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From: Steve 12/04/01
Subject: "Shimmies"
I currently have 2 sail fin black mollys in a community tank and just one of the mollys (the female) continually gets white spot, I treat it every time and adear to the instructions on the box but within a couple of weeks hey presto she's got it again. Any ideas why?? also what are shimmies????

From: Clint 12/04/01
Subject: Re: "Shimmies"
Increase the heat, Mollies like it warm and add a teaspoon of salt per gallon. If your Mollies keep getting the shimmys you need to keep the tank warmer at about 78 F or more. Clint

From: Leslie 12/04/01
Subject: Re: "Shimmies"
Shimmies are when a fish (mollies for me) shake rapidly side to side like they have a nervous condition. I have found that in my experience, my white mollies tend to do it a lot more than the black ones. Most of the time if I add some extra salt to the tank, it gets better, but I have 2 mollies, one pearl white and one orange and white, which do it even though the temp is good for them and the water tests fine. My other mollies don't have this problem. I guess it's just a "molly thing" for my fish. I don't remember any of my black mollies doing it and neither do any of my other fish. What kind of white spot, ich? What medication are you using? Do you have the addition of salt in the tank? If it's ich, black mollies are much more prone, but, like you, I've had 4-6 black mollies at a time and only one ever got it. Same is tru for the shimmies.

From: Faith 12/03/01
Subject: pregnant Upsidedown Catfish?
How do I know for sure? The ones i have are two different colors. The darker one has appeared to have gotten fatter over Thanksgiving. I would also like to know that if this fish is pregnant how long before she will lay the eggs?

From: Karen 12/04/01
Subject: Don't know
I searched the net and this is what I found. I hope I did this right for copyright. In the North American Catfish Society Vol. 1 No. 1 Jan. 1996 there appeared an article entitled "Luck In A Bucket" by Jay and Mary Ann Angros. The authors keep some of their fishes outdoors in the summer. The catfish were placed in a five gallon bucket full of clay pots and PVC pipe from their regular tank. One author, Jay, took the bucket outside and promptly forgot about it for two days! When the bucket of fish was remembered and checked, the authors found fifty eggs in one piece of PVC. The fish were then brought back inside and placed in a tank that was completely full of crockery and PVC pipes. Sometime later this tank was broken down for cleaning and seven S. nigriventris fry were found. The spawning tank had pH 6.8 and the temperature fluctuated between 78F and 82F. The tank had about an inch of gravel over an under gravel filter. Tankmates included skunk Botia and other Synodontis spp. The fish were fed mainly frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and ProGreen (a mixture of green, clams, and shrimp). Based on the account above, it would seem that any attempt at spawning the USD Synodontis requires, at a minimum, the following: A well-rounded high quality diet Drastic temperature drops to initiate spawning Soft acidic water Suitable spawning sites

From: Beth 12/03/01
Subject: New tank
I am starting a new tank. A 29 gallon that has been established is being given to me unfortunately I have no desire to keep the fish that are in it at the moment, so I will be faced with selling the previous inhabitants. Anyway my plans for the tank are for a geophagus jurapari(earth eater), a farlowella catfish, and a weather loach. Any ideas on how this community will do and I want to ensure that my research is correct and these will all get along fine without problems. I know you guys have some of the best info on the net being that you have personal experiences to go on. Please let me know your comments and questions. THANKS SO MUCH!!

From: Karen 12/03/01
Subject: Re: New tank
I like the jurapari but it is a large fish reaching 10-12 inches. I saw one once at a petstore, someone had brought it in and I swear it exceeded 12 inches but it might have been the tank made it look bigger. They are attractive, and do well in groups. They can be kept with like sized gouramis, sharks, peaceful cichlids. Like other cichlids they like to dig. You can keep them as singles or groups.

From: fire ice 12/03/01
Subject: how to grow your own fry food
I just read on another site how to grow your own rotifiers and infusoria: http://animalatlas.com/encyclo/information/freshwater_fish/common_foods.htm trust me, it's really worth it! I've looked at the water before and after under a microscope and there are so many of them even in just one drop, it's amazing! I feed them letuce that I've popped in the microwave for about 25 seconds and it works great. I'd like to hear if anyone has actually used them as fry food (the only fry I have now are guppies and they are fairly large, at one month) but at any rate, they're fun to watch!

From: Vickie 12/03/01
Subject: setting up new tank
I have had a 5 gal UGF for 2 years(goldfish) After many delays I am now setting up a 10 gal with a whisper power filter. I was told to let it run with no fish for 3 or 4 days then add 1 or 2 fish. Two questions: Would it be a good idea to use some of the gravel from the old tank(even though I'm changing gravel color) or could I use some of the carbon from the current tank canister, add it to the bio bag cartridge in the new tank? My other question is after fish have been in for awhile when do I do my first partial water change? And how long until I vacuum gravel? I believe last time I waited 2 weeks, does that sound right. I have never done any testing of water and have never had any problems. Thanks in advance.

From: Karen 12/03/01
Subject: Re: setting up new tank
Does your canister have floss of some kind? I transfer small pieces of that to a newly setup tank. Do not rinse it, it might look a little dirty but that is ok, you only need a small piece. Once you do this your biobugs need fish to expell waste to feed them. If you are transfering some media I would let the tank run 24 hours just to make sure everything is running fine, transfer teh used filter media and add the fish. I start my water changes the next week.

