Petfish.net Message Board Archive No. 7

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From: Angela 12/15/99
Subject: My swordtail is pregnent.

Hey I am trying to find info or pages about the female sword. I just want info about how to go about her haveing the babies. Should I put her in another tank by herself and what will the fry eat?
I will keep looking Thanks.

From: Jose 12/15/99
Subject: Re: My swordtail is pregnent.

I haven't kept livebearers in manyyears, but I still remember a few things about them... You can place your pregnant female sword in a separate tank (a 20-gal will be ideal, but a 10-gal will work). The temperature should be about 78-79 degrees F, and if the tank isn't cycled, you need to watch for amonia and nitrite and do partial water changes as they rise. Put some floating plants for the baby to hide if they're born when you're not in the house. Alternatively, near term (when you can actually see the little fish through her belly) you can put her in a container that floats and has holes throught where the fry will fall into the aquarium and away from the mom's mouth...). Once they're born, you can immediately feed them live brine shrimp or crumbled flakes. To speed up their growth, do frequent partial water changes (20% every two days), raise the temperature to about 80-82 degrees F, and feed them a varied diet. The whole pregnancy term I think lasts about 4-5 weeks, but I am not so sure... Livebearers (mollies, platties, guppies, and swords) like some salt in their water, one tsp of aquarium salt per each 5 gallons of water in your tank.
Good luck,
Jose

From: Clint 12/15/99
Subject: Re: My swordtail is pregnent.

It would be better to put her in a tank by herself, but don't wait until right before she's about to deliver the fry, moving her when she's that far along is not good for her or the fry.
As soon as you see that all the baby fish are swimming around you need to remove the female, or she will eat some of the fry.
Sword fry are very easy to raise and will eat flake foods right off. Baby brine shrimp and/or micro-worms are better but not absolutely required. You might want to grind the flakes up a little with your fingers for the first week or 2.
Good Luck,
Clint

From: Bigworm 12/14/99
Subject: New 20 gallon saltwater tank.

I just bought a twenty gallon tank that I wish to make into a saltwater fish tank.I need all the info on small saltwater tanks that I can get.Any help would greatly be appreciated.How should I set the tank up.Thanks.

From: russell 12/15/99
Subject: Re: New 20 gallon saltwater tank.

i have a salt water tank . you have to set the tank up and have the salt about 1.023. they have a hydrometers for testing.you have to let the tank set for awhile. you will have to by a test ket to test the ph, ammonia, nitrite, copper, and nitrate. when you buy your test ket it should tell you what the levels should be.
russell

From: Steve 12/11/99
Subject: Carbon

I have two of those aqua-clear power filters a 150 and 200. I am tired of buying carbon for it. Is carbon necessary? Is there anything else I can use that might last longer or do I absultly hace to have carbon? Thank You

From: Jose 12/14/99
Subject: Re: Carbon

Carbon is not "necessary", but helpful. It removes certain impurities that bind to the micropores in the charcoal chips. It helps maintain a clear (and not yellowish) water, and to rid the tank of odors. Once the binding sites on the micropores are saturated, the carbon does not serve it main purpose anymore. Its function can be restored, but a furnace at high temperatures is needed. An additional benetif of having carbon in the filter, is that it provides a rather large surface area for nitrifying bacteria to establish and hence, it contributes to the biological filtration capacity of your tank (without being significant or indispensable). Many people just don't use carbon in their tanks without a problem.
Jose

From: Clint 12/12/99
Subject: Re: Carbon

I would use some chemipure in there instead, you can get it in half-size bags that would fit nicely. This stuff is so much better than carbon it just does a lot more. You just about can't pollute the water if you use it.
Check out http://petfish.net/chemipure.htm,
I don't usually actively endorse a product, but I really do like this stuff.
CN

From: sao 12/11/99
Subject: Re: Carbon

Ive had an aquaclear running for about 2.5 years now. After the first year I removed the carbon from it and replaced it with another sponge. Its far cheaper and does the job just as well. I also only rinse one sponge at a time when Im doing a water change. So far I haven't had any troubles with it (:
Cheers
Siaolin

