Petfish.net Message Board Archive No. 4

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Kribs
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Posted by kris on October 29, 1999 at 14:35:24:
My kribs are bad. They spawned and ate their eggs, the second time, they spawned again and ate their eggs again. Whats the deal? I thought kribs were good parents?

Re: Kribs
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Clint on October 30, 1999 at 00:00:47:
In Reply to: Kribs posted by kris on October 29, 1999 at 14:35:24:
They aren't bad they are just learning. Give them some time and they will get it right. This does happen a lot with young inexperienced Kribs. Once they figure it out they are the best fish parents around.
Good Luck,
Clint

2 questions
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by mjm on October 29, 1999 at 13:34:33:
I have 3 cardinal tetras in a 15 gallon tank. I am not very experienced, so that's why I have so few.
When I first got them, it took them about a week to start eating. All my books said this wasn't
unusual. But now, there is one that seems to not eat when the others do. The two little piggy
ones gobble up everything, and the third just acts all wimpy.
My question is, why isn't he (she?) eating? Someone suggested that I should really have more of them
because they don't like being so few in a tank. Could this make one not eat?
I have had them for a month now, they seem active and healthy. I change part of the water
and do everything my books suggest (except for having so few of a schooling fish).
My second question is: there is a teeny tiny snail in the tank. How the hell did he get in there?
it's getting bigger, and the fishies keep trying to eat it.
As long as I'm here, I'll make it three questions. There isn't any algae in the tank to speak of. From
what I read, this could be because there isn't very much light--I keep the tank out of the sun
and have no live plants, so the light is only on when I'm feeding or watching them. Is it a bad sign
if there is no algae in the tank? Does it mean it is too sterile? Where would algae come from,
anyway? Same place as the snail?

Re: 2 questions
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Clint on October 29, 1999 at 23:58:53:
In Reply to: 2 questions posted by mjm on October 29, 1999 at 13:34:33:
The Cardinals will do better if there is at least 6 of them, that seems to be the minimum for a "school". As for the feeding the finicky fish will get hungry enough to start eating soon.
The snail came in on something, gravel or plants etc. They just seem to appear but once you get one or two many will follow. You can "bait" him by putting some tasty morsel in a small necked bottle and putting it in the tank at night and removing the trapped snail in the morning.
No algae is good algae, as long as your fish are recieving some room light it's cool.
Sounds like the fish you have are in a great home.
Good Luck,
Clint

Re: 2 questions
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Kitty Fish on October 29, 1999 at 13:56:51:
In Reply to: 2 questions posted by mjm on October 29, 1999 at 13:34:33:
cant help you with the eating problem... the snail could have come in with the fish, netted out of the pet shops tank, or with live plants. if its just one snail it should be ok, if you ever decide to add more snails, make them of different species so you wont have a full-fledged snail ranch ;)... lack of algae is just great. an algae bloom is brought on by high nitrates, no nitrates=no algae. you really should leave the light on for 14-16 hours every day. fish live in environments just like any other animal and have long periods of light and dark. btw--it really couldnt hurt to add a few more tetras to this tank, as long as the one who isnt eating doesnt have a disease. good luck!
Kitty Fish

Small fish tanks
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Chris on October 29, 1999 at 10:33:59:
Ok. I want to become a fish owner, but don't have the space or money for a large tank. The biggest I could possibly go is five gallons. From what I've read on this message board, some people think it is really cruel to keep fish - any fish - in small tanks. If the fish is properly fed, the water is aerated, filtered and changed when needed, is this really cruel? If not, what fish could live comfortably in a small environment?

