Petfish.net Message Board Archive No. 48 Part 2
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From: Karen 3/04/02
Subject: Re: tankmates with the bumblebees?
I have kept my bumblebees with guppies and ghost shrimp. No problems. However they do like a fair amount of salt in their tank which the neons won't care for. They can live in fresh, brackish to saltwater if acclimated slowly. However they will be healthier and happier with salt.
From: veadra 3/04/02
Subject: Re: tankmates with the bumblebees?
thanks, I got two plus 50+ feeder ghost shrimp today. The gobies turned out to be fairly small, about the same size as the neons, so I'm not afraid of anybody getting beat up. I already have 1/2 to 1 tsp/gallon, which the neons are already accustumed to, so they should be fine. I have so many ghost shrimp I have no idea what to do with them! It's crazy! I've separated one female from the rest in a pint bowl, she's full of eggs, I think they're supposed to develop into babies inside her (actually clamped between her back end) and then she'll let them go. That's the way it works with lobsters, so Ifigure they're fairly closely related, it'll probably work out the same way.
From: Joycelyn 3/04/02
Subject: Betta's water is slightly cloudy
Hi! My betta's water has white wipsy strands floating in it. It looks like its shed from the betta. May I know if it has a disease or is it natural? Thanx!
Another question, must a female betta show vertical stripes for it to be able to breed?
From: Karen 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Betta's water is slightly cloudy
I am wondering if he is shedding his slime coat for some reason. Please tell us a little more about his home, size, tankmates, water conditioners or anything else.
From: roby 3/04/02
Subject: convicts
Hi, a week ago i bought 2 convicts to put in my community tank. The shop said they were ok in my community tank because i have pretty big fish. I have 3 plecos, 4 angels(one is 6 inches), 1 yellow lab(male), 2 clown loaches, 3 corys,2 pealr gouramis, 3 knifefish, 2 redtailed sharks and some zebra danios. I've been readin on the web and discovered that they are really agressive, but they seem to be ok in my tank. I actually had to move a firemouth couple to another tank because they were really harassing the convicts(even though the firemouths got on ok with everyone else). I've also read that convicts grow pretty big. Could someone let me know if they think i should take the convicts back to the shop. They aren't agressive now, but i'm afraid that they will become agressive in the future, even though the male 1 tried to nip at my large angel, but he just turned around and put him back in his place and he hasn't tried again.
thanks
roby
From: Karen 3/04/02
Subject: Re: convicts
Having kept convicts I have to say if they decide to breed there will not be much left of the community. Large fish will not intimidate these guys much.
By cichlid standards they are not a large fish, about the size of a firemouth.
From: Attila 3/05/02
Subject: Re: convicts
It also depends on how big the tank is. If your tank is big enough then the convicts will move to one end of the tank (especially if you have a cave there, they like caves) and the other fish will be forced to move to the other end. At least thats what I have noticed in my 55 gallon, but I didnt really like it because I had some smaller fish and they were getting ready to spawn so I put a divider in. They have about 1/3 of the tank all to themselves now and apparently they like it because they had about 60 fry. So what Im really tring to say is that I reccomend a divider.
Attila
From: roby 3/05/02
Subject: Re: convicts
thanks. i have a 55gallon tank too, but i didn't want to risk it so i tool them back to the shop seeing they were getting aggressive on the other fish, i didn't want to risk it.thanks anyhow
From: Lynn 3/04/02
Subject: Stillborn Babies
One of my pregant mollies had 20 stillborn babies yesterday along w/one living baby. What happened??? I know she was pregnant for a LONG time. So now I'm scared for the other pregnant molly. She had two babies on Valentine's and she was still fat. I keep watching the male to see when he starts nipping at her belly so I can segregate her. But he just keeps trying to impregnate her again and again...........
From: Karen 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Stillborn Babies
Did you try to move her before she gave birth?
From: Lynn 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Stillborn Babies
No I didn't bother her. I had moved her into the breeding net about two weeks ago.
From: Lynanne 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Stillborn Babies
I'm assuming all your water quality parameters are in the safe range.
How big is your breeding net? Sometimes the stress of confinement for two weeks in a small breeder can be too much. Especially if they can see other fish swimming in the tank or if the net is too close to the front of the tank where they can see you.
Do you use salt in your tank? Mollies are one fish that do best with salt in their water, especially when it comes to breeding.
What temperature is your tank at? 77-80F is ideal right around the time the fish is ready to drop. Anything lower than 72 or higher than 80 can cause problems with the fry, though some will still survive.
From: Lynn 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Stillborn Babies
It's the normal breeding net. I've got two. I got one at Wal-mart and one at Pet Smart. So they are standard size. The fish has plenty of room plus I feed her first so as not to upset her. She seemed fine.
As for the tank, it has salt and all the levels are good. I also keep the temperature at 75-77.
I thought I did everything right. And then there were the 20 babies. It was so sad. Now I have another pregnant one about to drop and I'm scared.
From: Karen 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Stillborn Babies
Sometimes this happens and we never really know why.
However, I suspect the breeding trap may have stressed her. If you have a corner of the tank heavily planted with live or plastic plants many of the babies will survive. I have found mollies are not as bad about eating their young as many livebearers. Or you could try a tank divider depending on the size of your tank.
From: Lynn 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Stillborn Babies
Really? Well bummer. Wonder why they sell those stupid nets then?
I have other fish in the tank that WILL eat the babies, cherry barbs, neon tetras, platy, danios. So I don't think the plants would be sufficient hiding. I had one mom give birth and I only saw one baby. I watched and prayed for her for a week and then one day she was gone. It was very sad.
Also do you know if the mollies have a breeding 'season? Mine just keep getting pregnant.
From: Karen 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Stillborn Babies
If you go to a craft store you can get some plastic canvas. You can cut it easily and make a larger breeder for her.
As for a breding season, pretty much year round in our tanks where we keep temperatures fairly constant and lighting. I do not heat most of my tanks and in the winter there is very little breeding going on.
