From: Lois 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Just had to share the news
Sounds like fun. I hold my fingers just above the water to drop it in, and if I am not fast enough he jumps up and gives my finger a nibble. If he misses a bit the first time, he chases after. Seem to be pretty interactive, for a fish--comes to the side of the tank to stare back, too. I was in the lfs yesterday and the clerk topped it though. I think he said he had an oscar? which would come and rub along his hand if he put it in the water.
From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Just had to share the news
That's pretty cool. Mine will all (4 of them) come to the corner for food but I will have to try the hand-feeding thing. I think bettas are very smart fish.
From: katie 11/30/01
Subject: Wanna Chat?
Hey wanna chat?
Meet me in chatroom Saturday, 8pm . I am in Atlanta, Ga. Eastern time zone....Hopr yo see you there:)
We can chat about how are tanks are going-and plenty of betta talk! Heh!
katie
From: Lois 11/30/01
Subject: Re: Wanna Chat?
Lets see--I am in Pacific, is that 3 or 4 hours difference?
From: mish 11/30/01
Subject: Do Tetra's eat fishies fry??
Do Neon and Cardinal Tetra's eat other fishies fry?? The tetra's are pretty much fully grown.
Thanks
From: Karen 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Do Tetra's eat fishies fry??
If they can catch them and they fit in their mouths you bet.
From: Kori 11/30/01
Subject: Male Platies
All the suggestions have been great!! Thank you.
I checked out my platies and it appears that they are all male. The biggest one is chasing the smallest most of the time and some times the others. The smallest tail is not so good--I can tell that it has been nipped at. What should I do--get rid of the biggest (I know someone that will take it), get a female or two??? Thanks1!1
From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Male Platies
Yes, get rid of the bully if you have a lot of males. Also, get some females....2-3 for each male and your males should calm down. They are probably fighting over territory. Just remember, males + females = babies. Good luck!
From: christina 11/30/01
Subject: 55 gallon -- stocking
i haven't been on in awhile. here's the deal --
i think i was stocking my aquarium too fast. the guy at my lfs said i was doing it fine, but probably cuz he wanted to make a sale (they don't guarantee their fish either). anyway i ended up losing quite a few neons and am now down to the following:
8 serpae tetras
4 head and tail light tetras
2 neons
2 panda corys
2 bristlenose plecos
i'm planning on getting four more head and tail light tetras, but no more neons since they aren't too hardy. i'd also like to get more corys, but not sure what kind. i had six pandas originally, but four died (i think they died of some kind of internal bleeding). for those of you who have read my msgs in the past, you know my serpaes can be somewhat aggressive. any ideas on what else to add? i'd be amenable to getting 1-2 larger fish, but don't want anything even remotely aggressive -- the more passive the better. HELP!!!
From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: 55 gallon -- stocking
How about male betta or some blood fin tetras? I find neons to be quite hardy in established tanks, but they can be fragile in a new tank. Another suggestion is harlequin rasboras...very energetic, hardy, and non-aggressive. I also just got some gold barbs, which, unlike other barbs, are quite docile and recommended for docile tanks. I am very pleased with them and they have a nice coloration.
From: Karen 12/02/01
Subject: Re: 55 gallon -- stocking
Good suggestions from leslie. i would say stick with 3 types of schooling fish for a more "natural" look. Like a glass box is natural right?
Maybe a pair of gouramis for a larger fish contrast.
From: christina 12/03/01
Subject: reply to karen
i think i read somewhere that gouramis can be aggressive. i like the kissing variety, though.
hatchet fish -- i think i read something about them not being very hardy. sound about right?
From: Karen 12/02/01
Subject: Re: 55 gallon -- stocking
How about a school of hatchet fish for the surface?
Let your tank run for a few weeks to let everything settle down before adding any new fish and than maybe do it 5 at a time.
From: michelle 11/29/01
Subject: help picking out fish- need lots of suggestions!!!