Re: Small fish tanks
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by stuart smith on October 29, 1999 at 23:01:06:
In Reply to: Small fish tanks posted by Chris on October 29, 1999 at 10:33:59:
go with a trio of guppies and a cory catfish to clean up the junk.
betta
or
a school of a few neons would look great thats what ive got in my 5g .6 neon tetras, and it is heavily planted and looks great

Re: Small fish tanks
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Kitty Fish on October 29, 1999 at 14:03:24:
In Reply to: Small fish tanks posted by Chris on October 29, 1999 at 10:33:59:
small tanks are great for people who dont have as much time or money to dedicate to a larger aquarium, but you have the choose the # and type of fish wisely. and yes, as long as there is proper maintenance, these smaller tanks arent cruel at all. goldfish are out of the question (lol dont even touch that! ;), so are schooling fish, because they really should have plenty of space to move back and forth, not in circles. good ol' bettas are best for a tank this size, and a cory (at the most 2) would probably fit in there ok. a dwarf (and i mean DWARF) puffer would be great in a tank that size. but theres a lot of special requirements you have to learn about before purchasing your puffer, though they are VERY nice little fish ;)... good luck
Kitty Fish


Two Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Lori on October 29, 1999 at 07:54:37:
Aside from bettas, are there any other fish that can live happily in a two gallon tank with an undergravel filter and no heater?


Re: Two Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Clint Norwood on October 29, 1999 at 23:49:54:
In Reply to: Two Gallon Tank posted by Lori on October 29, 1999 at 07:54:37:
Have you read my article What can you do with a one gallon bowl And also theres a lot of Killifish info at Petfish.net
Clint

Re: Two Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Steve on October 29, 1999 at 16:01:24:
In Reply to: Two Gallon Tank posted by Lori on October 29, 1999 at 07:54:37:
Kitty Fish is right how would you like to be kept in a shower stall all your life.


Re: Two Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Lee on October 29, 1999 at 08:35:39:
In Reply to: Two Gallon Tank posted by Lori on October 29, 1999 at 07:54:37:
Hey! I have that tank! I have a small goldfish in it, but I know that's against the rules of this board's activists...but he's fine, just change the water more..I also heard Killifish can...But what's wrong with bettas anyway?? I think they're great!

lol im glad you said something, lee.....
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Kitty Fish on October 29, 1999 at 14:11:34:
In Reply to: Re: Two Gallon Tank posted by Lee on October 29, 1999 at 08:35:39:
im on your case, dont worry, i dont get tired of telling yall. consistency is a necessary aspect of teaching. you say hes fine. i know otherwise. if yall could just SEE what potential your goldies have im sure youd go out and get them what they need. you really should listen to me! i know what im doing, and, no offense, i know you dont know how to keep goldfish. im not here to make you feel bad, im here to convince you to care for your fish properly. thats what these message boards are for, and if youre not going to listen to the advice, you shouldnt come here at all... btw... i aint goin anywhere ;)
Kitty Fish, the Persistent

Re: Two Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Lori on October 29, 1999 at 08:53:38:
In Reply to: Re: Two Gallon Tank posted by Lee on October 29, 1999 at 08:35:39:
I already have a betta in another small tank and was looking for a little variety. The betta IS great, but I'm hoping to get a fish that's more tolerant of others so I could get two.

Re: Two Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Lee on October 29, 1999 at 11:22:34:
In Reply to: Re: Two Gallon Tank posted by Lori on October 29, 1999 at 08:53:38:
Two is kinda hard in that tank, but maybe guppies? Or like I said, killifish, but I don't think I've ever actually seen one...Not in person, anyway. I don't know if it's my luck or they're hard to find, though.

more problems
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Raf with problems again on October 29, 1999 at 06:51:32:
1) My male albino krib died yesterday. I don't know what happened. Five days ago, I noticed he would hide under a cave, and he would kinda swim off-balance. But I just thought he was sleeping. He wasn't actually swimming anymore two days later... He was kinda crawling on the floor. He would swim up, then sink to the bottom and bounce around. I also noticed he was breathing pretty heavily, like he was gasping. When I took him out to put in the quarantine tank, he swam away fine, but he was slower than all the other fish. I kept him in the quarantine tank and I treated the water with salt and conditioner -- still he was toppling over in the tank. He finally died last night.
I checked the pH and the ammonia levels, everything was normal. What was wrong with him?
2) I have a female krib also (she's pretty young, an inch and maybe a quarter long). I still want to pair her up with a male. I called my dealer and he said that they only had juveniles in stock -- definitely younger than my female though. Should I buy a juvenile male? or should I buy a whole new pair?
3) One of my gouramis is chasing the other one all over the place. The other guy's tail fin is getting ripped too, so it's not gentle. What should I do about this?
Help!

