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JuffoWup posted:Yeah, cpds kind of need a small tank and some odd care. Atleast for me, even when there was 15 of them, they were skittish. More importantly, they like heavily planted aquariums, so you end up with the "what fish" problem. Tank looked good from a 'scape point of view, but the fish to make it where not to be found. Powerheads, man, powerheads.
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Jul 28, 2013 07:19
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So two questions, how long am I going to be soaking this previously dry driftwood before it sinks (I only ever used rocks before, this poo poo is super buoyant!) and how long do I cycle a tank before thinking of adding the plant life?
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Jul 28, 2013 18:03
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dirtycajun posted:So two questions, how long am I going to be soaking this previously dry driftwood before it sinks (I only ever used rocks before, this poo poo is super buoyant!) and how long do I cycle a tank before thinking of adding the plant life? I've never done driftwood so no help there. You can add plants as soon as you put water in the tank. Plant's don't need a cycle, in fact they can help kick-start the cycle.
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Jul 28, 2013 19:37
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I'm about to toss my API ammonia test in the trash. After multiple water changes with no improvement (and strangely healthy and vibrant fish), I became suspicious and tested against tap and bottled water. Between 0.25 and 0.5 mg/L total ammonia.  Swapped it for a second kit, with both reagents from a different lot, and the stupid thing still reads ammonia even in distilled water. A quick Google search suggests this is not uncommon.Is anybody using the SeaChem ammonia test? How do you like it? Local options are API and Seachem, hence the question, but I'm not averse to ordering something else if need be.
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Jul 29, 2013 00:04
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dirtycajun posted:So two questions, how long am I going to be soaking this previously dry driftwood before it sinks (I only ever used rocks before, this poo poo is super buoyant!) and how long do I cycle a tank before thinking of adding the plant life? Depends on the size and type of driftwood, but anywhere up to a week. What kind is it? Also chuck those plants right in there. They're probably carrying bacteria and stuff that'll help the cycle get started, as Zaffy mentioned.
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Jul 29, 2013 00:11
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SynthOrange posted:Depends on the size and type of driftwood, but anywhere up to a week. What kind is it? Also chuck those plants right in there. They're probably carrying bacteria and stuff that'll help the cycle get started, as Zaffy mentioned. Cypress, was going for a swampy feel.
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Jul 29, 2013 00:27
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dirtycajun posted:So two questions, how long am I going to be soaking this previously dry driftwood before it sinks (I only ever used rocks before, this poo poo is super buoyant!) and how long do I cycle a tank before thinking of adding the plant life?
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Jul 29, 2013 01:13
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Guys with planted tanks, what Chem treatments do you use weekly/ daily?
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Jul 29, 2013 08:27
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Weekly, a dash of CO2 booster to my water change water. Fert tablets every 3 months. That's it. The reason I get such vibrant green colours and crazy growth is the nano tanks have a very low profile and allow the LED lights to penetrate water easily. I don't use a CO2 setup.
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Jul 29, 2013 09:17
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I used to add Flourish and Flourish Excel, but havent in awhile while I ran a DIY co2 setup. The co2 was kind of nuts and gave me crazy growth, but I'll leave it off for awhile now. I may start up on excel again since the algae is getting out of control without it. I have a layer of soil and fertilizer under gravel for root feeders.
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Jul 29, 2013 09:23
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Help! I saw a substrate that was really beautiful at the German fish store yesterday, but I think it only came with a little aquarium kit they had and they didn't have it just to buy. It was tiny round pebbles, like natural riverstone but smaller in diameter than an M&M and nearly all perfectly round and flat like a tiny skipping stone. Also would like input into whether this would be ok for shrimp? Edit: I have googled this in a million different ways to no end! Mean Bean fucked around with this message at 10:48 on Jul 29, 2013 |
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Jul 29, 2013 10:41
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Hmmm, it's not this stuff is it?  That's Fluval Shrimp Stratum.
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Jul 29, 2013 10:49
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Hooray for fuckups. I don't know if I didn't wash my hands enough or the water was too hot, or the new plant I put in did something, but one of my hillstream loach tanks went from 20 down to maybe 5 overnight. The entire tank is aquascaped with lots of rocks, so after work today I get to tear it down and fish out all the bodies, no pun intended. Found one floating, which I thought was odd, and then saw the mounds of shrimp and scuds and assassin snails over more on the bottom. Here's hoping I don't lose the rest of them. This was one of my favorite tanks. 