I have a 30 gallon aquarium with 2 fire red dwarf gouramis in it. I really want a beautiful tank with lots of interesting fish in it. I really want to get some tiger barbs and 2 african dwarf frogs, but I am afraid that the tiger barbs will pick on my frogs. What do you all think? Also, what are some pretty colorfull fish I can add that don't get too big? I defently don't want to end up growing out of my tank.
Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!
From: Leslie 11/30/01
Subject: Re: help picking out fish- need lots of suggestions!!!
If you wouldn't mind another gourami, I have a dward powder blue one that is really beautiful. He has a metallic sheen to his coloration. I've had him in with various other fish and the only one he ever picked on was my injured molly. He didn't nip her, just chased her a bit. He also gets along really well with my male betta. In my opinion, male bettas are just about the most colorful, elegant-looking fish you can own, but I'm not sure what types of fish you're wanting, so watch out for fin-nippers such as large tetras and tiger barbs! Good luck!
From: Karen 11/30/01
Subject: Re: help picking out fish- need lots of suggestions!!!
I have never had a problem with tiger barbs when kept in groups of 7 or more, which is a lot of fish for a 30 gallon if you already have 2 gouramis and frogs.
Any of these fish will need to be in groups of 5 or more, the pet shops usually recomend three but that really is not enough.
Bleeding Heart Tetras, Pristella Tetras, Cherry Barbs, Serpae Tetra, Hatchet fish, Rummy Nose Tetras. The secret in choosing a tetra is look at what is available to you, choose one, go home and find out how big it gets. Many pet stores underestimate the size of the fish, some tetras grow large.
From: Leslie 12/02/01
Subject: Re: help picking out fish- need lots of suggestions!!!
I have 3 bleeding heart tetras and they have been so awful. They are in my semi-aggressive tank my larger angels, huge mollies, and 2 gouramis. I have not liked those tetras since about the 3rd day I got them...problem is, they seem to withstand every stress that occurs in the tank. I will be glad when they are gone!
From: Jessica 12/02/01
Subject: Re: help picking out fish- need lots of suggestions!!!
I have 4 tiger barbs, 4 firemouth cichlids, 6 neon tetras, and 3 leopard corydoras. The tiger barbs seem to get along with everybody else. They have actually seemed happier since I put the other fish in. I think that 4 would be enough to keep them from picking on your frogs. I would suggest tigers if you want something really colorful (as long as you don't have long finned fish) . I hope this helps.
From: Beth 11/29/01
Subject: Fardwella Catfish
I am unsure of the spelling of the Fardwella catfish i saw at the petstore this past weekend. I have a few HUNDRED questions so all info possible would be great. We are being given an established tank filled with ciclids(sp??) and I wanted to know if adding the catfish is a posibility or "pet"icide. Thanks Everyone!
From: Beth 11/29/01
Subject: Farlowella is actual name
Opps I have a terrible memory the name is farlowella or Twig catfish. Thanks
From: Karen 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Farlowella is actual name
They make pretty good community tank fish from what I have heard, need a larger tank but not a huge one. I tried looking them up on the net but my computer is being a real big pain tonight. Type them into your search engine.
From: Karen 11/29/01
Subject: seahorses
My son and I just set up a 30 gal. with 4 seahorses. The guy we bought them from gave us the whole setup, water and all. We would like some help on maintaining the tank and taking care of the seahorses. We are new at this. Any info. would be greatly appreciated. Tanks alot.
From: kyle 11/30/01
Subject: Re: seahorses
if this works Karen your sea horses are NOT goint to last in order for sea horses to live thay need
Vary good water conditions .. your tank has to be a coumplete reef tank with no currant and bubling with life with houndreds of Protaine bugs. I have keeped some alive for 9 mounths but I own a Speicalty fish store dealing in xotics only. if need more info let me no K,.