From: Jeff 12/09/99
Subject: Freshwater Flounder

hi,
I recently bought a freshwater flounder at a local pet store. They did not know anything about this fish because they said it ate algae, and everyone I've talked to said they were carnivores. Anywaze, I need a lot more info about this fish. If you know anything about this fish PLEASE E-mail me or write back to this forum. Thanks,
Jeff

From: Jill 12/09/99
Subject: Re: Freshwater Flounder

heh, I'm in the same boat, I bought one because my betta attacks anything that looks like a fish, and I needed an algae eater, besides snails to avoid having tons and tons of them. anyway, I feel bad about it now becuause I havnt the faintest idea how to properly care for it! I was there to buy plants and bought it on the spur of the moment, bad practice, I know. All I know is that at the pet store, they said it ate algae, but could tend to be aggresive. however, it does seem to be doing well in the betta tank, the betta doenst seem to recognize it as a fish... mostly I'm concerned about supplementary foods I maybe should feed and how big it will get? right now it's about 3/4 of an inch, maybe a bit less...

From: russell 12/15/99
Subject: Re: Freshwater Flounder

freshwater flounder i had abour 12 at i time .
they will live in salt water to .i had them for
about 2 year .befor they die on me.they only
got as big as a half dollar .i had them in a 55
gal fish tank.they eat about any thing they can
die fish, srapes of food and algae.they are
bottem feeders. if i can help any more please let
me know .
thanks
russell

From: Black Neons don't school 12/08/99
Subject: Steve

I have 4 black neons in my 30 gallon tank along with many more fish. How do get them to school? They just won't do it, if i'm lucky sometimes I see them school and it looks really nice. Does anybody have any ideas. ThankYou

From: Jose 12/15/99
Subject: Re: Steve

How many more fish do you have in the tank? If the tank is crowded, they can loose track of each other (after all, they're only four). I think they'll be able to school if you add some more neons, but I don't know how many fish you already have in the tank...
Jose

From: Diana 12/09/99
Subject: Re: Steve

Now dont quote me because I have not yet gotten myself some black tetras, However I have read that the more fish (between 6 and 8) you have the better and more often they school. Also Ive read that to cause them to school more you need to add a larger yet non agressice fist to the tank to ast as a faux preditor. (because the need to school is caused by the feeling of insecurity)
I have heard that Bala sharks can be good for this.

From: Steve 12/09/99
Subject: Black neons won't school

Have the bala already if I made the tank heavly planted will that work.

From: Clint 12/09/99
Subject: Need 6 for a school

You need at least 6 Black Neons for them to school consistantly. that seems to be the magic number for all schooling fish.
CN

From: Heather 12/08/99
Subject: I think my betta's sick?

I was reading a post about someone's sick betta that said he had whits stringy stuff on the bowl and his betta had white patches on his face. I have had a similar experience. I usually just get aquarium ready water from the store so I know it's been done right and i don't have to mess with it. This has worked well for about four months now, and I have a beautiful fish. last time I changed the water, I was not able to use the store bought aquarium water and had to use AmmoLock2 on tap water. I follosed the directions on the bottle, put in the fish, and everything seemed fine. The next day, I go to feed my fish and there is the white, slimy stringy stuff ALL OVER inside the bowl, hanging from the plant, hanging in the water, everywhere. I changed the water quickly, replacing it with the aquarium ready water I had always used before, and I thought everything was fine. He is still very beautiful, he is active and he eats well. I'm definately no expert on fish, but he seems ok. Now, I've noticed a silvery red patch lininy his 'gill' thing. I'm a bit worried about this patch now, but like I said, he seems completely normal otherwise... is he sick?

From: Kristen 12/10/99
Subject: White stuff in betta tank.

It's funny that you mentioned this because the same thing happened to me earlier this week! I have a 2 gallon betta tank and a 10 community gallon tank. What I generally do is fill 4, 1 gallon containers with tap water and treat them with aquarium salt and Start Right. The containers sit for about a week and then I do water changes. When I empty a container, I prepare another and the cycle continues. Anyhow, I did a water change for my betta and a couple days later I got the white stuff in the tank. He was fine. I think this may happen if you over estimate and put too much Start Right or whatever you use to eliminate chlorine in the water. Most of the water treatment chemicals don't give you directions for small tanks or bowls so it becomes a guessing game. Alot of times, we'll put more in than we should just to make sure we've done enough to get rid of the nasty chlorine. I did a complete water change and even put in new gravel after my betta tank got messy and my fish fine and the tank is back to normal.