From: Vickie 12/03/01
Subject: Re: setting up new tank
Yes I have some floss in my canister. Do I put it in the bio bag with the carbon? Is the gravel not a good idea or is the floss just better? Should I put one fish in at a time, waiting a few days in between? I am getting so many different opinions about water changing and gravel cleaning. Several people told me not to do a water change or clean gravel for 4 week. 4 weeks with goldfish seems like a long time, seems like the tank will get really dirty. Thanks so much for your help.

From: fire ice 12/03/01
Subject: Re: setting up new tank
well, the gravel thing would be ok to do, but switching some of the filter floss will work just as well so this way you won't have to pick different-colored gravel out in a few weeks. I'm assuming you probably have 2 goldfish inm the 5 gal, so you could "feed" the empty tank for a while before adding the fish one at a time . "feed" the tank about 3 flakes the first day and then work it up until you are feeding what 1 fish would eat (work it up over about a week) then, after another half-week of this, add fish #1, wait a week and a half, and add fish #2. Good luck!

From: Karen 12/03/01
Subject: Re: setting up new tank
Yes, there are many ways of doing it. Two important things that you have to be sure of. Decide the easiest way for you. Keeping the biobugs alive. You can either do this by feeding with flake food or adding the fish one at a time or all at once. (Personally I add them all at once if I am seeding a new tank with used floss, just use a little more). You can transfer the gravel but as ice said, later you have to pick out the different colored gravel. Two, keeping the tank clean. Like I said before I start the tank on my weekly cleaning schedule right away. I do not want the ammonia building up as this really stresses the fish. After that I do not want the debris building up. If you feel you should wait a couple of weeks then do so but watch the ammonia. Just add the floss to the filter, if it has a bag for floss put it in there or on top as long as it has water going through it. I usually put it on top imagining the biobugs filtering down to the rest of the media quicker that way.

From: Debbie 12/03/01
Subject: Stripe & Pink Convicts Spawning
I have a black stripe convict and a pink convict. Can they be matched together? This is the second batch of eggs, the 1st batch didn't hatch or got eaten. Also, the black striped convict has turned real pale this time. The pink one is guarding the eggs and the black stays outside the cave cuz the pink one chases the other out.. Is all of this normal? Or do I have 2 females. Thank you

From: Karen 12/03/01
Subject: Re: Stripe & Pink Convicts Spawning
You could have 2 females. You can miix the two, the pink is the same as the stripe, just an aquarium bred color. One way I tell teh sexes apart is to look at teh top fin. Males tend to have a longer pointed fin and the females look blunt or rounded. In the striped the females can have a red to their bellies, males sometimes do but to a lesser degree. Not sure about the pink ones.

From: Raul 12/02/01
Subject: My tiger barbs are not acting right
I have a pack of tiger barbs and they are not being very active as of recently. When i first got them and for about 5 months now they have been fine, but i got a shark that had ich and one of my barbs got it and died. I cured the Ich i got that all treated but now the rest of my barbs are just staying at the top of the tank not being very active someone please help me I don't want to lose anymore.

From: Rebecca 12/02/01
Subject: Re: My tiger barbs are not acting right
Well, I could ask you a ton of questions to narrow down the possibilites, but first I advise a water change. If you normally change water every week as part of your maintenance, do a large change, 30-50%. If you haven't been doing water changes, start smaller, 10-20%, as by now your tank water and your tap water might be vastly different. I have a feeling it's a water quality problem, and water changes are the quickest way to resolve this. Fish hovering near the surface can mean lack of oxygen, and some ich medications can damage the bacteria which consume waste products in the tank, causing ammonia or nitrite levels to rise and stress the fish. If you don't have test kits, you don't necessarily need them -- I would change water daily until the fish start acting normally or until you can provide more info. A surprising number of fish ailments can be treated with water changes alone. If you want to answer a bunch of questions... are there other fish in the tank? Are they acting normally? Is your filter and heater working properly? What is your usual tank maintenance? Do you clean the gravel, change water, etc, and how often?

From: Karen 12/03/01
Subject: Re: My tiger barbs are not acting right
I agree with Rebecca, my first thought was ammonia. How long has this tank been set up?

From: Raul 12/02/01
Subject: My tiger barbs are not acting right
I have a pack of tiger barbs and they are not being very active as of recently. When i first got them and for about 5 months now they have been fine, but i got a shark that had ich and one of my barbs got it and died. I cured the Ich i got that all treated but now the rest of my barbs are just staying at the top of the tank not being very active someone please help me I don't want to lose anymore.

From: kyel 12/04/01
Subject: Re: My tiger barbs are not acting right
OK I'm a fish store owner. and whan I have problems with them doing that. what I find that works is increase the air volume in tank ?? what kind of shark? becuase sharks are nippers one other thing U can try is put some pvc piping 1inch and cut them into 5-6 inch peaces I would pefur if we can do this through e-mail there is to many things to sift through

From: clint 12/02/01
Subject: Chat room info
Hi everyone, I have been working away from home for a little while (Im in Arkanasa and Oklahoma) I'll be back home Tuesday. I see that the chatroom is causing some concern. I found out its on pacific time, and it uses a 24 hour type clock, so 1300 is really 1 oclock pm PST, most people have said they like to chat at around 6 to 8, so that would be 1800 to 2000 west coast US time, or 1500 to 1700 east coast, 1600 to 1800 central etc. I think if everyone aims for around the same time you might find more people there. I've noticed that sites even much bigger than petfish have a hard time keeping a chatroom going, so you kind of have to schedule for it. I wil keep looking for other things to improve the site. Clint

From: Lois 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Chat room info
Hi Clint--thanks so much for setting up the chat room, even if it has been hard to find people there--did meet a 3 others on Saturday--I was aiming to meet someone (Katie?)who had posted and suggested a meeting time. You have probably figured it out by now, but the time gets later as you go east, instead of earlier, so 6pm (1800) Pacific, where I live, is either 9pm (2100) or 10pm (2200) Eastern, I never seem to be able to keep track of how many hours difference, but it is definitely later on the East coast, which may be one reason why I never find anyone in there when I go online at 7 or 8pm. And the east coasters who are looking for company at 6 or 8pm won't find me because I will still be at work. Think Saturdays will work best for me. Thanks again!

