From: Karen 12/10/01
Subject: An inch of fish to a gallon
I just wanted to address this. An inch of goldfish is much more fish than an inch of neon tetra. While it might make a rough guidline for small slim fish it is not going to work for large bodied fish. Can you imagine a 10 inch fish in a 10 gallon aquarium? Otherwise good advice.
From: katiw 12/10/01
Subject: Re: An inch of fish to a gallon
I can see what you are saying- I have learned so much from you, Thanks karen-
at least that will get them thinking though....
katie
From: Danielle 12/08/01
Subject: my female betta is really a male it think!?
yesterday i bought two female bettas well so i thought
the person selling them to me said they were female bettas but i'm still not sure? because i put him (or her) by a mirror and it flared up little bit around the neck. he also has short fins and is quite small for a male. it is whitish red with red fins. i put the two females with my male in a seperate tank. but then after a while of watching carefully the new female started attacking my male so i think she is really a he does anyone know im very confused.
From: Lois 12/08/01
Subject: Re: my female betta is really a male it think!?
I sympathize! I thought I had 3 females until two of them started mating. Can you see the egg tube on any of the supposed females? It is a tiny, very short, white tube just between/behind the fins in front (is it pelvic fins?, not sure of the terminology). My male that I thought was a female has short fins and when I got him, looked like the other females fin-wise. I thought I saw the tube, but fish pretty small and I have trifocals! The lfs person told me he was a female. Not. But even if the two new ones really are female, they could still be flaring and fighting with the male, or with each other. You might want to read further down where I was asking some of the same questions. Don't think has been archived yet but am not sure. Are they in a small or large space? I think the bottom line is that bettas are just not peaceful fish. But I still want to keep females together and have a couple in smaller tank who are doing OK. Good luck!!
From: Lois 12/08/01
Subject: PS
If you did not get to read "A word of caution..." near bottom of forum 35, might want to go look.
From: Danielle 12/08/01
Subject: Re: my female betta is really a male it think!?
the other male is swimming away he's not even harming the other one but now my male has a torn fin at the bottom of his body:( i seperated the two the other fish that im not sure of is in good shape.
From: Carol 12/08/01
Subject: Re: my female betta is really a male it think!?
I would seperate this questionable betta until you know for sure. Female bettas are not as pretty as the males are, their colors are duller, and their fins are VERY short. If you suspect that one of these females you bought may be a male, take it out and put in a seperate container until you can determine for sure.
What is the other male doing?
From: Justin 12/08/01
Subject: buying a tank
I am looking to buy a larger tank. I do not have that much money because i go to college. I was wondering if anyone knows where i could buy a new or used tank for less money than most commercial stores offer them. If you have any suggestions please respond.
Thanks
Justin
From: Thrifty 12/08/01
Subject: Re: buying a tank
Check your local newspapers classified section. Under pets, or rummages. Sometimes you will find someone wanting to sell aquarium stuff in the ads. Good luck!!
From: katie 12/09/01
Subject: Re: buying a tank
I am uh lets say choked up about a price on a twenty gallon with power filter, pump and hood(acrylic) for 80.00 /and a ten for 60.00-
I am seriously seriously thinking this is the time for me to upgrade my five gallon!
btw-it's at Petsmart
katie
From: Scuba Steve 12/08/01
Subject: kribensis
Would about 3-4 kribensis be okay in a community tank of about 1" fish? The tank is 30 gallons, and it has lots of spawning spots. I was just wondering if these fish would be too aggressive. Would an african butterfly cichlid be aggressive too? I appreciate anyone's help.
From: Timboi 12/08/01
Subject: Re: kribensis
Well I've been looking at krib info lately and I'm not sure how 3-4 would go in a 30. A pair should be OK but apparently kribs can be pretty agressive when spawning, although generally they are peaceful fish and can be kept in a community tank. What other fish do you have in there? Alot of people seem to love these fish, and quite often just keep a pair (with perhaps some dither fish like neons). I think I'm going to get me some when I get another tank. . . oh yes.
