas, then some more bits of that "premium" tropical fish bits in the late evening - I try not to give him too much, since I don't want to overfeed him - some one told me to skip one whole day in feeding him to help clean out his system - is that true? Also, this guy told me that I could feed him really small pieces of cheese and canned tuna for variety in place of live food - is that true? Oh, the waterfleas are by tetra and they come in a little box with these small pkgs. that you cut the top of and squeeze out the food in little strips or chunks - Bobo comes right to the top and just eats the stuff right up - I have to be careful because I think that he could eat the whole bag! Do you know if aquarium salt can make the Ph go up? (oops Ph questions again!)The reason why I ask is when I test the conditioned bottle-water the Ph reads at 7.4, I only do small water changes because the tank Ph says 8. - 8.2 and then later when I check the ph in the tank after the salt has been added - the Ph is still up at 8. - shouldn't it go down if the new water that I am adding is 7.4? Someone on the web told me that Arrowhead Spring water is a Ph of 8.1, so why when I test it it reads 7.4 - I'm confused, does it go up after a while? Also, will a tank approved ornament change the Ph? Remember I took everything out but the silk plant when Bobo got sick (I left it in so he wouldn't get too bored) I was wondering if I should put it back in or does a Betta need all that stuff? Does he need a live plant, they breath from the surface air - so I figured a live plant wasn't necessary - what do you have with your Bettas? I don't have any gravel or rock on the bottom at all and I think I'll leave it that way - unless it's necessary for Bobo's happiness. Thanks for all the information - me and Bobo really appreciate you! (-: 12424

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: still more questions for Karen
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 20:15:48: Re: (12411.html) still more questions for Karen
Posted by Michelle on August 22, 2000 at 17:42:05:
I admit I don't know a lot and have a lot to learn but in over 30 years of successful (succesful in this sense being I have bred some fish and managed to keep fish alive for too many years and have rarely had disease) fishkeeping I have never heard of feeding fish cheese. For bait stinky cheese but not as a food. I would not do it myself as there are so many good foods available. I have used Tuna for my cichlids as a treat but never have fed it to my bettas. Water packed and well drained. I use salt, 1/4 tsp per gallon and not had it affect my ph at all. My 3 bettas are housed as follows. Red Devil has 5 1/2 gallons, undergravel filter, no heater, gravel, silk aquarium plant and a piece of lava that was at one time in a reef tank. Lucky is in a 3 gallon, no filter or heater or gravel, every other day water change. Only decoration is a statue of two goldfish kissing (present from my hubby:-). Sky, who also happens to be my favorite is kept in a gallon pickle jar with sand and a fake piece of blue coral. I occasionally put plant cuttings in his jar to root. I take Sky on vacation with me sometimes, jar and all. Now to address the live plants. I can not get aquarium plants to live. House plants yes, aqua plants, no. They have their own special needs which if they work for you is great and no doubt benefits the fish. However, all they do is die and foul my tanks so I do not bother. All fish need something in their tanks to swim around and hide behind. Ok, I have never asked a fish personally, but they do seem happier and more relaxed with a decoration or two. As for feeding, 2-3 times a day is enough and what does not get eaten should be cleaned out if possible. As for skipping a day a week. Some do some don't. Works either way, personally I try not to skip a day. And as for asking so many questions, I often learn from the questions asked or am reminded of something I have forgotten, so ask away. 12434

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: still more questions for Karen
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 22:28:54: Re: (12424.html) Re: still more questions for Karen
Posted by Karen on August 22, 2000 at 20:15:48:
I just read your little thing and seem like we have alot in common, I keep my betta Fancy in a pickle jar to cause my boyfriend wanted to breed swordtails in my 30gal tank I had him in. 12433

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: still more questions for Karen
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 22:27:42: Re: (12424.html) Re: still more questions for Karen
Posted by Karen on August 22, 2000 at 20:15:48:
I just read your little thing and seem like we have alot in common, I keep my betta Fancy in a piclke jar to cause my boyfriend wanted to breed swordtails. 12412

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: still more questions for Karen
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 17:49:35: Re: (12411.html) still more questions for Karen
Posted by Michelle on August 22, 2000 at 17:42:05:
I don't know if this would help, but I have a betta and I have a live plant in Fancy's bowl and he's happy . But they do need live plants, but I've only had my betta for 6 months 12440

From: katie 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: still more questions for Karen
Posted by kteblkwel@hotmail.com) katie on August 23, 2000 at 03:59:51: Re: (12412.html) Re: still more questions for Karen
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 17:49:35:
Thought about doing sand-What do i need to know about it? I think it would look nice in my bowls...is it hard to maintian? Better than gravel? 12450

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: still more questions for Karen
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 06:51:54: Re: (12440.html) Re: still more questions for Karen
Posted by katie on August 23, 2000 at 03:59:51:
Sand in a freshwater tank is yuck. In my betta jar it is a small layer that gets completely vacummed at every water change. If it does not get a complete vacuming it goes bad. I had it in a 10 gallon cichlid tank, three babies til they grew a little, and despite weekly cleaning and vacuuming. When I tore this tank down there was a definate odor in the sand. Perhaps others have had a better experience with it? 12410

