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From: Erin 3/15/02
Subject: Re: Mean ol Molly
A friend of mine had a dalmation molly (balloon-belly) and he behaved the same way, chasing other fish, picking off scales and killing other fish, i had an orange and white one that looked like it was starting to get nippy, so we ended up putting them in an experiment tank we have at school. The guy at the lfs said that if you're going to try to discipline them, you should put them in a net balanced on the rim of the tank, so they can't swim around at all, they can still be completly underwater though, and just make sure you sprinkle a little food in there at feeding time. Leave him in there for a week, my friend couldn't do it cause she felt bad for the fish so we took them to school, but if you really want to treat the fish, I'd try the net isolation method

From: Patti 3/13/02
Subject: Silver Squiglies
I thought I submitted something about a weird thing I've seen in my fish tank, but can't find it, and I don't remember when I submitted it. I have these silver things that remind me of mosquito larva, except they are silver and they tend to be straighter, like a tiny pollywog. I was told by someone, over the phone, that they are water fleas, but I can't find any information on them. I have vaccumed the gravel, but can't get rid of them. I generally only see them early in the morning, while its still dark out. I turn on the tank light and there are one or more swimming around. I don't know if they are a parasite, or the larval stage of some insect that snuck under the tank hood. The are sort of shaped like sperm, but they are about 1/8" long. Anybody know anything about them?

From: Clint 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Silver Squiglies
Sounds like they might be cyclops. try a search for a picture and you will be able to identify them. If thats what they are, they aren't a problem unless you have very tiny fry in the tank. Otherwise the fish will just eat them. They may be clamshrimp too, try search on them also. Clint

From: Patti 3/14/02
Subject: Re: Silver Squiglies
I looked up cylclops, and it's not those. This has only one tail, and no eye markings. I couldn't find anything on clamshrimp.

From: Patti 3/13/02
Subject: Silver Squiglies
I thought I submitted something about a weird thing I've seen in my fish tank, but can't find it, and I don't remember when I submitted it. I have the silver things that remind me of mosquito larva, except they are silver and they remain more straight, like a tiny pollywog. I was told by someone, over the phone, that they are water fleas, but I can't find any information on them. I have vaccumed the gravel, but can't get rid of them. I generally only see them early in the morning, while its still dark out. I turn on the tank light and there a one or more swimming around. I don't know if they are a parasite, or the larval stage of some insect that snuck under the tank hood. The are sort of shaped like sperm, but they are about 1/8" long. Anybody know anything about them?

From: Lois 3/13/02
Subject: Clint, where did it go?? I am lost--or new board is :-)
Was just checking the new board and all it shows is "news" and "info center"--that says 0 topics and 0 posts. Did I miss something??? Clicked on everything I could think of and nothing else came up. If it is there and I am missing the link, please direct me--Thanks!

From: Clint 3/13/02
Subject: Try it now
I made one too many small changes I guess. Must have bumped the wrong button. It's been down since I signed out. Man this thing is touchy. I've tripped the board several times, there seems to be a lot of ways to do it, and Im finding them all, one at a time. Sorry, Clint

From: yvonne 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Clint, where did it go?? I am lost--or new board is :-)
The board is down. I was trying to get on too. Hopefully it will be back up soon. I'm jonesen!!!! lol

From: Josh Boyette 3/13/02
Subject: I need info on a Red Devil
hi i need info on a red devil,tank size,tankmates,beavior,etc...

From: Joe 3/15/02
Subject: Re: I need info on a Red Devil
I agree with Clint, a local pet store has a few they cant seem to get rid of. They are very good looking fish and tempting to buy but VERY MEAN and VERY AGGRESSIVE. I want one....lol

From: Clint 3/13/02
Subject: Re: I need info on a Red Devil
They are BIG and mean. Tankmates are few and shortlived. Need large tanks of 50 gallon plus. They are good looking fish though. Thats what I have heard about them. their latin name is Cichlasoma citrinellum try an internet search for that and you will probably find all you need to know. Clint

From: anne 3/13/02
Subject: algae
Hi! i have spots of green algae, some bearded algae and thread like algae. i have a pleco who i thought could eat up the algae but there is still quite a bit of it. i heard that straw could be used to get rid of algae. Where do i get this from? my water is brown from peat granular but it does not seem to be green. i'm not sure if i should be clearing the tank of more algae or should i just leave it alone? i have 2 dwarf gouramis, 1 (2") pleco, 2 (1") clown loaches and a red tailed shark (5"). do the other fish like to eat algae? Thanks!

