Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping => General Fishkeeping Chat => Topic started by: Fiona on June 11, 2016, 09:30:09 PM

Title: Think Fish Keepers Daily News. [2016-2019]
Post by: Fiona on June 11, 2016, 09:30:09 PM
If you just want to say something about your fish or tank and there's no thread and you don't want to start one because it's just chat.....say it here.

We really want to know :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on June 12, 2016, 09:54:24 AM
Good plan.

The fish and plants are looking good in my tank after I've started my DIY CO2 injection. I'll do a proper write up in it's own thread after a few weeks - but the tank has stabilised at a pH of 6.6
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 12, 2016, 11:30:04 AM
I think I've been really lucky with my 2 mystery gouramis and I think I might have a pair. The colours in the largest one has really intensified and he displays at the smaller one when it passes him. I'm not sure if its because the tiddler is a female or another male, I guess in a few weeks when it grows a bit (if it gets any bigger) then I'll know.

The big ones fins are rainbow coloured, even the long ones at the front (what the heck do you call those?) and they look amazing when he flares. I wish I could get a photo to show you all, not least because I still haven't identified the species, he'll still amazingly camera shy.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 12, 2016, 11:43:38 AM
even the long ones at the front (what the heck do you call those?)

I call them feelers  :) They're actually modified pelvic fins.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 12, 2016, 11:56:21 AM
Ah thankee Sue :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 12, 2016, 12:36:26 PM
I used to be able to get my honey gourami to "wave" at me with its feelers by wiggling my finger near the glass  :wave:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 12, 2016, 12:41:11 PM
I must confess I do waggle my fingers at them, the big one is particularly fascinated. He kind of hovers and oggles while I waggle  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on June 12, 2016, 02:33:23 PM
He kind of hovers and oggles while I waggle  ;D

Well,....errrrr...... there's a joke in there, somewhere. ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 12, 2016, 02:45:57 PM
You obviously didnt try hard enough Colin  ;D

I've been having a problem with pest snails in my shrimpery after having the not so genius idea of letting them breed in there to feed the puffers. The little blighters have been chowing down on my frogbit which has been annoying. I couldn't put assassins in there because of the MTS so I've been picking them out by hand and it seems to be working. I've got into the habit of checking the underside of the frogbit and picking off the tiddlers I find there. Its actually quite relaxing, much to my surprise today the underside of the frogbit is covered with what can only be pygmy cory eggs! So who knows, as I don't have any other fish in there and pygmys apparently don't eat their eggs or fry, I might end up with some babies.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 13, 2016, 11:04:20 PM
Well I've been a tad worried about my newest mystery gourami as its had this pale patch which is a bit lower than the scales on the rest of it's body and the patch has got bigger. Sooooo this has involved shifting the young apple snails to a new home and starting a course of eSHa 2000 in the QT. Hopefully it'll work.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 14, 2016, 06:44:43 PM
We went to another garden centre this afternoon, the one with the aquatics department where I got my sand from. They've stopped selling it  >:( All they had were small bags of Aqua One gravel and Unipac silver sand.

So when we got back I spent an hour washing the sand I removed from the 180 litre.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 14, 2016, 08:11:48 PM
As I look at the tank above the top of the laptop, I see, from left to right:
* one harley and one tetra, admiring their own reflections near the one light that they accept (ie the table lamp adjacent to the tank), with S swooping in to upset proceedings;
* the 3 musketeers (harlies) nudging forward from their respective spots, resembling Chess manoeuvres;
* V foraging beneath the wood/branches for leftover food;
* Wee Harley and Little Harley moving up into the tallest plants where they like to seek refuge and tranquillity;
* one one of the 3 musketeers now zooming with determination around the tank, pushing a tetra out of his way;
* some tetras, and now also harlies, trying and testing different locations in the tank, in order to "wind down" for the evening...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 14, 2016, 09:13:26 PM
Well the pale patch must have been a bacterial infection as with eSHa 2000 added it's now a third of the size it was...the patch not the fish.

Also had a peek in the shrimpery and the pygmy cory egg attached to the wall of the tank actually has something teeny wiggling around in it. It will be absolutely tiny if it does successfully hatch!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 14, 2016, 09:19:35 PM
Well the pale patch must have been a bacterial infection as with eSHa 2000 added it's now a third of the size it was...the patch not the fish.

Also had a peek in the shrimpery and the pygmy cory egg attached to the wall of the tank actually has something teeny wiggling around in it. It will be absolutely tiny if it does successfully hatch!

Sounds like the drugs work! Fingers crossed for a full speedy recovery...  And yes, good to hear the fishy itself hasn't shrunk...

What else is in the shrimpery with the egg? Are the parents there? I can't remember off the top of my head what you have...  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 14, 2016, 09:41:10 PM
Baby pygmy cory, it probably doesn't get much smaller than that. So cute.  :)

I have "lost" all my peppered cory that hatched (stern look towards the female v. platy).
Eggs still appearing on a regular basis, but assuming that they will go the same way, if not eaten by the cory first.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 14, 2016, 09:44:43 PM
Be warned! Pygmy cory fry when newly hatched look look little scuttling black bugs. I once found a whole load on the sand in my tank so I hoovered them up only to find out what they were when I used a magnifying glass. Newly hatched pygmy cory fry don't cope well with being hoovered up  :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 15, 2016, 02:37:30 PM
still waiting on my panda eggs to hatch. only 3 left now out of 8.
best of luck with the pygmy cory eggs!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Cora on June 15, 2016, 03:57:12 PM
random question: I have tetra active substrate. It's inert, small, brown - and very light. How will panda cories adapt to this? Sifting through it should be fine for them because it's so light (it's a wonder it sinks), but the particles aren't as small as fine gravel (didn't want fish choking on it!) and nowhere near as fine as sand. Google images of it - will panda cories be fine with this?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 15, 2016, 05:48:49 PM
I'd have thought that the cory will just rummage between the particles, but the more experienced keepers will have a better idea.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 15, 2016, 05:59:02 PM
@Robert
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Robert on June 15, 2016, 06:01:14 PM
Marvellous - thanks @Paddyc  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 15, 2016, 06:13:05 PM
Marvellous - thanks @Paddyc  :cheers:

Nae bother  8)

Today my quarantine tank nitrites are definite still quite high. I had to use dilution to ensure it wasn't close to 15ppm as the undiluted dose was very "Smoke on the Water" if you get my meaning.... :rotfl:

The diluted dose returned a 2-3ppm reading so worst case scenario I have maybe 10ppm max, erring on the side of caution. It was nowhere near the 5ppm so I'm satisfied the cycle is no longer stalled.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 15, 2016, 07:04:31 PM
random question: I have tetra active substrate. It's inert, small, brown - and very light. How will panda cories adapt to this? Sifting through it should be fine for them because it's so light (it's a wonder it sinks), but the particles aren't as small as fine gravel (didn't want fish choking on it!) and nowhere near as fine as sand. Google images of it - will panda cories be fine with this?
If it isn't sharp to the touch, then it's less likely to wear the barbels down. Richard W posted recently about his views/findings that his cories never had problems with gravel - best have a look for that thread, just to be sure I haven't misquoted him. As for fish choking, generally, most people will reassure you that it's unlikely to happen butalthough I did have a couple of goldfish who were prone to swallowing the substrate and choking on it and I ended up opting for a barebottom tank ultimately.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 15, 2016, 07:10:51 PM
Harlequins provided a gentle reminder that I'd completely forgotten to feed any chopped pea to the tank this week.  A 1cm thread of poo coming from the vent of one of them was a subtle hint.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 15, 2016, 08:25:37 PM
Harlequins provided a gentle reminder that I'd completely forgotten to feed any chopped pea to the tank this week.  A 1cm thread of poo coming from the vent of one of them was a subtle hint.

Oh that reminds me @fcmf, I fed my community a couple of chopped up peas the other day! They looked a bit puzzled at first, most probably due to the colour of it and because it was sinking much faster than the micropellets do... But everyone seemed to love the unexpected treat  8) 8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 15, 2016, 09:13:58 PM
Oh that reminds me @fcmf, I fed my community a couple of chopped up peas the other day! They looked a bit puzzled at first, most probably due to the colour of it and because it was sinking much faster than the micropellets do... But everyone seemed to love the unexpected treat  8) 8)
Great, @Paddyc  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 16, 2016, 01:22:15 PM
They mystery gourami is completely cure now, I'll leave the meds in until I do a water change on Saturday just to be sure. When I first put this fish in the tank she followed the big round round for a few days and then he started following her (I'm pretty sure its a her). She has the stripes but she doesn't have the amazing colours he does and she doesn't display. Its quite funny because he kind of tilts on his side with his fins wide open and I swear the colours intensify for that period. Its a real "HEY LOOK AT ME I ALL MY GORGEOUSNESS" moment  :)

The pygmy cory egg that looked ready to hatch appears to have done so and I think I saw a fry, there was something on a java fern leaf and I gave it a very gentle nudge with a skewer and it zipped off. There's only shrimp and pygmy cories in there so who knows ......