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Can you put an Angel fish in a community tank
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 16:43:48:
I want to get a angel fish to put in my 55gal tank, but I don't know if it will be compatible with my other fish. I have swordtails, mollies, and a guppy.. 12425

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Can you put an Angel fish in a community tank
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COm) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 20:19:43: Re: (12410.html) Can you put an Angel fish in a community tank
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 16:43:48:
Yes, angels should get along with those you mentioned. Just keep in mind an angels mouth opens a little bigger than you might expect by looking at one, and any fish small enough to fit is lunch. I have never had much luck with guppies and angels, they usually end up as lunch in my tanks. Mollies should be ideally kept in a brackish tank, if yours are doing fine ok. If they start to get ich or ill in some other way I would move them to a salted tank. 12408

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Want to mate swordtails of a diffent color..
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 15:48:50:
I have a female orange swordtail and I want to mate a green male with her so anyone that is an expert on breeding swordtails I apprecate the advice.. 12407

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Baby swordtails dying
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 15:16:46:
I have some baby swordtails are a week old and they're dying one by one. Had 14 now down to eight. I have them in there own tank. 12426

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Baby swordtails dying
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 20:20:27: Re: (12407.html) Baby swordtails dying
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 15:16:46:
What are you feeding them? 12430

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Baby swordtails dying
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 22:17:55: Re: (12426.html) Re: Baby swordtails dying
Posted by Karen on August 22, 2000 at 20:20:27:
Flake food the only thing i can afford 12449

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Try
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 06:47:24: Re: (12430.html) Re: Baby swordtails dying
Posted by Angel on August 22, 2000 at 22:17:55:
I only had these guys breed for me once. Community tank and I was not interested in them breeding. One day I Looked in there and saw three babies left. I don't know how they got past the angels. I did not know much about baby fish at the time, I was around 13 so this was a few years ago. I soaked flake food until it turned to mush and fed them that. Other things you might try would be frozen food, that often has small little particles you could feed them. I am just wondering if your are getting enough to eat. 12406

From: Gina 8/22/2000
Subject: Seahorse not eating.
Posted by ggrengo@hotmail.com) Gina on August 22, 2000 at 15:11:55:
My seahorse is not eating her usual, live brine shrimp. I've tried frozen myosis shrimp, as well as, live plankton. No results. Can someone give me some advice on what to do? Please, e-mail me. I don't want my seahorse to die. I've had her for only 6 months. Thanks. 12427

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Seahorse not eating.
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 20:23:49: Re: (12406.html) Seahorse not eating.
Posted by Gina on August 22, 2000 at 15:11:55:
These guys are sometimes sold as beginner fish and they really are not. For them to go on a hunger strike is not uncommon from all I have read. What size tank is she in how many and do you have it set up with narrow things she can wrap her tail around? I have yet to try a salt tank but am currently studying on the idea so I can only offer advice from what I have read. Have you looked for a saltwater forum? 12455

From: Gina 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Seahorse not eating.
Posted by ggrengo@hotmail.com) Gina on August 23, 2000 at 09:08:58: Re: (12427.html) Re: Seahorse not eating.
Posted by Karen on August 22, 2000 at 20:23:49:
Thanks for responding to my seahorse problem. If anyone has anymore information, please e-mail me. The feeding methods for her were going great for the past months, until recently. Yesterday, I did buy a vitamin/nutrient solution, Kent Zoe,(just in case she was malnourished from only eating brine-shrimp--which aren't really a "healthy food" for long periods of time). Anyway, I plan to do another water change this week. Thanks, again. 12405

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Looking for a green swordtail..
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 14:57:58:
I'm looking for a green swordtail and I can't find one. I'm looking for a male and female. 12398

From: Noreen 8/22/2000
Subject: Need help again
Posted by Noreen on August 22, 2000 at 11:36:33:
In my earlier post I told you... My 30 gallon tank has twenty inches of fish and was receiveing regular water changes and one day one of my swordtails died and my ph leval was all the way down to 6.0. My fish have always been kept in a ph of 7.0. I cleaned the gravel very thouroughly with a pump. The gravel did seem somewhat over dirty. I messured the Ph of my tap water and it was 8.0! its been several days and nothing is changeing. someone suggested putting crushed shells in the filter. Is that the same as the calcium stuff at the pet store? what do you think I should do next? 12402