From: Rebecca 11/29/01
Subject: Re: seahorses
Wow. I always thought seahorses were difficult to keep. I don't keep saltwater at all but I found a site which seems to have a lot of info; couldn't check it out much because I'm having some browser problems...
www.seahorse.org/
From: AJB 11/29/01
Subject: Re: seahorses
You are right Rebecca, as far as I know seahorses are hard to keep. We are talking about Karen here though.... :-)
AJB
From: Rebecca 11/29/01
Subject: Re: seahorses
Karen will have those babies whinnying in no time I'm sure :)
From: Karen 11/29/01
Subject: Different Karen, not me
I have yet to venture into the salt world though I am studying on it.
However, yes they are difficult butnot impossible to keep. They feed better on live food, has to be small. if they are a hybrid I have been reading about they are a little hardier than most. The fancier ones are harder to keep than the simpler looking ones. They need tall narrow plants or pipes to wrap their tail around, they do not swim about like "normal" fish.
From: AJB 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Different Karen, not me
oh
From: Karen 11/29/01
Subject: Chat room
Anybody every stop by the chatroom? I stop in and it is always empty.
I am usually on 9-10 am central time. Check in a couple of times.
From: Lisa 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Chat room
central time here, around 6pm..work all day and night is my time to play on the net...
From: Leslie 11/30/01
Subject: Re: Chat room
I'm ET and will have more time for the chat room about 7-9 p.m. my time. I can be on more varied hours on the weekends.
From: katie 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Chat room
maybe we do need a designated time, someone come up with the when and i will be there.
From: Fishyfriend 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Chat room
Well, I'm in the UK and am usually here at around 7:00pm Uk time. I am not sure what time that would be in the USA though.......
From: Leslie 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Chat room
I have stopped by twice since it was added and it's always empty. I can usually be on 2-3 p.m. ET and various hours on the weekends.
From: Rebecca 11/29/01
Subject: Ships in the Night...
I tried yesterday and it was empty. The chatlog showed about 5-6 people who had come in, found themselves along, and left. Guess it's just a matter of timing!
From: cheryl 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Ships in the Night...
Where is the chat room? LOL...Cheryl
From: Rebecca 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Ships in the Night...
Above the messages, just below the line where it says "You might have to hit reload to view your new posting" there's a link.
From: katie 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Ships in the Night...
maybe we do need a desginated time...Tell you what someone initiate a good time and a topic, i'll be there:)
From: Kori 11/29/01
Subject: Platies
I have a 5 gal tank with 4 platies. The largerst of them chases the others around. Is this OK or should it be removed? Also, when I purchased the fish I was told that I have 1 female. I can't tell which one it is. Any suggestions? And should I get another female? Plus, they seem to not like the light on. Is this normal?
Thanks so much.
From: SAL 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Platies
You will know soon enough which one is the female because she will be pregnant. My female seems to have been pregnant since I shortly after I bought my set. I have only seen and rescued one Fry. I have never seen her give birth nor have I ever seen any other babies but she sure looks pregnant ALL THE TIME!
From: Rebecca 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Platies
Oh yeah, they're either pregnant or getting pregnant at every given moment. I always buy females only but not only are they always pregnant when you get them, they can store sperm from one breeding and give birth several times with it... one of my females is still spewing out small batches of babies and she's been nowhere near male platys for about 7-8 months. I hope she's almost done :)
From: Karen 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Platies
I would not add anymore fish, 4 platies in a 5 gallon is enough. the one doing the chasing is probably the dominant male. You should have one male and three females ideally. look at the adipose fin, that is the fin on the bottom of the fish. On the female it looks "normal", kind of a smaller version of the top fin. On the male it is shaped like a pointer.
As for the light, are you turning it on when all is dark suddenly bathing the fish in a bright might? Turn on a lamp or room light a few minutes before turning on the tank light and things should settle down. Also a plant that kinda stretches over a small area of the water surface might give them a little more security.
From: Leslie 11/29/01
Subject: Gourami Filtration?