From: Yvonne 3/13/02
Subject: Re: algae
Hi Anne, I use the straw (wheat). I find that it works great. It got rid of all my green algae in all my tanks. I found my wheat straw at a farmer's market. I did, after purchasing from the farmer, find some at a mom/pop fish store. They sold barley which is supposed to be the best. Good luck! Make sure that your straw is pesticide free, though.

From: Tomato 3/14/02
Subject: Re: algae
straw??...does that really work?...im always having problems with algae...what do you do just put some regular (pesticide free),dried up, straw/weat in the tank, and thats it?

From: yvonne 3/15/02
Subject: Re: algae
Yep, straw. It's gotten rid of all my green algae. I have a very little bit of brown algae in my tanks, but nothing to complain about. I put a small handful of straw in a cut up nylon (stocking for women), tie both ends, and throw it in my tank. You can float it or anchor it down. Both ways work. I saw results within a couple of days so I say it works. Good luck!!!!

From: Eric 3/13/02
Subject: Re: algae
Hi, I like algae. I say that if your fish isn't being hurt by bad water conditions (which is often indicated by lots of algae growth) and the algae isn't killing your live plants, then it can stay. Just wipe off the side of the tank that you look at your fishies thru. I love algae! But make sure your fish aren't being hurt by bad water or anything. Eric (is there a category in the new message board for algae? They are aquarium plants I guess.)

From: anne 3/14/02
Subject: Re: algae
Hi! my fish are fine so far but at what point is there too much algae? anne

From: yvonne 3/15/02
Subject: Re: algae
I say it is too much when it is not only covering your plants, glass, and etc....but when the algae actually is in the water as a bloom. You will know this when the water is no longer clear, it is green. I don't like it in the tank at all, so I just get rid of it all together.

From: anne 3/15/02
Subject: Re: algae
Hi yvonne! well i have algae on most of my plants and on one of the rocks, but on the otherhand i have a pleco that eats it and as far as i know the red tailed shark never eats anything so i assume he eats it too. i'm not sure if the clown loaches need it. my water is brownish because of the peat granular but there is no sign of blooming algae. i keep the aquarium light on 12-14 hr and the plants are ok. if i get the straw and it clears out the algae will it hurt the fish with the lack of algae? i could put in algae tabs. i suppose the algaewill likely grow back? Thanks, anne

From: yvonne 3/15/02
Subject: Re: algae
Hello Anne, I change the straw every 2 weeks so it doesn't grow back. I've been using the straw since 2/26 and it really seems to work great. As far as your algae eaters, I would give them algae wafers. I had 3 plecos and 2 died from starvation. The biggest one 7" is still in the tank--finally figured out he needed something to eat, so I got him some wafers Honestly, I am looking for a new (good) home for him because I only got him for the algae. Until I can find a home for him, I will just keep feeding him the wafers. Hope I was a help....

From: suzanne 3/13/02
Subject: fish eating plants
Help!! My fish are eating my live plants. As soon as I buy them and put them in the tank they eat them. They go through them in a matter of days and all that I have left are sticks. I have 2 guppies, 4 whiteclouds,2 black tetra's and 2 coyodoras catfish. I seem to be having a ph problem also, could this have something to do with it???