Re: more problems
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Clint on October 29, 1999 at 23:43:48:
In Reply to: more problems posted by Raf with problems again on October 29, 1999 at 06:51:32:
Hi Raf,
I think I might have told you that the symtoms didn't sound too bad, I was wrong of course but it is one of those mystery deaths, usually if a fish makes it over 2 to 3 weeks after you get it home they do fine, but new fish do have a high mortality rate. Sounds like he was poisoned but theres no telling.
A smaller male should be OK, watch closely that the female accepts him tho.
Gouramis in my experience have shown a definate likelyhood of nuttiness, so I am not surprised at your experience. I think the aggressor is a nut, but many times they get over it and turn into good fish. If the fighting gets too severe theres only one thing to do, move the agressor.
Good Luck,
Clint

Five Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Kristen on October 29, 1999 at 06:17:55:
I just got a small, five gallon fish tank kit with an undergravel filter as a gift. I was wondering, what kinds of fishes can I populate the tank with once I get it set up? Also, the tank itself is acrilic so the instructions say you can't use a heater with it and don't really need to because the plastic tank acts as an insulator to the water. My apartment ranges from 68 to 72 degrees in the winter and about 74 degrees in the summer.
Another question. I already have a two gallon octagon shaped tank with a betta. This was also a kit and has an under gravel filter and air stone with a small pump. Many of the betta message postings say that they need 80 degree water. Well, I've had him for about a year now, he eats betta bits each day, and is very active. He always flares his fins with the mirror trick. Could it be that these fish can adapt to lower temperatures and still thrive? I have no plans to breed bettas.
Thanks!

Re: Five Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Clint on October 29, 1999 at 23:35:23:
In Reply to: Five Gallon Tank posted by Kristen on October 29, 1999 at 06:17:55:
Hi Kristen,
Many people have already answered this, but I haven't read them yet, maybe I'll have some new perspective or maybe not.
Anyway Bettas will live fine in 68 degree water, they will actually live longer but they would hardly ever spawn. Since you don't want to spawn them it's no problem.
Bettas are good for your new tank size, also Killifish, Guppies, Dwarf African Frogs, Corydoras Catfish and even Cardinal Tetras will do well (not all in one tank). So there's a long list for you.
Small tanks need more maintainence for their size ans you have to keep up with the water changes but for the right fish it is fine.
I am without doubt that Kitty Fish will remind you that 5 gallons is too small for Goldfish, although the temperature would suit them great.
Good Luck,
Clint
Now I want to see what everyone else said!

Re: Five Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Raf on October 29, 1999 at 06:29:09:
In Reply to: Five Gallon Tank posted by Kristen on October 29, 1999 at 06:17:55:
My girlfriend has a five gallon tank-like thing w/ no heater, and it's got these little pygmy catfish (that are less than an inch long, more like the size of your fingernail -- really cool), and she's got 3 of those along with 3 little green neons and a pair of variatus livebearers, all of which are about the same size (less than an inch, length of your fingernail).
If you can find these mini-fish, they look really nice in a small aquarium like that... BUT, there's always the possibility they'll grow larger, and then you'd probably overcrowding them... just ask the dealer how big they actually get...
you can also probably get those white cloud mountain minnows instead -- i've read that they can survive in lower temperature (and actually prefer colder water)... And about the betta, I know my roommate keeps his in a little bowl with no heater whatsoever, and he looks pretty healthy (for a fish who's cooped up in a tiny bowl).
Have fun...