I have a 2-spotted gourami who has become a real bully. I've isolated him in a tank by himself. This tank has an undergravel filter and I hate those kind. I've read that gouramis have that special organ which allows them to breathe that way like a betta, or through their gills. I'd like to take the undergravel filter out to give him more room to swim, if he'd be ok without the bubbles from it. I do water changes weekly to twice weekly on the betta tank and would do the same for the gourami.
From: Rebecca 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Gourami Filtration?
Well, theoretically gouramis could be kept like bettas, but everything has to be on a larger scale, since they're fairly large fish when mature (to 6 inches) How big is the tank? It sounds kind of small if a UG filter needs to be removed to give him swimming space.
The problem with no filtration system is that oxygen tends to be pretty low. The gourami won't mind so much but you won't have very healthy bacterial colonies in there to consume waste. So your water-changing becomes sort of crucial.
If it were me I would invest in a small, inexpensive hang-on-the-tank filter like an Aquaclear, just to move the water a bit and oxygenate it and keep the surface fresh. The tank will stay cleaner and healthier in general. In the long run you would be making things easier on yourself. That's just what I'd do, no reason you couldn't do it your way. :)
From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Gourami Filtration?
He was in a small 2-gallon tank only for a day, but is back in my 10-gallon with regular filtration...not the undergravel/air chamber kind. I hate those. I got a 2nd 10-gallon and moved some fish around so he is doing a bit better...no more picking on little ones or deaths. I didn't like him being in that small tank, but for the day he was in there it was necessary because he was so mean to the other fish and killed 3. He still nips at some, but not like before. Soon I will get a much larger tank and he should have plenty of space then.
From: Rebecca 12/03/01
Subject: Re: Gourami Filtration?
Gouramis are basically a pain in the neck to have in community tanks. I have a pearl gourami, which is reputed to be one of the gentler species, but he still gets feisty once ina while. You tend to have to build the community around their lack of social skills, and even then sometimes it doesn't work out. If tankmates are too aggressive, gouramis can be bullied as well.
Mine does well with harlequin rasboras, loaches, and small rainbowfish. I had my platies in there for a while but he attacked them at feeding time. I think it makes sense to try tankmates who are from the same geographical location, especially smaller non-nippy schooling fish.
If you keep gourami you usually have a problem at some point or another finding fish that can live with it. In a small tank it can be nearly impossible, as their territory tends to include the whole tank. In a large tank where fish have room to stay out of the gourami's way, you have a lot more choice. They are beautiful, I guess that's why I'm willing to put up with that...
From: Karen 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Gourami Filtration?
I love this gourami but they can get a littel aggressive. Many of the gouramis do. They ar in the anabantoid family with the betta and can be kept the same way if the water is changed regularly.
From: eric 11/28/01
Subject: help, poor peacock eel is upside down.
We've had a peacock eel for about 2 1/2 years. Today we found it lying on its side and if anything disturbs it it tries to swim around but can't right itself. It is just sitting there looking miserable. Is it some sort of swim bladder disease? If so, how can it be treated?
From: Leslie 11/29/01
Subject: Re: help, poor peacock eel is upside down.
Poor thing. I know nothing about eels, but I know once my fish exhibit that same behavior, they always die, no matter what I do. It's very sad to watch, too. Good luck!
From: Karen 11/29/01
Subject: Re: help, poor peacock eel is upside down.
I agree with Leslie. I have never kept one of these but this is an ominous sign.
Has anything changed in the tank, any new fish or chemicals. Are there any other fish in the tank that could be picking on it. How large is the tank?
As for your water changes, do you let the new water age to dissipate the chlorine or do you use a chlorine remover? if you use city water has your city started using chloromine in the water.
The reason I ask is not all chlorine water conditioners remove this and if does not evaporate.
From: eric 11/29/01
Subject: Re: help, poor peacock eel is upside down.