From: Leslie 12/04/01
Subject: Re: Chat room info
You are right about the time difference causing problems with meeting people. I live in Florida and there's 3 hours difference between here and the east coast...except in the extreme western panhandle of FL which is on CT. When it's 7 p.m. (1900 hours) in L.A., it's 10 p.m. here on the east coast (2200 hours).

From: Jessica 12/02/01
Subject: what do I give to good fishies?
I have 4 tiger barbs, 4 firemouth cichlids, 6 neon tetras, and 3 leopard corydoras. I feed them regular tropical fish flakes all the time. What can I give them as a treat every now and then? I don't want to feed one fish something that will make the other fish sick. Any suggestions would be a big help!

From: Karen 12/03/01
Subject: Re: what do I give to good fishies?
I feed frozen fish food, blood worms are a favorite. There are many different kinds.

From: kyle 12/04/01
Subject: Re: what do I give to good fishies?
blood worm or daphnia frozen kind or a formula trigger food frozen

From: Rebecca 12/03/01
Subject: Re: what do I give to good fishies?
For sure, frozen bloodworms. I get Hikari brand. The fish practically glow afterwards!

From: Hannah 12/04/01
Subject: Re: what do I give to good fishies?
I have freeze-dried bloodworm (the live bloodworms are admittedly disgusting!). For live food, I think brine shrimps are best. It does the fish good to be able to hunt out and chase its food. Oh, I also have freeze-dries microworm. HANNAH

From: emma 12/02/01
Subject: boring empty chatroom
i just "discovered" this and no one is going on it! you gotta get on!

From: Lucy 12/02/01
Subject: Help dropped eggs...in the wrong place
Lucy 2 finally dropped finally dropped some eggs...IN HER CORNER!!! I think she ate them I didn't see what happened I fed her and got so distracted watching my new fish I didn't see what happened I just saw her blowing at them trying to get them in her mouth ricky was over there to. Also she has really red gills and I can see a hole in her dot. Please Help!!! Thanks

From: Leslie 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Help dropped eggs...in the wrong place
Female bettas will help deposit eggs into the bubble nest, but they also will eat them if they are so inclined. Are the red gills just from today? Maybe it has to do with the bredding climax? What do you mean about a hole in her dot? The egg tube? Is it on the bottom side of the egg tub? If so, she may be dilated from passing eggs. Look in the bubble nest very closely and make sure there aren't clumps of eggs in the bubbles.

From: Lucy 12/03/01
Subject: Re: Help dropped eggs...in the wrong place
The red gills always come up when she's ready. I see a little hole in her egg tube like a little dot. I see no eggs.

From: Lucy 12/02/01
Subject: Keeping petstore females together and just keeping females
Is it allright to keep petstore female bettas together? Yestarday we went to get another female I've heard female bettas can only be kept in groups of three or more so we got a purple one(Lavendar) and a combodian(Arcoires) to keep with Lucy but they are flaring at each other I am curriently holding them in a betta hex thing (i hate that i have to)until I can put them in a tank with Lucy(she'e still breeding)Arcoires seems only interested in flaring at lavender and lavedar at her reflection in a mirror Also Lucy is 0.14 long and 0.04 wide lavender is only 0.12 long and 0.02 wide and arcoires 0.11 long and 0.02 wide does that matter? I mean the newbies are like little babies? P.S It's pronounced ARGO-EEDEES it is spanish for raimbow.

From: Lois 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Keeping petstore females together and just keeping females
I will be interested in hearing how you do. I think that one of the problems I had with adding a 3rd female to a pair that had been together for a while was the limited space (2.5 gallon tank), plus one of the original ones was full of eggs, and feisty, and the other one quite dominant. I think that I have decided that that one really is a female--I had my doubts, what with her longer fins and nasty attitude. Wish I had thought of moving the main bully, but now have a new 7 gallon tank cycling with 2 females (the one I tried to add, who got picked on badly, and a 4th)and a cory--the girls flare and chase a bit, but don't seem to be serious. I hope to move at least one more in with them. I would love to go ahead, but am afraid to put another fish in until the tank is cycled. This time, I put in a LOT of hiding places when I set up the tank, which I hope will help during the adjustment phase. Your fish sound really pretty!

From: Leslie 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Keeping petstore females together and just keeping females
My female bettas came from pet stores and they had days when one would flare, chase, and nip the other. Female bettas have a pecking order and yes, they do flare! If that's all yours are doing, leave them together. I've found that sometimes mine start out bad but end up being friends, but they still have days when one is picking on the other(s). I wouldn't move them unless one is causing injury to the others. Then, move the bully. If I were you, I'd move them all into the same tank as soon as you can, moving the more docile ones first. As far as female betta groups, I've never heard of having to have 3 or more! One does quite well. If the betta hex is a small container like the one I have, that's probably most of the problem...they feel crowded and are trying to establish boundaries in such a limited space.