I don't hoover the floor in the shrimpery as I'm taking a leaf out of Richards book and I'm going to let the poop feed the plants, so there won't be an hoovering upsets.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on June 16, 2016, 02:02:11 PM
Its quite funny because he kind of tilts on his side with his fins wide open and I swear the colours intensify for that period. Its a real "HEY LOOK AT ME I ALL MY GORGEOUSNESS" moment  :)

MrsB calls that "willy waving" ::)

Glad all's well in the tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 16, 2016, 02:25:34 PM
Its quite funny because he kind of tilts on his side with his fins wide open and I swear the colours intensify for that period. Its a real "HEY LOOK AT ME I ALL MY GORGEOUSNESS" moment  :)

The pygmy cory egg that looked ready to hatch appears to have done so and I think I saw a fry, there was something on a java fern leaf and I gave it a very gentle nudge with a skewer and it zipped off. There's only shrimp and pygmy cories in there so who knows ......

I don't hoover the floor in the shrimpery as I'm taking a leaf out of Richards book and I'm going to let the poop feed the plants, so there won't be an hoovering upsets.

The first part made me laugh  :rotfl:

Keep us posted on the progress of the fry, how great would it be if it made it to adolescence and adulthood!  8)

Wee update on my QT from yesterday...

As I said yesterday my nitrite reading was still quite high (somewhere between 5 and 10ppm) and today I can confirm the cycle is definitely no longer stalled (given that I replaced half the tank water and then got up to 10ppm nitrite I'd bet it was).

Th nitrite reading is between 0.5 and 1.0ppm today. I'll do another 3ppm ammonia dose this evening (to give the nitrite level a few more hours to come closer to zero, then it's on to 48 hour tests.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 16, 2016, 05:46:41 PM
my nitrite reading was still quite high (somewhere between 5 and 10ppm)

I'd call myself blessed if my nitrates were that low  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 16, 2016, 05:49:47 PM
my Nitrite reading was still quite high (somewhere between 5 and 10ppm)

I'd call myself blessed if my nitrates were that low  ::)

Ummmm....  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 16, 2016, 06:02:54 PM
my Nitrite reading was still quite high (somewhere between 5 and 10ppm)

I'd call myself blessed if my nitrates were that low  ::)

Ummmm....  ???

DOH!!!!  :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 16, 2016, 06:36:22 PM
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 16, 2016, 08:54:54 PM
Glad I popped in for that one.
Brilliant.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 16, 2016, 10:28:40 PM
My tank photos are here:
https://goo.gl/photos/Qxa3fo9cM3pRjaj26 (https://goo.gl/photos/Qxa3fo9cM3pRjaj26)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 16, 2016, 11:21:09 PM
Hooray, photos. We're doing well on pictures today.

I have now realised that I am going mad as far as fish are concerned. I've previously admitted to talking to my fish, but I have just found myself saying "hello pandas" when looking at Apache's photos. Doh.  :-[

I like the tanks and congratulations again on the eggs.
Any chance of a close up of the whiptail, whenever you have time? This is a bit like me asking Paddy for a picture of his bristlenose plec before I got one. Unfortunately I don't think I've got space for a whiptail, they are just something I like the look of, so just going to have to look at your fish instead of getting my own. Hope you don't mind. :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 17, 2016, 06:56:28 AM
He is very shy but I will try. Hoping to get up to 4 more rineloricaria falax!

Hooray, photos. We're doing well on pictures today.

I have now realised that I am going mad as far as fish are concerned. I've previously admitted to talking to my fish, but I have just found myself saying "hello pandas" when looking at Apache's photos. Doh.  :-[

I like the tanks and congratulations again on the eggs.
Any chance of a close up of the whiptail, whenever you have time? This is a bit like me asking Paddy for a picture of his bristlenose plec before I got one. Unfortunately I don't think I've got space for a whiptail, they are just something I like the look of, so just going to have to look at your fish instead of getting my own. Hope you don't mind. :)

  :rotfl:
 :cheers: for loving my pics

#picsoritneverhappened
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 17, 2016, 07:39:43 AM
Mr whippy* is very shy as is Venus**

*my whiptails name
** my orange venuzwalian Cory's name
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 17, 2016, 09:42:55 AM
Love the names you've given to your fish.
Hope to see pics of Mr Whippy when he gets a bit more adventurous.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 17, 2016, 11:16:56 AM
Thanks Littlefish  :)) i tried this morning and he vanished
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 17, 2016, 11:27:59 AM


DOH!!!!  :))
I have now realised that I am going mad as far as fish are concerned. I've previously admitted to talking to my fish, but I have just found myself saying "hello pandas" when looking at Apache's photos. Doh.  :-[

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 17, 2016, 12:25:57 PM
I have just done a water change on the two kitchen tanks - and discovered I forgot to plug the heater back in for the 50 litre last water change (6 days ago)  :o Luckily it is not mid winter so the temp had only dropped to 21o

I also redid the plants in the betta's tank. I found an old piece of holey rock in the storage box so he now has a half terracotta plantpot with java fern on it; a piece of wood with java fern and anubias; and a holey rock with hornwort pushed through the holes. I also moved things around so the taller plant (hornwort) is at the back. The betta is now exploring his re-arranged tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 17, 2016, 09:37:37 PM
I'm sure his day will be more interesting for it  :)

I actually saw a pygmy cory fry today, it was all tail and whiskers and about 4mm in length, my son's gf was around at the time and she reckons she spied another. They seem to be living under the short grass I have at the front of the tank and invisible against the black substrate unless they move. I'm well chuffed, hopefully some will make adulthood.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 17, 2016, 09:49:05 PM
Congratulations on the pygmy cory fry.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Extreme_One on June 18, 2016, 07:22:17 AM
Congratulations on the fry Fiona!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 18, 2016, 07:50:51 AM
Congrats :cheers:
Hatched quicker than mine, got no fry yet :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 18, 2016, 10:10:50 AM
I had some pygmy cories breed a few years ago, and if Fiona's fry is 4 mm, it is not newly hatched. A newly hatched fry is more like 1 mm. I suspect they've been breeding for longer than you think, it's just that the eggs were somewhere you didn't see them.

The 4 mm fry - does it have horizontal or vertical stripes? Newly hatched pygmy cory fry have vertical stripes. It took just 2 days for my fry to change from vertical to horizontal stripes. But I have no idea how old they were when this happened as I didn't make a note  :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 18, 2016, 10:28:51 AM
it is not newly hatched.

I suspected that myself, its a lot bigger then the one I spotted on the java fern which was more like 1mm. I can't remember if it was banded or striped  ??? There's eggs all over the tank and the 10 or so that were under the frogbit have all gone. I hope they don't all survive, I'll be swimming in pygmy cories at this rate.

I'm not actually putting food in for the fry, they're living on whatever they can find but I suspect the Bacter AE is helping, I know the shrimp eat it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 18, 2016, 10:37:14 AM
Congrats! :cheers: 

Looking forward to the updates.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 18, 2016, 09:23:03 PM
After 48 hours the QT tank has double Zeros for Ammonia and Nitrite. Progress to 24 hour testing now  :D

The only thing is I have no plans to do anything with the tank for now so I will be feeding the filters using ammonia once the cycle is complete....... I wonder if the missus would let me at least get some fish to put in there. I'm definitely not keen on splitting up my community!!  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 18, 2016, 10:06:44 PM
Methylene blue, want dosage is safe with fish to stop eggs from fungasing, that's how my eggs didn't hatch after 9 days :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 19, 2016, 09:52:22 AM
The dose should be on the bottle.

But DON'T USE IT IN THE TANK or it'll kill the filter bacteria. You need a small container and an air stone to circulate water round the eggs. And a heater to keep them warm. It doesn't have to be a tank, one of those plastic storage boxes they sell everywhere for a couple of £ is perfect for this.

Don't forget methylene blue will stain everything blue.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 19, 2016, 10:17:47 AM
OK, anything I can use in a tank
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 19, 2016, 10:26:17 AM
The main cause of fungussing is stale water. You need to keep water flowing constantly over the eggs. You had the eggs inside a tube, inside a floating box didn't you? You won't get much water flow in that. (And the newly hatched fry would get out of the slits in the plastic box and get eaten; newly hatched fry are tiny)

Do you have an air pump that you could attach a small airstone to? If you could arrange one inside the plastic box that would help.




This is why you really need a nursery tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 19, 2016, 11:21:15 AM
Spotted 6 different fry this morning  :) The smallest ones are so tiny they actually swim down between the 1-2mm bits of gravel, to quite an alarming depth.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 20, 2016, 08:01:47 PM
The harlequins have obviously worked out what all the frenzied chasing and "liaisons" in the leaves by the tetras is about - spotted two harlequins flipping upside down with one another this morning!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 21, 2016, 12:43:48 PM

Do you have an air pump that you could attach a small airstone to?