Nothing's changed in the tank for at least two years. No new fish or anything. There's just the eel, 3 guaramis, and a pleco, all in a 30 gallon tank. We use "Prime" to condition the water, which claims to remove chloramine. I dunno if the city water has changed. The other fish seem the same as ever though. It's pretty sudden - he's been healthy and hungry lately until now.
he's still doing the same thing today.. just laying around on the bottom (which is what he normally does) and moving around every so often, but always on his side or in some other unnatural position.
i will ask at the place we got him from and see if they can think of anything too...
From: eric 11/29/01
Subject: Re: help, poor peacock eel is upside down.
update. the guy at the place we got him from asked almost immediately about ammonia levels and said he thinks the ammonia level is way too high, causing the eel to be sick. i tested and it is indeed way way too high. lots of cleaning and water changing has been done, and he doesn't seem any worse, so we'll see what happens.
From: Karen 11/29/01
Subject: Re: help, poor peacock eel is upside down.
Glad he was of some help. Hope the little guy gets better.
From: eric 11/29/01
Subject: Re: help, poor peacock eel is upside down.
he died :(
From: Leslie 11/30/01
Subject: Re: help, poor peacock eel is upside down.
So sorry to hear that. I've lost two fish this week (same day) and another one has his tail chewed off but he's been fine otherwise. Am sure my 2-spotted gourami did the picking, but I know what it's like to have to watch a fish die like that. My first betta, my sweet little Dominic died a horrible death, probably from TB. I didn't know anything back then about medicating sick fish and the various illnesses, but my husband buried him in out little garden out front and I can only think about him when my daisies bloom. He's the only fish I've ever buried. He died in September and I still have a grieve some for him. My sympathies are with you.
From: Jake 11/28/01
Subject: Mouth Fungus, Urgent
Okay this week has been a little bit crazy for me because first i have black mollies that have had 14 babies and counting this week. Second off on of the full grown black mollies has mouth fungus and is still in the tank with the rest of the fish. I don't have a hospital tank set up, what do i do? medications, remedys where to put the infected fish? Thank you a lot.
Jake
From: Kathleen 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Mouth Fungus, Urgent
Melafix won't cure mouth fungus or anything else
for that matter. The fish needs to be in a qt hospital tank. Antibiotics will cure mouth fungus.
I'll go to another web site (Aquamaniacs.net) and find out exactly how to treat it and e mail you.
From: Karen 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Mouth Fungus, Urgent
They sell medications for fungus so I would get some. I like melafix but you will have to find what is available in your area.
Was the mouth injured in some way? Fighting? Sharp object?
If you do not have a hospital tank you will have to treat the whole tank.
From: Carol 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Mouth Fungus, Urgent
Try Fungus Eliminator, I have used that and I think it works well. They sell it for like 3 bucks at walmart.
From: Jake 11/29/01
Subject: Re: Mouth Fungus, Urgent
Thanks for all your help. The fish is fine.
From: Kathleen 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Mouth Fungus, Urgent
Treatment that has worked in the past...double
doses of Maracyn and Maracyn 2, daily water changes, and temperature kept at 75 degrees. This
treatment was for a betta and she survived which is rare. Mouth fungus is not a fungus at all but
actually a slime coat disease.
From: Angel 11/28/01
Subject: How big can a betta get???
My betta seems like he's getting bigger in my 30gal tank. I got him a year ago and and he was 3in and now he's 5in. Is there something wrong with him...
From: Kathleen 11/28/01
Subject: Re: How big can a betta get???
Unless he has a visible tumor that is making him appear to be growing it's probably natural. My bettas have all grown. My youngest was very small when I got him and has grown to normal size now.
From: Bette Pelton 11/28/01
Subject: peace plant betta
I recently received a peace plant betta and have become facinated with him. I was told to use distilled water and now I reaD IN YOUR INSTRUCTIONS NOT TO USE DISTILLED WATER. wHY IS THAT AND WHAT KIND OF WATER SHALL i USE?