From: Heather 12/10/99
Subject: Re: White stuff in betta tank.

I think you are right about the white stuff. I remember being unsure about using the chlorine chemical since I had never had to use one before. I put in a little extra just to make sure. That's probably what did it. The water's fine since I changed it and rinsed out the bowl real good, and the fish seems healthy. So I guess I won't worry too much. Thanks!

From: Clint 12/08/99
Subject: Re: I think my betta's sick?

I am puzzled about what could be the "white stringy stuff". It might be a protein skim from bad water, or just settled dust, or possibly some kind of discharge from the plants after an abrupt chane of water. Anyway since the new water cured it I don't see it as a problem to worry about.
The red silvery patch might be normal, but it makes me a little suspicious of velvet disease, and without seeing it myself I would have to advise treating the fish for Velvet. I use a teaspoon of salt per gallon or a copper based parasite medicine. Velvet is usually a rust or gold color, rust could be called silvery red I suppose.
Good Luck,
Clint

From: Ton 12/07/99
Subject: getting rid of fish

this might sound cruel, but I can no longer take care of my fish since I will be moving to a smaller apartment in january. i have a 55-gallon with 4 gouramis, 1 kribensis, 5 cory cats, 5 oto cats, 4 pristella tetras, 5 flame tetras, and 4 zebra danios. my parents are also moving after i move out, and they don't want to lug the whole tank with them. i'm gonna miss these guys. the tank has been with me for 3 years now. any suggestions?
OH YEAH, by the way, my friend suggested that i give him my fish and he'll put them in his tank with his baby oscar (he's only about 3"). i said maybe. but i know oscars grow large. my questions, will any of my larger fish (i.e. kribensis or gouramis (4" long max)) survive in there with him? or will the oscar eat even a 4" gourami? just wondering.
i'd appreciate any suggestions. thanx.
ton

From: Clint 12/07/99
Subject: Sell them

Just put an ad in your local Newspaper or "Thrifty Nickel" "Trade Bullentin" etc. If it's cheap enough you'll have no problem selling the tank, fish and all. Specially right now, it's almost Christmas.
Good Luck,
Clint

From: Diana 12/07/99
Subject: Re: getting rid of fish

Oscar will eat everything, you can pretty much count on that. maybe not right away.... but it will eat them.
Whats the problem that you can not move the tank to your new apartment? it might be a smaller place but surely you could find an enpty space for it. perhaps use it as a room devider or some such thing?

From: Mac 12/07/99
Subject: sick betta

Hey everyone,
Have had a male betta for about 1 yr or so with no problems. In the last 24 hours he has developed a milky white bubble over one eye..looks like a small balloon. The other eye is fine, and there seems to be no other problem, although he is moving a little slower. He is in a 1 gallon bowl, alone, and water changings are 2x per wk. Any ideas as to diagnosis and/or treatment would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks - Mac

From: Clint Norwood 12/07/99
Subject: Re: sick betta

Hi Mac,
Just a copy of the email I sent follows:
This is a fairly common disease, sometimes called pop eye or eye fungus.
There are a lot of fish medicines made for it. Often it goes away on it's own though. You can try the 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon treatment and it should clear it up. It was possibly brought on by the lower winter temperature, or he might have just scratched his eye on a rock etc.
God Luck,
Clint

From: Steve 12/06/99
Subject: new 10 gallon

I had a 5 gallon with just a betta in it but the tank cracked so I bought a 10 gallon. any suggestios for fish that get along with a betta would be helpful and the number of fish. Thank you.