From: Lynanne 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Stillborn Babies
Karen's advice is right on the mark. If nothing else, a second tank might come in handy especially for breeding/fry grow out. If you are in the states, you can get a simple 10 gallon set-up for under $30. At times when you aren't breeding, it can be used as a hospital or quarantine tank, so it really is a good investment.
From: janet 3/04/02
Subject: Angelfish disease
Help!
my two parent angelfish have had babies and their one week old now and they're not swimming yet- still stuck and i have the whole tank given to the parents and babies and i've had the fish tank's filter OFF... coz I thought the babies might get sucked away... but now the mother has i disease (I think) her face has holes in it and the tips of her fins is broken and half her left flipper is gone!
help plz!! what can i do? will it have anything to do with the snails? will it spread to the babies and the father?
help PLZZZ!
From: roby 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Angelfish disease
do the holes have white stuff coming out of them? i have an angelfish that had it once and the fishstore gave me some medicine for it and now he's fine. if it doesn't have white stuff, it might be hole in the head. Go to your fish shop and ask them, but don't wait. hope she gets better.:)
From: janet 3/04/02
Subject: Re: Angelfish disease
she didn't haf the holes before.. but she hasn't gone worse since last night though...
From: Karen 3/04/02
Subject: I agree
It is possibley dietary or a disease. If you have a good fish store where they actually know what they are doing I would ask them. The fins makes me wonder if the father is chasing her away.
From: janet 3/04/02
From: jul 3/04/02
From: jul 3/04/02
From: Michelle 3/05/02
From: The Doctor of bbubbleland 3/04/02
From: Michelle 3/04/02
From: casey 3/04/02
From: sherrin 3/03/02
From: katie 3/04/02
From: mrt 3/04/02
From: casey 3/04/02
From: Lois 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/03/02
From: Clint 3/04/02
From: Leslie 3/04/02
From: Clint 3/03/02
From: anne 3/03/02
From: AJB 3/03/02
From: janet 3/04/02
From: HappyBoy 3/04/02
From: Steph 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/03/02
From: Steph 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/04/02
From: Steph 3/03/02
From: Katy 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/03/02
From: Katy 3/04/02
From: Leslie 3/04/02
From: dennis 3/03/02
From: Clint 3/03/02
From: Lynn 3/04/02
From: Clint 3/04/02
From: Karen 3/04/02
From: Lynn 3/04/02
From: Sara 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/03/02
From: sherrin 3/03/02
From: Eric 3/03/02
From: Travis 3/03/02
From: j 3/03/02
From: Thanh 3/03/02
From: veadra 3/03/02
From: Thanh 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/03/02
From: Thanh 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/04/02
From: Thanh 3/04/02
From: Leslie 3/04/02
From: john E. F. 3/03/02
From: sw 3/04/02
From: Clint 3/03/02
From: john E. F. 3/03/02
From: JT 3/04/02
From: katie 3/04/02
From: Nick B 3/03/02
From: Lois 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/03/02
From: AJB 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/03/02
From: casey 3/03/02
From: leslie 3/03/02
From: casey 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/03/02
From: mad 3/03/02
From: casey 3/03/02
From: Elli 3/03/02
From: Clint 3/03/02
From: Elli 3/04/02
From: Elli 3/03/02
From: Dr. bubbleblefoot Jones III 3/03/02
From: Clint 3/03/02
From: Karen 3/04/02
From: John F. 3/03/02
From: Karen 3/03/02
From: John F. 3/04/02
From: john 3/03/02
From: Clint 3/03/02
From: Shar 3/3/02 3/03/02
From: Emma 3/03/02
From: AJB 3/03/02
From: Karen 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/03/02
From: Sarah 3/04/02
From: Leslie 3/04/02
From: veadra 3/03/02
From: AJB 3/03/02
From: jacqui 3/03/02
From: AJB 3/03/02
From: veadra 3/03/02
From: Karen 3/03/02
From: jake 3/03/02
From: Karen 3/03/02
From: veadra 3/03/02
From: jacqui 3/03/02
From: Leslie 3/03/02
From: AJB 3/03/02
From: jacqui 3/03/02
From: Karen 3/03/02
From: Lencho 3/03/02
From: Karen 3/03/02
From: Lencho 3/05/02
From: stacey 3/03/02
From: Karen 3/03/02
From: elli 3/03/02
From: Karen 3/03/02
From: Elli 3/03/02
From: Karen 3/03/02
From: Elli 3/03/02
From: Michelle 3/03/02
Subject: Re: I agree
she hasn't gone worse from yesterday... i think it's really just the dad chasing her...
Subject: HHHHEEEELLLPPPPP!!!!!
hi all,
im a very new fish owner... just got them yesteday nite... but they died on me!!!!
i let the water settled for a few days.... with gravel... but no plants...
when i got home today, (after i have shopped for the plants, heater, pump and airstone) one fish have died...i removed it.. and then i turned on the heater and air pump... then the next fish died!!!!! =( so i changed some of the water.... then added some salt...
is my fish gonna die?!?!?!? HELP!??!? what should i do????
Subject: THANKS =)
wow! i didnt know this is so complicated!!! I'll be more careful from now on!!
The fishy's tail was floating and there was stuff hanging off their mouth before they die.... i think Dr of bbubbleland is right.... when they gave me the fish, they had some dying plants in the water as well.... and my tank didnt have enough good bacteria.....
i had them as a present... and the water was cold by the time i received it..... i have no idea what fish it is, my friend could only remember that it had a long name... but they are suppose to be tropical...
anyhow, one still survived... im gonna look after it very very carefully, and get him/her some friends may be 3 weeks later... what fish would u guys suggest???
PS TTTHHHAAAANNNKKKKSSSSS!!! i really appreciate ur advice..... so that i wont make the same mistake again!
Subject: Re: THANKS =)
It's hard to suggest tankmates without knowing what type of fish you have or the size of your tank. Make sure you research each fish you want to put in, add the fish slowly after the tank is done cycling. Get a water test kit for at least ammonia and nitrite.