From: anne 3/13/02
Subject: Re: fish eating plants
Have you checked your plants carefully for snails? I had a problem similiar to yours and found out that i had a snail invasion. they are hard to see but they can be anywhere and they love to eat plants. i got some clown loaches to eat them up and now my plants are recovering and sprouting leaves. Good luck. anne

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Re: fish eating plants
First of all, what types of plants are you buying? You can either post here to AJB or go to the alternate messageboard and there is a whole forum for plants. Anyways, you might try giving your fish some algae flakes...spirulina algae is always a winner. It comes in flakes or wafers. This may curb their desire to munch on your plants so much. As far as the pH being a problem, what do you mean? Do you add salt to the water? This can affect many plants in a negative way. With the types of fish you have, pH shouldn't be a concern unless it's way too high or too low and/or your fish are not healthy.

From: suzanne 3/13/02
Subject: Re: fish eating plants
I haven't seen any snails, but I'm not going to rule it out. I will try the algae flakes as well. The plants are just some things that I've bought from Pet-co, etc. Nothing special. As far as the ph--when I test it it always comes out around 6.4 or 6.8. The fish are thriving so I guess I won't worry about it. All of the books and things tell you to worry about testing everything. What is really important other than Amonia, and nitrites??-- nitrates???

From: Leslie 3/14/02
Subject: Re: fish eating plants
Your pH is fine where it is...it only concerns me when it goes about 8 or below 6. Ammonia and nitrites are the most important things to test for since they can cause more problems with your fish than pH and water hardness combined. Some people must test for water hardness and related issues if they have well water with softerners or lots of trace elements. I don't even test except for that except in my cichlid tank. Nitrates are the end-product of the nitrogen cycle and are usually absorbed by either live plants, (they use it as fertilizer), by beneficial bacteria or both. Nitrites are formed by ammonia break-down and are very harmful to fish, so this is why we test for ammonia and nitrites because the can do so much damage. I think you're tank is fine as far as pH goes...don't worry about it. And sounds like you're on the right track with what to test for...so, just find the right plants and use those spirulina algae flakes.

From: MelissaK 3/13/02
Subject: goldfish and plants
I have one goldfish that has decided that it prefers plants! She is Josie, my red capped oranda. Since I planted this plant, she no longer comes up to feed -- instead, while the two other fishes are eating, she goes back to munch on the plant! She will eat an itty bitty bit of what is leftover, but mostly she munches on the plant most of the day... What should I do? I know she can't be getting enough protein and carbs by eating the plants! I really don't want to take the plants out because I know they help provide oxygen... Any suggestions?

From: Suzanne 3/13/02
Subject: Re: goldfish and plants
I have the same problem, I can't keep the plants in the tank long enough to grow. I tried putting in lettuce for them, but they prefer the plants. if I find out anything I will let you know. One of the girls I work with is asking her father for me, he is a fish breeder.

From: denise 3/13/02
Subject: vacation
I will be going on vacation for about a week. Will I put my fish in severe stress if they are not fed? Is there a reliable vacation food that i can give them. I also have two guppies in a two gallon tank.. Any help would be appreciated.. brush@fast.net Please feel free to email me

From: Clint 3/13/02
Subject: Re: vacation
If you have no small fry and you're not going to be gone more than a week or 2 they will be fine. Don't overfeed them before you go to make up for it, that will just make a mess. They can do very well without food for up to 2 weeks. Clint

From: denise 3/14/02
Subject: Re: vacation
Thank you Clint for the information. I greatly appreciate it. denise

From: denise 3/13/02
Subject: vacation
I will be going on a vacation for a week. I have a thirty gallon tank with eleven goldfish. Will they die if they are not fed, or is there a reliable vacation food that i can put in their tank. I also have two guppies in a two gallon tank. Thanks for any help denise

From: frenchmiller 3/13/02
Subject: I need help
I have simple Goldfish with like three fins . How can you tell if they are a male or female. Also if they are pregnent or not.