From: Jose 12/14/99
Subject: Re: new 10 gallon

Your male betta will be better off in a bowl. The swim bladder of bettas is genetically condition to thrive in shallow waters, and they don't like deep tanks, but can definitely be kept in a community aquarium. Try to avoid fish that would nip on the bettas' fins like tiger barbs, silver dollars, etc... Also avoid fish with long finnage (facy guppies in particular, but also angels, and dwarf gouramis) as your betta will likely attack them.
The rule of thumb for #of fish/aquarium is about 1" of fish lenght (not counting the tail)/gallon of water. However, you need to take into consideration how much your fish will actually grow once they reach adulthood, and so some research to find out the adult size of the fish you're planning to keep would be helpful. Young fish are more oxygen-consuming than adult fish.
Remember that you need to cycle your new tank, and so start with a couple of fish until your the tank is cycled (amonia=0 ppm, nitrite=0 ppm, and positive test for nitrate), and then add fish slowly at a rate of about 2/week until you reach the max capacity of your tank.
Good luck,
Jose

From: Jill 12/09/99
Subject: Re: new 10 gallon

well, I personally would suggest a couple of cory cats, and if you have live plants and are lazy about algae, a couple of otocinclus (I *think* is way it's spelled, but I could be wrong) but if you get those, also get a bit of driftwood for them.
also may want to try a smaller variety of tetra, like Neons, or Cardinal Tetras or Black Phantom or or Glowlight. Dwarf African Frogs are also fun
but not all at once, as stated befire, 1 inch of fish per gallon...
and stay away form Barbs, they'll nip the bettas fins
watch out though, get jsut one inexpensive fish at first to make sure you don't have a mean betta, I have a 5 and a 15 gallon, and the 5 just because I bought a betta and he turned out to be too mean too keep in a community tank.

From: Diana 12/07/99
Subject: Re: new 10 gallon

I rather enjoy Corry cats with bettas and kahulie/coolie loaches. they are both bottem feeders so remember to put food in just for them.
Ive seen some betta/tetra set ups that were verry lovely.
the rule of fish per gal is 1 inch of fish per gallon. (thats 10 1 inch long 1 inch thick MATURE fish- Babies grow so only calculate for adult size)
avoid fish with long finnage like angels and gupys and fish that will nip and chase such as barbs.
* before adding other fish make sure you test the water and the tank is cycled :)

From: russell 12/05/99
Subject: damselfish,spawning
i would like to know how long it takes to hach eggs of the damsel, will they eat them when they hach. i know some fish will take care of them but i don't know much about this fish, if you have any info on them please send it to me any info will help me.
thanks for you help

From: Clint 12/08/99
Subject: Re: damselfish,spawning

It is VERY difficult to raise Damsel fry. They are exceptionally small and need microrganisms for food. It is possible of course. My best idea on it would be to catch all the fry and put them in a hatchery net (fry saver) and let them stay in the tank with the adults. If you feed them live baby brine shrimp after a few days you just might be able to raise a few. They will eat the microrganisms in the tank water for the first days of their life after the yolk sac is absorbed.
If you get 5 or more fry out of it you'll be doing very good.
Good Luck,
Clint

From: chris 12/04/99
Subject: sick betta

Hi again....couple more questions for you. the betta that I had told you about with the eating problem because of his big lips now is showing other symptoms I think. He has been listless and not eating now for a few weeks, but I found a way to feed him. I got some Hikari micro pellets and if I use a straw to drop some water on them to make them sink he can grab them as they float. I just don't know if he's getting enough to eat. Also tonight I was gone for awhile and when I got back and put him on the table to feed him, he had some white stuff coming out of one of his gills. He did manage to shake it off but I held his bowl up to the light and I think he may have a thin string of white stuff hanging on his fin. He also seems to have some whitish patches on his face and also under his mouth area. It is very hard to tell tho' if it is just that silvery color or if it is not right. I kind of think it looks a little slimy. His water was changed 50% today and it has some small slimy looking stringy things floating around. I am thinking of using some Betta Max tonight to get him started on something since it's too late to shop tonight. Is stress coat considered a chemical? the Betta Max says not to combine chemicals and antibiotics. I asked 2 different pet stores and got 2 different answers. has anyone used Betta Max? Also as distasteful as it is to me to feed live food, if it would help my fish stay healthy, I may be willing to give it a try. any info on baby brineshrimp or anything else good for bettas? right now they eat Hikari betta bio gold and betta bites. Also, when you put an antibiotic in,( the betta max you use one capsule to one gallon and then put in 1/2 med and 1/2 clear water, for the 1/2 that is not medicine do you just use the bowl water? thanks for any info you have