Re: Five Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Kristen on October 29, 1999 at 07:31:50:
In Reply to: Re: Five Gallon Tank posted by Raf on October 29, 1999 at 06:29:09:
Raf,
How often does your girlfriend to partial or full water changes for the tank?

Re: Five Gallon Tank
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Raf on October 29, 1999 at 07:42:28:
In Reply to: Re: Five Gallon Tank posted by Kristen on October 29, 1999 at 07:31:50:
Weekly partial changes. It's actually not a lot of water, either, considering it's 5 gallons.

powerheads
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by stuart smith on October 29, 1999 at 00:21:53:
ok u might think im stupid but what are powerheads people are always going on about them.

Re: powerheads
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Kitty Fish on October 29, 1999 at 14:16:23:
In Reply to: powerheads posted by stuart smith on October 29, 1999 at 00:21:53:
if im right they are devices normally used on ugf's... you attach them to the upright instead of a aerator and it pulls the water more forcefully through the grating. they are commonly used alone, but if they are, youll need to cover the intake end so there arent any fishy casualties.
Kitty Fish

Heater placement
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Steve on October 27, 1999 at 13:42:11:
Hi, I have my heater in the middle of the tank now, I want to put it on the side of the tank. If I put a powerhead in there to circulate the water better so the heat is even throughout the tank will it be ok? Thanks

Follow Ups:


Cleaning Fry Tank Floor
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Zella on October 27, 1999 at 11:07:51:
What's the easier way to clean tank floor beside using the turkey baster? I can't use Python water
changer. If I use the air hose to clean the floor, I'd suck up many babies and would have to put
them back in. I want to find a way to keep the floor clean every day without much hassle and less
stress to the fish. I am raising angelfish. Thanks.


Re: Cleaning Fry Tank Floor
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Clint on October 27, 1999 at 15:39:04:
In Reply to: Cleaning Fry Tank Floor posted by Zella on October 27, 1999 at 11:07:51:
I used a old credit card to scrape all the crud into one small pile and shooed all the fry to the other side of the tank and turkey basted it out. Then you can put a piece of foam rubber inside a siphon tube, it slows it down enough to protect the fry, it's real slow but it works.
CN

Male Kribs
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Linda on October 27, 1999 at 09:40:51:
I had a pair of Kribs that spawned. Dad got so stressed about protecting the fry that he died even after I moved them from the 50 gl community tank to a 20 gl tank. I bought a new male, now that the fry are 5 weeks old, and returned mom to the 50 gl. The new male is strangely colored though. It is bright red from under his throat to most of the way down his belly. The old one only had a small red spot on his belly. Is this normal? Mom seems to be accepting him. I just wondered if he was maybe a different branch of krib (from another area or something). I have only been keeping kribs since the beginning of the summer.

Re: Male Kribs
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Clint on October 27, 1999 at 15:48:39:
In Reply to: Male Kribs posted by Linda on October 27, 1999 at 09:40:51:
Females are usually more colorful, it sounds like you're new male may be a female. If not then you just got a very colorful male, which is very good.
Yes there are more colorful kribs, even the fry you have will have some minor color differences. If you keep any always keep the most colorful but make sure some are males. (Thats my opinion only)
Clint

Re: Male Kribs
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Linda on October 28, 1999 at 12:25:11:
In Reply to: Re: Male Kribs posted by Clint on October 27, 1999 at 15:48:39:
No, I'm sure he's a male. Mom has already started with him. She is constantly in the coconut shell now, so I think I will be having another batch of fry soon. He is also much longer and more streamlined than the female. The new fry should be interesting. I have a male albino that is quite young yet. I thought I might try to keep a female from the first set of fry and put those two together. Any opinions?