From: Clint 3/13/02
Subject: Re: I need help
Im not the goldfish expert but I'll give it a shot. They are almost impossible to sex out until spawning season, in the spring. Then the male will start to get pimple looking white bumps on his head and front body. A lot of goldfish are naturally fat, it's a product of their slow digestive system. But they will spawn in the spring when the water warms up if they have been kept cold. When they do spawn, they lay a LOT of eggs, in the thousands. Clint

From: John F 3/13/02
Subject: Brown Algea and Bleach...
Hi again all. Okay; 45 gallon tank < 40 pm hardness (Kh and General) < 10 ppm Nitrates 0 ppm Ammonia 0 ppm Nitrites 6.7 ph I have a pleco and am using straw (thank you Yvonne!) and algone. No green algea that I can see, but am still getting brown algea spots on my artificial plants (I have a few real ones). I wipe em off, they come back in about 3-5 days. Question 1) How do I deal with this? Question 2) I read somwhere that I can soke atrificial plants in a bleach water solution, then rinse and soak them thouroghly and they will not harm the fish. Is this true? Many thanks. John

From: Clint 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Brown Algea and Bleach...
These are brown diatoms. They spring up due to an excess of phosphates. Usually aquarium plants will out compete them and they will die off. I hadn't heard but I was hoping the straw would control brown "algae" too. Anyway taking the plasic plants out of the tank and bleaching them will remove the brown stuff, but it wont keep it from coming back. I haven't ever had a severe problem with brown algae, it usualy goes away after the tank has been established for a while. But if you do an internet search for diatoms you'll probably find an answer. Clint

From: yvonne 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Brown Algea and Bleach...
Hi John, I have the same problem in all of my tanks. Too small to complain about...but what is the best way to get rid of it. No green anywhere, just some spots of brown that look like rust.

From: melissa 3/13/02
Subject: guppy
I purcahsed two female pregnent guppys, when I first brought them home, the color was normal but after a few days the tail on one started to turn black. After a few more days the blackness started moving up to the middle of her body. Her behavior is fine she is eating and swimming ok. I just wanted to know if this was normal for the pregnant guppy. thank you

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Re: guppy
No, sounds like a bacterial infection. Any fuzzy white stuff, grey slime, or redness? The only dark spot should be her gravid spot on the belly.

From: Andrea 3/13/02
Subject: This is so wild....help on care for CONJOINED TWIN FRY
One of my guppies had a a buncha babies today/last night. I take out the babies to go into a jar so i can care for them better. as i was taking them out i noticed one that was xtra large. It turned out to be TWO!!! they are joined at the belly. both seem to be swimming all right and fairly healthy, though a little small. Is there anything i can do for them to give them a better chance for survival? (i already kinda have a soft spot for them) or would it be better to just give the cold water treatment? Any help appreciated! pS this is her first batch to my knowledge.

From: Lynanne 3/14/02
Subject: Re: This is so wild....help on care for CONJOINED TWIN FRY
The vast majority of such fish do not survive to adulthood, sorry. However, I'm with everyone else - I can't kill an otherwise healthy fish. Good luck and keep us updated!

From: cheryl 3/13/02
Subject: Re: This is so wild....help on care for CONJOINED TWIN FRY
I would also try to care for them, if it was me. It sounds unusual, and could be a challange, and after all isnt the challange a part of our addiction to fish keeping, lol. Good luck, keep us posted. Cheryl

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Re: This is so wild....help on care for CONJOINED TWIN FRY
Wow! I've never encountered this, but I'd think you should just try to care for them just like if they were 2 seperate fish. Unless they become malnourished, since they're conjoined at the belly, I would give it a shot, anyways. Good luck!

From: casey 3/13/02
Subject: Monica, I saw flower bulbs today!
There is hope for spring yet. Although we still have alot of snow on the ground here, bare spots too, I saw my Lily of the valley coming up beside the house. No robins but will keep looking! Garden pond here I come, goodbye goldfish!

From: monica 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Monica, I saw flower bulbs today!
Hey!! I have crocus, daffodil and tulip coming up..... yeah!!!! Plus I'm back to work at the nursery with all the pretty flowers--got my pix on the front page yesterday working in the violets!!! Loving the spring (as soon as it gets here) ciao!!!!!!!! Don't forget you can plant summer bulbs too!!!!!