From: Lucy 12/03/01
Subject: Re: Keeping petstore females together and just keeping females
I have a tank in my garage that seems good for them three, but there is a glass between them I've lifted up the glass and they seem cool. I just don't want them to get rid of being next to other bettas, and if I leave the glass off I'm worried they'll pick on my Lucy(when i add her) and if she fights back...(i mean it would take for of them put together to be as big as she is)

From: Hannah 12/04/01
Subject: Re: Keeping petstore females together and just keeping females
I'd say the glass is annoying them. Personally, I'd fill the back of my tank with plants like cabomba, so they can hide from each other, and just put them altogether. I am continually having problems with male swordtails together, as they are violent and have a pecking order. Fish like this are better on their own or in very large numbers, so the bullies are unable to concentrate on one fish. HANNAH

From: jason 12/02/01
Subject: pregnant Gourami?????
help. how do you sex Gourami'S? the ones i have are not dwarves but they are blue i'm not sure what type of Gourami's they are but i need help. i think one might be pregnant... so i'm guessing shes a female but i dont know how to tell. if she is pregnant what do i do because i really want to breed Gourami's but have never tried before. what signs are there that could help me tell if she is pregnant. please Help

From: Rebecca 12/02/01
Subject: Re: pregnant Gourami?????
Well if you really want to breed gouramis, your first step should be to identify what species you have. How many do you have? Are they in a tank with other fish? Breeding gouramis often requires a separate tank as the males are extremely territorial guarding the nest and may attack the female as well as other fish after breeding. Also the fry are very tiny and can be sucked into filters, and require food small enough for them to eat. Breeding pairs should also be fed high-quality food prior to breeding (like live foods) so they are in optimal condition; this will maximise your chances of success. It's probably best to do a little research yourself with a good search engine (I like Google) and then ask specific questions here when you've got a handle on the basics. First off, identify what species you have.

From: Karen 12/02/01
Subject: Nope
Gouramis build bubble nests much like bettas do. one or both may be full of eggs. Depending on the type of betta it should be fairly easy to breed.

From: jason 12/02/01
Subject: ok thanx...can you help me with anything else
ok i think that one of them must be full of eggs. thanks i had know idea that they built bubble nests that helps a lot. do you have any other advice that could help me with there breeding. what condidtions do i need to make to help them build there nest.

From: Leslie 12/02/01
Subject: Re: ok thanx...can you help me with anything else
Well, he needs to have a tank with corners and no air stone bubbles. If he's in a tank with turbulence, the bubble nest will be destroyed. I've found with my male bettas, stagnant water and a tank with a corner or two is good. I don't know what type of tank and filtration you have (if any filtration), but just keep them in calm water, give him a few days or so and he'll know what to do. I've found my bettas are much happier when they're in calm water and are able to build those bubble nests whether they're in with females or not.

From: Hannah 12/04/01
Subject: Re: ok thanx...can you help me with anything else
I agree. They like the quiet water because these are the conditions they are in in the wild. Unlike swordtails etc, which live in fast flowing rivers, gouramis, like siamese fighting fish, live in small bodies of water, like little ponds. They are adapted to these conditions by building bubble nests, and having labrinth organs to breath atmospheric air. I would put some floating plants in the tank, so that the male can build onto them if he wants to. Hope this helps, HANNAH

From: Attila 12/02/01
Subject: Corydoras
I would really like some cories in my 10gal tank that already has a betta, guppies, mollies, swordtais, and platies. My question is: do cories live in schools? How many would I have to get? Thank you, Attila

From: Eddie 12/03/01
Subject: Re: Corydoras
get about 4 or so of the same species. they love each other's company. feed them some of those bottom feeder tablets (something like that) every other day or so to make sure they get enough food to eat.

From: Karen 12/03/01
Subject: Re: Corydoras
Before you add any cories to this setup I would still like to know how many fish you have in this tank.

From: christina 12/03/01
Subject: Re: Corydoras
READ, READ, READ -- i cannot stress enough the importance of reading when it comes to taking care of fish. i'm relatively new to the hobby myself, but am always on the look out for a good fish book (check the net). i now have at least six books relating to fish in general, corys, plecos, and tetras (these are the fish i have in my tank). the thing that stinks is that a lot of books are confusing in that they contradict one another in statements (for example i have serpae tetras which, according to one book, were very peaceful and great for a community tank, but another book stated they can be somewhat aggressive). if i had read more about fish i probably would not have risked buying the serpaes which DID turn out to be somewhat aggressive with my other fish. i have two panda corys which are really cute. i originally had six, but the other four died of some sort of internal bleeding. according to what i've read, pandas like to be paired, but others often they like to be in trios -- depends on what cory you're dealing with. GOOD LUCK!!!!

From: Jessica 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Corydoras
I have 3 leopard corydoras. They seem to be fine in a group of three and they are really beautiful. They makea wonderful edition to any aquarium.

From: Leslie 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Corydoras
The pet stores say they're schooling and you need at least 3, but I have 2, 10-gallon tanks, one with 3 small corys (2 albinos and one green), and one tank with one large emerald green cory with a smaller spotted cory. Two corys seem just as happy as 3, but a 10-gallon tank is small, so make sure you get small corys. My large emerald green one is huge! He was supposed to be a small one, but I guess he got mixed in the wrong tank at the store. Corys are very easy to keep and very hardy in my tanks. I've had mine for a long time with only one death. He was an albino and somehow got a fin injury which, by the time I noticed it, had lots of fungus in it. I tried medicating him, but he wouldn't eat and died. He's the only one I've lost. Also, make sure you get some small bottom-feeder tablets to put in at night. I put mine in right after I put the flakes in for the other fish, so they won't notice the sinking tablet.