Subject: Re: HHHHEEEELLLPPPPP!!!!!
I agree with the other posts..sounds like you put the heater and plants and fish in all in one clump instead of gradually introducing. A better idea would be to get all your hardware (heaters, pump, filters..etc.) and put aged water the tank. Treat it if you have to to get the chlorine out and stuff, then add plants. The plants help introduce healthy bacteria. Look closely at the plants that you buy. Don't buy any that have massive amounts of necrotic (dead or dying) leaves. Make sure they're nice and green. Prune dead leaves off when you get home.
After this, introduce fish slowly..if you read the archives on this web site you'll get plenty of advice on this part! There's a rule of 2 fish a week. Don't add any more than that, and add only the hardiest of fish. In my case, I"ve added Dwarf African frogs and 2 Corydora catfish. What's happening now is bad bacteria is being introduced to your tank thru fish wastes and such- kinda gross, but in the end the good bacteria should win.
It sounds like you put fish into not only a cold tank, but a rather sterile one without much bacterial interaction and they got sick and died.
Subject: Re: HHHHEEEELLLPPPPP!!!!!
What type of fish did you get? Did you treat the water for chlorine and chloramine? Some fish cannot tolerate lower temperatures. Did you float the bag in the water for 20 minutes before you released them? How did they act before they died?
Michelle
Subject: Re: HHHHEEEELLLPPPPP!!!!!
I agree with Michelle. It sounds like you added the heater after the fish. What size tank and is there a filter? My tanks are set for between 74-78 depending on the fish, and I always add Stress-Guard with the water and aquarium salt.I also float the bag adding a little tank water gradually a little at a time letting them get used to the chemical changes. Who knows what kind of readings were in the old tank compared to the new tank. Good luck, we all go through the fish loss at one time or another. This board is extremely helpful. Clint also has a good article on setting up new tanks.
Subject: NEW BETTA !! Obi-wan-a-be-a-fish-Elliott
So, I broke down and took both my kids over to Pet Smart tonight and we picked out a new Betta for our tank. I sanitized it already and tonight I put the required stuff to get the water ready for the new little guy.
This betta has the same type of fins that Freddie did, but our new one is all a bright blue with black for his head and then streaks of red, magenta, green, and other colors in his fins. He is just as gorgeous as Freddie
So, on the way home from the store the kids and I talked about names. At first it was going to be Fiesty since he is a bit agressive and seems to want to be out of his little jar. But then we got into Star Wars names and Obi-wan just stuck from the get-go.
So, he has a name, he has EATEN!!! Oh, my gosh! This fish eats like there is no tomorrow! I think I have a pretty healthy fish on my hands (I sure pray that I have a healthy fish! I don't think my five year or me could handle losing another)
Crossing my fingers
Sherrin
Subject: Re: NEW BETTA !! Obi-wan-a-be-a-fish-Elliott
I am glad that you decided to get another one...All bettas are different with different personalities...I think Obi-wan sound healthy too! GOOD LUCK with him and hope to see an update soon-
katie
Subject: Re: NEW BETTA !! Obi-wan-a-be-a-fish-Elliott
Hi, Sherrin,I just read about Freddie fish, and am so sorry :(...
BUT I'm so glad you have a new guy! He sounds beautiful and healthy. Congrats!
Subject: Re: NEW BETTA !! Obi-wan-a-be-a-fish-Elliott
Good luck with him, he sounds great!
Subject: Re: NEW BETTA !! Obi-wan-a-be-a-fish-Elliott
Sounds beautiful! I'm sure you are nervous but hopefully this one will be fine. Just don't let the 5 year old overfeed him--they are such fun to watch eat that it is very tempting and the little piggies will keep on eating as long as you keep on feeding! Mine are that way anyhow :-)
Subject: Kenyis
Ok, I have a 10G tank with 2 female Kenyi African Cichlids in it and want to know if they are compatible with other cichlids, such as bumblebees or electric yellows. Also, what is the best form of food to feed my Kenyi since they don't seem to eat much at all...flakes (cichlid or tropical), pellets (cichlid) or frozen brine shrimp/bloodworms/squid. The guy at the lfs also said to give them algae flakes or wafers, which I've been doing or frozen spinach.
Also, I am thinking of getting a 29G tank for marine fish and would like damsels/tangs/seahorses/ or starfish. Is live coral a must as well as live sand?
Subject: The kenyi are pseudotropheus lombardi
John has the same fish.
CN
Subject: Re: The kenyi are pseudotropheus lombardi
I love mine! Very pretty blue coloration. Have also seen bumblebees that look the same except for colors. I am going tonight or in the morning to get 1 or 2 other females and a male, and was wondering about putting a bumblebee cichlid in with them....also a couple of electric yellows. The gguy at Petsmart (we have an excellent Petsmart) said eventually the Kenyis would eat the yellows. Is that true? Also, when I asked him about the proper food, he said regular tropical flakes due to the fact that cichlid food/pellets are too high in protein and they need veggies. He also suggested I get spirluna (sp?) flakes, wafers or tablets to supplement. I already had the flakes and tablets. Anyway, I went ahead and bought cichlid pellets since they didn't seem interested in Tetra crisps or flakes or Omega One flakes. I vacuumed the tank today and there was soooo much un-eaten food in it. The fish act fine, other than the one hiding a lot, but I'm afraid they aren't eating. The same goes for those algae flakes, frozen brine shrimp, live mealworms, and frozen spinach flakes. What is going on??? I'd think as aggressive as they are, that these guys would eat like crazy!!! My swordtail fry out-eats the both of them. What can I do?
Thanks so much for your input!!!!!
Subject: Re: Kenyis
Don't know a whole lot about Kenyi, I know they are a rift lake cichlid, so they will like a high pH and hard water. I'm not sure but I think they are pretty aggressive and do better if theres a group of at least 3 or more. many agressive fish don't get along at all in pairs. Most African Cichlids are easy to keep. They will probably do a lot better after they settle down. When (if)you add more fish you'll need to rearrange the tank so they will forget who owns the territory.