From: zabeth 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Need help again
Posted by apathesia@aol.com) zabeth on August 22, 2000 at 13:49:11: Re: (12398.html) Need help again
Posted by Noreen on August 22, 2000 at 11:36:33:
Noreen, what's the current pH of your tank? I'm going to say if nothing's changing over several days, your fish are fine and the pH seems to have stabilized ((be it higher or lower than your preffered 7.0)), leave it alone. Toying with it and attempting to hit the "perfect" level may actually harm more than it helps. Changes greater than .2 in a 24hr period can lead to pH shock -- and with the degree of change you've gone through, your fish have had more than their fare share of stress. I imagine the drop to 6.0 had something to do with poor tank maintenence -- "The gravel did seem somewhat over dirty". Overfeeding, decaying food and waste build-up could have caused the down swing. Did you notice an increase once you'd vacuumed and added fresh water? If not, did you add anything ((rocks, driftwood, meds, chems, etc)) to the tank before the drop? If so, how long had the tank gone without cleaning? What type of foods do you feed and how often? I'd like to pinpoint the cause before telling you how to correct it rather than giving you a quick fix that won't solve the actual problem. 12399

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: hmmmm
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 12:19:51: Re: (12398.html) Need help again
Posted by Noreen on August 22, 2000 at 11:36:33:
You keep your fish at ph 7.0 but your tap water is 8.0. Do you add anything to lower your ph? Somethin in the tank has changed causeing your ph to drop. Also 20 inches of fish tells me next to nothing about your fish load. If we are talking neon tetras here or other thin bodied fish that is one thing. Goldfish, Oscars, gouramis, we are talking something else all together. Crushed shells will boost your ph and should help it stablize, but I am concerned that would just be a quick fix and not a cure. My suggestion is to do daily water changes of 20% but do not try and lower the ph from 8.0 to 7.0. Please tell us what kind of fish we are talking about and what if anything you are using to lower your ph from 8 to 7. 12461

From: Noreen 8/23/2000
Subject: anwsers to your questions
Posted by Noreen on August 23, 2000 at 11:13:43: Re: (12399.html) hmmmm
Posted by Karen on August 22, 2000 at 12:19:51:
yesterday my ph went back up its 7.2 but my ammonia is higher. I took out the plant I added two weeks ago. It was a foating plant called annubias and was loosing a lot of leaves. four weeks ago, a plecos I had had for two years died but nothing was wrong in the water at the time. I feed my fish tetra flakes for tropical fish three times a day what they can eat in two minutes or so. the one that enhances color. plus brine shrimp twice a week. blood worms twice a week on diffent days. a few algee waffers a week. and a few of these little wafers called tank nibblers dureing the week. when I feed the shrimp or worms It is in the evening and I dont give the hardly any flake at the time. But I do give the a little pinch to my hatchet fish. fish in my tank are: two tiger barbs two albino barbs two very small clown loaches(they will end up in a larger home when they get a little bigger) two dwarf guraumi and one gurami that I thought was a dwarf but is getting bigger than the others(I might have to give her up) a pair of sailfin mollies and a balloon molly the one hatchet fish one albino redtail shark one platty That some gave me, one swordtail(her mate was the one who died last week) and the three inch plecoe. oh yeah, the one snail. If any of these fish combinations are wrong, please forgive. I was changeing 25% of the water every two weeks but the gravel got cleaned only about every three weeks. I was scared to do it alone because I was afraid I might suck up a fish or that a fish would jump out when I wasnt looking. I thought that the declorinater stuff changed my tap ph. I have never thought to mesure it before but Its always messured 7.0 in the fish tank. The problem is, my tap water often has white "crap" in it. It sometimes smells dirty too. We drink mostly sprin water in my house but I thought I heard somewere that spring water wasnt good for fishtanks? Sorry this post was so long but thanks for your help. 12472

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: Oh, and your dechlorinator
Posted by PKCSTP@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 15:59:12: Re: (12461.html) anwsers to your questions
Posted by Noreen on August 23, 2000 at 11:13:43:
Does your water have chloroMINE? Make sure your dechlorinator removes this also, not all do. Not all communities use it but more and more are. 12470

From: Karen 8/23/2000
Subject: OK, here goes, does not seem to bad
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 23, 2000 at 15:57:44: Re: (12461.html) anwsers to your questions
Posted by Noreen on August 23, 2000 at 11:13:43:
Your pleco and the others really don't go by the inch per gallon rule. The barbs, mollies and platies maybe but that is pushing it in my opinion. A pleco is a large rather messy fish, is it possible he got too big for the tank? You did not mention his size. The redtail shark might get aggressive so keep an eye on him, they also can get rather large. And hatchetfish do like company of their own kind. Now for your anubias plant. If it was dying it could have messed up your water, but I don't think that is the problem, or the only problem. Spring Water. Are we talking store bought? That is usually stripped of nutrients and minerals. You could try a 50/50 spring water your water mix, but I wonder why it sometimes smells bad. If your ph is going up I would keep doing what you are doing for a few weeks and see how it goes. Vacuming the gravel every week is a good idea though to help keep the ammonia down. If you move slowly you probably will not suck up a fish and the most likely to jump out would be the hatchet. Your feeding looks great to me, nice variety. My inclination would be to reduce the number of fish by one or two, maybe the gourami and hatchet, I don't know. Anybody else have any ideas? 12491