From: Lois 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Corydoras
What kind of sinking tablets do you use?? And how much? I have been using shrimp pellets, and they get leftovers from above. I have seen these other sinking foods, but they all look so large. I have 2 corys (small) in 10 gallon tank.

From: Lois 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Corydoras
They really like company. I had only one when my 10 gallon tank was cycling (along with the betta) and he/she really seemed to enjoy when I added the 2nd one after cycling. I only have the 2. I have Corydoras aeneus (?spelling)--I think these don't get real big--looked it up, but don't recall for sure.

From: AJB 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Corydoras
Do cories live in schools? Yes, they do. How many would I have to get? Three. How many could you get? None. I am with Karen on this one. Your tank is already stocked to its fullest. If you got rid of some of them, then I think three small coryies would be a great addition. AJB

From: Karen 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Corydoras
None. I am assuming you have at least two of each fish, that would be ten. One fish per gallon is already maxed out. Corydoras are schooling fish. They like to be in groups of 5 or more but three will be very happy while one would be very lonely. There are many different types and you can have a mixed school. However if you want to breed them I would keep only one type.

From: Beth 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Corydoras
We found some pygmy coridories at our lfs and they are great!! They do school but 3 of them don't take up much room in the tank. I believe when they are full grown they are less than an inch in size. Their antics make them the perfect pet.

From: Beth 12/02/01
Subject: Mollie Sexing
I want to know how to tell sex on the white mollies. I am wanting to get a "pair" but unsure how to tell the difference. Any advice to a first time breeder would be helpful also.

From: Karen 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Mollie Sexing
Females are usually quite plump and round and pregnant and larger than the slimmer males. The adipose fin, the fin along the bottom looks like a pointer on the males and "normal" on the females.

From: Hannah 12/04/01
Subject: Re: Mollie Sexing
AS Karen said, the males have a "gonopodium" in place of the anal fin of the female. This is how they fertilize the females (Guess how!!!!) It has a hook on the end to hold on to the female during the brief embrace. But, be careful. If the fish are stressed, the females will clamp their fins and this can make their anal fin look like a gonopodium. Also, make sure the fish are not too young: Live bearing fishes like mollies, platies and swords have an annoying tendency to reach sexual maturity late. It is very bad luck to think you have got a pair and then realise they are both males! Also, I would like to suggest that you get one male and at least 2 females. This is not really important, but it means that the male does not pester a single female too much. Good luck! HANNAH

From: ellyse 12/01/01
Subject: Breeding Mollies?
Is it Ok to put the female in a breeding trap, or can I keep her in the tank with the male. I've read two different ways to breed them. Any Suggestions?

From: Angel 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Breeding Mollies?
you can also leave them in the tank I've done that and now i have 29 mollies and 16swordtail babies.. Angel

From: ellyse 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Breeding Mollies?
Thank you, I managed to get some of the babies in the breeding trap, the Mom seems to be happier outside of the box. I woke up to about 15 babies and I think she's not done yet. Thank you again. Have Fun!!

From: ellyse 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Breeding Mollies?
Thank you, I managed to get some of the babies in the breeding trap, the Mom seems to be happier outside of the box. I wok up to about 15 babies and I think she's not done yet. Thank you again. Have Fun!!

From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: African Dwarf Frog
I just got an A. dwarf frog today and he is very cool. I have him in my 5.5 gallon tank with a few neons, h. rasboras, and one spotted cory. I was wondering the best food to give the frog and what is the best way to feed him to ensure he's eating. Also, is it ok to have just one? I have a 10 gallon "docile" tank" if I were to need more than just him. Thanks!

From: Beth 12/02/01
Subject: Re: African Dwarf Frog
We have a solo dwarf frog in our 10 gallon he is doing GREAT! We worried about him being alone when his tank mate passed away, but have since been allieviated of our fears by his actions and everyone's advice. Good luck and enjoy him.

From: Steph 12/01/01
Subject: Re: African Dwarf Frog
I have 2 in a three gallon and they get along great. I'm sure just having one in a community tank would be fine. My frogs eat frozen bloodworms. Mine come in a cube about the size of a sugar cube, and I cut it in half and feed it to them once a day. I have tried frog pellets but they wouldn't touch them. It really depends on what they were raised on. I would call the store you bought them from and find out what they fed them. That way you won't waste money on food they won't eat. A word of advice if you do give them frozen bloodworms, the other fish might eat them before they drop the the bottom of the tank (frogs are bottom feeders). So you might want to get some slurpee straws (long straws with the little spoon at the end) and use it to hold the cube of bloodworms at the bottom til it no longer floats and they can get to it. That's what I do with mine, they are not with any other fish, but because the bloodworms don't scatter that way and they find it easier.

From: Angel 12/01/01
Subject: 45 fishy don't what to do with???
Some one help most of these are baby swordtail and mollies

From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: 45 fishy don't what to do with???
Well, that was pretty rude of Eddie! He didn't even ask how big your tank is. If I were you, I'd just leave them be and let nature take its course. A good # of the fry will be eaten or die. Sounds cruel, but I guess it's their own population control. If too many live, then take them to the lfs and see if they'll buy them. Where I live, Gainesville, FL, it's awfula hard to sell fry to the lfs as they get those requests all the time and probably go through their own breeders. Maybe get another tank like a small one for the fry???