From: Diana 12/07/99
Subject: Re: sick betta

what is your PH at?
and are you using dechlorinator of any kind?
check the Ph for sure and if your not using dechlorinator then that could be a problem.
verry hard to treet a sick fish. :(

From: Ken 12/03/99
Subject: Bettas and filtration

Do bettas like an air pump in their tank? I have one in a 10-gallon all by himself, and I have a whisper air pump in there. Do bettas prefer the water to be still? I would like him to thrive, so any info on this would be great. Thanks.

From: Clint 12/04/99
Subject: Re: Bettas and filtration

As long as the air stream is not causing enough current to knock him around then it's great. Bettas like filters too. They can live without a filter, but I'm sure they would live longer and prosper more with it going.
I'm always glad to see someone as concerned about their fish as you are, good luck,
Clint

From: wmily 12/04/99
Subject: Re: Bettas and filtration ... and some more questions

Just so people don't make the same mistake I did ... don't get the Economy model Whisper filter for a betta. It doesn't have a flow control, and the Junior model is essentially the same thing WITH a flow control for a few more dollars. And I'm pretty sure the setting the E model is at knocks bettas around. Shin was having a lot of trouble swimming. But he also wouldn't stay entirely out of the way, so I have the feeling he would like *some* current, just not that much.
Specifically about Shin ... since the filter doesn't cause a lot of current in the other half of the tank, would it be a good idea to set up a divider to keep him in that area of the tank? I was going to get loaches or corydoras catfish, so I was hoping not to need a divider, but I don't know what to do about a filter. I'm not too thrilled about the idea of buying another filter just to find out that it's too strong for him, too. (Or, wonder of wonders, getting one that he likes but that doesn't aerate enough for the other fish, who will then die! WAAAAH!)
wmily

From: Clint 12/05/99
Subject: Re: Bettas and filtration ... and some more questions

If the tank is big enough for him to get away from the current when he wants to, then it's fine the way you have it, no need for a divider.
He might like playing in the filter stream but if it's bothering him he can swim to the other side.
No more worries.
Clint

From: Diana 12/04/99
Subject: Re: Bettas and filtration

Ive found that most male bettas enjoy calm water though a few Ive had like an airstone for a while.
Most of mine also like "cave type" of orniments to hide in or a bushy plant works as well.
I usualy use the aquaclear or penguin mini's with my bettas or if I were to have several In a devided tank Id use a sponge filter as previously mentioned.
Ialso like to.. er.. Sing to my fish.
the bettas especialy seem to like it.

From: Ken 12/04/99
Subject: Re: Bettas and filtration

I don't know about singing, but I'll play him my favorite CD and see if he likes it. :) Actually, how would I know what my betta likes? I don't know if he likes the air pump I have, actually. He seems to be happy, but I'm not so sure. I mean, he's always hungry, so I assume he's healthy. Thanks.

From: Diana 12/07/99
Subject: Re: Bettas how to know they are happy

if he isnt hiding he is happy
if he does not go near somthing in the tank.. ie airpump he doesnt like it.
if he swims up to say Hi to your finger it doesnt meen he is allways hungry.
Mine like to be petted on their heads LOL
but you have to be real gentle cause your finger is HUGE to them

From: Clint 12/08/99
Subject: More on happy Bettas

A well conditioned and happy male Betta will almost always have a bubblenest, and a female that is happy and well will usually have a tiny egg tube coming out just behind her stomach.
And a happy Betta will flare up at it's own image in a mirror if you hold it up to the tank.

From: Diana 12/09/99
Subject: Re: More on happy Bettas

Ya ya
I knew I forgot some things.. however my females never got the egg tube. maybe they just arnt happy enough.
:(

From: Raf 12/02/99
Subject: Fuzzy leaves/plants dead?