From: zabeth 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: OK, here goes, does not seem to bad
Posted by apathesia@aol.com) zabeth on August 23, 2000 at 19:37:04: Re: (12470.html) OK, here goes, does not seem to bad
Posted by Karen on August 23, 2000 at 15:57:44:
If you're worried about sucking up a fish when you clean, cut off a bit of pantyhose ((or fish net, if you have a spare)) and cover the end of the vac with it. Use a rubber band to secure it - the holes are large enough to suck up the nasties while ensuring the safety of your fish. I've sucked my albino cat up a couple of times... :/ I assume the white crap and stinky tap water is due to lots of minerals in the water. As Karen pointed out, spring water lacks minerals fish needs -- but i believe you can find products in the fish store that will replace whatever SW lacks. I'm worried about the ammonia in your tank. What was the level last time you tested and is this tank still cycling, or has it been up for a while? oh wait. you had a pH of 6.0 -- bio filtration pretty much stops when pH drops below 6.4, sooo if the tank was cycled, most of ((if not all of)) your bio filter bit the dust. Ammonia's less toxic at such a low pH, but a sudden upswing causes it to become highly toxic... Boost up the gravel cleaning ;) 12514

From: Noreen 8/24/2000
Subject: following up
Posted by Noreen on August 24, 2000 at 10:33:51: Re: (12491.html) Re: OK, here goes, does not seem to bad
Posted by zabeth on August 23, 2000 at 19:37:04:
I will keep cleaning every week until every thing is stable again and has been stable for a long time. Then would it be safe to go back to every two weeks? I am planning to give up some fish, Iv just gotta think about it a liitle longer. I dont think the plecoe is too big yet, he is about three inches, what do you think? Oh yeh, its a red finned shark, I thought there maximum size was four inches. She is very docile most of the time, except for when I feed them shrimp. Then she gets excited and tries to steal all the shrimp. But shes never hurt any body. Its the stinking mail saifin molly whos always head butting everyone and trying to inpregnate all the females. Hes never hurt anybody either, but is it possible hes exausting the females? 12396

From: littleAlex 8/22/2000
Subject: Feeding Question
Posted by alexdelarge96@yahoo.com) littleAlex on August 22, 2000 at 08:09:53:
I live in a different town from my boyfriend, and spend the weekend with him every other weekend. This leaves my fish being unfed on saturday. Is this good for them? Do I need some type of automatic feeding device? 12397

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Feeding Question
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 08:13:31: Re: (12396.html) Feeding Question
Posted by littleAlex on August 22, 2000 at 08:09:53:
Some people purposely do not feed thier fish one day a week. It probably won't hurt them to miss one day a week, and can occasionally go 1 week without being fed. 12385

From: Amanda 8/22/2000
Subject: help, my fish was overfeed!
Posted by honey6069@home.com) Amanda on August 22, 2000 at 00:15:01:
Alright, i let my 6 year old brother feed my fish while i was in the shower and he over feed it, so what so i do? it is a pictus catfish and his tummy is really swollen. is there anything that i can do, or do i just hope that he will be alive in the morning? thankyou for your help. 12400

From: zabeth 8/22/2000
Subject: just a tip
Posted by zabeth on August 22, 2000 at 13:05:01: Re: (12385.html) help, my fish was overfeed!
Posted by Amanda on August 22, 2000 at 00:15:01:
when i let my dad's 6 yr old son feed my fish, i measure out the proper amount and set it aside for him. you might want to do that with your brother -- if you plan on letting him feed again any time soon. mr. catfish will be alive in the morning. overeating usually isn't fatal -- more often, deaths are caused by excess uneaten food left in the tank, decaying and dirtying the water. you'll want to give the gravel a good vacuuming and do a little water change. 12389

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Water change
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 07:16:35: Re: (12385.html) help, my fish was overfeed!
Posted by Amanda on August 22, 2000 at 00:15:01:
Do a 20% water change vacuming the gravel if you have a gravel vac for your tank. I would do this at least two days. If not you should try to get one. You can get a decent one around here $10-$15 dollars. Then once a week or so depending on how many fish and waht size tank. Then I would let your brother feed the fish while you watch and explain to him why we only feed what seems like a small amount to us. 12388

From: kit lane 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: help, my fish was overfeed!
Posted by kit.lane@bigfoot.com) kit lane on August 22, 2000 at 07:14:50: Re: (12385.html) help, my fish was overfeed!
Posted by Amanda on August 22, 2000 at 00:15:01:
I would suggest removing any extra food at all that is still in the tank, and try and remember not to feed the fish for at least a few days - possibly more. You also may want to check the amonia levels in the tank, as when the fish produces waste from too much food, the bacteria may not be able to cope. A partial water change will help keep the levels where they are meant to be. Hope thats of some use, and hope you fish gets well.. Kit 12383

From: Leslie 8/21/2000
Subject: Betta with a lump
Posted by L_Hall@fancol.com) Leslie on August 21, 2000 at 21:33:27:
My male betta has a large protruding lump on his body behind his gil. It sticks out really far and looks like it's painful but he's still eating and acting normally. Im treating him with Maracyn 2 for now but the bump is not going away. Anybody experienced this and if so, did anything work for you? 12391