This is why you really need a nursery tank.
i have found a nursery tank but dad won't let me have another.

i did put an airstone in.
ill see what i can do.


getting final preparations ready for my french writing tomorrow. wish me luck!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nXKVwduaJT6qCiceLdortskCKspv9qpXnmycA-au1YU/edit?usp=sharing
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on June 21, 2016, 01:15:37 PM
getting final preparations ready for my french writing tomorrow. wish me luck!

Good luck, Apache. I was a teacher for 20 years and I know how stressful and difficult exams are. They've probably not got any easier since I 'retired' in 2007.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 21, 2016, 01:17:15 PM
Je te souhaite "bonne chance" pour demain, Apache - j'espere que tout va bien.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 21, 2016, 01:47:17 PM
Merci, madame FCMF 8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 21, 2016, 09:39:24 PM
Best of luck, Apache  8)

I'm off to visit two fishy shops tomorrow (I'll leave the wallet at home I think) one of them is a traditional Local Fish Shop which I may adopt as my primary LFS as it is a lot closer to me... The other is this place... http://www.dcaquariums.co.uk/#!gallery/c1zy6 (http://www.dcaquariums.co.uk/#!gallery/c1zy6)

I wish I had a spare couple of grand...  :vcross:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 21, 2016, 09:56:42 PM
Best of luck for your French exam apache.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 21, 2016, 11:33:29 PM
Back to my LFS today as a massive stress reliever (its been a hideous 24hrs). Looked at new substrate, bought more plants and decided to get my son 3 more sparkly puffers, which seem to be settling in. Mid week is quiet in MA which I'd forgotten so we had a bit of time to select the fish I wanted.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on June 22, 2016, 07:27:52 AM
Wow - those Oto's don't 'alf munch down on the algae...... and Sushi Nori don't 'alf make a mess as it falls apart.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 22, 2016, 03:28:22 PM
We've been to York so called at a not-so-local shop on the way back. They had the sand I wanted, B D Trading sand. I should have known they'd have it. One of the people who runs it used to work for the garden & pond centre I used to get it from, the place that no longer sell it as I found out a couple of weeks ago. Mark said he uses it in his own tanks and it is very popular with his customers.

And we'd only been back a short while when the replacement eSHa Exit arrived. (Exit saga here (http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/forums/general-fishkeeping-chat/esha-exit/))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 22, 2016, 03:33:20 PM
Both shops have closed... One a long time ago, the other place in the last few months... So it's been a disappointing day  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 22, 2016, 07:07:06 PM
Both shops have closed... One a long time ago, the other place in the last few months... So it's been a disappointing day  :(
Really bad luck, Paddy - I suppose the only "consolation" is you weren't tempted to part with £ that you don't have.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 22, 2016, 08:35:15 PM
Jeez how hard can it be to find a natural looking 1-3 mm gravel substrate that will be ok with my peppered cories!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 22, 2016, 08:54:54 PM
Both shops have closed... One a long time ago, the other place in the last few months... So it's been a disappointing day  :(
Really bad luck, Paddy - I suppose the only "consolation" is you weren't tempted to part with £ that you don't have.

Every cloud etc... Am I right?

I consoled myself with a takeaway...   :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 22, 2016, 08:57:43 PM
Jeez how hard can it be to find a natural looking 1-3 mm gravel substrate that will be ok with my peppered cories!

Dunno but I think you're about to tell us all???  :raspberries
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 22, 2016, 10:03:10 PM
 :rotfl:
@Paddyc , good to see you on top form despite the disappointment with the fish shops.
Hope your take away was enough of a consolation.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 23, 2016, 11:02:30 AM
Jeez how hard can it be to find a natural looking 1-3 mm gravel substrate that will be ok with my peppered cories!

Dunno but I think you're about to tell us all???  :raspberries

Yeah @Paddyc its well 'ard!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 23, 2016, 12:28:47 PM
Are you looking for something like the gravel in the photo? The bag is labelled Betta Aquarium Gravel, I think you can just read the details in the photo. I notice there's no website, so it must be old! It might still be available, though.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 23, 2016, 12:39:44 PM
Googling the company I've found their website. They still do gravel (https://www.jnk-aquatics.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/index/?cat=1419&q=betta) of various types, though the probelm would be which shops stock it  :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on June 23, 2016, 01:18:09 PM
How about this stuff here (http://www.aquariumgardens.co.uk/hugo-kamishi-natural-fine-gravel-15kg-1850-p.asp).

(http://www.aquariumgardens.co.uk/ekmps/shops/aquariumgardens/images/hugo-kamishi-natural-fine-gravel-15kg-1850-p.jpg)


....or this (http://www.aquariumgardens.co.uk/unipac-nordic-gravel-2-4mm-grain-25kg-1690-p.asp)...

(http://www.aquariumgardens.co.uk/ekmps/shops/aquariumgardens/images/unipac-nordic-gravel-2-4mm-grain-2.5kg-1690-p[ekm]300x163[ekm].jpg)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 23, 2016, 09:33:32 PM
Oh my days!!! Just walked past my QT and noticed the 2 gouramis acting oddly, then saw the female lie on her side fluttering, they curved round each other, next minute an egg popped out, the male caught it in his mouth then swum up a little and spat the egg into a bubble nest which wasn't there when I fed them 2 hours ago. The female looks really egg heavy too! My son did a quick short film and he's promised me to add it to you tube so I can show you. I can't believe it :)

and @Sue that gravel looks perfect. @ColinB  saw that gravel but I was concerned with the sharp edges.

Son has just said he doesnt know how to upload to you tube  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 23, 2016, 10:20:29 PM
It's all action in your tanks, Fiona! Looking forward to seeing the YouTube clip, once your son works out how to upload it!

All 6 harlequins are resting in a horizontal line, almost nose to tail, pointing in one direction - very endearing. The tetras are more alert, with the females foraging in the substrate for any leftover food.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on June 23, 2016, 10:29:49 PM
Son has just said he doesnt know how to upload to you tube  :(

You need to have a login with YouTube (if you or your son has a Google/Gmail account the login details are the same). Once you login to youtube you can upload videos to your channel... It's fairly straightforward for the PC Literate  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 24, 2016, 09:52:08 AM
Son has just said he doesnt know how to upload to you tube  :(

You need to have a login with YouTube (if you or your son has a Google/Gmail account the login details are the same). Once you login to youtube you can upload videos to your channel... It's fairly straightforward for the PC Literate  :)

I think he just can't be arsed tbh  ::) I'll nag him skinny until he does it!

and a belated thankee for the help @Sue and @ColinB
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on June 24, 2016, 09:55:53 AM
I think he just can't be arsed tbh  ::) I'll nag him skinny until he does it!

Make him sit on the naughty step. Isn't that what you're supposed to do with kids?

Disclaimer: We don't have kids so I don't have a clue what I'm talking about. ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 24, 2016, 10:17:54 AM
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 24, 2016, 08:30:02 PM
I think he just can't be arsed tbh  ::) I'll nag him skinny until he does it!

Make him sit on the naughty step. Isn't that what you're supposed to do with kids?

Disclaimer: We don't have kids so I don't have a clue what I'm talking about. ;D

When they're 27 you ask nicely, then you give them the silent treatment until they surrender.  ::) Actually in view of the fact his Dad died Tuesday I'm being gentle.....

and I've just posted the link, I uploaded it myself so I'm feeling very clever. There was a longer video but unfortunately there was a background commentary. Me wondering what to do about the rest of the fish in the QT which included the F word  :-[ Anyway a short clip is up so hopefully its worth the 40 secs I managed to get my son to film.

I've ordered the new substrate for the 200l and thats arriving tomorrow, so I'll probably redo the tank Sunday if I have time.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 24, 2016, 09:11:00 PM
@Fiona : I assumed the hideous 24hrs mentioned earlier in the week was to do with the end of your course or fish-related - sounds like a huge amount has been going on, so hope you and your son are "bearing up" ok.

Looking forward to viewing the link.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 24, 2016, 10:09:00 PM
@Fiona sorry to hear that things have been so bad this week.
Best wishes.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 25, 2016, 11:10:25 AM
Thanks @fcmf  and @Littlefish its a weird one tbh. I split up with his dad about 20 years ago but I've always kept in touch with his family for Dan's sake. Until about 18mnths ago he hadn't seen his Dad for very many years, he was about 8 the last time. The guy got in touch when he developed cancer so my lad's feelings are all a bit mixed up, grief for missed chances and opportunities mainly I think.  :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 25, 2016, 11:53:03 AM
Oh, bless him. No wonder he's feeling a bit confused. There's a lot of emotions to deal with in a situation like that.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 25, 2016, 12:05:16 PM
Off to Crews Hill today  :) My son was going to come with me but he seems to be having problems getting out of bed ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 25, 2016, 12:09:08 PM
Have fun at Crews Hill. I'm hoping to go one day next week  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 25, 2016, 12:16:10 PM
One of the smaller shops is closing down at the end of the month but they don't stock anything you can't buy in the other shops.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 25, 2016, 08:27:41 PM
Any chance that they are having a closing down sale?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on June 25, 2016, 08:47:01 PM
Any chance that they are having a closing down sale?