Re: Male Kribs
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Raf on October 28, 1999 at 15:49:12:
In Reply to: Re: Male Kribs posted by Linda on October 28, 1999 at 12:25:11:
I was actually wondering about this also, because my male krib just died (a moment of silence please). I called up the aquarium shop to ask if they had any male kribs in stock, and they said they only had juveniles... My female krib is a little older than juvenile. Would I be able to buy a juvenile male krib and pair these two? Or am I better off buying a new pair? I wish I could pair this female up, though. Any suggestions?

Do Kribs not like light or something?
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Raf on October 27, 1999 at 06:57:51:
My male krib is acting strangely, I think. I'm new to this fishkeeping deal, so I don't know what to expect from these guys.
Anyway, when I first put him in the tank (29-gallon), he would swim around the place boldly, chasing all the other fish around, especially the female krib. But for the past three days, he's been hiding under the makeshift cave i made from slate. I noticed when I turned the light off though, he would swim around the place more (but he is slower now than he was when i first introduced him). last night, I turned a flashlight under the cave to see what he would do, and he swam out. So I figured he hates light. (He's albino, if that helps) But my female krib (not albino) swims around fine.
I can't turn my light off because I have plants. Is there anything wrong with him? Or does he just not like light?

Re: Do Kribs not like light or something?
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Clint on October 27, 1999 at 15:51:28:
In Reply to: Do Kribs not like light or something? posted by Raf on October 27, 1999 at 06:57:51:
Sounds like a case of mis-sexed fish. I "think" the male is a female getting ready to lay some eggs.
Albinos are more sensitive to lights but it's not usually a noticable problem.
Other causes might be another fish picking on him/her.
Good Luck,
Clint

Re: Do Kribs not like light or something?
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Raf on October 28, 1999 at 05:34:24:
In Reply to: Re: Do Kribs not like light or something? posted by Clint on October 27, 1999 at 15:51:28:
It's definitely male, because I already mis-sexed my first pair. This guy definitely has the pointed anal and dorsal fins and the pointed tail. And he seems to be king of the tank because I haven't seen any fish who will go up to him confidently -- he has so far chased everyone else in the tank when he's felt like it...
He's eating okay, though. He comes out at feeding time, and he chases the female when she comes by the cave. I just want to make sure that this isn't some symptom of a disease I should be worried about.
Thanks.

Fish sleep??
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Amber again on October 25, 1999 at 21:26:15:
This may be a really dumb question, but every fish I've ever had seems like it sleeps - they are actually sleeping when they lie at the bottom of the tank like that, right? They have water changes, ample food, everything, so I assume they're just tired. They don't do this all the time, just periodically. Both my goldfish and betta do this. It's normal, right? And what about when the comet seems to try to suck air like the betta? Maybe he's just looking for food?
Thanks again,
Amber
P.S. Maybe I'm the only one, but do other people study their fish, like pretty closely? I mean, my betta sits on my desk, so I look at him a great deal and wonder about his strange movements, like sometimes it seems like he's yawning, chasing his tail, etc...

Re: Fish sleep??
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Theresa on October 26, 1999 at 21:59:41:
In Reply to: Fish sleep?? posted by Amber again on October 25, 1999 at 21:26:15:
I've got one platy that likes to sleep on the bottom too. It freaked me out at first but he's been doing it for a year so he's probably ok.
By the way, I watch my fish pretty close too, but I figure when you've got a fish tank, who needs a TV?
Wish I could help on the moving question.

Re: Fish sleep??
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Theresa on October 26, 1999 at 21:59:19:
In Reply to: Fish sleep?? posted by Amber again on October 25, 1999 at 21:26:15:
I've got one platy that likes to sleep on the bottom too. It freaked me out at first but he's been doing it for a year so he's probably ok.
By the way, I watch my fish pretty close too, but I figure when you've got a fish tank, who needs a TV?
Wish I could help on the moving question.