I have a lot of plants, most of them have this fuzzy stuff growing on their leaves. Is this algae? Because my oto cats seem to not eat them.
Also, how can you tell a plant is dead? My onion bulb plants have not grown much, and i was wondering if they were just dead.
And my otos aren't doing a good job getting the algae (all 4 of them) since my walls are caked in green. And I returned my pleco since all it did was eat the driftwood.
Help will be much appreciated. Thanks.
r

From: Clint 12/02/99
Subject: Re: Fuzzy leaves/plants dead?

Depending on how long the "fuzzy" stuff is will determine what kind of algae you have.
If it's long red, black or blue algae you'll just about have to tear down the tank and start over. It's bad stuff.
If it's just regular short fuzz algae you probably have too much light. The real plants aren't getting any light because their leaves are covered with algae. Also you probably do have some pollution in the tank for the algae to be growing so well. Do a few partial water changes several days in a row, be sure to vaccuum the gravel too. Check the onion plant bulbs, if they are dead and rotting they are causing a lot of the pollution. Also the driftwood might not be completely cured and it may be polluting the tank.
Good Luck,
Clint

From: Raf 12/03/99
Subject: Re: Fuzzy leaves/plants dead?

Hey Clint, I think the algae is red. What is it? Is there any way I can get rid of it without tearing down the tank?
I do a partial change weekly, so I don't know why this has happened. Although since I'm away for four days a week, I ask my dad to feed the fish for me and I think he has a tendency to give them a little too much. Could this be why?
Anyway, please let me know if there's a way to get rid of the stuff. And also, I'd like to know what you mean by "tear down the tank," i.e., should I change all the water only, or do i need to clean the gravel and all that, etc..?
Thanks.
-r

From: sao 12/03/99
Subject: Re: Fuzzy leaves/plants dead?

Hey Raf,
I suggest that you take a look at
Red Algae FAQ at thekrib.com
The krib provides heaps on information regarding algae, the above URL relates to a rather comprehensive article targetting red algae.
Anyhow, good luck with the algae problem...
Siaolin

From: chris 12/02/99
Subject: betta temperature

Thanks Clint for your info on diseases. One more question...my bettas are about a year old. I got them right after Christmas last year. I know the water temperature should not be too cool but how can this be accomplished in bowls? Since I have 5 an aquarium is out of the question. I have seen small aquariums made for 2 fish and I could order a tiny heater. Is this practical or not? My husband thinks I put too much into $1.99 fish but I love 'em and I'd like to keep them as long as possible. There are really no places to ask questions and get decent answers. Also, are there fish "vets" or anything like that? Anyway any kind of advice on how to keep my fishies warm this winter would be greatly appreciated. They are now in 1/2 gallon bowls.

From: Jose 12/14/99
Subject: Re: betta temperature

Bettas like temperatures from 80-85 degrees farenheight. In fact, temperature is the single most important factor in successfully keeping bettas. The air above the water should also be warm and at a steady temperature because bettas take air using an organ called the labyrinth (as well as gouramis and paradise). If the air is cold, the labyrinth is easily damaged. Always keep bettas tanks/bowls covered!
You can keep the bowls where you have your bettas in a larger aquarium with shallow depth and a heater in it, so that all the bowls are warmed and the temperature is steady (this how breeders do it sometimes). Alternative, you can buy one of those "betta displayers" and put it in your community tank. This device allows you to put up to 5-6 bettas in it. Because it's held to your aquarium glass by succion cups, the temperature and water quality of your aquarium will be the same as that the bettas will have. I personally don't like these devices because the succion cups do loose the succion over time, and a disaster can happen if the male bettas get together....
Good luck,
Jose

From: chris 12/17/99
Subject: Re: betta temperature

thanks Jose for the idea about putting the betta bowls in a tank also about keeping the bowls covered. I didn't know that. I move them during the day to a place with more light. Is it bad to move them back and forth.....one place during the day and another at night? I bought another one this week and was talking to the petsmart guy about my water. I usually change their water 2 times a week and change about 50%, but in no time, it is a whitish milky color....you can still see through it but it's cloudy. Also it has whitish, slimy looking "things" floating around. He seemed to think I was changing it too often and changing too much...he said only about 10 to 25%. He said I was upsetting the bacterial balance...do you know anything about that? I appreciate all the info from everyone because there is really no place to get reliable fish info.