From: yvonne 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Monica, I saw flower bulbs today!
Yippie....I cannot wait until spring 'cuz I know summer is right behind it. Wanna here a funny...I have no green thumb at all. When we bought our house, I knew I couldn't take care of the plants already planted in the back yard...so I pulled them all out. Bulbs and all. Gave them to a neighbor who spends most of her free time in the garden. Guess the squirrels didn't like that, because they started their own garden in my yard. They have planted a black walnut tree (I swear), and they have brought some bulbs back to my yard. Now I have pretty purple flowers growing in the back yard after 6 years of living here. I will leave them there and hope that they will maintain on their own. As for the black walnut tree (over 8 feet tall), my neighbors are complaining. They want it down because they are too messy. Guess that will be next week's outside project. Where do you live that you still have snow on the ground? We had such a weak winter here, that snow was scarce.

From: casey 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Monica, I saw flower bulbs today!
N.H. we didn't get any real big storms but with so many pine trees around the house the snow stays until May sometimes June. But on the good side, it does delay MUD season which is a nightmare with 5 dogs.

From: Gill Reynolds 3/13/02
Subject: people who keep missing people in the chat room
May I suggest that the best time to meet in the chatroom is between 1pm and 3 pm America Time That will be between approx. 7pm and 9pm England time, (thats me) PS for Emma. I love your messages, but keep missing you Saxasal

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Re: people who keep missing people in the chat room
America has multiple times zones. Are you talking about Eastern Time? Try out the alternate message board. I think that's where a lot of people are hanging out now. Hope to see you over there :)

From: Lori 3/14/02
Subject: Re: people who keep missing people in the chat room
There are actually 6 different time zones in America. Just thought I would share that since I have lived in 5 of them :)

From: mary 3/13/02
Subject: cardinal tetra with ick
My cardinal tetra and small white clouds have ick. The ick-cure states not to use on cardinals and baby fish. What should I do??

From: casey 3/13/02
Subject: Re: cardinal tetra with ick
have you tried a little salt?

From: DnDsmom 3/13/02
Subject: Help...New canaster filter
Have a new canister filter for 90 gal tank with unfunctional Under gravel filter...It has been set up 2 months and has 8 med..size fish in it...and a few zebra danios. When we pull the Under gravel filter do we need to remove the fish firts... or just have a siphon available to remove the "----" What if we inset the siphon into the holes where undergravel tubes connect and sipnon out as much debris as possible before actually lift out filter. Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks

From: Clint 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Help...New canaster filter
Yep it would be easier in the long run to siphon the water into a temporary holding tub or can. I suggest a semi clean trash can with a clean liner. I would try to keep most of the water, it will not be a total or too large of a water change then. If you dont get all the gravel out BEFORE you attempt to get the ug plates you will end up scratching the sides of the tank. But if it were me, I would leave the ug plates in the tank and just remove the uplift tubes, possibly cap off the resulting holes. The plates wont hurt anything at all and might even provide a freshwater plenum, that seems to be so successful with marine tanks. The resale value of the plates wouldn't be worth the trouble to me. Hope this helps. Clint

From: DnDsmom 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Help...New canaster filter
Hey if we can just leave them in there it would be wonderful...do we need to try to syphon stuff out from under before we cap it off. Like I said it has only been set up 2 months at least we don't have a years worth or anything nor do we have a tank ful of fish considering the size. Thanks for your input>

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Calling All Betta Owners!
Hi! If you presently own or are thinking about buying a betta, come visit the alternate message board's Betta Splendens forum. Click the link at the top of this board's page and come as a visitor or do a quick registration and become a member. There are multiple forums for different needs and interests and we'd love to have you visit Betta Splendens. Whether you have a question, comment, or something to share with other betta people, please feel welcome!

From: Karen 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Calling All Betta Owners!
Is it cruel to put a beta in a glass inside of a bigger tank with another beta? It looks really cool but, they are always "fired up" and it looks a bit stressful. My daughter says fish have no sense. I guess I'm alittle more compationate. ANy body have a clue?????????

From: casey 3/15/02
Subject: Re: Calling All Betta Owners!
I agree with you but not sure they really care. Ever notice the bettas in little bowls seem to stop flaring at each other after a while. One of my in a community tank is in front of a mirror ( not planned) and he flared at himself constantly for about 2 days, now he doesn't bother.