Re: Fish sleep??
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Kitty Fish on October 26, 1999 at 13:47:46:
In Reply to: Fish sleep?? posted by Amber again on October 25, 1999 at 21:26:15:
yeah, fish do sleep, my goldies usually hover in the current rather than sleep on the bottom. resting on the bottom can also indicate an illness but dont get too worried just yet ;) the comet 'sucking' down air could be from a lack of dissolved oxygen... goldfish need tons of aeration. it could be from overcrowding (what size IS your goldfish tank??) and it could be you are feeding him too much (he takes in air to push the food through his system) though this is uncommon with long-bodied goldfish such as comets. good luck, and good luck on that move,... it could be difficult..
Kitty Fish
ps--PLEASE tell me about your goldfish set up! i dont want to flame you, but i cant honestly help you with your problems when i dont know whats going on! and go to www.rk2000.com for the best goldfish info... they also have superb message boards ;)

Re: Fish sleep??
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Raf on October 26, 1999 at 10:57:41:
In Reply to: Fish sleep?? posted by Amber again on October 25, 1999 at 21:26:15:
You're not the only one who studies their fish very closely. I think every fish owner would do that if they cared about their fish. That way you can also tell if there's something wrong with them, right?
Anyway, fish have a resting state, which is their "sleep." They don't close their eyes like you and me, but they hover or rest on the ground and keep still. At least this is what I've heard. So that's probably what your fish are doing. Mine do it to, and I was woried the first time I saw them on the bottom of the tank not moving.
Oh, and good luck with moving your fish. I have a 10-gallon on campus too, but I only live an hour away from my place so I wouldn't know what to do in your situation.
-r

Re: Fish sleep??
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Linda on October 26, 1999 at 06:16:49:
In Reply to: Fish sleep?? posted by Amber again on October 25, 1999 at 21:26:15:
No, you're not the only one. I sometimes sit and watch my tank for hours. I have 2 small "catfish" type fish (I think they are catfish) who dance around the tank and give me hours of fun. Also, watching closely lets you notice changes in behavior or looks, so sometimes you can catch something before it can really mess up your tank. I don't know if they sleep. I know mine are really grumpy when I turn the lights on in the morning.

Clown Loaches okay?
Posted by Raf on October 25, 1999 at 06:55:34:
I'm thinking now of getting a pair of clown loaches for my 29-gallon tank. So far I have:
1 betta
2 dwarf flame gourami
2 kribensis
8 cardinal tetras
4 leopard corycats
And I will get 2 or 3 otocinclus.
Can you tell me if 2 clown loaches will be okay in there? Or will it get too crowded? Do you see any compatability problems with the other fish (particularly the betta and gouramis with the long fins)? I'm not sure if clown loaches are known to be fin-nippers, though everyone seems to say they are generally peaceful. My concern is that their first name in their scientific name is "botia," and I read somewhere that loaches with "botia" in their scientific name can be a little more aggressive than other loaches. Also, do they hide a lot like the coolies, or are they okay with lights?

Re: Clown Loaches okay?
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Eddie on October 25, 1999 at 11:11:43:
In Reply to: Clown Loaches okay? posted by Raf on October 25, 1999 at 06:55:34:
Clown loaches are not aggressive, but that sized tank will be too small
for two clown loaches, if you get only one, it
will not be active and happy. Be careful about the
betta and gouramis. The two kribs WILL most likely
kill ALL the other fish when they are spawning. So
remove the kribs.

Re: Clown Loaches okay?
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Raf on October 26, 1999 at 11:01:20:
In Reply to: Re: Clown Loaches okay? posted by Eddie on October 25, 1999 at 11:11:43:
I've got pretty passive kribs right now, but when they do start spawning, I'll watch them and see if they get to rowdy. I've already got a spare tank in case they got too violent.
Anyway, how big do clown loaches get in captivity?