From: Jose 12/17/99
Subject: Re: betta temperature

Hi Chris. The guy at your LFS is right in advising no more than a 25% change of water, but twice a week is perfect in my opinion. Make sure you use a thin tubing and try to match the temperature of the water, so the change is not too fast/drastic. As for the witthish things, you might be overfeeding the betta. Given the fact that most betta bowls are bared (except for containing the betta itself), no much biological filtration will be going on (hence the need for more frequent water changes)compared to that in an established tank with filter, gravel, etc... (where biological filtration would take place). Moving the fish around is not a good idea. Fish and plants do better when you keep them in one place.
Jose

From: Clint 12/02/99
Subject: Re: betta temperature

Check out a thing called a "Betta Barracks". It is a plastic thingy which will hold 4 or 5 (I forget) male Bettas. It hangs or clips on to the front side of a 10 gallon aquarium. Then you can just use a regular aquarium heater. Later you can use it for spawning and fry rearing.
Clint

From: diana 12/02/99
Subject: Re: betta temperature

hun the a "Betta Barracks" are stuck on with suction cups and clips and I can not begin to tell you how many friends in my betta club have lost beautifull fish to these things.
Uaualy you go to bed/work/movie fish are fine and sometime while you arnt right there at the tank they come lose and the next time you look in the tank its total carnage.
use at your own risk I say.

From: Diana 12/02/99
Subject: Re: betta temperature

""but how can this be accomplished in bowls?""
Bettas should not be kept in Bowls or cups or any container smaller than One gallon and even then thats a bit cramped IMHO.
You can buy a 2 gallon aquarium or a 5 gallon and have a better home for your pet which will help it live longer. Get a filter and a heater, Id suggest gravel and plants as well as a light but hey..... thats me.
its people who think a life that only costs 1.99 is only worth 1.99 that really shouldnt Own anything that is alive.
You may end up spending 40.00 on fish supplys for a fish that was only a couple bucks....
"tank,filter,heater,dechlorinator,gravel,decor,test kit,light,syphon, and eventualy other fishes ;)"
But its no Different than buying a puppy out of a box in front of K mart for 5.00 and then spending 100.00 on the things it needs.
toys, blanket, shots, medications, bed, leash, collar, tags, Obediance classes, and eventualy a friend ;)

From: Diana 12/02/99
Subject: PS> more informitive info less soapbox.

Also the use of deviders in an aquaruum is quite helpfull if you dont want a bunch of tiny aquariums.
10g tank devided by 5 fish (using 4 deviders) is 2g of water per fish, perfectly acceptable tank conditions if a filter is used and you keep up with the cleaning.
I would advise getting white plexiglass deviders that have holes drilled in them for water flow.
the Opaqueness will minimize the flairing and aggitation. Use 100% silicone to secure them Perhaps a plant in each section for the feeling of territory and a place to feel safe.
a sponge filter would be good for this kind of setup.

From: Din 12/01/99
Subject: Are tetras,platys,guppies and red rasboras a good combination in my 15 gal tank

Hey people.....
I recently bought a 15 gal tank and have done all i can to make it the perfect aquarium so now it's time for me to introduce some fishes into my tank.Are neon tetras,platys,red rasboras and guppies a good combination..?

From: Clint 12/02/99
Subject: Re: Are tetras,platys,guppies and red rasboras a good combination in my 15 gal tank

Sounds good. Add them only a few at a time to give the tank time to adjust. Too many at once will cause pollution problems.
The Guppies and probably the Platies are going to have fry, the fry are going to be eaten by all the fish in the tank. It's natural but it might not be what you have in mind for a peaceful community tank.
Clint

From: BLinda 12/02/99
Subject: Re: Are tetras,platys,guppies and red rasboras a good combination in my 15 gal tank

When I set up my 50gl I slowly added 6 Harlequins and 2 Blue rams. These got along well with the 1 Discus I had, so then I started adding some (12) neons and 6 cardinals. These are all doing great together. I have never had tetras, so I don't know their agression factor. I finally added 3 Kribs and I have a big, happy family. I have two small catfish and a pleco. These seem to be all doing well together although people questioned the Harlequins and Neons with the Discus.