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Betta with a lump
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 07:23:15: Re: (12383.html) Betta with a lump
Posted by Leslie on August 21, 2000 at 21:33:27:
I have been reading about this from a lot of people. I suspect it is a tumor of some sort and macacyn won't help. Hopefully someone else has had luck treating this and can offer you advice. Are there any other symptoms? Fuzz or spots or discoloration. These guys are being bred in fish mills by the thousands for chain stores. There is no quality of fish or of their care. Just like puppy or kitty mills the quality and health of these guys is declining. Seems to me that treating them stresses them out more than just letting them live out their lives. 12372

From: Chris 8/21/2000
Subject: my mollie is getting picked on
Posted by Chris on August 21, 2000 at 13:52:06:
My black mollie just had babies last week.I have two seperate tanks. Not counting the one the babies are in.And she is getting picked on in both tanks. One tank has a male mollie and female platy that are doing the picking.And the other tank has a female white mollie and a female platy that are doing the picking. Any idea what is going on here? Is it because she just had babies or what? 12387

From: Mary 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: my mollie is getting picked on
Posted by Mary on August 22, 2000 at 06:07:59: Re: (12372.html) my mollie is getting picked on
Posted by Chris on August 21, 2000 at 13:52:06:
Chris, I would remove the molly to a sick tank, when a fish is been picked on by its peers chances are the fish is ill and the others sense it. Its natures way of getting rid of the feeble and weak. HTH 12375

From: zabeth 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: my mollie is getting picked on
Posted by apathesia@aol.com) zabeth on August 21, 2000 at 14:35:37: Re: (12372.html) my mollie is getting picked on
Posted by Chris on August 21, 2000 at 13:52:06:
I find it odd that she's the one getting picked on. From my experience, black mollies are the most agressive of the bunch and more likely to do the picking them be picked on themselves. Is it possible retaliation? The male molly's harassing her because he knows she's no longer pregnant and wants to remedy that ASAP :P The females might be picking on her because she's still weak after giving birth. Just how far does are they going -- are they nipping or just giving chase? Do you have anywhere in the tank(s) she can hide? A couple of plants ((plastic or real)) or a little rock pile/cave might help. If you already have stuff like that in the tanks, you might want to re-arrange it a bit, just in case it's a "gee, you're 'new' to the tank, therefore we're going to terrorize you!' deal. BTW, how large are the two tanks? You might also consider moving her to the tank you've got the fry in for a week or so. 12376

From: Chris 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: my mollie is getting picked on
Posted by Chris on August 21, 2000 at 14:45:51: Re: (12375.html) Re: my mollie is getting picked on
Posted by zabeth on August 21, 2000 at 14:35:37:
They are chasing her and nipping.I have seperated her from the others. I have heard that you can put a new fish in when you do a partial water change. And to move stuff around, that will confuse them a little when you add the fish. I guess they will not pick as much. Any truth to that? 12377

From: zabeth 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: my mollie is getting picked on
Posted by apathesia@aol.com) zabeth on August 21, 2000 at 15:55:17: Re: (12376.html) Re: my mollie is getting picked on
Posted by Chris on August 21, 2000 at 14:45:51:
I don't think adding a fish to a tank with a partial water change has much of an effect. I'm not expecting a shift in the tank's layout to help much either. Moving stuff around is usually done with territorial fish, like Chiclids. I don't think this is a territory issue as ALL of the fish are picking on her and ((as far as i know)) leaving each other alone. Mollies & Platies are usually quite peaceful, though they'll get evil if they sense weakness. I assume you moved the black molly to another tank while she was pregnant? How much time passed between moving and birth? And how long did you leave her in that tank after she gave birth? I imagine the stress of labor combined with the stress of being bounced from tank to tank to tank is taking it's toll. Is she eating and acting normal? If possible, keep a towel or something draped over where you've got her -- it will help her relax. 12371

From: Rose 8/21/2000
Subject: Convict Fish
Posted by prideandjoy209@hotmail.com>) Rose on August 21, 2000 at 13:09:17:
How can I tell the differance between male and female Convict fish? 12379

From: Karen 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: Convict Fish
Posted by PKCSPT@Cs.COM) Karen on August 21, 2000 at 16:47:14: Re: (12371.html) Convict Fish
Posted by Rose on August 21, 2000 at 13:09:17:
Are we talking the convict cichlid? If so the males top fin is longer and more pointed while the females is more rounded. The female usually has some orange on her abdomen, but I have seen it in both sexes. 12360

From: Jessica 8/21/2000
Subject: I NEED HELP!!!!! Please take a look at my questions.
Posted by jessicahope18@hotmail.com) Jessica on August 21, 2000 at 10:02:14:
I have a few questions that I need to know. I've looked several places online and no one has the info that I need. So, I am counting on you! Here are the ?'s. 1.) What should the salinity be in a Marine Aquarium? 2.) Name two fish ARE compatible with a swordtail. Name two that AREN'T compatible with a swordtail. Thanks a bunch for your time...It is greatly appreciated! :) 12409