Re: Clown Loaches okay?
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Kitty Fish on October 26, 1999 at 13:49:29:
In Reply to: Re: Clown Loaches okay? posted by Raf on October 26, 1999 at 11:01:20:
not too big on clown loaches, but ive read they can easily reach a foot, given the room.
Kitty Fish

Thanks
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Raf on October 27, 1999 at 07:41:49:
In Reply to: Re: Clown Loaches okay? posted by Kitty Fish on October 26, 1999 at 13:49:29:
okay, so i figure i won't get the clown loaches either. i don't want to suffocate those guys. i would like to get one, which i think would be enough, but then they wouldn't really thrive as well as they would in a school.
i guess i'd have to wait until i can afford a 55-gallon to get either a bala, black ghost knife, or a trio of clown loaches. thanks for the input, all who replied.
-r

HELP transporting fish!!!
Posted by Amber on October 24, 1999 at 21:08:40:
Hi everyone! I'm new to this fishkeeping business, just started in fact. The problem: I'm in college in Virginia - home is in NY. I have 3 fish (male betta, black moor, and small comet) and 2 breaks from school coming up. Thanksgiving is just over a week long, would it be okay to leave them?? I might be able to arrange a couple days of care, but they'd still be alone for 5-6 straight days. I've heard the betta will be fine (though when I went away for 4 days, he was discolored and sluggish and the jar a disgusting brown color and smelled awful), the goldfish are new and pretty delicate. For Christmas though, I'll be home for a month or more - I'm going to have to bring them, right? The only way I have to get home is a 12-hr greyhound ride - not ideal for this kind of transport. But I will need to bring them (?) and am asking for any suggestion on comfortable (for all of us) ways tyo get there? Any ideas?? This must happen to many college students!! I can't afford to ship them (don't want to either!!) or buy expensive carrying containers...so, any ideas??? Also, when I get a container, can I put them all together? Obviously I can't filter or aerate the water, is that okay for that kind of trip? Thanks in advance!!! PLEASE RESOND WITH ANYTHING YOU THINK MIGHT WORK!!!

hummm...
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Kitty Fish on October 25, 1999 at 14:41:48:
In Reply to: HELP transporting fish!!! posted by Amber on October 24, 1999 at 21:08:40:
yeah, hate to get off the subject, but im big on proper goldfish keeping... i hope you have your two goldies in at least a 20 gallon... if you dont, you should consider taking care of them properly or giving them to someone who can... as for transport, the betta should do great in a jar, sealed so it wont spill, but open it up every once in a while and fan the top to give him some fresh air. as for the goldfish, get a large tupperware container to keep them and their water in. battery powered air pumps are a great idea, if you can do it. if not, ice cubes will release oxygen into the water as the melt, but you have to water the temperature (duh ;). feeder blocks are generally CRAP, mostly plaster, no good at ALL. dont use them! and feed the fish VERY little for a few days before transport, after you arrive you can gradually bring up the amount, but youll have to repeat this process when you bring them home. REMEMBER what i said about goldfish tank size.. if you dont keep your fish in a proper sized tank, water quality will no doubt be terrible. in small, dirty tanks fish are stunted and stressed, which makes them prone to disease. stunted fish wont live into their teens (or even 20's!) that healthy goldfish do; theyre lucky to reach a couple years. you sound like you care about your fish. i hope youll listen
Kitty Fish
ps--as you can tell, goldfish are not the best fish for college-goers ;) stick with bettas.

Re: hummm...
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Amber on October 28, 1999 at 20:32:30:
In Reply to: hummm... posted by Kitty Fish on October 25, 1999 at 14:41:48:
What do you mean "water the temperature"? Regulate it? You mean bring warm water so they don't get too cold?
Thanks, Amber
P.S. I think I will stick with Bettas ;-). Then I can take them (almost!) anywhere..