From: yvonne 3/15/02
Subject: Re: Calling All Betta Owners!
I, at one point, had a 2 gallon divided tank (glass insert) that occupied 2 females on one side and a male on the other. They were able to see each other all the time. The 1st day or 2, my male did alot of flaring. After that, hardly any. He just got used to them being on the other side. I took the divider out and have him in the tank by himself. He flares more now than ever, because he sees himself in the mirror that is on the back of the tank. gotta love it.

From: lydia 3/13/02
Subject: rams
hi there..just a question about rams. Are they a schooling fish?? will they be happy just being alone in a tropical community tank with other tank mates like the neons and zebras?? thanks...=P

From: Timboi 3/13/02
Subject: Re: rams
Lydia, They do not need to school and will generally be happy by themselves in a community tank as long as there are no big aggressive fish in there, although they apparently like their own kind (but can be territorial like all cichlids)

From: lydia 3/13/02
Subject: Re: rams
Hey thanks...I saw one ram in the fish shop the other day, and thought that he looked really good. wanted to see if he could fit into my tank. Now think i will go and get him. He is a really pretty little fish. *BIG SMILE*

From: Brandi 3/12/02
Subject: Need IMMEDIATE help - betta fry dying?
Hi guys, About a week ago I noticed one of my three month old bettas acting funny and I suspected some type of parasite. I treated him with coppersafe by mardel and a couple days later he was back to normal. So today when I was doing water changes, I added coppersafe to the water of all his siblings just in case. A few hours later I noticed one of them floating around aimlessly. I was afraid it was the coppersafe's fault so I gave him another full water change and this time added stress coat. Just a little while ago I noticed another sibling doing the same thing, so I gave her a full water change as well. Now they are both either laying on the bottom on their SIDES or floating at the top in a vertical position with their mouths by the water surface. I used spring water that was the same temp., etc., as the old water so that's not the problem. I didn't O.D. them on the coppersafe...I put only 2 drops in each betta's jar. Should I do water changes on the others as well? Does anybody have any idea as to what's going on? Please HELP; I don't want to lose these babies. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks, Brandi

From: Eric 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Need IMMEDIATE help - betta fry dying?
I don't know what's wrong with your betta, but for now, until you find out the problem, you could lower the water level in the tanks/jars. Make it easier for them to get to the air. Eric

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Need IMMEDIATE help - betta fry dying?
Do you de-chlor the water? Come visit the alternate messageboard. We have an entire forum for bettas as well as emergency help.

From: Brandi 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Need IMMEDIATE help - betta fry dying?
I used spring water so there was no chlorine. Brandi

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Need IMMEDIATE help - betta fry dying?
Check and make sure because someone on this board posted not too long ago about her bettas suddenly acting strange after a water change using spring water. Someone told her to use de-chlor because there sometimes is some chlorine in spring water. How are the babies doing now?

From: Brandi 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Need IMMEDIATE help - betta fry dying?
Hi Leslie, Thanks for the info...I would never think spring water would have chlorine in it! But you may be right. I ALWAYS de-chlor; this one time I didn't because I was using coppersafe and I was afraid a dechlorinator might neutralize the copper. Unfortunately I have lost four of them between last night and today. Heartbreaking as always, but atleast the others seem ok now that I'm using stress coat...crossing my fingers! I put stress coat in the water of all 4 babies that died...I guess it was just too late for them. Brandi

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Need IMMEDIATE help - betta fry dying?
Yeah, I never would've thought that either but someone else did the same thing not too long ago and didn't de-chlor with spring water and her betta went bezerk...eventually died, I seem to recall. Sorry about your bettas, but maybe next time, huh?

From: Alicia 3/12/02
Subject: Painted Glass Fish
I was in the pet store a few days ago and saw some Painted Glass Fish...I'm pretty sure that they aren't naturally the colors that I saw but I was wondering if I was wrong and they are actually these colors. There were several different ones: Orange, Blue, Yellow, Red etc...are they all a differnt fish within glass fish genus??