From: Angel 12/01/01
Subject: Re: 45 fishy don't what to do with???
I in tampa fl most of the lfs are over stocked

From: Eddie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: 45 fishy don't what to do with???
what do you want the someone to do? why don't you take them to the LFS and sell them. when you got swords and mollies did you research them? if so you would know that they breed like crazy.

From: Angel 12/01/01
Subject: Re: 45 fishy don't what to do with???
yes i did know that and no lfs will take them

From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: 45 fishy don't what to do with???
I know what you mean. If the lfs's took them as well as other fry, I could make good money!!! I don't know why he told you that in the first place. When I read his response, it just sounded quite rude to me....you were asking a legit question. Even though there may be no other answer other than to do what you already know, he didn't have to be so sarcastic about it. I asked a question once and got an answer back from Clint that was a bit sarcastic. In my opinion, no question is stupid and even the simplest ones deserve a constructive answer.

From: fire ice 12/02/01
Subject: Re: 45 fishy don't what to do with???
well, that's Eddie 4 U. Every once in a while, he makes a VERY rude post.

From: Leslie 12/02/01
Subject: Re: 45 fishy don't what to do with???
Then he needs to stay off the message board!

From: Karen 12/02/01
Subject: Re: 45 fishy don't what to do with???
Just part of Eddies charm. That and a great way to get attention. Guess we have been ignoring him lately. Anyway, I can think of three ideas. Give them away to local kids, parents will soon tell their kids to avoid the crazy fish lady though :-) Leave them in the tank and let nature do its thing. Set up a 20 long cichlid tank, firemouths or convicts are cheap and readily available in most areas. Feed the babies to them.

From: Angel 12/01/01
Subject: going in the chat room now
;)

From: john 12/01/01
Subject: cloudy tank
I have a 30 gallon tank for over 2 years now, but since the last few days the water appears very cloudy. I have already made several water changes but to no avail. I have even cut short the feedings, scrapped whatever algae i could find but still looks cloudy. any suggestions.

From: Emma 12/02/01
Subject: Re: cloudy tank
aquarium salt

From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: cloudy tank
I have this problem, too, at times. I do everything you said you've already done, but add some special drops to clear the water. Mine is one drop per gallon and I add them to where the water comes out of the filter pump. It still takes about 24 hours and once in awhile I have to do a 2nd treatment, but this always works for me. I think it makes it more crystal clear than doing an entire tank change! I've used several brands and the cheaper ones are just as good as the expensive ones. I just make sure I don't need more than one drop per gallon. Some require 3 drops per gallon! That's a hassle even in something like a 10-gallon tank. Good luck!!!

From: Karen 12/02/01
Subject: Re: cloudy tank
Before I recomend chemicals I would like to know a couple of things. How many and what kind of fish. What if any water treatments are you currently using. See if Aloe is part of the ingredients, a lot of people end up with problems when aloe is involved. Have you added any new fish? Have you lost any that you did not find? Any other changes you can think of?

From: Leslie 12/02/01
Subject: Re: cloudy tank
Thanks for the info on aloe...I didn't know it could cause problems. Those were good questions you asked, but I still stick by the water clarifier. I've never had any problems with it. I don't like having to add chemicals, either, but when you work yourself half to death trying to clear the cloudiness, something has to give. Thanks for reminding me to ask more questions, though!

From: Angel 12/01/01
Subject: going in the chat room now
:)

From: Lois 12/01/01
Subject: Re: going in the chat room now
Missed you again. Do you know if the times on the message board are "translated" to local time for each person? It looks to me like I am missing you by minutes. If I can get myself together and get errands done am planning to try for the 8pm Eastern meeting posted down the board a bit. Believe would be 4pm Pacific (my time).

From: Confused! 12/01/01
Subject: Red streaks?
I have just noticed that a couple of my tiger barbs have like red streaks under their skin or something?! Am I right in thinking they are veins or arteries? Or could they be signs of disease? Any advice appeciated! xxSharkbytexx

From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Red streaks?
It's been awhile since I owned tiger barbs, but do not recall them have red streaks. Could be bacterial, parasites, or areas of injury from fin-nipping. Check water quality (of course!) and other choices are salt or Maracyn.

From: To Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Red streaks?
My water checks OK and I use aqua salt in my tank.

From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Red streaks?
Ok, good. Sounds like it's probably bacterial. If the fish don't act sick and the other barbs are ok, I don't know if I'd do anything. Sometimes medications can kill them when they may heal on their own. If you want to medicate, there are numerous meds on the market and they usually have specific listings for things they treat along with descriptions of the problems they treat. If you do medicate, put it in the tank with all the barbs. If it is an infection, the healthy-looking ones may be coming down with it. Read and follow the instructions that come with the medication and don't over-medicate. I lost 8 barbs this year. They were in their own tank....5 tigers and 3 green. I am sure the green barbs had some funky disease because within about 10 days, they were all dead or dying and the tigers were perffectly healthy before that. I do not buy fish from that particular store anymore and it's too bad it has to be that way because they have about the widest selection of fresh and saltwater fish in this town. How big are the streaks and where on the bodies are they? Is there anything else you can see such as slime, gill or fin redness, or anything hanging from the barbs like parasites?