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Jul 29, 2013 11:05
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SynthOrange posted:Hmmm, it's not this stuff is it? Nope although I do have some of that coming in the mail, it was tiny perfect skipping stones. Next time I'll get a picture! It was kind of like a mix between these two pics, but tiny and perfect:   It looked amazing in the tank.
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Jul 29, 2013 12:23
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Cowslips Warren posted:Hooray for fuckups. If you don't suspect low oxygen issues, It could be the new plant, outside grown chemically treated etc but this would nuke your snails and shrimp too. The shrimp and snails are fine?
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Jul 30, 2013 04:09
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Kharnifex posted:If you don't suspect low oxygen issues, It could be the new plant, outside grown chemically treated etc but this would nuke your snails and shrimp too. No, the new anubas was from amother tank with fry, so that was clean. Found one adult and 3 surviving fry. Shrimp and snails and scuds continue fine.
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Jul 30, 2013 14:43
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Mean Bean posted:Scoping out my chosen fish store for when I set up my tank and I saw some Galaxy Rasbora/Celestial Pearl Danio and they were sooo pretty! http://www.tfhmagazine.com/details/articles/the-celestial-pearl-danio-a-cautionary-tale.htm I have a school of twelve Celestial Pearl Danios in my 55 and they are great fish. You have to be careful though on your source because there are people selling wild-caught and they come with a host of problems and you end up with dead fish. My LFS was carrying them and got a batch from a supplier who claimed they were not wild-caught and within two weeks they were all dead. They were just unhealthy, sick fish.. even looking at them you knew something was not right. I have had mine for over a year without a single loss, they school well with the Cardinal Tetras I have as well. dirtycajun posted:Guys with planted tanks, what Chem treatments do you use weekly/ daily? The 20L I have is dirt, no chemicals except what I used to initially cycle. The 55 I dose with Brightwell Florin Multi on every filter change.
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Jul 30, 2013 17:00
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Cowslips Warren posted:No, the new anubas was from amother tank with fry, so that was clean. Found one adult and 3 surviving fry. Shrimp and snails and scuds continue fine. drat, could be a virus, bacteria, anything. That's a real shame because I love those fish, and making them a 'River' tank is so much fun.
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Jul 30, 2013 23:33
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 I got a couple more plants and a piece of malaysian driftwood. I also bought a tiny airpump that I turn on in the evenings. I still need to get something to hold the airstone in place that won't look so ugly, but I think my tank is looking more decent now. I just hope the plants don't die. I had soaked the wood for a few days in hot water according to its instructions to get as much tannin(?) out of it. It's been in my tank for a few days now and the water is slowly changing colors. Should I be concerned or will a change of filter help fix that?
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Aug 1, 2013 18:03
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Chido posted:
A water change will clean it up, but it really shouldn't be too much of a concern for you. It could be a while before the wood stops leeching into your water, but I doubt you will have any negative results besides poor clarity.
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Aug 1, 2013 18:25
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Minor Container Pond Update: Got my first flower today. Water Mint has started putting out little purple flowers. Hoping the Hyacinth is next.
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Aug 2, 2013 00:27
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Chido posted:I had soaked the wood for a few days in hot water according to its instructions to get as much tannin(?) out of it. It's been in my tank for a few days now and the water is slowly changing colors. Should I be concerned or will a change of filter help fix that? Looks like anubias and some java ferns from the photo, good choices! Dont worry about the driftwood, it'll continue to leech tannins out like an old teabag til it's depleted. Just keep up with the weekly water changes.
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Aug 2, 2013 10:32
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Thanks  . The hornwort Durrneez gave me is dying for some reason , but the anubia is growing a new leaf. I added the java ferns on Sunday, and so far they haven't had any withering leaves yet so I hope they'll be ok. I know a 5 gallon tank doesn't really have much room, but with only 2 guppies and 3 endler's livebearers, do you guys think I could get away with adding a couple more fish? They don't sell snails in the petsmart I went to, but they had ottos and I was wondering if any of oyu guys have experience with ottos in small tanks, and if it's advisable.