From: Carol 11/28/01
Subject: Re: peace plant betta
Yes, I agree. Distilled water is too pure. I use tap water that I condition with Chlor-Out, and it sets out at room temp for a few days. I also add 1/2 tsp aquarium salt per gallon of water, however your plant will not like that. I had a peace lily in with mine too, but I took it out, and have a fake plant instead now. I also add one drop of Aquarisol per gallon of water, to prevent ICK, and Velvet. Also, I dont know what kind of feeding instructions you received with your fish, but they DO need to eat EVERY day. I feed my bettas Hikari Bio Gold pellets 2-3 per day. You also need to change the water at least once a week. I have 3 bettas, 2 in one gallon containers, and one in a 2 gallon vase. All with fake plants. Also, if you decide to keep your peace lily in with your vase, make sure that you leave enough room at the top so that your fish can breath air. Yes, bettas need to breathe regular air, so make sure that your plant does not take up all the surface area at the top of the water. Good luck!
From: Carol 11/29/01
Subject: Re: peace plant betta
Here is a great site I found when I got my first betta (also as a gift, like you) I did a search because I basically received poor instructions that did not make sense to me.
www.bettatalk.com - very informative anything you can think of to ask about bettas you will find here at this site.
From: AJB 11/28/01
Subject: Re: peace plant betta
Believe it or not, distilled water is TO pure. Imagine that. Go to a pet store and find some water conditner (sp) that says it will remove chlorine and chlorimine (sp also, hey I was awake for 19 hours yesterday, I am tired). Then follow the instructions and change the water with tap water.
Since that is what you asked that is what I told. However, I am going to mention that those vases with the peace lilys are not very healthy for the fish. I would recommend a five gallon for a betta.
AJB
From: Kathleen 11/28/01
Subject: Re: peace plant betta
I agree with AJ...please consider a bigger home for your betta. Distilled water leaches minerals
from them that fish need to live. You can use bottled spring water (not drinking or ozonated water) but it still needs to be conditioned (also as AJ mentioned) with (I use Novaqua) something to
remove metals, chlorine, and chloramine. Spring water doesn't have these as tap water does but I still condition the water. I also use Amquel for ammonia. You actually need to change the water every other day in a vase if it's one or two gallons of water and not just once a week.
From: Paul 11/28/01
Subject: WHERE
Where on this site can i fine facts on Red Parrot cichlid's??
From: AJB 11/28/01
Subject: Re: WHERE
You cant on this site, go to www.notcatfish.com and try the findex.
AJB
From: kameron 11/28/01
Subject: does anyone have a mickeymouse fish???
i need help this girl that i bought the fish from said this fish was a mickey mouse fish because on its tail is a mickeymouse head
From: Lindsey 11/28/01
Subject: Re: does anyone have a mickeymouse fish???
It possibly could be a mickey mouse platy, they are the only fish i know about with a mickey on the tail.
From: Rebecca 11/28/01
Subject: Re: does anyone have a mickeymouse fish???
Yep, sounds like a platy. They're quite easy fish to keep. I find they do better with some aquarium salt in the water (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water) but you can keep them in straight fresh also.
They like any kind of food and you can keep them happily on standard flake food. They will nibble quite a lot of algae as well.
Platys aren't schooling fish but they do appreciate others of their own kind. It's best to have more females than males as males are a bit sex-crazed and can harass the females in a small tank. You can tell the sexes apart by looking at the bottom fin closest to the tail (the anal fin.) On females this fin is a nice broad triangle. On males it looks spiky, like a little spear sort of... this is the gonopodium which they are constantly trying to insert into the females!
They are livebearers (have live young instead of lay eggs) and will reproduce almost constantly, although unless the tank has a lot of hiding places, the babies will usually be eaten by the parents before you even see them.
Platys are very nice, friendly fish and usually very hardy. Hope you enjoy.