Re: hummm...
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Kitty Fish on October 29, 1999 at 14:19:52:
In Reply to: Re: hummm... posted by Amber on October 28, 1999 at 20:32:30:
lol yes, regulate the water temperature... i mustve been thinking about something else... but dont pour in warm water, warm water holds less oxygen (or hot fish use more oxygen, something like that)... you can probably 'regulate' it just by sitting it in your lap. bring along a floating thermomter!
Kitty Fish

Re: hummm...
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Amber on October 29, 1999 at 19:50:52:
In Reply to: Re: hummm... posted by Kitty Fish on October 29, 1999 at 14:19:52:
Yay! I found some canister type things today at Kmart (I'm excited - I don't get out much!)that should hold the little guys nicely and i went to a pet store, and they gave me some of those bag buddies for free, cuz they wouldn't sell me the container :-(. I figure, they're water conditioners too, so they couldn't hurt right? In addition to ice cubes...although, how the HECK will I keep them frozen anyway ;-)? And I got a floating thermometer - how weird, I hadn't even read the message
1 hr till my b-day!!
Amber

Re: hummm...
Petfish.net Message Board
Posted by Eddie on October 27, 1999 at 16:59:57:
In Reply to: hummm... posted by Kitty Fish on October 25, 1999 at 14:41:48:
Also, remember that the ice cubes are freshwater.

Re: HELP transporting fish!!!
Posted by Eddie on October 25, 1999 at 07:00:06:
In Reply to: HELP transporting fish!!! posted by Amber on October 24, 1999 at 21:08:40:
What size tank are they in, if they are together,
you should seperate the betta. If they are in a tank
buy some of those WARDLEY'S VACATION FOOD. It is a food block that will last
for seven days in a ten gallon tank. You could bring the
betta with you, just put it in a jar with a cap. And
feed it and change the water every time you stop(if you do)
And open the cap every 30 minutes for 5-10 minutes
so the betta can get new air. The comet might be able do
pull this off too. But the moor, I suppose you could
ask a pet shop to take care of it for you. HTH

Re: HELP transporting fish!!!
Posted by Amber on October 25, 1999 at 08:22:48:
In Reply to: Re: HELP transporting fish!!! posted by Eddie on October 25, 1999 at 07:00:06:
So you don't think I can take the Moor?? This is upsetting, he's my favorite, and there's only one petshop here...I would be so nervous leaving him with someone else...But I guess if the consensus is that I have to, I have to. Any other ideas? I have a small carrying tank, and I guess I would be willing to hold it all the wayu there, but I'm afraid it would leak ? BTW, of course the betta is separate now ;-). Thanks again!

Re: HELP transporting fish!!!
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Eddie on October 25, 1999 at 11:07:13:
In Reply to: Re: HELP transporting fish!!! posted by Amber on October 25, 1999 at 08:22:48:
Try putting the the comet and moor in a bag, and in another bag, then put it in the carrying tank. Buy a battery powered air pump and have ALOT of spare batteries. The air pump will last several hours until you need new batteries.

Re: HELP transporting fish!!!
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Amber on October 25, 1999 at 16:54:35:
In Reply to: Re: HELP transporting fish!!! posted by Eddie on October 25, 1999 at 11:07:13:
Someone else told me about oxygen releasing tablets for the bags/jars on long trips - does anyone know anything else about these?? Ever used them? Found them on the 'net??
Thanks, Amber
P.S. Any other ideas? Just curious, I think I have a few options now..

Re: HELP transporting fish!!!
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Amber on October 25, 1999 at 14:16:33:
In Reply to: Re: HELP transporting fish!!! posted by Eddie on October 25, 1999 at 11:07:13:
Someone else told me about oxygen releasing tablets I could place in the bag- does anyone else know anything about these?? And if they've found them anywhere online??

Re: HELP transporting fish!!!
[ Petfish.net Message Board ]
Posted by Eddie on October 25, 1999 at 16:16:44:
In Reply to: Re: HELP transporting fish!!! posted by Amber on October 25, 1999 at 14:16:33:
I don't think those last long.