Always room for a few more tanks! :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 25, 2016, 08:56:20 PM
I am seriously running out of room for tanks. I think asking about a sale might just be an automatic reaction.  :-[

However, it's always nice to get a bargain.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 26, 2016, 11:49:26 AM
Doh! Never made it there yesterday, missed the bus and therefore missed the train, the next 2 trains were cancelled so I would not have got there in time to do  anything. Heading there today instead :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 27, 2016, 02:12:52 PM
I went to add some liquifry to the tank for the pygmy cory fry and saw the cutest sight! 5 little fry came swimming out of the grass in a gang, rummaged round a bit and then wiffled their way back in. The one in the lead was a lot bigger than the others and now looks more like a fish and less like a thread with whiskers. I actually  counted another 7 teeny ones and there's still loads of eggs waiting to hatch, well over 20 that I can see and they're still a-laying. I do hope their ahem...passion cools off bit soon.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 27, 2016, 02:42:32 PM
The little fry coming out of the grass, that sounds utterly adorable.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 27, 2016, 02:44:50 PM
 i may also have Corydoras Aeneus fry soon (http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/forums/new-fishkeepers/starting-a-new-aquarium-need-some-advice-please!/msg27448/?topicseen#new) Reply 185
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on June 27, 2016, 03:10:16 PM
The little fry coming out of the grass, that sounds utterly adorable.

Yup  :D It's very low growing so I suspect there's a lot more in there than I realise. Last week they were just too small for the phone camera to focus on, hopefully next week I should be able to get a piccy.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 02, 2016, 12:55:46 PM
After all the disasters with my RCS i.e. them being cooked to death and then over doing the bacter AE when setting up again and the tank going toxic, a move to the quarantine tank, moving them back to the new set up and several sets of aborted eggs. Well just now I FINALLY spotted some little pink shrimplets in the shrimpery!

Happy days  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 02, 2016, 01:07:15 PM
:cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 02, 2016, 02:36:45 PM
Shrimplets too!  :cheers:

There seems to be a lot of (ahem) activity in your tanks.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 02, 2016, 07:50:09 PM
As they say, it must be something in the water  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 04, 2016, 10:27:07 AM
Just got an A in my French test!!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 04, 2016, 10:32:06 AM
Well done  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on July 04, 2016, 11:27:32 AM
Bien joué. 8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 04, 2016, 12:13:38 PM
Congratulations @apache6467   :cheers:

Well done on achieving your A grade.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 04, 2016, 01:51:18 PM
Felicitations, Apache! Je suis ravie d'apprendre de tes nouvelles.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 04, 2016, 02:47:16 PM
Well done @apache6467
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 05, 2016, 07:17:01 AM
Thanks @Sue @Fiona @ColinB @fcmf @Littlefish  :))

UPDATE: thinking of buying the 2 Julii cories that were left over when my sister bought two for my tank at LFS.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 05, 2016, 08:23:55 AM
@apache6467 - good plan about the julii cories; as cories fare best in groups of 6+ of their own type, they should do well if their numbers increase.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on July 05, 2016, 12:38:01 PM
Ok so at the end of April, @Fiona very kindly sent me a gift of ten live Malaysian trumpet snails...

The ten are now more like thirty plus! They've been busy doing more than eating the algae, I wondered what I was looking at last night when I saw little specks of white on my bogwood... BABY SNAILS! Over 20 of the wee things...

Erm, how many is too much??  :rotfl:

Fiona, thank you again. This is the first time I've ever bred an animal so does this make me a grandad?  :isay:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 05, 2016, 01:36:34 PM
Congratulations Granddaddy Paddy.  :cheers:

Perhaps the answer is that the number of snails has hit the limit when you see the fish teaming up to push the snails out of the tank. Then what you do is buy a tank of dwarf puffers, or perhaps a single Amazon puffer, and you will never have enough snails ever again.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 05, 2016, 01:40:29 PM
Perhaps the answer is that the number of snails has hit the limit when you see the fish teaming up to push the snails out of the tank. Then what you do is buy a tank of dwarf puffers, or perhaps a single Amazon puffer, and you will never have enough snails ever again.  ;D
All very well for those who live in hard water areas, though - Scotland's water is far too soft for puffers. :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 05, 2016, 04:08:10 PM
Ha, no problem.
Remineralisation chemicals, coral sand substrate, tufa rock and limestone decor. *
Or go the whole hog, throw in some salt as well, head down the brackish route and get some figure eight puffers. *
I saw some figure eight puffers in the local MA 2 weeks ago, so cute. Managed to make it out without purchasing any.

(* Disclaimer: don't do this)

Alternatively, you could just leave the snails alone and admire their adorableness instead.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on July 05, 2016, 04:11:14 PM
I am happy for now just to let nature take its course... I certainly don't want to have to adapt my water to keep a hardwater species just so I can feed snails to it  ;D

I was wondering more if there would be eventual drawbacks to having a lot of snails?  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 05, 2016, 04:28:59 PM
I don't know. It's not something I've ever considered.
My snail tank is set up to purposefully encourage them to breed. I will say that I still test the water every week, same as all the other tanks, and I still get 0, 0, 40 in the snail tank (same parameters as tap water) even though I overfeed on purpose, so I can't image that it would upset your water parameters.
Is there a down side to snails?
I don't have posh snails, all mine are pest snails, and have probably ended up in every tank from plants. I did, very briefly, consider assassin snails, then realised that I don't mind having snails in every tank, because I quite like them.
If you like them how can you feed them to your puffers? I hear you cry. Well, only the baby ones go into the puffer tank, anything that is recognisable as a snail is either moved to the snail tank for breeding purposes, or is left in the tank it's in, to potter around enjoying the scenery. Puffers are more adorable than baby pest snails anyway.  ;D
I realise I'm not being much help answering your question. Fiona or Sue would probably be better if you're looking for fact-based, sensible answers to snail questions.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 05, 2016, 04:35:12 PM
The only problem with lots and lots of snails is they don't do much for the aesthetics of the tank. The usual recommendation for avoiding this overpopulation is don't overfeed the fish as the left over food is what makes the snails reproduce too much.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 05, 2016, 04:42:14 PM
We've just got back from the garden centre with Maidenhead Aquatics in and of course I had to go and look at fish even though I don't have a tank ready for them yet.

Why do penguin tetras look so nice when I've just about decided on Asian fish  :-\


The purple harlequins were bigger than the last visit so they are on the Asian list, as are glowlight danios and stiphodons. 15 to 20 harlies and glowlight danios and half a dozen stiphs.

But now I see penguin tetras. So a South American tank with 15 to 20 of them, 10 cories and what? Something colourful to complement black and white. All  that springs to mind is cardinal or neon tetras.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on July 05, 2016, 04:56:34 PM
But now I see penguin tetras. So a South American tank with 15 to 20 of them, 10 cories and what? Something colourful to complement black and white. All  that springs to mind is cardinal or neon tetras.....

Red Phantoms, Bleeding Hearts, Rosy Tetras... all would look good with Penguins.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 05, 2016, 05:04:27 PM
I didn't see any of those, but I wasn't looking that intently. It was just the penguins that caught my eye. I'm going to have to look more seriously nearer the time.

I added the last dose of Exit yesterday so now I just need to remove all the med I've added, clean the tank, wash the sand and put that in, then wait till August.

Interestingly, the tank and decor are covered with a loose light brown fluffy stuff, but the black brush algae has almost gone from the plants. Once I hoover up all the fluffy stuff, will the algae come back? I'll have to wait and see.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 05, 2016, 08:41:57 PM

The ten are now more like thirty plus!

That's why I am getting ONE Assassin Snail
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 05, 2016, 08:47:11 PM
Keep vacuuming the gravel to remove food for the snails and to hoover up the really tiny ones.  :isay:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on July 05, 2016, 09:29:59 PM

Quote

That's why I am getting ONE Assassin Snail

It's not come to that yet but I know it's an option Haha.

Keep vacuuming the gravel  to remove good for the snails and to Hoover up the really tiny ones.  :isay:

Yeah I thought this too. It also occurred to me that there are most likely snails in my filter now... Not much I can do about that though until it's time to swish out the filter sponges.