On the salt water stuff, live coral isn't needed but live rock is. Sometimes it has some coral on it but it doesn't have to to be good for the tank. It's the large surface area of the rock that does the good stuff. And I'm pretty sure seahorses will not thrive with other fish of any size, except maybe small gobies.
Clint
Subject: snails/clown loaches
I just put 2 small (1") clown loaches in the hope that they would get rid of snails. I took out the 2 large snails but there are plenty of tiny ones and i have an Amazon sword plant shredded and gauged by snails. Another plant was also partially devoured. Can these tiny clown loaches help?
Subject: Re: snails/clown loaches
Yea, they should clean the snails right up.
Subject: Re: snails/clown loaches
wish u good luck!
clown loaches r quite expensive here..
Subject: Re: snails/clown loaches
If everything still don't work, get larger loaches. For the best biological efficiency, get puffers!!!!! One 2 cm puffer only cost $1!
Subject: slightly confused about cycling process
As most of you know I have a betta who I moved to a bigger home a few weeks after getting him with his old gravel and water, etc. Here is what is going on. After having him about a month my ammonia is between .5 to 1.0 (on a scale of 0 to 7.0) the nitrite is around 5.0 (scale of 0 to 5.0) and nitrAte is reading around 20 (scale of 0 to 100). The ammonia levels have gone down considerably over the next few days but I don't remember having ammonia & nitrite (at the same time) when I cycled my other tank a few months ago). The betta is the only fish in a 3 gallon tank, he is not overfed, uneated food is generally removed quickly, biowheel, etc. So is this normal? At what level will the nitrate convert the nitrite? Thanks in advance. Steph
Subject: Re: slightly confused about cycling process
How is your fish acting? If he is fine, let nature take its course. The water is probably is a transitional period from ammonia to nitrite. Believe me, I've had much higher readings than you without bad results! You can get some of that solution that makes the ammonia (such as Ammo-Lock 2) harmless too the fish. In a brand new tank/bowl, it takes about 37 or so days to completely cycle. If the fish is showinng stress, that's another issue. Let me know and good luck.
Leslie
Subject: Re: slightly confused about cycling process
The fish is doing great. He's swimming around like crazy (his laps), flaring at himself in the mirror, eating like a pig (maybe a few betta bites too many but he eats great both times we feed him). From looking at him I wouldn't think that there was any ammonia or nitrite at all. Just want to keep him looking good.
Subject: Re: slightly confused about cycling process
I wouldn't worry about it, then. Nature will work it out.
Subject: Re: slightly confused about cycling process
The fish is doing great. He's swimming around like crazy (his laps), flaring at himself in the mirror, eating like a pig (maybe a few betta bites too many but he eats great both times we feed him). From looking at him I wouldn't think that there was any ammonia or nitrite at all. Just want to keep him looking good.
Subject: Happy fish - thanks, AJB, Leslie, et. al.!
Okay, it's been three weeks and my fish (okay, they're my son's fish....) are very happy! The platies remain quite active, and the two Debawi catfish alternate between lolling on the gravel ("Mummy, one of the fish is dying!" is my cue to feed them each day) and zipping around at 95 MPH. Some name ideas for them: Spazpoke, Zippysloth, Speedybones, etc. Getting the second cat made the first one much less neurotic and now they both are adjusted and don't mind the lights when they're on.
MY birthday is next month, I have a feeling I'll be getting another (larger - who knew how limited a 10-gallon tank was?) aquarium!!!
Thanks to all who have helped me in my moments of panic and desperation - this site is the best!
Subject: Re: Happy fish - thanks, AJB, Leslie, et. al.!
Excellent!!!! Glad to help and those are unique names! I agree with the limitations of a 10G, although they are good for some species. I have 2, 10G's. In one I have 5 tiger barbs and 3 large bleeding heart tetras...my semi-aggressive tank. Also I have live plants in there which fare much better in thhat tank than the others. In the 2nd, 2G I have a rift lake tank with 2 beautiful blue Kenyi cichlids. I'm going tomorrow to get a couple more for that tank.
Glad to hear your son's tank (?) is doing so well! Good going!
Leslie
Subject: Re: Happy fish - thanks, AJB, Leslie, et. al.!
I'll definitely be back in touch when we get our next tank; my son wants some tri-color sharks but I'm told they're aggressive. So I'll be looking for advice on who can "room" with those guys!
Thanks again!
Subject: Re: Happy fish - thanks, AJB, Leslie, et. al.!
We'll be here!
Subject: pebbles,sand or none at all?
i was wondering if i should put pebbles in my tank.i have 2 oscars and since removing the pebbles its much easier to remove any dirt from the tank`s bottom but if i put the pebbles again would this make the water quality better? any thoughts?
dennis
Subject: Re: pebbles,sand or none at all?
If it were me I'd either use a small layer of sand or leave it bare. Oscars are famous for swallowing small rocks and pebbles (and Bambam too, if he falls in) so I wouldn't use gravel.
I would probably use sand as I really don't enjoy bare tanks, but thats a matter of taste.
Clint
Subject: Re: pebbles,sand or none at all?
So are the pebbles HARDER to clean than the sand? Because I worked on the sand for an hour last night and it STILL looks like crap.
Subject: Re: pebbles,sand or none at all?
For big ole fish like Oscars I would just use a very thin layer of sand, and if it gets nasty I'd vacuum it all out and wash it.
It will probably be a lot easier to go bare.
Clint
Subject: Re: pebbles,sand or none at all?
What does look like crap mean? Is this it is still dirty or the color has changes or it just looks yucky to you.
For Oscars I prefer barebottom for the same reason I do my golds barebottom. They are just so messy and it is easier to keep clean.
Subject: Re: pebbles,sand or none at all?
It just looks nasty. The sand USED to be white I think. I inherited the tank. But I also inherited snails and they make a mess.
Subject: I don't know whats wrong with my betta!