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: I NEED HELP!!!!! Please take a look at my questions.
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 16:33:19: Re: (12360.html) I NEED HELP!!!!! Please take a look at my questions.
Posted by Jessica on August 21, 2000 at 10:02:14:
I have 3 swordtails and in my tank I have mollies and a guppy and a platy.Also you can put some commutity fish like neon tetra. but the pet store told me never to put anything barbed in the tank 12363

From: Karen 8/21/2000
Subject: Depends
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 21, 2000 at 10:54:05: Re: (12360.html) I NEED HELP!!!!! Please take a look at my questions.
Posted by Jessica on August 21, 2000 at 10:02:14:
But first. You are not putting swordtails in a marine tank are you? Unless we are talking a different fish here.Assuming we are talking freshwater swords. Two that get along with swords, most anything that will not eat it. Mollies (but they should have salt), cories, most gouramis, angels, tetras, danios, barbs. Two that don't, most cichlids will be large enough to call them dinner. Some Tetras can also grow large enough to dine on them, pirahnas. As for marine. I have read a few different numbers on salinity. I have never kept one myself but am studying the idea. From the reading I have done it seems dependant somewhat on the fish. Also are you talking reef or fish only? Some fish are more sensitive to their needed salinity than others. 12359

From: Paul Nicoletto 8/21/2000
Subject: Wild type, Pla kat, Bettas
Posted by nicolettpf@hal.lamar.edu) Paul Nicoletto on August 21, 2000 at 09:43:29:
I study animal communication and would like to find some wildtype, Pla kat, bettas. Would you know where I might find some? Thanks Paul nicolettpf@hal.lamar.edu 12364

From: Karen 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: Wild type, Pla kat, Bettas
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 21, 2000 at 10:56:48: Re: (12359.html) Wild type, Pla kat, Bettas
Posted by Paul Nicoletto on August 21, 2000 at 09:43:29:
I suggest looking for betta breeders and betta message boards. I have not seen the Plakat for sale in my area. 12357

From: Angel 8/21/2000
Subject: my neons and gold tetras died why???
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 21, 2000 at 08:46:09:
After I cleaned out my 55gal tank and put all my little ones in they stated dying, but my swordtails and mollies survived. 12366

From: Karen 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: my neons and gold tetras died why???
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 21, 2000 at 11:00:27: Re: (12357.html) my neons and gold tetras died why???
Posted by Angel on August 21, 2000 at 08:46:09:
What do you mean by cleaning out your 55. If it means gravel vacuming and rinsing the filter and wiping away the algae and a water change it could be something different than if we are talking stripping the tank down. If you tore the tank apart, new filter media and gravel rinse and the whole 9 yards, well now we are talking new tank syndrome. If you can let us know which type of cleaning you did we can be of a little more help. Neons are very sensitive fish in my experience. How long have you had these fish? 12404

From: Angel 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: my neons and gold tetras died why???
Posted by WChester3@juno.com) Angel on August 22, 2000 at 14:55:00: Re: (12366.html) Re: my neons and gold tetras died why???
Posted by Karen on August 21, 2000 at 11:00:27:
I just used the gravel vacumm and wipe the alge off the tank and changed the water. 12365

From: Mary 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: my neons and gold tetras died why???
Posted by Mary on August 21, 2000 at 10:58:32: Re: (12357.html) my neons and gold tetras died why???
Posted by Angel on August 21, 2000 at 08:46:09:
Angel, I'm very sorry to hear about your fishes dying. Did you add the dechlorinator? Does it removes chloramine and heavy metals too. I asked because when they switch to chloramine in DC I wasn't aware of it (even thou it was advertise for months), anyway, I use to use stress coat but was out and use genesis which only removes chlorine the result is that I almost lost a pair of angels and some corries. I moved them to another tank when they started acting funny. When I checked the water it checked as though it was loaded with ammonia. Chloramine does not desapear by letting it sit over night. HTH 12348

From: the painted horse 8/21/2000
Subject: basic care for my battas
Posted by the painted horse on August 21, 2000 at 06:44:57:
hello again thanks again for all the help. i thank you and dirty harry thanks you. 12347

From: Attila 8/21/2000
Subject: I'm very sorry about all these ?'s.
Posted by Attila on August 21, 2000 at 06:17:08:
I'm sorry that I write a question like almost everyday. I am very curious, willing to learn and have lots of fish. I have a betta (named Rikky), a common goldfish (named Tina), and I have LOTS and LOTS of livebearers (I can't name all of those). Again, I'm very sorry about all those questions. Attila 12354

From: Karen 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: I'm very sorry about all these ?'s.
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 21, 2000 at 08:11:28: Re: (12347.html) I'm very sorry about all these ?'s.
Posted by Attila on August 21, 2000 at 06:17:08:
You have a variety of fish. Are they all in the same tank? Ask away, that is the best way to learn. 12386