From: Michelle 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Painted Glass Fish
Unfortunately they are actually painted. It's a very cruel thing to do and the paint wears off in a few weeks.

From: melissa 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Painted Glass Fish
I was told by the owner of the pet store where I purchase my fish that they inject the fish with dye to make the colors and yes it will wear off, but they say it is harmless to the fish. humm makes you wonder.

From: yvonne 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Painted Glass Fish
It is sad that these fish are sold. 1st they are dipped in a solution to remove their slimecoat, then they are injected, then dipped in another solution to give them another slime coat. Alot of the fish do not make it through this process. If they make it, they still will not live to their full potential as far as life and health. I bought some not knowing all of this and felt really bad once I found out. I will not buy these fish again...whether they are painted or injected. The true sad thing about it, the store employee told me they weren't painted...it was natural.

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Painted Glass Fish
I've kept both painted and unpainted glassfish and, now that I know how cruel it is to "paint" them, I prefer the normal ones. These are great fish, but the painted ones often carry diseases, most notably lymphocystis which is very hard, if not impossible to cure. The paint does wear off and the time-frame for that to happen depends on your water. Often the fish don't outlive their paint, so if you like glassfish...like me...just get the regular unpainted ones. Look for any white bumps on their bodies which will continue to grow into cauliflower-looking growths. That is lymphocystis, a viral disease. I've cured only one glassfish of it (an unpainted one), but it took several months.

From: donna 3/12/02
Subject: african dwarf frogs - info please
Would a 2 1/2 gallon hex tank be ok for dwarf frogs? If so how many could I put in it? What else does it need?

From: casey 3/12/02
Subject: Re: african dwarf frogs - info please
I think 3 would be good for your tank. Mine don't do much but are cute. I use frog bits to feed them available at lfs. water conditioner and not much else.Clint has info on petnet.net also.

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Re: african dwarf frogs - info please
Three or four would be fine. They can be fun to watch! I feed mine a 1/2 cube of frozen food, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms every 2 days. I have 3 and they are really funny. Mine won't touch frog bits/repto min.

From: Alicia 3/14/02
Subject: Re: african dwarf frogs - info please
I've got 4 and they love the HBH Frog and Tadpole bites...they do prefer live bloodworm if you can handle giving them that instead or even frozen bloodworm.

From: lloyd_ii 3/13/02
Subject: Re: african dwarf frogs - info please
the only thing that you have to worry about with thtem is that some can be jumpers. so make sure that the ENTIRE top is covered whenever you aren't watching it. African Dwarf Frogs areawesome!!!

From: casey 3/13/02
Subject: Re: african dwarf frogs - info please
You're right! Forgot to mention that.

From: yvonne 3/13/02
Subject: Re: african dwarf frogs - info please
I love my ADFs. I have 5 and it is so funny to watch them. They paddle to the top, get the air they need, and float, almost suspended like, back down to the bottom. They are the coolest. Yesterday I had one jump out of the net, onto the table, and then to the floor. (reminds me of that old song...I lost my poor meatball). When that happens, I have to act quick before the cats and dogs get wind of what is going on. I'm sure the frog would be a great snack for them.

From: BRUCE ONETO 3/12/02
Subject: WATER CONDITIONS
I AM UNABLE TO REGULATE THE PH ON THE ACIDIC SID IN MY TANK IT'S A 72 GALLON TANK, I HAVE BEEN READING UNTIL I WANT TO SCREAM ANY HELP ANYONE CAN OFFER I WILL TAKE!

From: casey 3/12/02
Subject: Re: WATER CONDITIONS
What's your Ph reading, kind of fish?

From: casey 3/12/02
Subject: Elli
I hope you decide to stay on this board and even sign up on the alternate board, there's alot of different catagories and information, not just about fish either. I don't think anyone was trying to be rude, I think they're are alot like me who can't type fast and cut corners with words.Sometimes my computer will just lock up and I have to hit refresh and start over so I try to type quickly ( which by the way I can't do but am up to 4 fingers so getting better. ) and lose everything of course.I think you will enjoy the new board and really hope you stay. Besides how are we going to know how well your fish are doing! You're in Denmark right? You can keep us up to date on world news.