I think my male betta is shedding or something and it's making the water cloudy. I know it's coming from his fins and scales because i can see it hanging from him sometimes. This is an orangey substance that settles at the bottom of his small tank (he is alone). My betta is blue. Does he have a disease? what's wrong with him? I thought it was just droppings from over feeding but i don't over feed him I feed 3 pellets daily but lately he hasn't been eating. Please help
Subject: Re: I don't know whats wrong with my betta!
He probably has velvet, a very common betta disease as well as fin rot. Treat hime with Bettamax for 5 days, wait 3 weeks, then treat again. This stuff will make his water look blue like tidy bowl but I am telling you it's the best. Also, continue your partial water changes as this will circulate the medication better. New carbon (if you have that) in your filter MAY remove the blue water, but be prepared to do a huge water change! Do not feed him for a day then try again. If he refuses, wait another day and remove uneaten food. Let me know how it goes.
Subject: Re: I don't know whats wrong with my betta!
No advice since I am still new at having bettas too. But I sure hope your ittle fish gets well. Everyone here is so very helpful!
Sherrin
Subject: Re: I don't know whats wrong with my betta!
Yes, like Leslie said, it's velvet. I've never treated velvet, but I also read that a more concentrated salt in the water will help.
Try 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of salt per gallon. Difinitely add salt if you can't find the BettaMax quickly. I've heard people treating velvet with just salt. Table salt will work if you don't have aquarium salt.
Aquarium salt is dirt cheap thou.
Eric
Subject: talk
Please Travis says Come To the ChatRoom
Subject: angelfish
How long does it take for angelfishes eggs take to hatch?how many eggs are layed?Thanks.
Subject: LOOKING FOR JAVA MOSS
Hi, I'm interested in buying java moss. If anyone is willing to sell me some, please e-mail me at THB0118@uclink.berkeley.edu. Thanks!
Subject: Re: LOOKING FOR JAVA MOSS
You should check out www.aquabid.com, they have tons of auctions.
Subject: Re: LOOKING FOR JAVA MOSS
I did, but the auctions take too long to end and I don't want to wait around and bid for it. I mean, it's easier to just order it instantly from someone.
Subject: Re: LOOKING FOR JAVA MOSS
Where do you live and how much do you want?
Subject: Re: LOOKING FOR JAVA MOSS
I live in Berkeley, CA. I would like about a cup. Please send me an e-mail if available because I think the message board is going to delete this post soon.
Subject: Re: LOOKING FOR JAVA MOSS
Ok, I'll see what I can do. We have several great mom and pop fish stores here in town and I am sure at least one of them has the java moss. Will email you when I find out.
Subject: Re: LOOKING FOR JAVA MOSS
Hi Leslie
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! but ummm....some nice fellow Robert sent me an e-mail and he will ship out a portion for me today so you don't have to anymore. Again, THANKS SO MUCH!!!
Subject: Re: LOOKING FOR JAVA MOSS
Ok, no problem. If Robert's shipment doesn't come through, let me know.
Subject: snail food
i have two apple (or mystery snails) and i want them to grow large but they dont seem to be growing ive had them in a 55 gallon tank for abuot 6 months and even named one of them gary do i need to feed them differently they have been eating flake food is that enough for them to grow large
Subject: Re: snail food
I had two apple snails and I fed them a quarter spirilina (?) algae disc each every couple of days and they were happy.
One got HUGE (about 2 inches in height) and the other didn't. Also, they like lettuce alot! Be careful though, if you hang it on the side of the tank, they can get out!
Subject: Re: snail food
You can supplement their diet with algae discs or pellets. they are slow growing and usually get all they can use by cleaning up the tank.
Also zuchini (sp?) is good for snails and any other algae eating life form (couldn't think of the right word), just peel it put a small chunk in the microwave and nuke it a little, let it cool and feed them, net out the left over after a few hours.
Clint
Subject: Re: snail food
thanks ill try that
Subject: Re: snail food
i hope ur snails aren't snails that eat plants... if they r, they multiply preetttty quick..>.<
Subject: Re: snail food
you should as everyone said defiantley feed them algae waffers, i had several die, before Petunia, and that was becuase i started feeding her. i don't think they were getting enough on leftovers, check out www.applesnail.net for a complete guide to taking care of them! it has been a very helpful site, warmer water is good too.
Subject: Nitrite
I have just set up a new aquarium (used to keep 1 years ago) and local fish shop sold me a nitrite test kit. Now reading in books and just about everywhere, they talk about Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates. Now should I test for all of them all of the time, or is the Nitrite one the main one because it is the most toxic.
Subject: Re: Nitrite
I am fairly new at this, but when I set up a tank, I will test for ammonia until it peaks and then goes down, then for nitrite and nitrate with a single dip strip which shows both. Once the ammonia and nitrite are at 0 and nitrate is showing, ie once the tank is cycled, I have been testing less and less frequently. This is because I do small water changes on a regular basis and I have shown myself by testing that conditions are stable and in a good range with what I am doing. I would test everything immediately if any fish started acting strange.
Subject: ATTN. AJB!!!!!Hi, there,
Hi, there,
I know you just finished vreating your own fish website and I am very interested in creating my own. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind:
Where did you go to register your domain name and how much space is your website using? What is the cost?
Any answers will be appreciated,
Leslie
Subject: Re: ATTN. AJB!!!!!Hi, there,
My entire website is using about 1 MB and I can use up to 15 MB. Since I am using geocities, I didn't have to register a domain name and the hosting is free. Geocities sent me an email saying that they won't allow you to have a website for free after April 2. If I were you I would use angelfire.com, which is the one I'll use after geocities isn't working any longer. Angelfire has 20mb.
HTH
Subject: Re: ATTN. AJB!!!!!Hi, there,
Ok, thanks for the info!
Subject: Leslie
Sorry to hear about your 2 bettas. By the sounds of it they were your favorites. I know it's hard to so what you did but it was for the best.Again, sorry about your loss! I hope you will get more in the future though. Rainbow is doing great, swims constantly and is content.