Rebecca
From: Cathie 11/28/01
Subject: anyone want to trade tanks?
I have a 60gal Eclipse with canopy and stand also a 80gal Coral Reef aquarium with lights and all acc. looking to trade for 100gal or up in the pasadena area.
From: Rebecca 11/29/01
Subject: Re: anyone want to trade tanks?
Not trying to be a traitor or anything, but you want to check out some other fish boards which have "classifieds" forums for trading/selling aquarium equipment. You're more likely to run into the right person there than here.
Aqualink has a pretty busy one:
http://www.aqualink-too.com/ubb/board/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=7
From: David 11/27/01
Subject: Brown Crud
Just now i've been getting some brown junk, i think it's some kind of algae in my tank on the glass sides and on the gravel. i dont know how to get rid of it i try to clean it up but it comes back, does any 1 know how to get rid of it? i think i might be overfeeding.
From: AJB 11/28/01
Subject: Re: Brown Crud
Everything I was going to say was said!
:-)
This board is just to efficient!
AJB
From: Rebecca 11/28/01
Subject: Re: Brown Crud
Brown (sort of rusty coloured) algae is usually diatoms. It thrives in low light and high silicates. Silicates can leach out of sand/rocks/gravel for quite a while so you often get a bloom if you change or add some decor.
It usually goes away on its own after silicates decrease, or if you increase the light (in which case you usually start getting green algae instead, if you're into that)
Otocinclus love to eat diatoms, but since it's normally a temporary condition, it's not worth buying those fish unless you already want them or have other algae as well.
Phos-Sorb, which is a filter insert, removes phosphates and silicates and will cause this algae to go away if you want to try that. But it's fairly expensive.
Hope this helps.
From: Christopher 11/28/01
Subject: Re: Brown Crud
Overfeeding and/or too much light will cause algea to grow. Do you have live plants in your aquarium? If not put some in. It helps with the algea problem. The plants use the nutrients that the algea normaly would. Dont worry, there will still be enough algea for your algea eaters :)
From: Karen 11/28/01
Subject: Re: Brown Crud
Not all algae eaters will eat this stuff. It can be from overfeeding, to much light or not enough water changes or all three. However I have found that it grows in all my tanks. Most do not have lights and get very little sunlight, just light from a lamp that is about 5 feet away. I do water changes once a week, my tanks are understocked. I still get the stuff.
I have found manual removal works best.
From: Lois 11/27/01
Subject: update on female bettas
Well, the word of caution was quite appropriate. The first 2 were getting along fine, but they were put in at the same time. I added a 3rd and they were NOT happy. Both of the original fish started picking on the newbie who was spending her time running or hiding in the corner behind a plant. Turned off all the lights and they calmed down but in morning restarted. Came home to find newbie quiet on the bottom, getting chased everytime she moved. I put her in a bowl with a fake plant--started swimming around and ate right away (no eating since arrival). It is not heated but will see how she does. Suppose they might have adjusted--any thoughts on how long to let a thing like that go on? When I first put tetras in with the male, he chased them like crazy, but next morning ignored them and all fine since. Top fish of the first 2 is still riled up, but not too bad. Am wondering if it would be worth trying again when I get a 7 gallon tank and put them all in at once so nobody has territory established. What do you think? Any hints on adding new fish to established tank? Thanks for all your input, it really helps!
From: Rebecca 11/27/01
Subject: Re: update on female bettas
Hi Lois,
I forget what size tank they're in now?
You could try rearranging the decor; that sometimes helps confuse the territories. In a small tank it's a problem since the fish are in each other's faces... there isn't really enough tank for them to get a comfortable distance away when there's fighting, but you can try.
The most important thing is that the weakest fish has somewhere to escape the harassment; otherwise the constant stress can be very hard on them... she might be too frightened to feed, or become sick easily. You can make little caves out of pieces of slate or broken clay flowerpots -- bettas actually love to go in and out of hidey holes. If there were enough of them, the weaker fish might be able to find somewhere she isn't noticed so she can rest. Some bushy plants like java ferns are helpful too.