In other news, I no longer have 22 neons... It's 20 plus 2 cardinals... Two of them definitely have red bands from tail to mouth instead of just the back half being red. Is this a problem? Should I get more cardinals? They seem perfectly happy with the rest of the neon shoal...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 05, 2016, 09:32:31 PM
Since neons and cardinals are in the same genus, they are closely related enough to shoal together. Ideally you would get a few more cardinals, but since they are such similar fish you probably don't want to do that. I'd be inclined to keep them as they are.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 05, 2016, 10:22:45 PM
I find cardinals much nicer than neons
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 06, 2016, 09:32:43 AM
Of the three Paracheirodons available to us, I prefer green neons aka false neons, Paracheirodon simulans. But they are smaller and more delicate - I think they are all wild caught unlike neons which are farmed.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 06, 2016, 03:44:36 PM
Hmmm - why do I find that LFSs in the countryside round here have a tendency to be very lazy in terms of tank maintenance, labelling of fish, keeping (non-livestock) stock clean and dust-free? Unlikely to attract prospective fishkeepers into the hobby and hardly setting an example of how fish should be cared for.
 >:(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on July 06, 2016, 06:36:25 PM
Hmmm - why do I find that LFSs in the countryside round here have a tendency to be very lazy in terms of tank maintenance, labelling of fish, keeping (non-livestock) stock clean and dust-free? Unlikely to attract prospective fishkeepers into the hobby and hardly setting an example of how fish should be cared for.
 >:(

Laziness...

You'd imagine the Aquarium vendor business is quite specialist so it's tough to turn a healthy profit... So you would make every effort to make a good impression?? At least that's the way I would absolutely treat it. At the very least for the health of the fish...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 06, 2016, 09:40:27 PM
You'd imagine the Aquarium vendor business is quite specialist so it's tough to turn a healthy profit... So you would make every effort to make a good impression?? At least that's the way I would absolutely treat it. At the very least for the health of the fish...
One aspect of LFSs which I've noticed over many years of fishkeeping is that they actually don't seem to be in it for a profit - often, when I've gone in for advice about what item to buy or which medication to choose, far more often than not, I've been dissuaded out of buying a product or been given advice on how to do something more cheaply than I was planning. I do appreciate this very much, and it means I put great faith in them, but don't know any other type of shop besides LFSs which operates like this. I agree, though, that you'd think they ought to make a good impression and/or have the welfare of the fish as paramount - not least for its intrinsic satisfaction, pride of set-up, etc, if profit isn't a main motivator.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on July 06, 2016, 09:51:57 PM
It must be incredibly difficult to make it work, as if not there would be more fish shops... It's a shame my only local vendor is a P@H... I'm a 20 minute drive to my independent LFS.

Sidenote, I actually have 3 cardinal tetras. i have to agree their colouring seems more vivid and bright tan the neons. @apache6467 I think it was you who commented on preferring cardinals?

I reckon after I boost the Harlequins shoal I will go for cardinals after that. The cherry barbs are nice but I'm not feeling the need to boost their numbers. Perhaps the next time I see a shoal of them at my LFS I'll change my mind  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on July 07, 2016, 07:49:33 AM
I suppose the trouble with being a fish shop is that you need a lot of expensive infrastructure to keep fish, which then sell for a few quid each (mostly). Fish keeping hardware isn't a fast turnover (unless Donna is one of your customers :))) and about the only consumables are fish food. Add to that the lease of the premises and the wages of the staff and I can't see how they manage to survive at all. I suppose that's why most fish shops are either MA or P@H. Sad really, but that's the modern way.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 07, 2016, 08:23:33 AM
I'm lucky enough to have two independent LFS within 20 min drive, as well as MA & P@H even closer.
Both independent LFS also deal with reptiles and some amphibians, which are far more expensive than the sort of fish routinely found in stores. Perhaps that helps. Perhaps my shopping/spending there helps too  ;D  but compared to the cost of marine and reptile set ups and stock, I don't think I'm their biggest spending customer.
I always go to the one independent store or MA whenever I need anything. The staff at the independent store, well, the ones who work downstairs are obsessed with fish, the ones that work upstairs are obsessed with reptiles. They would much rather spend time looking after the livestock than the store, and would rather talk fish/reptiles with customers than pretty much anything else. That store isn't as fancy as perhaps an MA, it is on an industrial estate rather than in a garden centre, inside it looks more like a warehouse than a shop, but they do manage to keep things quite well presented.
I do get the feeling that with most LFS the staff are there to be with the fish rather than run a business or pursue a career in retail.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 07, 2016, 10:06:18 AM
There is a small shop not too near me (half an hour drive) that looks a mess. There is decor and gravel in every tank and the decor is covered with algae. In order to catch fish they have to lift the decor out of the tank.
But the fish from this shop are very healthy, possibly because they quarantine all their fish for 2 weeks after delivery. And the fish are not kept in bare sterile-looking tanks. If they were nearer and had a bigger variety of fish I'd get all my fish from there.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 07, 2016, 12:50:53 PM
There is a p@h at a big shopping centre(merry hill) and a shop called two by two. both are a bit pricy. the other 3 in my area are cheap-ish but one nearest and on my round is the best. very knowledgeable. getting 2 julii corys tonight total 4!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on July 07, 2016, 02:22:32 PM
There is a p@h at a big shopping centre(merry hill) and a shop called two by two. both are a bit pricy. the other 3 in my area are cheap-ish but one nearest and on my round is the best. very knowledgeable. getting 2 julii corys tonight total 4!

I suppose that's an advantage of living near civilisation - if B'rum can be called civilised. :))
Out here in the middle of nowhere the specialist shops are all farm machinery and builders merchants. I can nip down the road and buy a chainsaw and a cattle trough any time I like.... so there! HA! ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 07, 2016, 03:04:07 PM
So chuffed at how the tank is now ie fish back to their old selves and seem quite happy with the new layout of the tank, although it has caused tetras to gather at one end and harlies at the other.  No-one flinches at all when the light is switched on.
:fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 07, 2016, 03:37:02 PM
Congratulations.  :cheers:

Glad to hear that everything has settled down.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 08, 2016, 09:22:05 AM
@Paddyc if I feel the population of MTS in the shrimpery is getting too large I chuck an assassin in there for a couple of weeks. I can always send you one if you get overwhelmed.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 08, 2016, 11:23:06 AM
I can always send you one if you get overwhelmed.
Oh i need one. That might be useful. how many u got?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on July 08, 2016, 11:29:13 AM
@Paddyc if I feel the population of MTS in the shrimpery is getting too large I chuck an assassin in there for a couple of weeks. I can always send you one if you get overwhelmed.

I'm good for the moment, Fiona, very kind of you as always, thank you for the offer.

Incidentally, the adult ones (the original ones) are bloody enormous now! I flicked on the living room light two nights ago after the tank had been dark for about an hour, there they were up on the glass! About half the length of my thumb!!!

They are a great addition to my tank, I will never be without them now. But eventually I reckon I'll need some population control  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 08, 2016, 11:53:00 AM
The babies are miniscule and you'll be bound to hoover a load up when you do tank maintenance. This might seem heartless but I always scald the dregs in the bottom of the bucket to kill off any teeny snails before I pour it down the drain. After I've checked for shrimplets first. I don't want to be responsible for loosing MTS into our waterways even though I know they'd be unlikely to survive the winter.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 09, 2016, 02:05:46 PM
Oh dear, @Littlefish - just noticed your new 'signature' re TTC. Anything we can help with?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 09, 2016, 02:09:43 PM
What a morning.

It was time to do something with the 180 litre.

I finished adding WS3 at high dose on 26 June, and started eSHa Exit on 28 June. I emptied the bottle of Exit on 4 July. The first batch of carbon went in on 5 July, and it was changed on 7 July.

All that's in the tank at the moment is lots of wood with various plants attached and no substrate. The filters are an Eheim biopower 240 and a biopower 160 with the pump from an Eheim aquaball 2212. The aquaball is the first I had and as I'm not using that filter at the moment I used its pump when I got the smaller biopower.


Everything went well at first. I took all the wood out and put it in my fishkeeping dustbin (it is a dustbin, it's 60 litres and very useful for putting wet things in when I need to take them out of the tank). Then removed 64 litres water, hoovering the mess off the bottom of the tank, and replaced it with nice clean water. I threw away the carbon from the small filter I keep just for that, and replaced it with Polyfilter to remove the last of the meds. I cleaned the two biopowers, both media and impellers and wells. Then I turned the filters and heater back on. The smaller biopower didn't work.
A lot of messing about proved that the pump worked without the cover on but wouldn't work with the cover on. OK, I though, just swap the pump for the one that came with the filter and play with the old one in a bucket of water later.
That's not as easy as it sounds.
The 180 litre has glass bracer bars attached to all four sides right at the top of the tank. The front one overlaps the side bars but the back one doesn't; there is a square that is not covered at each rear corner. This is for the heater wire and external filter tubes to get into the tank. There are two holes in the back of the lid for these to go through. But my filters are internals, the wires from them need to go through these squares and lid cut outs. The filters themselves won't fit through so I have to push the plugs upwards through the squares and out through the lid holes. And I'd just filled the tank.
So I then had to remove 20 litres of water to drop the water level enough to get the plugs through, one in and one out.

I finally finished two after two and a half hours. The tank is filled again and all three filters are running. At least I don't have any fish in there or they'd have been cowering in a corner while I was trying to get the filter pump to work.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 09, 2016, 05:06:51 PM
@Sue  I have had the problem with trying to get plugs through small gaps in bits around the top of the tank. It's very frustrating, especially if you have to take water out to move anything around.