Subject: Re: Leslie
Thank you for your sympathies. Nice
to hear your Rainbow is doing well. I am at the moment disgusted with some of the people on this board. I wrote Clint last night with a new idea, he was willing to try it, and then I get some very negative responses. Think I may start my own site!
Take care!
Subject: Re: Leslie
I have had pretty good luck on this board, although have encountered a few rude people. I don't think there is anything that is " a stupid question" if it is important to someone. I too, have asked for opinions and have gotten very snotty responses. Being new at something is being naive, not an idiot. I wish you luck if you start your own site. Let me know.
Subject: Re: Leslie
You're a very nice to person and I wanted you to know for now I'll stay with petfish. Clint has told me he thinks my idea is a good one and not to let "other people" make me upset. Thanks so much for your support...
By the way, none of the rude responses were from you, Kelli, Karen, Lynanne, or AJB. Some people just thrive on bringing others down. I've always enjoyed messaging you and trying to help you. Hopefully, that will continue!
Your friend, Leslie
Subject: new fish tank a success thanks to you
just a short note to say what a fab site ....have just finished setting up my tank thanks to your advice and tips.......i feel like i am an expert already.......keep up the good work and thankyou again.
Subject: Re: new fish tank a success thanks to you
I too have set up my tanks and gotten the bugs worked out(mostly) with help from this board. The only problem is it makes you buy more tanks. We now have a 2gal,3gal,51/2gal,6 gal,10gal,and a 29gal.Good luck with yours.
Subject: Dwarf Rainbow Fish
Dose anyone have any information on Dwarf Rainbow fish? I thought that they were pretty and the fish handler said that would be find in the company of my other fish, but I would like to know more about them and seem to be haveing a problem getting information off the net. Thanks
Subject: rainbow link
http://home.earthlink.net/~sbuckel/inform.html
Subject: Re: rainbow link
Thanks for the link Clint. It was a great one to read and I am glad to know a little more about my Rainbows...
Subject: Dwarf Rainbow Fish
Dose anyone have any information on Dwarf Rainbow fish? I thought they they were pretty and the fish handler said that would be find in the company of my other fish, but I would like to know more about them and seem to be haveing a problem getting information off the net. Thanks
Subject: high pH readings and peat moss.
There was a 15 year old who was asking about how to cure high pH and I responded by saying I was using peat moss as an experiment. Anyways, I hope he or she reads everything I said...and conveniently ignores it! Turns out peat moss is too dern messy. It's great for terrestrial plants but in an aquarium situation it's not good. Maybe distilled vinegar is a better solution. You only need to use very small amounts (drops) just like you do with pH down products. I used to use it to lower pH when watering my plants and it was fine. I don't know about fish, though.
I do know that with certain terrestrial plants that if you have the wrong pH, it's bad because certain plants need a correct pH-otherwise they can't absorb all the nutrients necessary.
Anyways, I have no idea if vinegar (distilled) is good or bad, but at least it's more natural than pH down products.
Subject: Re: high pH readings and peat moss.
Peat moss does work well to lower pH. It works a lot better and faster if the water is soft (low dh). I don't change my water parameters anymore but when I did, to get soft acidic water I collected rain water and filtered it thru peat in a bag made of an old panty hose. Also you can sift out the really fine particles first and it won't be as messy.
Oak leaves work well also, I would store the water in buckets with oak leaves and use the water to fill amazon type tanks, and leave the leaves out of the display tank.
And you can use a good strong cup of unsweetened coffee to make black water (amazon water), don't use a whole cup, just add a little bit at a time until you have the right parameters. It will of course darken the water, but the fish like that too.
Clint
Subject: Coffee, another new one
Never heard of this one before. Always something new to learn.
Subject: Parrot Fish (and too many John's) :-)
Too many "John's" here. :-)
I will go by John F.
Anyone here know anything about Parrot fish?
John F.
Subject: Re: Parrot Fish (and too many John's) :-)
Saltwater or fresh?
Subject: Re: Parrot Fish (and too many John's) :-
Freshwater
Subject: answer for clint
hi there. I didnīt know if you would go back and read my answer to your questions(on dividing the tank). Thanks for the help. Actually, i really want my lumpfish to breed, but after 6 months it hasnīt worked. I`m hoping by separating them they will feel less stress from the other fish and maybe....I`ll keep on breeding just one pair of firemouths. They have already three litters, but the first one got eaten, the second one i took 24 out and now are 4 months old in a separate(new) tank, and the third batch was eaten by the second in the new tank(i really thought, naive i guess, that the 4 week old ones were too small to eat the 1 week old ones. They ate all 150(about) overnight. I was mad at my own mistake. The pet stores here will give me 1-2 euros(about 1-2 dollars) for the baby firemouths, and i`m going back tommorrow cause the guy in the pet store is going to give me a list of fish pet stores will buy from me. So i guess the third breeding pair i really wonīt be selecting myself. I thought, i`m having fun breeding the fish, but i canīt keep all of them, so i mind as well have my fun and make a few dollars out of it. Anyways, itīs good that i can give the fish away cause what could i do with so many. Thanks for the advice, and just one short question: what if the fish were something like neons, or small fish like those. Do you believe they still require the 20 gallons? Thanks again. John
Subject: Re: answer for clint
Smaller fish like neons can go a lot smaller. I would say you can safely keep 4 neons per gallon as long as you stay on top of the water quality issues. A 2inch platy puts out more pollution than 4 1 inch neons.
The lump heads or buffalo head like a very strong current in their water. Try adding a powerhead to cause a lot of water movement. They live in whitewater rapids type environments. They don't really swin, just kind of hop around.
Glad you can sell the firemouths, I couldn't give them away here.
Clint
Subject: do betas eat neon tetras
We have some neon tetras, a couple of endler's live bearers, a couple of african frogs, and a male beta in the same tank. My question is would the male beta eat the neon? We are now missing one,one is missing an eye, and another one is missing some tail fins. As you can tell we are new at this... so any help would be great. One other question is that we bought a background cover for the tank, and the Male beta is constantly flaring and attacking the red plant on the picture. Thanks Shar
Subject: Re: do betas eat neon tetras
It is possible they will but I had neons and a betta and I had no problems.