From: Tiger barb fan 12/02/01
Subject: To Leslie
Well, two of them have little red streaks where their ribs are, and one has like, an angry looking red sore on it's tail. One of them started acting really wierd last night, (rolling upside down and looking stressed) so I put in this healing salt that could be used to aid an anti bacterial med and the next morning he is upright but just hanging on the spot. I fed him bloodworm, (as I heard it helps) and he ate them most enthusiasticly. Should I just keep going with the med and salt and keep a close eye on him? He is in a large breeding trap and I hand feed him so the others wont steal his food or bully him. Thanks for listening!!!!!

From: Leslie 12/02/01
Subject: Re: To Leslie
I also need to know how many are in the tank and what size the tank is in order to tell you more. Let me know.

From: Karen 12/02/01
Subject: Re: To Leslie
How many are in the tank and what size is the tank? How often do you do water changes? Sounds like ammonia to me. If not I would then go with the bacterial thought but check the ammonia.

From: Lois 11/30/01
Subject: Betta--male or female?? I am suspicious! (long)
Well, it is this way. I bought 2 bettas, was told they were both female, but am wondering. I already have a male, and not intending to breed, just thought the females were pretty, too, and was attracted to having several together. At the moment, these two are in a 2.5 gallon tank with heater, airstone (it is there to give water circulation for the heater) gravel, java moss, small java fern. I tried to add another, but she got picked on by both the others--I posted about this (thanks for the help!). The first two got along fine before the temporary addition, but now the bigger of the two is chasing the other one, and flaring a lot, at her and at reflection on the wall, although they will come to the surface and eat together with no problem. Call the definite female Girlie--she has short fins, and is presently very plump and I notice this evening that in some lights she has vertical stripes--I had not noticed this before. She is spending a lot of time snugged down in a hidey, but appetite is good. Other fish, call it Berta, is larger, has longer fins--tail is double, rounded lobes, and I think the top fin is described as a sailfin--significantly longer than the other fish, but nothing like my original fish, who is definitely male. Bottom fin is about like top one. OK, now the questions--1)how do you tell if a betta is definitely female?? I hear about a white spot on the belly. Where exactly should I be looking for this, and how big is it?? I am getting a cramp in my neck trying to get a good look! 2)If I am right assuming that Girlie is full of eggs, will she expell them or resorb them or what? Assuming no male assistance. 3)Do you think I should move one of them?? If Girlie keeps getting chased, I may have to. Am wondering if Berta is Bert, or just in a snit. No bubble nest in sight or even a try at one that I have seen. I could put one of them in another small tank temporarily. Had planned to try adding at least one to the 7 gallon that I just set up yesterday, but hesitate to do that before the tank is cycled. Have 2 young female bettas and a young cory in there now and figure that is enough and maybe pushing it. I did add some gravel, part of filter, some water and an ornament from the established tank. There are lots of hiding places so that probably would not be a problem. Any thoughts that anybody has on any part of this would be a BIG help. Thank you!!

From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Betta--male or female?? I am suspicious! (long)
Ok, here are my thoughts as an owner of both male and female bettas. If "Girlie" is full of eggs, she will be plump and have stripes. In addition, she will show her egg tube. You should not have to strain to see it. It's a small white tube that sticks out (a short tube, not a real long one) under her belly. What color is she? I have a purple female, Miss Plumb, who seems to get full of eggs at very short cycles. Like you, I do not intend to breed them, but once, Miss Plumb got so aggressive with the other female I had, Miss Charcoal (who has since died :( ) that I had to remove Miss Plumb. That was the only time I put her with a male and actual mating took place. I had to destry the eggs, though, because there were at least a couple hundred and I just simply don't have the room for all that. Anyways, I have noticed that often when Miss Plumb is full of eggs, her egg tube isn't visible for a few days or so. By then she's about ready to pop. I just usually wait her out instead of moving her. Your Girlie will eventually reabsorb her un-deposited eggs, but then the cycle will begin again. Don't worry about her, she'll be ok. As far as moving one of the females, if Berta is the one who is doing all the bullying, move her temporarily. It's possible you have a short-finned male and not a female and she may need to be renamed! Never move the fish that is being picked on unless it is badly injured or sick. This only tells the bully that it's ok to act mean and it will find another fish to harrass. Female bettas do flare, I've seen it in mine and sometime they are more agressive than males. If I were you and you are really worried about Girlie, move Berta (Bert) to the 7 gallon until Girlie is back to normal and try putting Berta back in with her. If Berta is a male, then it will always start the "mating dance" with Girlie and that can be a traumatic experience for the female as well as for us humans to watch. I recently put Miss Plumb in with my prettiest male, Valentino, and he shredded her fins and never did mate with her. He's very young, so maybe he doesn't understand what to do yet! As far as the bubble nest goes, mine will not make one unless they are in stagnant water...no air stones. The bubbles from air stones or bubbled ornaments will destroy nests before the bettas get started. Also, for a bubble nest to be made, the betta needs to be in a tank with some type of corners. Rounded sides won't hold a bubble nest, either. I'm no expert on bettas, but I hope this helps! Good luck.