From: Elli 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Elli
I am okay, Yvonne sent me an e-mail and said that she was sorry, she did not mean to be rude. I guess it just hard for me since I have been out of the states for 14 years now...Jo I go home as much as possible... Oh and guess what!!!! I am so happy and suprised. I was cleaning out my fry hatchery and come to notice that not only do I have platies, guppies and mollies I have also a swordtail. Just one but its growing great ;o)

From: casey 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Elli
Congrats on being a new mom! Is your tank okay now? I never imagined how much work was involved, but still keep buying more fish and tanks! Maybe I just crazy! Though last night my hubby told me no more tanks so had to settle for a divider in my 10 so I can add another betta. I just love those fish. Once my tanks established I'm going for the fancy guppes, saw some blue ones and can't wait!

From: Elli 3/14/02
Subject: Re: Elli
The tank seems fine now but I have another platy that is sick. I can't remember what the name is for the diease but I am going to check it out now.. We have the fever...People at work think I am crazy because I am always taking about my fish..

From: Lois 3/12/02
Subject: Re: Elli
Yes, Elli, please stick around. It is awfully easy to sound rude without meaning to at all. If we could all sit down together and see each others faces and hear each others voices, it would be a lot easier to avoid misunderstandings because we would notice right away if there was a problem, but as it is, we just have to use smileys and so on. The new board is interesting, especially if you have specific questions in a certain category, and it is really easy to register. I still really like this board, but both are nice. Hope you get the answers you need--unfortunately not in my area of knowledge.

From: Elli 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Elli
Thanks Lois..I really am glad that I have found this message borad. The people have really helped me out alot in getting the answers to my questions. I am new at this and try to read as much as I can so my fishies will be happy. I know what you mean about it being easier to be with a peoson face to face...It's hard sometimes when you need to get the answer typed down fast and I also make those spelling or are they type o errors? LOL...I am staying and even got on the other board as Ms.Elli....

From: Lois 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Elli
That's great Elli! Glad you're staying!

From: Doug 3/12/02
Subject: Betta Breeding
I have 2 pairs of Betta's that appear to be in the first stages of breeding. They brush up against each other, flaring. The female flaps her body against his (both pairs) but neither male seems to be very interested in blowing bubble nests. What is wrong or when can I expect this to happen? The pairings, if anyone is interested. I have a beautiful pearl pink female with an All blue male and I have a blue striped female (beatiful too of course) with a yellow and teal male. (almost packer colors!!) Thanks for any assistance.

From: Eric 3/12/02
Subject: Re: Betta Breeding
Have you tried increasing the amount of food, or the protein content of the food? I have a male betta in a tank by himself and he won't make bubble nests unless I feed him twice a day with 3 pellets a feeding. Do you use only food pellets/flakes or freeze dried food also? Maybe live food would help. Eric

From: doug 3/12/02
Subject: Re: Betta Breeding
Yes, they get pellets, some flakes and live brine shrimp alternating so plenty of food and plenty of variety. Not overfed though, only as much as they can eat in about 2 minutes 3 times a day.

From: Leslie 3/13/02
Subject: Re: Betta Breeding
If they're trying to mate, it will only agitate them if you try to feed them now. Sometimes things just don't go right. If they fail to mate or have a bubble nest for the eggs, seperate them and try again next time.

From: donald 3/12/02
Subject: gold fish help
I have 2 comet gold fish and they are turning black the lady at the pet store said that they do that sometimes is this true. or do they have some kind of a fungus.

From: casey 3/12/02
Subject: Re: gold fish help
Do your fish have black spots or just turning black? If you have spots it could be ammonia burn or parasites. Do you change your water regularly and test it for ammonia?

From: Eric 3/12/02
Subject: Re: gold fish help
I don't know much about gold fish, but if they have fungus, I think they'll act sick. I suggest looking at the way they're behaving to tell if it's fungus or not. Eric