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Aug 3, 2013 00:57
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were they all males because BABIES EVERYWHERE? If youre just doing it for algae control, I could probably send you some MTS
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Aug 3, 2013 01:49
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I have some snails that might've come with the hornwort, maybe the anubia. They seem to be pond snails and there's one I can't quite figure out what it is. They're still very small, but I'd rather avoid having a snail infestation if I can. I want to get a nerite snail, but I was hoping i could maybe have some ottos instead since they are cute, but I don't think my tank is big enough for them . Edit: what is MTS? Mystery tank snail? Also, I wonder if i can feed my chickens the snails in case they start overruning the tank, hmmm. Chido fucked around with this message at 19:13 on Aug 3, 2013 |
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Aug 3, 2013 01:56
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Chido posted:I have some snails that might've come with the hornwort, maybe the anubia. They seem to be pond snails and there's one I can't quite figure out what it is. They're still very small, but I'd rather avoid having a snail infestation if I can. I want to get a nerite snail, but I was hoping i could maybe have some ottos instead since they are cute, but I don't think my tank is big enough for them MTS = Malayasian trumpet snails. They're kinda long and pointy shelled things. Good for general cleanup and for stirring up the sand and soil in those sorts of tanks, but have to be on the scale of convict cichlids when it comes to things that can multiply in an aquarium if left unchecked. So I've been messing with my big tank for a little bit today, and my lavender gourami is suddenly a bitey little bastard. He's bitten my hand or arm every time I've put it into the tank today, no less than a dozen so far times  . Little guy is completely fearless. I don't usually name my fish, but the little jerk has earned one I think.
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Aug 3, 2013 21:32
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Shakenbaker posted:MTS = Malayasian trumpet snails. They're kinda long and pointy shelled things. Good for general cleanup and for stirring up the sand and soil in those sorts of tanks, but have to be on the scale of convict cichlids when it comes to things that can multiply in an aquarium if left unchecked. My vote is for Sushi.
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Aug 3, 2013 21:41
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This is my tank before the water cleared. Going to be adding the plant life on Tuesday I believe.
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Aug 4, 2013 12:42
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Chichevache posted:My vote is for Sushi. Maybe. I was told by someone else that Namor might be a good option, but I have to think about it. Did figure out why he's been super grouchy though, it's becase there's an assload of fry floating now. I didn't see them at all yesterday, but there are a whole bunch today. Guess I need to boil up some eggs for 'em or something.
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Aug 4, 2013 18:57
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dirtycajun posted:This is my tank before the water cleared. Going to be adding the plant life on Tuesday I believe. Those decorations look pretty cool, if a bit crowded. Are any of them genuine? If so you may want to test the ph to ensure they don't alter it.
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Aug 4, 2013 19:11
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Shakenbaker posted:Maybe. I was told by someone else that Namor might be a good option, but I have to think about it. Name him Sharknado  .
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Aug 5, 2013 15:43
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Cowslips, re: peacock bass and entertainment: they tend to not be destructive like a lot of other bruiser type SA cichlids. No digging, redecorating, etc. I do occasionally spoil them with television intended for toddlers -- they really enjoy the bright colors and moving objects, they will all cruise over to the laptop and just stare raptly for a good 20-30 minutes at a time. Also, I'm so excited! Those of you familiar with the previous thread may remember Clarkson, the JAAAAGuar cichlid. She's currently about 8" long based on my best guess comparing her to my hand (I have lady hands which are about 7"). I usually don't stress my fish out by measuring, but I know people tend to overestimate because of image distortion from glass or acrylic. For those of you unfamiliar, here's a reminder:  I've had her for nearly a year and a half now, and have occasionally entertained the idea of breeding her, but the adage that you 'have either a show jaguar or a breeding jaguar' turned me off for the longest time. I eventually concluded that the aggression and shitbeating that jags give each other (most breeders advise that the fish mate through a divider!!!)  was probably the result of 1.) difference in size, since the males of most pairs I have ever seen photographed usually have a good 2" on the females, and 2.) being crammed together in a tank space really only appropriate for a single fish of their kind. After observing the behaviors of fish that I have in my CA/SA community tank, I've concluded that a lot of it really does have to do with the combination of size and space. The oscar is probably the longest and most massive at 12", and everyone else in the tank (gold severum, male Mayan, male jack dempsey, male green terror, johanna pike cichlid, Clarkson) ranged between 8-10" and have plenty of room in the 300 gallon. With that in mind, I felt more confident about proceeding with the project. I found Jaeger at a LFS. He's about the same length as Clarkson, but leaner. After he came out of quarantine, Clarkson was in looooooooooooove.  He returned interest, and they began courting. It was no where near as violent as I've seen recorded. Lots of head-shaking, posturing, and as things got more serious, a few SHORT lip-locks. Perhaps there's a reporting bias in jaguar cichlid husbandry!!! They starting working together as a unit to clear out one half of the tank for themselves.Here's Jaeger reminding Sloth (the oscar) that the back corner is OFF LIMITS!!!  This past weekend, the sneaky bastards laid their eggs on the background (a few infertile ones turned white from fungus). Here, have a horrible picture!!! Jaeger glares at the camera while Clarkson keeps bulldozing the sand around their nesting spot.  Anddddd a second, slightly less awful shot.  This evening, I looked around the side of the tank, and could see the bottom of the tank writhing!!! The clutch has hatched! There are sooooo many of the little guys! Jaeger and Clarkson are herding them to keep them in their nest -- which is damned impossible to photograph because there's not enough room to squeeze between the wall and the tank on that side. I've already set up a 20 gallon with filtration media from one of my other established tanks, and a half and half mix of water from the 300 gallon and fresh. Still need to get some baby brine shrimp going, and add sponge around the filter intake to keep them from being sucked to their doom. About a week after hatching, the parents start cannibalizing! If these fellows survive the transition from yolk sac to eating foods, they will be old enough for the big semi-annual auction our aquarium club has.