From: Attila 8/22/2000
Subject: No they are not.
Posted by Attila on August 22, 2000 at 05:10:59: Re: (12354.html) Re: I'm very sorry about all these ?'s.
Posted by Karen on August 21, 2000 at 08:11:28:
The adult livebearers are in a 10 gallon by themselves, the babies are in two 2 gallon, a 1 gallon, and a 3-4 (I'm not sure if it's 3 or 4) gallon. My goldfish, Tina, is in a blue storage bin with a few baby livebearers (I know this is a bad thing to say but I'm hoping she will eat them) in a 20-25 (I'm not sure) gallon, I know she will grow too big for this tank but when she gets to be like 6 inches I'm gonna buy her a bigger tank or maybe even a pond. My betta, Rikky, is in a 3 gallon circular tank with a few baby swordtails (for the same reason as the goldfish). 12392

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Had to ask
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 07:26:24: Re: (12386.html) No they are not.
Posted by Attila on August 22, 2000 at 05:10:59:
I like those rubbermaid containers, they make nice indoor or outdoor mini ponds. 12346

From: Attila 8/21/2000
Subject: Goldfish
Posted by Attila on August 21, 2000 at 06:04:52:
Will a fancy goldfish and a common goldfish have fry together? Thanks, Attila 12373

From: eb 8/21/2000
Subject: Depends........
Posted by eb on August 21, 2000 at 14:30:31: Re: (12346.html) Goldfish
Posted by Attila on August 21, 2000 at 06:04:52:
If one has 2 tails, and the other has 1, DON'T! 2 tails and 1 tail goldfish don't get along. HTH eb 12390

From: Kit Lane 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Depends........
Posted by kit.lane@bigfoot.com) Kit Lane on August 22, 2000 at 07:20:32: Re: (12373.html) Depends........
Posted by eb on August 21, 2000 at 14:30:31:
Perhaps you should tell that to the Oranda (2 tail) and "normal" Goldfish (1 tail) that my girlfriend has. They are both about 5 inches, and live together very peacefully. The only problem that I have seen appears to be the goldfish hastling the Oranda to breed (nudging stomach, etc.) I am not sure if this is because the Oranda is ready to breed but is being stubbon, or if the Oranda merely looks to the other Goldfish like a nice egg full female thanks to their body shape. Anyone who has further info please comment. Kit 12395

From: Karen 8/22/2000
Subject: Re: Depends........
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 22, 2000 at 07:43:50: Re: (12390.html) Re: Depends........
Posted by Kit Lane on August 22, 2000 at 07:20:32:
Commons or comets have been known to get nippy with the slower moving double tails. Also they swim much faster and can get most of the food causing the slower wide bodies to go hungry. Having said that I keep a comet with mine no problems as of now. But being aware of this I keep an eye on things in case it changes. 12353

From: Karen 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: Goldfish
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 21, 2000 at 08:06:16: Re: (12346.html) Goldfish
Posted by Attila on August 21, 2000 at 06:04:52:
Yes, they will. All goldfish actually the same fish. Long time ago some chinese saw a few Gibel Carp that had orange scales on them. Started breeding them and now today we have all the different types. Supposedly, if you took the fancy types, put them in a pond to breed wildly in a few generations most would lokk like their wild cousins. But they are actually all the same fish, just different body types and colors. 12345

From: katie 8/21/2000
Subject: Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by kteblkwel@hotmail.com) katie on August 21, 2000 at 04:40:53:
As some of you might know-I have a five with four neons and a betta...I also have a snail(Petunia) in it. Well ever since i reset up the tank when i moved to my new apt. I didn't add a heater bcause i had decided before i came on the board to get rid of my fishes and get one betta...For some reason I never put back on the heater...Bcause the betta was doing great the temp would stay in the "safe" zone on the thermometer and everything has been fine, even when I added neons, I have been so pleased that everyone has maintained with only one sick episode with the betta...Now My question is ...I added a incadescent bulb a while back trying to get a better lighting on the fishies...I was told by the lfs not to leave it on because of temp fluctuations, so i turn it on and off all the time and the temp hovers between lets say 75-80...I know that my bettas like 78? But have read to increase the temp during sickness..etc. And Karen i think you said in the winter i could leave it on all the time to help maintain the heat...WOuld this become too hot for the neons, bettas and snails? What the temp i should actually try to maintian...Also do you think if i had the light on all the time one snail would keep up the alage..it's green alage, would other unsightly algae build up...Everything has been good so should i just leave well enough alone? P.s. My other bettas are in bowls bigger than half a gallon now! Not sure if a full gallon though...I will take some pics of my beautiful guys -can't wait to share!!!!!katie 12355