The flaring is ok, just normal betta behaviour.
:) Emma :)
Subject: Re: do betas eat neon tetras
Probably not, but you can take the betta out and see what happens.
Subject: Re: do betas eat neon tetras
It is possible your betta is going after the red coloring. I have a red betta in with my Silver Dollars that are 3 inches long or around there. He is forever flaring at them, looks kinda funny.
If the neons are small enough he will eat them.
Subject: Re: do betas eat neon tetras
Nope...never had that happen! They should be fine together.
Subject: Re: do betas eat neon tetras
Bettas only tend to attack fish with large fins. They should be ok with community fish as long as their fins aren't too large
Subject: Re: do betas eat neon tetras
I thoughht bettas were the ones attacked due to their large fins! What fish do bettas attack??? I've never seen any of my bettas attack anything. One did give the zebra danios a chase, but no harm was done. Please clarify!
Subject: more tidbits!
here are some I found:
All shrimp are born male, but slowly grow into females as they mature.
Humans have three color receptors in their eyes, while goldfish have four, and mantis shrimp have ten.
The giant Pacific octopus can squeeze its entire body through a hole the size of its beak.
More types of fish live in one Amazon River tributary than in all the rivers in North America combined.
Penguins generally mate once and produce one egg per year.
The mako shark and great white shark are two of the few species of shark that are warm blooded.
The giant tortoise can live longer in captivity than any other animal.
The oyster is usually ambisexual. Through its life it will change from male to female and back again numerous times.
It takes seven years for a lobster to grow 1 pound.
To a human, one giant octopus looks virtually the same as any other of the same size and species. This explains why divers claim to have seen the same octopus occupy a den for ten or more years. But an octopus seldom lives longer than four years.
The giant crab of Japan can be as large as 12 feet across.
The snapping turtle eats carrion and is used by police to find dead bodies in lakes, ponds and swamps.
Most tropical marine fish could survive in a tank filled with human blood.
Sharks never stop moving, even when they sleep or rest.
The first known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used by Egyptians in 2000 B.C.
A top freestyle swimmer achieves a speed of only 4 miles per hour. Fish, in contrast, have been clocked at 68 mph.
Minnows have teeth in their throat.
There are 1,600 known species of starfishes in the world.
Penguins can jump as high as 6 feet in the air.
The pupil of an octopus' eye is rectangular.
The beluga whale is often referred to as the "sea canary" because of the birdlike chirping sounds it makes.
Shock treatment for epilepsy was once administered by electric catfish.
A baby eel is called an elver, a baby oyster is called a spat.
A trout swims at about 4 miles per hour which is faster than you or me.
Lobsters can move up to 25 feet per second underwater.
A winkle is an edible sea snail.
Subject: Re: more tidbits!
Those are neat!
Subject: dying fish
What's a normal casualty rate in a freshwater tank? We have a large tank, with about 30 fish (guppies, angels, neons, silver dollars, tiger barbs) We've had it for three and a half months, and almost all the fish have stayed alive since we got the ph right. However, every now and then, someone dies. We've lost 5 or 6 guppies, 1 or 2 tiger barbs, and some neons. We've just lost our golden angel fish. This was a sad blow, he was a present!! is there something wrong, or is this just normal? Could they just be elderly fish? How long do fish live?
Subject: Re: dying fish
Most fish live a lot longer then we expect. I am not sure exactly, but a
guppy will live about 4-5 years
an angel will live 5-15 years
a neon will live 3-5 years
a silver dollar will live ~7-10 years
a tiger barb will live 5-8 years
And just for the heck of it:
A goldfish will live 80 years. The world record in captivity is 42 or so. In the wild the carp related to the goldfish live a lot longer..
AJB
Subject: Re: dying fish
first of all, it helps to know the exact tank size. The angel was probably because of the tiger barbs, they tend to nip their long fins. They maight also have gotten agressive with the guppies, neons, and each other, although it might be someone else.
Subject: Depends
We would better help you understand why thos fish died if we knew the tank size. also how are you lowering your ph and any other water additives you may be using.
I have had tetras live over 8 yers, some cichlids like your angels can live 10 yers as can Silver Dollars. Guppies tend to be in the year or so range.
Sometimes a fish will die for no apparent reason.
Could have been an older fish when you got it.
Also the care it had previous to you aquiring it will have an impact on its life.
If a tank is overstocked stress can be a factor.
If youhave an aggressive fish it could be harassing the others.
Sometimes you just never know.
Subject: blood in aquarium
last night i was working on my tank 50 gallons when I got cut on a knife i am experimenting with plant grafting techniques and igoy blood in the water will this hurt my fish
Subject: Re: blood in aquarium
I doubt if you bled enough to hurt the fish any.
Subject: Re: blood in aquarium
most fish eat live food int he wild, which would give off some blood. It will probably be fine.
Subject: dying plants
We set up a freshwater tank 3 months ago. After some ph adjustments, the fish seem to be doing okay, most of them are staying alive. However, all the plants have gradually died! We brought 5 or 6 types, inclduding the Brazilian Swordplant, and they slowly went mouldy looking and blotchy and dwindled away to stumps, like old lettuce. We put in about 20, so i doubt the fish ate the whole lot. It's really worrying me, I love plants in a tank, but we don't want to go out and get a whole new batch in case they die too! I plonked a peace lily in there 2 weeks ago, the fish shop said it would be fine, but is that true?