@fcmf  Nothing to worry about. I've just got a lot of temporary tanks on the go. I've moved Sherbon and Humbug off the cabinet. I've moved the cabinet out, and managed to get the cabinet for the 340L tank in. Have decided that Tim @ MA was right (don't tell anyone) and that I shouldn't be doing any of the lifting on my own. So tank and lid still in hallway. Obviously Harry is still in a small tank, and I've had to get another small tank to take 3 of my female danios out of their normal tank. They are a bit constipated/bloated so I tried the whole tank on peas a few days ago. The danios looked better, but look as if they could either do with another does of peas, or a couple of days of fasting. As I don't want to put all the fish through that I have to move the three fatties to another tank (with no food today).
So I have 1 empty tank, 13 occupied tanks,3 of which are temporary, and three others which will have to be moved before the 220L upgrade for the dwarf puffers arrives.
Things are just slightly chaotic.  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 09, 2016, 10:05:20 PM
@Littlefish I hope you're ok. I found that a new tank isnt always the solution, a hospital or quarantine tank can hold a good number of fish that need nurturing. <3
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 09, 2016, 10:14:47 PM
@Fiona  everything is fine here.
I've put the fish all in different tanks because otherwise I'd have had dwarf puffers (always hungry), a bristlenose with a nipped tail (feeling sorry for himself), and 3 chubby female danios (on a no food/pea diet) all in the same tank. It just got a bit complicated.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 10, 2016, 11:04:32 AM
 :cheers: glad you're ok Donna
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 10, 2016, 12:28:37 PM
Thanks.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 10, 2016, 12:31:46 PM
:cheers: glad you're ok Donna
Ditto! :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 10, 2016, 12:47:56 PM
Thanks.
It's all good here. Harry has another couple of algae stones, and everyone else (apart from the fatties) have had some food and are now pottering around.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 10, 2016, 12:53:37 PM
Great!

Not much different news to report here but, true to her namesake, S's tank-coverage skills and collection of trophies (ie food morsels) are unsurpassable. Slightly concerned that she's going to burst as she's so large - semi-tempting to move her out of the tank for a few days to give everyone else a chance to get fed and her a chance to slim down!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on July 10, 2016, 09:55:36 PM
90 mins of tank maintenance this evening (barely managed to finish up before the football kicked off...)

80 litres water change and airstone added. Previously it was just an open ended hose under the wee castle so that the bubbles came out through the window. Quirky but kinda cool. But the glub-glub noise the bubbles made was annoying me so I've added an airstone to reduce the noise. Much better now.  :D

Since I had eight 10-litre buckets to add I decided to go with 4 buckets at 25C and 4 buckets full cold from the tap. For the hour after I filled the tank you would think I had topped it up with lucozade!! I've never seen such frenzied activity from the fish!  :o :o

It was slightly concerning at first but I told myself to calm down and see if they calm down. Which they have.

I changed out the fine filter wool with some new stuff I was kindly gifted from @fcmf ... many thanks again for this. It has already made a difference. God knows how long the previous wool had been in there. I love a clear tank  8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 11, 2016, 09:01:13 AM
Cooler water does trigger behaviour changes. With cories it can get them to breed (it simulates melt water coming off the mountains in spring, I assume the same would apply to other fish).
I use more cold tap water in summer as it's not nearly as cold as in the middle of winter.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 11, 2016, 12:50:03 PM
Going to malaysia 2 weeks time. How will i feed my cats and my dad's tank. Any ideas!?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on July 11, 2016, 01:43:18 PM
The tank will be fine for two weeks - I've often left mine that long.

The cats... either a cattery, or have you a neighbour who could pop in once a day and top up their crunchies?

Malaysia, eh? Sounds like a good hols.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 11, 2016, 01:46:22 PM
The tank will be fine for two weeks - I've often left mine that long.

The cats... either a cattery, or have you a neighbour who could pop in once a day and top up their crunchies?

Malaysia, eh? Sounds like a good hols.

By cats i meant my CATFISH!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on July 11, 2016, 02:19:08 PM
The tank will be fine for two weeks - I've often left mine that long.

The cats... either a cattery, or have you a neighbour who could pop in once a day and top up their crunchies?

Malaysia, eh? Sounds like a good hols.

By cats i meant my CATFISH!

 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 11, 2016, 03:41:02 PM
Would not advise feeding your catfish Munchies.  :rotfl:

Went to LFS, they have baby hillstream loaches, so cute. Stood watching them for ages.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 11, 2016, 05:09:32 PM
@apache6467  Is everyone in the family going? Do you have neighbours you would trust to go in your house?

If you can arrange someone to go in even a couple of times when you are away that would be enough. But measure out the food onto tubs and tell the person to just empty the tub in the tank. Hide the packs of food just in case they think you should be feeding more and over feed them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 11, 2016, 07:28:53 PM
...or, alternatively, you could get an auto-feeder. I use Fishmate auto-feeder; @Matt uses an Eheim one.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 11, 2016, 07:43:24 PM
If you do use an autofeeder, test it before you go. Some types drop all the food in at once, others let damp air in so the food clogs and won't go into the tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 12, 2016, 05:14:28 PM
Once I finally finished with carpet samples and taking my mother to the dentist, I got to work on the 180 litre. It now has sand on the bottom, which I've washed over the last couple of days. And I've put crushed coral in the small filter I use for carbon. I've been adding around 1 ppm ammonia while the meds were in the tank and not doing water changes which would dilute the meds, so despite adding a bit of bicarbonate of soda the pH keeps dropping. The crushed coral is instead of the bicarb.
The postman also brought some new suckers for the older filter bracket and some more Eheim substrat pro. I'd added another basket to the smaller biopower but filled it with sponge. It now has substrat pro. I mixed the new with the old from the other baskets in both filters then refilled them all with the mixture.

Over the next few weeks I will increase the ammonia dose from 1 ppm to 3ppm in gradually increasing stages. Then I'll go fish shopping in about 3 to 4 weeks, or when the filters can cope with 3ppm if that takes longer. And I'll do water changes as though there were fish already in there, which should get rid of the majority of the bicarb as well as top up my KH.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 12, 2016, 06:26:15 PM
So much "gunk" coming out from the recent additions of the plants that I'm having to do small, daily water changes to unclog the filter inlets and the filter sponges (ie rinse them in the changed tank water) - hope this subsides soon - and brush off uneaten fish food which is getting trapped in the branches/leaves and developing a fungus. Realise now that I had it easy with just keeping silk plants. :)

One of the two female tetras, the one which eats a huge proportion of the food, has been getting increasingly large of late - so much so that she now resembles a fancy goldfish, rounded on both "flanks" when viewed from behind and with her face almost hidden in her body. I may have to consider isolating her - not something I'd wanted to do but I can't see an alternative.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 12, 2016, 06:58:24 PM
Corydoras Julii- Caught depositing eggs!!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 12, 2016, 07:08:39 PM
Great news on the eggs @apache6467 .
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 12, 2016, 07:36:44 PM
@Littlefish its really interesting to watch them go about this behaviour. The male is constantly following the female and trying to mate... Only caught once but he isn't having much luck now!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on July 12, 2016, 08:11:16 PM
Apache, I'll bet it is, I catch my harlequins trying to get busy under the leaves of the plants but there's always a following barb or neon ready to spoil the fun and/or catch the eggs...

I was picking up rabbit food at P@H tonight on way home from work and out of nowhere when I left I somehow also had a bag with 5 glowlight tetras in it!

Couldn't have the one glowlight on his own in my tank anymore. So I got him some mates, currently floating in their bag in the tank   8) 8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 12, 2016, 10:34:35 PM
Sat down to eat my dinner and noticed one of my peppered cories wedged in a weird position. Decided to take a quick peek before I ate and then wished I hadn't  :( The poor things eyes were bulging out of it's head, it was bloated and it looked in huge distress. I decided to euthanise it immediately. I thought it was my fat cory but  spotted her elsewhere.

I have no idea what caused this, I immediately tested the water and all the results are normal and no different to how they usually are.

Ate cold congealed pasta for dinner, saddened and mystified, I'll be keeping an extra close watch on the tank for a few days.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 12, 2016, 10:54:33 PM
@Fiona  so sorry to hear about your cory. That must have been quite unpleasant for you.
I hope that all of your others are ok.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 12, 2016, 11:18:53 PM
Ta Donna, the other fish all seem fine, the amano shrimp and snails are trundling round doing their own thing too so it's not the water.

I just hope I wasn't too quick to euthanise it but it looked very distressed and didnt even try and move away when I netted it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 12, 2016, 11:41:38 PM
I can't imagine it was doing well if it didn't swim away from a net.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on July 13, 2016, 06:33:44 AM
So sorry to hear, Fiona. Judging by its lack of stimulus to move out of the way of a threat (ie the net) I'd say this was a pretty foolproof signal it had no way back... I believe you did the right thing.