From: zabeth 8/21/2000
Subject: my humble opinion
Posted by zabeth on August 21, 2000 at 08:39:41: Re: (12345.html) Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by katie on August 21, 2000 at 04:40:53:
hiya katie, i really don't like incadescent lighting in tanks. i worry about them being too bright for fishie eyes... though i suppose it depends on wattage. and there's also the fact that they don't provide a *stable* temp in the tank when used for heating. i've noticed temps fluctuate quickly and often w/ incad bulbs. changes more than 2*F a day are stressful for fish, as is the bouncing up and down and back again. you can get a decent heater for a 5g for about $10 @ wal-mart, i believe. IMO, raising temp during sickness is only wise when the infection is parasitic ((ich, velvet, etc)). Higher temps when the infection's bacterial don't do much of anything other than cause stress, spreading and worse conditions. Leaving the light on all the time in winter wouldn't be wise -- fish like their dark fishie downtime. And yeah, it'd probably become too hot, also. I doubt one snail would keep up with all the algae and constant lighting would probably cause it to take over, if not make other kinds appear :\ Glad your bettas are in bigger bowls ;) And I'm really sorry I snapped at you the other day. I know you take good care of your guys, but tiny bowls just drive me nuts. Looking forward to seeing pics of some of your guys. I hope they're not too beautiful, though... might force me to break down and finally buy a few of my own. Last thing I need is a new fish addiction ;) 12352

From: Karen 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 21, 2000 at 07:58:32: Re: (12345.html) Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by katie on August 21, 2000 at 04:40:53:
You do not want to leave a light on all the time. Fish need the day night schedule as we do. If the light is causing your temp to rise try putting some kind of riser under the hood to lift it up for some air flow. I would not recomend turning the light on and off all the time, think how that must seem to the fish. Leave it on for about 10 hours, I use a timer and have it set to be on during the part of the day when I am most likely to be home. Depending on where you live and your winter temps you could probably get away without a heater for the betta, but neons tend to be touchier. However, I would recomend a heater if you live in a colder climate. If you left the light on all the time I can't imagine anything keeping keeping up with the algae. 12361

From: katie 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by kteblkwel@hotmail.com) katie on August 21, 2000 at 10:13:08: Re: (12352.html) Re: Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by Karen on August 21, 2000 at 07:58:32:
okay guys-thanks!!! I think for now-i will leave well enough alone...I usually do cut the light on in the morning and some at night so there is some sort of timing i try to go by-but do cut it on if i think the temp is lowering-to try to maintain it from getting to hight or to low.-I have a heater i can add if i need to(it came with the tank) I just didn't want to add it-because i have had more sucess with out it-or at least i haven't lost a fish without it.Except for snails....I might be asking again in the winter...You think if i had a timer ten hours would be okay for a five? Oh again What Is the Average temp the two of you recommend for my community? 12370

From: zabeth 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by apathesia@aol.com) zabeth on August 21, 2000 at 11:42:58: Re: (12361.html) Re: Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by katie on August 21, 2000 at 10:13:08:
Neons have a very narrow tolerance when it comes to temps. Can't be sure off of the top of my head, but I believe it's 70*-77*F. I try to shoot for the midpoint when dealing with delicate fish... but 73/74 won't cut it with a betta in the tank ;) You said your temp was usually between 75-80, right? Any problems with the neons when it's high or the betta when it's low? If the neons don't stress or get sluggish, I'd shoot for 78*F. Then again, if your betta is active and happy at 75/76*, that will work too. It's really hard to pick the "perfect" temperature when dealing with species with different needs. Best advice I can give you is to "listen" to your fish. Couple of questions - how much sunlight does this tank get? Any idea what the temp's usually like in the middle of the day when the light's *not* on? How about early morning? You might want to consider putting the heater in and leaving it around 75*, just in case it does get cold in there. Oh, and what type of thermometer do you have -- a floaty thing, or one you stick on the glass? stick on the glass crystal thingamabobers are typically more acurate than the floaters. 10 hours of bulb light a day seems a little harsh to me -- though I imagine imagine it depends on sunlight, other lights in the room and how often you want to clearly see your fish. I rarely have my tank lights on more than 4 hours a day. 12367

From: Karen 8/21/2000
Subject: Re: Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by PKCSPT@CS.COM) Karen on August 21, 2000 at 11:04:22: Re: (12361.html) Re: Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by katie on August 21, 2000 at 10:13:08:
I would stick with 75-78. I keep my fish at room temperature and they do fine but I do not keep neons. I find they are a little more sensitive to temp. 12439

From: katie 8/23/2000
Subject: Re: Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by kteblkwel@hotmail.com) katie on August 23, 2000 at 03:42:18: Re: (12367.html) Re: Incadescent lighting, heat, and my tank....
Posted by Karen on August 21, 2000 at 11:04:22:
Hey-okay I waited to look at the temp in the morning when i cut the light on and feed, it dropped about three degrees over night-about 72. I feel bad about this-So I got out the old heater and had it in the tank and then chickend out and took it back out-I just can't stand the thought of losing one of my neons or betta bc of over heating or intervertantly(?) making it fluctuation more....He are some questions about the heater itself...It is a Top Fin...anyway you stick it in and turn the knob till the light comes on...and then what-will it heat up till the current temp-does it keep the water the right temp? Will the heater and incadescant lighting boil my babies....I know I should probably just put it in but maybe i will just wait until winter and it is inevitable....I just havent lost a fish with the tank yet in my new apt...since really trying and don't want to make a mistake with my current buddies...Thanks:)