Subject: Re: dying plants
I've answered this question many times, so here goes:
Plants are living things and need certain conditions to be healthy. Are you sure you got Brazilian swords? If so, try to get ones that are clearly labeled Amazon swords. They range in size from dwarf to large and grow rapidly and are very, very hardy even without grow light bulbs. That brings me to my next comment. lot of plants (probably most) fare much better with light bulbs called "grow" bulbs...these are incandescent but they are available in florescent. Also, if the tank is in a brightly-lit area, regular sunlight will often do just as well if not better. Once you plant these guys in the substrate, they will go through "transplant shock" just like plants in your garden. This usually is temporary and even though the plants brown and some leaves die off and look ugly, they will green back up in time. It's just because the root system has been disturbed. You said you have made several pH adjustments....I am thinking this is the main problem. Most fish adjust quite well to high or low pH without chemical adjustments. Plants also do well if you leave the pH alone. Once you start playing around with chemicals to alter tank water you may run into trouble. Next is the fact that I don't know what types of fish you have. Some will nibble leaves killing them...others will chew on roots and that's worse. If you don't already, try getting a couple of plants that only need to be ties or secured otherwise to an ornament. If you still have problems, I'm thinking it's something about the water. Remove the bad plants or, if it's just leaves and the base plant is ok, trim the bad leaves off. Decaying plants can be a hazard in the tank. Lastly, get some stuff called Leaf Zone. This is liquid potassium which will green up those plants and make them healthier and stronger. I have live plants in almost all of my tanks and am awaiting more to finish what I started. Live plants look great, help keep ammonia and nitrite levels down, and provide oxygen and sometimes food. They're wonderful in the aquarium. I agree with Karen about the peace lily, so just stick with common aquatic plants. Some of the ones I use are: Amazon Swords (great plants!), water sprite, and mondo grass, valisneria, cabomba (tie to ornament/driftwood), and anubius. I have others but can't remember their names right now.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Subject: Re: dying plants
Like Karen said, before we can help you, we need to know a few things:
What size tank is it?
How much light do you have?
What kind of fish do you have?
Do you add fertelizer?
Do you inject CO2?
I find that most of the proplems people have are related to the above questions, so if you answer them we can help.
:-)
AJB
Subject: Re: dying plants
Thanks for replying.
The tank is over 1metre long and 70cm high, with a curved front.
There is a big fleurescent bluey coloured light that the fish shop sold us with it. It's on from about 15 - 16 hours a day, and the tank is in quite a well lit spot. (Our algea's doing very well!)
We have never put it CO2 or fertiliser.
We had 15 tiger barbs, 10 neons, 4 golden coloured tetras, 5 red eye tetras, 1 algea eater, 2 smallish silver dollars, 4 - 5 guppies, 2 little angels, 1 little catfish, 5 zebra danios, and 1 medium size angel (deceased).
Subject: Re: dying plants
I am not real good with plants, but it woul dhelp to know what size tank, fish and lighting you have.
A peace lily is a bog plants and to the best of my knowledge likes its feet wet but not leaves submerged.
AJB and a few others are much better at live plants than I am.
Subject: Algae eaters & Goldfish
My pond is being overrun with algae - Murky waters!
I'd like to add an aquatic 'something' that'll help clear away some of the algae and that won't bother or be bothered by my 5, 5 inch Goldfish.
I've got, or had, 2, 1 inch snails. Can't see them now.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Subject: Re: Algae eaters & Goldfish
Algae is a product of too much light and or too much waste. What size pond and filtration are we talking and how much light and what kind is it getting?
Many algae eaters will eat the slime off goldfish, plecos and algae eaters being two.
Ottos are pretty good, but first we need to try and find out what is causig the algae to get so bad.
Subject: Karen - Re: Algae eaters & Goldfish
The pond is 160 gallons. It's in the backyard and gets good ol' Florida sun. The filter is a 3 gallon pail, with a sealing lid, with 12 feet of bird-proof net, 8 feet of mosquito net, pvc pipe pieces and a nylon net with double fist size filling of activated charcoal. The pond is half covered with duckweed and a similar 'clover' looking plant. I just added 2 Apple snails and 2
nasty looking 'algae' eaters. These guys are about 5 inches long (the size of my Goldfish) and the PSO said they can grow to over a foot in length. But, I don't remember their name. Murky water is still prevalent.
Subject: red devil/pink convicts
my red devil has paired with my pike cichlid,they even have
a nest,tell me they won't breed!? And how long does it
take for pinks to hatch?
Subject: Re: red devil/pink convicts
I guess we will find out if they will breed or not. I am suspecting if they do the eggs will be infertile.
Subject: Sail Fin Molly
I have a wonderful tank, 240 liters and all my fish are doing fine, until this morning. I notice that one of my female SF mollies had part of her side fin missing, like it was bit off and there is a white like subtance on it. What could have happen? What should I do? Is it a fungus?
Subject: Re: Sail Fin Molly
What other fish are in with her? Anyone who might have bitten her fin?
Do you keep any salt in the tank?
The white stuff does sound like a fungus and so I would treat her for that.
Subject: Re: Sail Fin Molly
Thanks for replying Karen: Yes I have 3 other female SF Mollies and 2 males,plus dust gold and black mollies, platies, guppies, dwarf rainbows, black, gold and red/blue neons, blue and gold guramis, 2 clown loaches, catfish and alge eaters...Sounds like a lot I know, but they all seem to get on with eachother. Well after reading the articles on this site we did treat with salt and she seems to be doing better...But do i need to change the water after the salt treatment?
Subject: Re: Sail Fin Molly
Mollies like a little more salt but some of your fish are not going to like much salt in their tank.
I see a few potential problems down the road with this mix but if it is working and you are satisfied for now I would let it be.
I would move her to a quarantine tank and give her a salt treatment. When the fungus is gone return her to the main tank. Acclimate her slowly to the salt treatment and then back to the main tank water.
Fungus can appear overnight.
Subject: Re: Sail Fin Molly
Hello Karen I would really like to hear what sort of potential problems I might have with the mix of fish that I have. I have tried to read as many books as I can on the subject and surf a lot on the net. I trust what my fish handler has told me, but are they always right???? So I am game to hear what other people have to say.
I treated the whole tank with a salt product called Aquaozon, which is made in Denmark. I lost a female guppy this morning..
Subject: Re: Sail Fin Molly
The whitish like substance could be a few things. Is it cottony looking? Is it fluffy. If it is then it is probably a fungus. If it just outlines the edge then it could be fin rot. I'd research and get pictures to compare.
Michelle