Hugs x
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 13, 2016, 08:15:40 AM
@Paddyc - delighted to hear that Mr Glowlight has got 5 new friends; looking forward to an update of how they're getting on.

@Fiona - really sorry to hear about your cory, having had cory troubles last year myself. As for whether you were too quick to euthanase it, if this is any 'consolation', when I read it last night in bed (before my phone battery ran out), it passed the "FCMF Litmus Test" (ie someone who has never euthanased, for a variety of reasons) and even I thought immediately that it was the correct mode of action to take. Hopefully it's an isolated incident. [One thought does strike me, though, thinking back to my own and Simon's/ExtremeOne's situations - I wonder if cories are more susceptible to problems in summer and, if so, whether topping up the tank daily with cooler water might in any way help... :-\]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on July 13, 2016, 08:27:12 AM
Sorry to hear about the cory. Always sad :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 13, 2016, 10:34:06 AM
topping up the tank daily with cooler water might in any way help... :-\]
@fcmf  think that might encourage a bit of egg laying ;)

@Fiona I do hope your cory is ok
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 13, 2016, 11:04:57 AM
Thanks all, I'm just waiting for the lights to come on so I can do a head count. The temp in there is 26C and I always change with slightly cooler water.

@fcmf as long as the output of water from the filter isn't reduced you don't have to clean it daily, it will collect gunk. When I had an internal filter in the 200l my shrimps loved sitting on the grill eating whatever got caught there. cleaned it roughly once a month on average. The sponge filter in the shrimpery needs cleaning roughly once a fortnight. I hope this saves you a bit of work.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 13, 2016, 02:00:07 PM
Just added plant food to the shrimpery and sat down to look at the inhabitants for a bit and oh my days I feel exhausted.

I think a female RCS must be about ready to drop her eggs into her swimmerets cavity because there are male shrimps doing laps round the tank and I didn't realise I had so many. It's like Piccadilly Circus in the rush hour in there!!!

Added to that the current low pressure area sitting above my house is obviously having an effect on the pygmy cories because there's a huge bundle of them nudging each other round the tank, the little males are vibrating with excitement. I actually burst out laughing when I saw the frantic activity in there  :))

The cories had seemed to have tailed off their egg laying activities and I was considering putting an assassin in to deal with the pest snails but if there's going to be another huge pile of eggs I'll hold off a bit longer. I fed them bloodworms last night which probably didnt help. ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 13, 2016, 02:19:37 PM
It sounds as of everyone is quite busy in your tanks.  ;D

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 13, 2016, 03:06:22 PM
Not sure I'd call dying busy but I do know what you mean  ;) I have about 30 or so reasonable sized RCS and about 12 brand new babies, I've also just spotted another female already carrying eggs. I'm so pleased as they had aborted a lot of eggs since I moved them back to the shrimpery and I hadn't seen babies for ages, now it's a case of KABOOOOM!! and population explosion.

My success with the pygmy cories is a bit of a mystery to me other than the fact that there are no other fish in there. I wanted to one other species but I think I'll leave it as it is, it's a very relaxing tank to view unless you get offended by fish porn  ::) I have had a chance to notice that the female lays the egg and grasps it with her anal fins until she finds a suitable spot to place it. I haven't quite decided if the male fertilises the egg there or when it's positioned but I'm sure I'll solve it eventually.

The 2 biggest fry are now both stripped and foraging away from the grass, semi joining the spawning bundle. They swim along for a short while and then obviously decide it's too much like hard work and stop and have a rest.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 13, 2016, 04:34:48 PM
Fair point @Fiona , perhaps I should have said that your shrimp and remaining cory are busy.  ;)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on July 13, 2016, 07:37:52 PM
I now have 2 Assasin snails to deal with the infestation!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 15, 2016, 12:31:15 PM
More boring info about the PCs who are still laying eggs.

You can actually see the eggs coming out of the abdominal cavity of the female, I've also noticed the male and female pygmy create a T shape when spawning but it's actually the male that is the crossbar of the T. The female then drops her eggs between her fins and the two of them just sit there side by side 'vibrating' (the nearest word to describe what they do) then the female finds a place to put the eggs and she sticks them one by one even though 2 may come out at once. Also the eggs are initially small and slightly misshapen but within 30 mins they're plumped up and rounded. I wonder if they absorb water once they're laid.  ???

I've also noticed that every now and then the female zooms off with the males in hot pursuit. She'll suddenly veer off and drop down and just lie there quietly. The daft males can't stop in time and suddenly realise their lady has gone and then split up and whiz round looking for her. Once she's had a rest she goes back to mid water and joins the boys. It's very amusing to watch.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 15, 2016, 03:23:00 PM
I'm so jealous right now  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 15, 2016, 06:06:20 PM
Ummm, just found another baby peppered cory in the other temperate tank.  :o
This one is smaller (<1cm) and is hiding in the pile of wood.
Do cory ever stop laying eggs?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 15, 2016, 07:33:48 PM
Do cory ever stop laying eggs?

Apparently not!  :rotfl:

 :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 15, 2016, 10:45:00 PM
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 17, 2016, 05:15:55 PM
We currently decorating. We've sealed off the archway that connected the dining and sitting room and opened up the doorway between my sons room and the dining room (bizarre place for a door I know). Effectively this has given my son 2 connecting rooms, one for a bedroom and one as his own sitting room. These 2 connecting rooms need redecorating and new carpet fitted throughout.

My side of the sitting room currently has a plasterboarded wall thats going to need skimming with plaster and unfortunately its a wall that makes up the corner my 200l tank sits in. I was hoping we'd get away with using filler like we have on my son's side of the wall but it's not going to work out.

I've been delaying my tank rejig because I knew I'd need to empty it completely to move it and I was going to do it then BUT it looks like I'm going to have to move my tank twice. We cant plaster that wall with the tank in the way  >:(  Also my son's tank will need to be moved so we can paint behind it AND again when he has a carpet fitted.

I was thinking if we empty the tanks to move them the first time but don't add more than a sprinkling of substrate and then add the plants and the larger bits of hard decor he fish shouldn't be stressed too much. There will probably be a week or two between moves and I just can't think of any other way of doing this.

Can anyone think of an easier way of doing this?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 17, 2016, 05:27:52 PM
The only thing that occurs to me is do you have anywhere you can leave the tanks between the plastering/painting and carpet laying? Even if you can find somewhere at bit cramped, it would be easier to cope with that than move tanks twice.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 18, 2016, 11:38:19 AM
I think 2 moves are unavoidable but I hadn't considered putting my son's tank elsewhere to avoid a 3rd move. Where to put it though  :-\ my bedrooms currently full of bookshelves and other furniture. Hmmm...

Ta Sue.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 18, 2016, 04:27:16 PM
We are in the process of getting new carpets and a fitted wardrobe for our room. Rather than dent the new carpet we are going to move the old furniture onto the landing till the new furniture is installed. If we can cope with chests of drawers on the landing, you must be able to find somewhere for the tanks  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 19, 2016, 12:20:14 PM
you must be able to find somewhere for the tanks  ;D

Unfortunately its a small 2 bedroom flat. A lot of the furniture that was in the dining room is now in my bedroom, some of my son's stuff is also in there, I have to squeeze past the dining room table and move chairs to get clothes out of my wardrobe. The front room contains the rest of furniture which is being stored in front of the kitchen access to the front room.

I had to get rid of a floor to ceiling bookcase and all the books because there was nowhere for it to go and I think I'll probably have to get a folding dining room table and chairs to replace the one I have now.

The problem is it took a lot of planning to get the number of tanks we do have into our little flat so there really is little room to work with  :-\ 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 19, 2016, 10:49:58 PM
I feel a photos moment coming on!!

Only if you are comfortable with this of course Fiona!

 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 20, 2016, 08:46:21 AM
Hey @Fiona this is what part of my living room has looked like for over a week, and will continue to do so until the MA guys come back to deliver the other tank - have asked them to put the 340L tank onto the cabinet for me.
That will teach me to prepare the space prior to delivery.  ::)
The rest of the room is no less cluttered with tanks.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 20, 2016, 08:55:27 AM
That looks really neat, Littlefish - wow, that living room is like a dream!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 20, 2016, 09:15:04 AM
The tanks in the fireplace are temporary. The tank on the left contains Sherbon and Humbug, and the tank on the right contains Harry the BN.
Working clockwise around the room for next pics:-
340L tank will go on cabinet in corner of room.
Other side or armchair is another collection of tanks - betta tank, South American tank, and temperate tanks.
Other end of dining table are the puffers and tiger barbs.