From: Lindsey 12/08/01
Subject: pelvicachromis teaniatus fry-HELP ME PLEASE ASAP
I bought a pair of pelvicachromis taeniatus fish (somewhat like a krib)2 months ago. I have been waiting patiently for thier first batch, and this morning i looked in thier 20 gallon tank, and here were these little fry hovering underneath the female. :) i was so excited, but then i thought, i know nothing about this type of fry. the fry are in the tank with thier mom, dad, 5 silvertip tetras, and 2 guppies. How do you feed these babies?what do you feed them? any special care? I almost died when i saw her slurping up the fry in her mouth and going into the coconut shell.i thought she was eating them. But then i looked into the coconut shell, and there they were! is this normal?? are the fry alright in a tank with sand on the botton instead of gravel??please i need to know as much about these little guys as i can. (its my first batch of these little ones)
thanx
lindsey
PS:sorry for writing so much!
From: Clint 12/08/01
Subject: Re: pelvicachromis teaniatus fry-HELP ME PLEASE ASAP
All this is normal behavior so far. It is very possible that the other fish in the tank might eat some of the fry or the parentd might kill the other fish in protecting their fry. You are in for a treat now, you'll get to watch some of the best "parents" in the fish world. Feeding them will be easy, the parents will pre-chew their normal flake, frozen or freeze-dried foods and spit out the tiny particles for the fry to eat.
If you have some microworms or baby brineshrimp the fry will grow a lot faster but it isn't absolutely required.
The sand is fine. The only thing I would worry about are the other (non-parents) fish in the tank, and if you have room I would move them out.
Good Luck and Congradulations Granny,
Clint
From: Danielle 12/07/01
Subject: My male betta fish can't build a bubble nest anymore?
I have a male betta fish and he used to make bubble nests but now he can't it looks like he's trying to but whenever he blows bubbles they just pop in a couple of seconds.
From: Lucy 12/08/01
Subject: Re: My male betta fish can't build a bubble nest anymore?
Is the water clean?
Did you get any new kind of fish that might depress him?
He might just not have any inspiration. Try putting a mirror next to his aqarium or a female.
From: karen 12/08/01
Subject: Re: My male betta fish can't build a bubble nest anymore?
How long have you had him? They average 2 years.
From: Carol 12/08/01
Subject: Re: My male betta fish can't build a bubble nest anymore?
Are you supplementing his diet with freezedried bloodworms? My bettas usually get all excited after having their once a week treat, and build a nest. Is yours in a bowl? Or a tank with a filter, they need still water to be able to build their nests. Hope this helps. :)
From: Danielle 12/07/01
Subject: My male fish is flareing up at my female
I got a new female betta today but when i put them together (with a hiding place). He would flare up at her. is this normal?
From: Lois 12/08/01
Subject: Re: My male fish is flareing up at my female
I gladly defer to the more experienced because I am a novice with bettas, or any fish, but am having my own adjustment problems with male/female. As far as I have read and observed, it is definitely normal for the male to flare at the female. And two females at each other, for that matter. Don't know about her at him, probably depends on who was put in first. It seems to be kind of like "I'm bigger than you are, back off!" If he decides he does not want her in his territory, and she does not have room to get out of his way,or hide, he will probably attack her and one or both could be injured. She will have to come up for air after a while and he will get another chance at her if he wants it. Seems that more space is desirable so they can establish own territories, and for sure having a hiding place is good. Are you trying to breed them, or just keep them together? If one or both are ready to mate, there is a whole other set of possible interactions as well, and they may be rough.For two together other than for breeding might have nmore luck with 2 females, although this is definitely no guarantee either. The only thing that is saving my situation for the moment, I think, is lots and lots of floating plants. Hope this works out for you, but, as I was advised, watch closely and be ready to move one out--good luck!
From: Lucy 12/08/01
Subject: Re: My male fish is flareing up at my female
This is very normal but I don't think they should be in the same tank. You should put more females in so there would be a school. But that's is for big tanks do you have a big or a small tank? If not then they should have seperate containers. Unless your breeding them.