From: sao 12/01/99
Subject: Re: Are tetras,platys,guppies and red rasboras a good combination in my 15 gal tank

I reckon the fish you are intending on getting are fine companions for one another. Just make sure the pH stays around 7.0 and they should be happy fish..
Perhaps you should introduce the fish slowly, week by week, rather than adding all at once - even though your think that the ecological balance is right already. It will give you a better indication of how established the tank, just incase the tank isn't quite ready to be stocked to its capacity. This way you wont lose all the fish at once (: *touch wood*
Good luck!
Siaolin

From: Amber 12/01/99
Subject: New 29 Gallon

I'll most likely be getting a 29 gallon for Xmas for my 2 goldfish (yes, they're in a terrible situation right now, don't even want to talk about it), and I want to set it up right. However, I don't trust my family to take care of them when I come back to school in january, so they are coming with me (my fam has TERRIBLE luck with fish, and the way I obsess, they don't want the responsibility). Okay, so here's the question. I'm probably going to do the fishless cycling thing, but what fish can I put in there that my mom won't kill when I'm gone and will keep the tank cycling? Oh, and be compatible with the goldfish for when they are in there. Is this possible?
Thanks
Amber

From: Jose 12/14/99
Subject: Re: New 29 Gallon

If you're going to do the "fishless" cycle method, then you don't need to add no fish! Just give a member of your family instructions on how to measure amonia and nitrite, and how much amonia they should add from day 1 until nitrites test positive, and then directions to add half of that amount until nitrites reach 0 ppm!
Jose

From: Diana 12/01/99
Subject: Re: New 29 Gallon

HM... well if you think your faimly might kill a goldfish then maybe you should just show them how to keep the empty tank cycling using ammonia drops... plants look nice even with no fish.

if you want fish tho here is my reccomendation;
Just my preffrence here but Id go for Corry cats and a few female bettas.
You must buy female bettas that have been together since hatching as fry. try buying from a breeder who has the females in a growout tank. If you need a reccomendation for a breeder I know many good ones that sell beautifull colorfull females that are not the "show quality" expencive ones. - just drop me an email
And remember to teach your faimly how to test the water and vaccume the gravel.

From: Raf 12/02/99
Subject: Re: New 29 Gallon

Actually, Cory Cats are tropical fish who need the temperature to be around 75 degrees, while goldfish like the temperature to be lower. And I'm not sure about the bettas, since I know they are pretty hardy when it comes to temperature. But still, note that bettas are still tropical fish, so still might not mix well with the goldies. More importantly, they require different diets.
My best suggestion for tankmates that aren't goldfish are White Cloud Mountain Minnows. They live in lower temperatures in the wild and have been known to live in ponds with goldfish.
Have fun with your 29er.

From: Diana 12/02/99
Subject: Re: New 29 Gallon

I thought she was looking for fish to keep the tank cycling while she is gone.... I re read and see my mistake. Yes bettas are not good companions for alot of other fish and being tropical they certainly wound not mix with goldies, then again you have the agressive factor..
However Corries could.. they are verry hardie lil fish and quite adaptable and on the food subject... you never just let corries "clean up" after the other fish to survive anyway. they need their own seperate food's. but WILL scavange most anything.
Ive got 2 corries in a 10g with no heater they are doing quite well even as the temp in the house fluctuates. Not the Ideal situation so dont get on me for that just yet but I AM in the prossess of moving and we all know what a wreak that is.

From: Raf 12/03/99
Subject: Re: New 29 Gallon

Cories are pretty hardy.
Just remember, if you put cories and goldfish together, you need to feed the goldfish a certain type of flake, and the cories a different kind (even use a pellet -- this works the best). Tropical fish need more protein, and too much protein is bad for the goldfish (I think. It's something like that. I'm no expert like Kitty Fish.)

From: Eddie 12/01/99
Subject: Re: New 29 Gallon

Then where will she keep the goldfish? Goldfish ten gallonas each when they are young.

Continued - Go to part 2