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Aug 7, 2013 03:06
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Chido posted:Name him Sharknado Done! Behold, the most fearsome creature to have ever been birthed by the waters and the skies at the same time:   I think I know how stormchasers feel now.
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Aug 7, 2013 03:09
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Fusillade posted:the best story How wonderful! congratulations! the people demand photos of the babies at any and all opportunities!!! Shakenbaker posted:Done! Behold, the most fearsome creature to have ever been birthed by the waters and the skies at the same time: holy frijole that's a lot of MTS! tank looks spotless though your fish specimen is very pretty.
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Aug 7, 2013 03:29
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Congrats on your bundles of baby bass!  Shakenbaker, gotta concur, that does seem like a lot of MTS. I had a giant explosion when I first introduced them after having a snail-less tank for a year, and they went through all the uneaten debris in the substrate. They're back down to more reasonable levels now, thankfully.
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Aug 7, 2013 04:02
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This is awesome. Good luck with the baby jags! durrneez posted:holy frijole that's a lot of MTS! tank looks spotless though SynthOrange posted:Shakenbaker, gotta concur, that does seem like a lot of MTS. I had a giant explosion when I first introduced them after having a snail-less tank for a year, and they went through all the uneaten debris in the substrate. They're back down to more reasonable levels now, thankfully. Yeah, I got about a billion MTS. It looks worse just before lights out which is when I took that, but I'm not about to argue with the numbers. I know it's because I overfeed, but I never learn. I want to get some loaches for that tank, but yoyos get a bit bigger than I want, and dwarf chain loaches were like $16 a pop for my local store to get them for me which is a bit more than I want wanting to spend on something that needs a school, you know? Maybe I should just get around to setting up a pea puffer tank and tossing them treats. Lord knows I'll never run short on food for 'em.
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Aug 7, 2013 04:38
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Does this look acceptable enough for a 10 year old that wants a betta? http://www.amazon.com/Aquarius-Aq25...ords=Betta+tank Has a filter and some cool looking lighting, so I figure he is good to go after adding the betta itself, some food, water conditioner, some fake plants, gravel or beads, and maybe a little ornament if there is room. I know it's not top of the line, but it seems nice looking and more humane than just tossing the betta in a small vase like I see most people do. Mr. Onslaught fucked around with this message at 19:54 on Aug 7, 2013 |
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Aug 7, 2013 19:52
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Thsi is the tank I'm using right now, it's a 5 gallon starter kit from aquaon. I originally had a betta in it and it did pretty well. the tank is not that big, but roomy enough to add more decorations. Currently I have it with 4 endler's livebearers and 2 guppies, all male, and 3 real plants. It's probably overcrowded, but so fat the fish seem to be doing fine and I like how it looks. the sell the filter pads in petsmart and they often have this tank on sale . http://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-17775-...ni+bow+5+gallon
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Aug 7, 2013 19:56
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Mr. Onslaught posted:Does this look acceptable enough for a 10 year old that wants a betta? If it's not going to be a heavily planted enclosure, the consensus is >5 gallons minimum for a betta. If you're going for fake over real plants, there's a panty hose test that you can do to make sure the decorations don't tear up the fish's fins: quote:If a plastic plant will snag a pair of pantyhose when rubbed against it, then it will damage your Betta's fins. Be safe and buy silk plants instead.
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Aug 7, 2013 21:04
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| # ? May 10, 2024 18:36 |
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Thread title hitting a little close to home...
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Aug 7, 2013 23:16
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