If you're relocating all 3 to a new tank, perhaps try putting the weakest fish in first for a couple/few days so she is the boss of the place, and then add the other two, maybe one at a time, the worst bully last. I haven't tried that but it might work.
Hope this helps.
Rebecca
From: Karen 11/28/01
Subject: Re: update on female bettas
Good Advice.
With bettas they probably would have killed her so it is good you removed her. When you setup the new tank put teh weak one in first as was suggested. Also if you use 4 or more they are less likely to gang up on just one.
From: Lois 11/28/01
Subject: Re: update on female bettas
Thanks to both of you--I will try with new tank and lots of hidey holes and put her in first--does not seem happy in nonheated water in any case.
From: fire ice 11/28/01
Subject: Re: update on female bettas
it also helps to rearrange any decorations. they will have to reestablish territory.
From: Lucy 11/27/01
Subject: Ripped Fins
My poor female I know that ripped fins are all part of the breeding progress but her fins are far worse then the last time I bred them. She looks like a triple tail crowntail betta do you think she can get a infection?
From: Karen 11/28/01
Subject: Re: Ripped Fins
Yes, you can either treat her for an infection or do what I do. When one of my fish gets a ripped fin I keep a close eye on it til it heals. usually no meds are needed, keep the water clean.
From: holly 11/27/01
Subject: tumor like growth on Betta
Does anyone know what might be wrong with my poor Betta. He has a large tumor looking growth on his side right behind his fin. He seems to be OK but it keeps growing. It can't keep on. He'll explode. I've been treating him with Binox and have him seperated from the other fish. Any help?
From: Karen 11/28/01
Subject: Re: tumor like growth on Betta
I have one idea. These guys are bred on such a large scale in what I refer to as betta mills. There is no effort in quality of the fish.
I have been hearing about these "tumors" more often lately and I think this is why.
As far as I can remember I have yet to hear of anyone successfully treating this, just keeping the fish happy as a fish can be.
From: katie 11/29/01
Subject: Re: tumor like growth on Betta
Actually, a few archives ago, i believe that clint advised a treatment for a tumor like growth....do some checking on the archives -it was probably three or four back:) look for the answer from clint-i also posted on this one:) but didn't think there was anything to be done...
From: Lucy 11/27/01
Subject: What would you think is wrong?
The last time I bred them the tank didn't have a lot of stough like:a heater ,a light ,a sponge filter, two rocks & shell(kept the female's jar above water), and as much water(about half the tank). The filter isn't on though because my dad thinks it popped the nest bubbles. So what do you think is wrong.
P.S Sorry that I write so much.
From: Karen 11/27/01
Subject: Re: What would you think is wrong?
If there is no top water turbulence or underwater current probably nothing. You might have something near teh top that the male can anchor the nest to.
From: Lucy 11/27/01
Subject: Re: What would you think is wrong?
Jis nest is fine they'er both ready they just seem not want to do it for some reason.
From: lucy 11/27/01
Subject: Re: What would you think is wrong?
His nest is just fine they'er both ready they seem not want to do it for some reason
From: Karen 11/28/01
Subject: Re: What would you think is wrong?
Then they are not ready and need more conditioning and time.
From: Lucy 11/27/01
Subject: ways to get bettas to breed
Hi people well my dad is now saying he's going to replace Lucy with some other betta is there a wayt to try to get them to do it I let you know if it works thanks
From: Lucy 11/27/01
Subject: Can goldfish bug breeding betta?
I Have a small tank of Goldfish(4 comets)right next to Ricky and Lucy's breeding tank can that bug them?
From: Karen 11/27/01
Subject: Re: Can goldfish bug breeding betta?
No, but 4 comets need at least a 75 gallon tank when they are full grown. They can reach over a foot in length and are fast swimmers.