From: Carol 12/08/01
Subject: Re: My male fish is flareing up at my female
I am not into breeding bettas, but I have read up on the subject, and it seems to me that you keep the males and females seperate until it is actually breeding time. When the time comes, you put the female in with the male in a breeding tank, then when their little "dance" is done, you remove the female. Hope this helps. :)
From: Lois 12/07/01
Subject: one male and 2 female bettas together--a surprise!
I'd like to hear from people about whether or not this is likely to continue to work. I thought that I had 3 females (I can still hear the lfs person saying "yes, definitely female" about Plummie). But came home couple of nights ago to find him doing the mating dance with Peachie, bubble nest and all! I don't think he actually got any eggs out of her, although he was embracing her, and the nest has mostly broken up. He was being pretty gentle with her, but there is a fair amount of chasing going on right now--he chases both of the females. I think Peachie is still interested, and Little Red is checking things out, too. Fins seem pretty much intact all around. The tank is 7 gallons with a lot of hidies, and floating plants. Unfortunately it is also cycling. Anyway, seem to recall someone posting about a male and 2 females together, but don't recall the tank size. Any input would be helpful. I would prefer to leave them together but not if there is going to be major damage to anyone. Thanks!
From: Lois 12/08/01
Subject: Thanks! Who would you move if necessary?
At the moment, the male (Plum) and female (Peachie) are still sort of courting, at least she is swimming nose down near the previous nest and he is coming up to her, He may flare, she leaves, but slowly and he follows her. Few all out chases. The 2nd female, Little Red is getting plenty to eat, but is keeping to the edges and usually gets chased clear away when noticed, although occasionally just a challenge and chased out of immediate area. Water parameters fine although day 9 since tank setup--I put in some gravel, an ornament, part of filter bag from established tank at setup, and have been using, for what it's worth, Stresszyme. If necessary, could move out the male and hope the two females get along once he is gone, or move the 2nd female and hope that Plum and Peachie don't get violent with the mating. Any thoughts this? Your input is really appreciated! I could ask the lfs guy, but he is the one who sold me the male as a definite female. Had a large tank with many young bettas together, male and female. I suppose I could return the male, but I get quickly attached!
From: Rebecca 12/08/01
Subject: Re: Thanks! Who would you move if necessary?
If you have to move one, definitely move the male.
In fact I would get him out of there regardless. You can't really keep a pair in a 7 gallon without breeding, and if they're breeding, you'll have to remove the female eventually anyway as they are not left together after they've bred... plus, do you really want to breed bettas (have tank for fry, food, somewhere to sell/give away fry when they're big enough...?)
I suppose if they're young enough a male could be mistaken for a female (I know it's hard to see the egg tube sometimes, I have to take my contacts OUT to see that close :)) But since females will flare and fight with each other, it's hard to tell by behavior. Maybe it's just a very militant lesbian betta? :)
From: Lois 12/08/01
Subject: Re: Thanks! Who would you move if necessary?
Thanks! LOL!
From: Karen 12/07/01
Subject: Re: one male and 2 female bettas together--a surprise!
I have heard of some people who keep them together successfully. Not sure of tank sizes but know of one that was a 10 gallon. I tried it and it was a miserable idea, one female ruled that tank and tore everybody apart.
I would watch them very closely and see what happens, but at the first sign i would separate them.
From: Rebecca 12/07/01
Subject: Re: one male and 2 female bettas together--a surprise!
7 gallons of water isn't much room. If someone planned to put a male and 2 females in that size tank I wouldn't recommend it. But since you're kind of stuck with that setup for now, all you can do is keep close watch.
Even if fins aren't being shredded, one or more fish can be spending the majority of its time under stress... not much fun. Hiding places are good -- however, if one or more fish is hiding most of the time, it might be better off somewhere else. I'd pay particular attention to feeding time; make sure all 3 are eating well. Good luck.