From: Lois 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Betta--male or female?? I am suspicious! (long)
Thanks for your input. Girlie is kind of sky blue with darker horizontal stripes in some light. Lately her color has deepened and I see more vertical stripe. She is quite plump but I can't see an egg tube. Are the females more aggressive when they are full of eggs, or is there a difference? Bert(a?)is a bright dark blue--really a very pretty fish! Does the egg tube ordinarily show all the time even if no eggs? I have heard something about an "egg spot" but now see nothing on Girlie and ??? a tiny white spot on Berta but Berta has longish front fins and is not obliging enough to really hold still and pose. One thing that made me wonder was when Girlie was snugged down on the bottom and Berta made this kind of sideways pass over her and kind of flapped like fanning her. Have not seen this again. How old is your Valentino? My two were in a tank together and the lfs person told me they were maybe 7 months old but was not sure. Thanks again!

From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Betta--male or female?? I am suspicious! (long)
Yes, my female bettas have always gotten much more aggressive and strange-acting when they are full of eggs. They can be quite nippy with other female bettas or other species and will hide at times. The egg tube does not stick out unless they have eggs and need to mate. I have seen a very small white area on Miss Plumb which is the egg tube, but it isn't protruding when she doesn't need to mate. Maybe it shows more with maturity. I have no idea how old Valentino is. I've had him about 2 weeks and he must be pretty young. He's quite a bit smaller in the body than my 2 oldest. He is blood red and has a white streaking pattern on his fins. I had never seen one with that coloration before. I also have Rainbow, my reddish-purle and blue one, Buckwheat, who is a dark goldish and he's only about 2 weeks older than Valentino. Then there's Mr. Blue, my navy colored guy who is quite mature and a very beautiful fish. He mated with Miss Plumb about a month ago. I watched him bend her in half, expel her eggs and gently carry them to his bubble nest. He tended to them with great care and I still feel bad about destroying them, but.... As far as your Bertie, if it were a male, it would become extremely aggressive with Girlie and would not let up until the eggs were expelled. I'm sure she's a female. She probably had established herself as the dominant female before the egg thing. Just keep a look out for that egg tube. It's a sure sign of her being full of eggs, but with everything else you've told me, I'd say she was carrying a load of them. The brighter coloration and stripes all happen during this time as well as the egg tube, but if she's young, you may not see it. I didn't start seeing the one on Miss Plumb for many cycles and was right where you are with the guessing game. There's no doubt now, the tube is plain to see, but Girlie is probably pretty young and this is the first of many, many cycles to come. Eventually, there will be no doubt as you'll see that egg tube. It's still quite small, but you don't have to look very hard to see it. It's a small white thing that pokes out from the middle of her belly. Keep looking and don't worry...she'll be fine!

From: Lois 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Betta--male or female?? I am suspicious! (long)
I think I see the egg tube on Berta--tiny white spike, very short, sticking out just between/behind the front fins?? about the size of the sharp end of a pin? Still don't see it on Girlie but she is either full of eggs, or sick, and she doesn't act sick. Thanks very much for the help!

From: Leslie 12/01/01
Subject: Re: Betta--male or female?? I am suspicious! (long)
Yes, that should be it. It gets larger with maturity. You're very welcome with the help.

From: Angel 11/30/01
Subject: Chat room empty
I was just wondering why it's always so empty all the time

From: Lois 11/30/01
Subject: Re: Chat room empty
I don't know--it has been empty every time I look, too. Am wondering if any/many of us are actually online at the same time. I am in Washington state, so Pacific Standard time and am usually online either in the morning before work, or for more extended periods in the evening. I noticed that at least 2 others say they are on Central time which I think means 2 hours later than me. What about you?? If anyone wants to post a time/topic, will need to also state which time zone or we will never get together!

From: Angel 11/30/01
Subject: I'm stopping in the chat room now
I'm stopping in the chat room now

From: Angel 11/30/01
Subject: Re: Chat room empty
I'm in florida so I don't know

From: Time 11/30/01
Subject: Re: Chat room empty
Just so you guys can all coordinate your time zones, this is how it works. Example: Eastern time, 7:00pm is the same as Central time, 6:00pm Mountain 5:00pm Pacific 4:00pm

From: :o 11/30/01
Subject: Re: Chat room empty
that's all fine and dandy, but what time are you using for a "main" time to go by...[starting with that is]

From: Time 11/30/01
Subject: Re: Chat room empty
Like someone else suggested, people will just have to post ahead of time when they are going to be in the chat room, and what time zone they are posting from, so others can figure out what time they should join in. I only posted an example of the time conversion between zones, because I guess some people dont know how I guess. Just trying to make it easier to figure out that's all.

From: Lucy 11/30/01
Subject: Mudskippers ?
HI everyone. I really like mudskippers they seem cute to me. At a store where I get my female bettas they have them for eight bucks each. I really want one but my dad says they'er alegal because they carry salmonella(like all fish DON'T carry that) is this true and if so why is it legal to keep water dogs please tell me oh and just for you to know I just might get a Cambodian Female Betta today. Tanx a bunch (sorry for my spelling)

From: Karen 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Mudskippers ?
As for salmonella he may be right, they mat carry it. Turtle are really bad for this but still legal in my area. As are mudskippers and other creatures. With all these you need to not handle them any more than necessary, I mean they are not cuddly and fuzzy anyway. When you do a water change, cleaning or handling wash your hands real well right away.

From: Lucy 12/02/01
Subject: Re: Mudskippers ?
Thanks I guess I'm just cookie like that I think everything is cute except maybe some sharks.

From: Beth 11/30/01
Subject: Just had to share the news
I read on here that you can train the male betta's to come to a corner to take food from you. Well after a day or two of this I thought I would try something different and I was able to get him to take the food from between my fingers now he ignores the food floating and waits for me to feed him. :)