From: Kathleen 12/08/01
Subject: Re: one male and 2 female bettas together--a surprise!
With several fish in small quarters like this water parameters for good health are important. Amquel for ammonia...very good stuff. Diseases can start quickly if there's to much stress too.
From: Lucy 12/07/01
Subject: Do Ropefish need pumps?
I want one but do they need pumps? We Have alot but my dad doesn't want another aqarium!
From: Eddie 12/07/01
Subject: Re: Do Ropefish need pumps?
pretty all fish need pumps. repeat, i said PRETTY much, not all, so you betta ppl out there don't yell at me or anything.
From: Karen 12/07/01
Subject: Re: Do Ropefish need pumps?
They get to 10 inchjes so they do need a fairly large tank. Although they are peaceful they will eat anything they can catch that fits in their mouth. They need filtration and all teh other stuff that tanks need.
PLUS!!!!
They are escape artists extrodinaire. ALL holes must be covered and they will climb up filters and tubes if they can.
From: Lucy 12/07/01
Subject: Anyone want to chat?
I don't know where the chatroom is but if anyone can tell me or just leave post I'll be on Saturday around 5pm I'll be in California that day ok. Leave me a post so I'll know
From: Karen 12/07/01
Subject: Re: Anyone want to chat?
Chat link is at the top of the message board.
I try to check in a couple of times a day but usually have little luck finding anyone there.
From: Lucy 12/07/01
Subject: Sorry Levi
I ment Nikki
From: Levi 12/10/01
Subject: No worries
Thank you
From: Vanessa 12/07/01
Subject: My goldfish has no fins or a tail...
About a week ago, I was looking at my goldfish while i was feeding them, and I noticed that my favorite fish had a chunk missing from his tail. Now today i was looking at them again, and noticed that now his fins are gone and his tail is almost gone. I am just wondering if this could be a disease or just that one of my goldfish are attacking him. I put him in a different tank for awhile, which one other fish, which i know doesnt attack him. I think it is the bigger goldfish that attacks him. I was just wondering if the fins will grow back or if there is another solution for this. I am not an expert on fish, so if someone could please help that would be great. Thanks. E-mail me with some advise.
From: Carol 12/07/01
Subject: Re: My goldfish has no fins or a tail...
Well, first, I would watch and see if one fish is attacking your goldfish, or nipping the fins or whatever. If you dont see any aggressive behavior, I would say that this sounds to me like fin rot. Need to treat with Maracyn 2. Hope this helps.
From: Karen 12/07/01
Subject: Re: My goldfish has no fins or a tail...
I agree with Vanessa, you need to observe the tank for awhile.
From: Lucy 12/07/01
Subject: Need a name!!!
I saw this really cool fish at PetsMart. It was king of snakey I don't think it was a eel though because it had fins. Any ideas?
From: Greg 12/07/01
Subject: Its a.....
Its a ropefish!!they are very aggressive and like to eat other small fish!
From: Lucy 12/07/01
Subject: Re: Its a.....
Thats it oh thanks Greg!!!
From: lis 12/07/01
Subject: Re: Its a.....
would something like that be compatible with cichlids? i'm trying to find other fish to go with mine...any suggestions?
From: Karen 12/07/01
Subject: Re: Its a.....
It is said they are peaceful with anything that it can't catch or fit in it's mouth. Cichlids can be nasty however so you have to watch out what you put in with them.
From: AJB 12/07/01
Subject: Re: Need a name!!!
How long was it and what color was it?
It could have been a kuhli loach, my three look and swim like eels.
Or it could have been a peacock eel, tiretrack eel, or a fire eel. Go to www.aquariumfish.net and look to the left and find the eel button. Click, then find a link to an information page for a picture and let us know what it looks like.
AJB
From: Lucy 12/07/01
Subject: Re: Need a name!!!
I say eight inches. It was brown and maybe some greenish brown. It had scales that may help.
From: Lucy 12/07/01
Subject: Re: Need a name!!!
I think thats it are they only orange with black marks?