When the 220L tank arrives, and as the juvenile axolotls are starting to mature and I work out which ones are male or female, there will be a big tank reorganisation, which may not be in line with original plans.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 20, 2016, 11:58:53 AM
Good grief Donna! Looks like you've got a tank coffee table  :) Your photos have inspired me @Littlefish, not to get more tanks I'm afraid but I've now got a better idea about tank storing. Thankee  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on July 20, 2016, 12:06:44 PM
I can see lots of empty floor space for more tanks, Donna. You're really not trying hard enough! :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 20, 2016, 12:24:50 PM
Colin, I agree there is still floor space, but I have to be able to get to the tanks.  :)

Fiona, I've used extra shelves and metal brackets to reinforce the book cases, so I can store the fish tanks. It's really quite convenient.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 20, 2016, 12:33:50 PM
I was cleaning the quarantine tank yesterday and suddenly heard a frog! Then realised it was my croaking gourami croaking!!!! I didn't realise it was that loud and as I had the lid up all day because of the heat I heard him several more times.

I think they're limbering up to spawn again as I saw the male displaying like a loon at the female. None of the fry from the first spawning seem to have survived so I'm thinking about setting up a small 30l tank I have as a spare for the fry this time. I quite fancy a tankful of little croakers.

Updating the pygmy cory birth rate: 3 of the larger fry have matured into fish, I don't know what happened to the rest of them  :( and yesterday I spotted another really teeny tiny fry.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 20, 2016, 12:38:13 PM
Fiona, your tanks sound awesome. I can't wait to find out if you have a tankful of little croakers.
And more pygmy cory fry as well, amazing.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 20, 2016, 12:52:49 PM
There's always pygmy cory eggs in the tank, I've got 3 females and they seem to take it in turns to spawn, thank goodness all the fry don't make it to adulthood.

The croakers are a lot prettier than the sparklers, although they looked completely unimpressive in the shop as they were mainly white.

I've just discovered I can hear the croaking from the kitchen in the front room over Bargain Hunt on the tv!!!!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 20, 2016, 12:55:22 PM
just been in the kitchen and the tank lid was closed too. I wonder if they've croaked in the past but because I didnt know the noise they made I never connected it to fish when I've heard it iykwim
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 20, 2016, 01:18:39 PM
More than likely.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 20, 2016, 01:40:58 PM
Wow - those pics, @Littlefish - I think we should do a house swap for a week, and, while I'm enjoying and maintaining your tanks, you can work out where/how to install more fishtanks here and have them all set up and ready for my return. ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 20, 2016, 04:01:28 PM
Where there's a will (a tool box and some other bits and pieces) there's a way.  ;D

Don't forget, I've also got rid of several book cases, the corner tv stand, and a lot of dvds.  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 20, 2016, 07:11:34 PM
The male croaker has built another bubble nest, I don't know if there's eggs in there but what I do know is that the female is looking a bit tatty  :(, her tail is missing bits
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 20, 2016, 07:28:11 PM
Fish enjoying their new live floating plants. :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 21, 2016, 08:24:21 AM
@Fiona - poor female croaker, that sounds quite unpleasant, I hope that she heals well  :(

@fcmc - glad to hear that your gang are enjoying their newest plant additions.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 21, 2016, 01:08:20 PM
I think there's definitely some eggs in the bubble nest, the male is watching it like a hawk. I'm going to remove the fry this time and see if I can grow them on.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 25, 2016, 02:33:06 PM
The female is looking much better Donna. I've noticed if he tries to chase her off now she rolls onto her side, a bit like a dog submitting, once she does that he swims away happily.

Does anyone think it would be ok to siphon the fry into a jug to transfer them to the fry tank? I'm not sure how else I can get them out.

Also in terms of temperature, the tank they're all in at the mo has a average temp of 22-23C, do you think I actually need to use a heater in the fry tank I'm setting up? I do have a small one spare.

I've also ordered a sponge filter which should arrive Wednesday or Thursday, will it be ok to move them before it arrives? I ask because I'm not altogether sure they'd produce enough waste atm to spoil water quality.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 25, 2016, 02:49:03 PM
Males! Huh, do a bit of baby sitting and they think they own the world.  ::)   ;D

Glad to hear that the female is looking a bit better and he is leaving her alone if she acts a certain way.
The fry situations sounds quite complicated, best of luck with that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 25, 2016, 04:00:38 PM
Males! Huh, do a bit of baby sitting and they think they own the world.  ::)   ;D
:rotfl: yeah!

Glad to hear that the female is looking a bit better and he is leaving her alone if she acts a certain way.
The fry situations sounds quite complicated, best of luck with that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.  :)

I'm so desperate to have a colony of croakers, I've really fallen in love with them, they're very characterful and it's a bit like having a tank of bettas in some way. The female comes and takes food from the tweezers when I put blood worm in.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 25, 2016, 04:26:00 PM
Well it's definitely not a fluke....the female croaker just picked up another baby and spat it into the area around where the bubble nest was. That said he's still not happy about it and chases her away
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 25, 2016, 04:41:12 PM
They sound as if they have a lot of character, which is always a positive.  ;D

I've just been moving things around and putting some more plants/bulbs into the puffer tank. That will keep them entertained for a while.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on July 25, 2016, 05:02:57 PM
DPs do love new things  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 27, 2016, 12:44:27 PM
Some of the 4 big harlies think they're in charge, chasing anyone who comes within their vicinity round the tank and depositing them in certain places eg the 2 little harlies up into the floating plants and the tetras into the corners beside the filters.

I've lost count of how many times I've done this :isay: over the past few days and I could almost swear that the harlies are giving me an indignant stare back on each occasion.

On other matters, the tetras' mating behaviour round the tank, up and down and round the filters (and including knocking a filter off the wall) lead me to believe that's how the tetra ended up in the location it ended up in a couple of weeks ago - it would certainly account for why the filter had slipped down the wall during that afternoon, and I find it difficult to believe it happened during tank cleaning when they usually shoal up together away from the walls. [I suspect it was still trapped there when I cleaned the tank but somehow hidden from view, and, in removing and reinserting the filter sponges, and sliding the filter and its bracket higher up in the tank, I probably worsened the situation, ultimately inadvertently killing the poor fish.]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 30, 2016, 11:51:58 AM
I've been noticing that my 2 female tetras, now both similarly obese/egg-laden, have become firm friends and enjoy swimming widths with one another and improving their synchronised swimming skills. What I've noticed this morning is that when one stops and shimmies, the other one shimmies up one side of her, circles round the front of her nose, and shimmies down the other side or immediately over the top of her or under her tail. Both seem to take turns in doing this with one another, sending any of the males that come close out of their way. I wonder if I actually have a same-sex pairing/couple in the tank...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 30, 2016, 02:51:33 PM
@fcmf congratulations on having the world's most PC tank.  ;)

Hope you're hanging out the rainbow flags.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 30, 2016, 03:11:28 PM
I am rather proud of the tank for how PC it is. International relations (South American and Asian) good too. Quite a mix of who's in charge at different times - sometimes females, sometimes males.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 31, 2016, 07:17:34 AM
 :o  :rotfl:

I must admit my two female rams are showing more and more male signs as they grow older and have even attempted to breed with one another before now...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 31, 2016, 08:16:00 AM
It happens to single females as they get older.  :)
My carpentry, plumbing, general DIY and gardening skills are good enought to get me by under most circumstances.
My cooking skills are barely acceptable, my baking skills are not as good as when I was 10 years old.

I draw the line at trying to breed with my best friend though  :sick:  and I'm sure that she would not be offended by that.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on July 31, 2016, 09:38:50 AM
I draw the line at trying to breed with my best friend though  :sick:  and I'm sure that she would not be offended by that.

My best pal would be a bit surprised of I tried it.

And his wife...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 31, 2016, 09:55:58 AM
 :rotfl: This thread has raised a few chuckles this morning.

The 3 male tetras have been chasing one of the females this morning - a bit of a "commotion" as all 4 were frolicking behind the filter which knocked it off the glass again. I'm now 99.99% certain that it was during one of these "episodes" that the poor tetra got stuck a few weeks ago behind the other filter with the stronger suction pads.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on August 02, 2016, 11:28:56 AM
It happens to single females as they get older.  :)
My carpentry, plumbing, general DIY and gardening skills are good enought to get me by under most circumstances

 :cheers: indeed it does and I shall be teaching my son how to hang wallpaper this weekend if I can escape for a couple of hours.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 02, 2016, 04:07:43 PM
I always say that my elder son (the one studying to be an electrician) learned his diy skills from his mother. I remember when the children were both small, my husband decided to do some diy. What are you doing, they asked, using Mummy's drill?
In my case, it's not getting diy skills as I get older, they've always been there  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 02, 2016, 07:11:58 PM
What are you doing, they asked, using Mummy's drill?


Awesome.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 06, 2016, 01:45:02 PM
One of the two very obese female tetras has a mark on her side - either it's an injury / damaged scale or something is bursting through her side - difficult to tell exactly what it is and would be impossible to capture in a photograph with my limited photo skills, so I'll just have to keep a close eye on her. All are in good form, despite their hatred of the weekly water change.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 06, 2016, 01:55:30 PM
I hope that everything is ok with your tetra. Perhaps it's just a minor injury and will heal soon.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 07, 2016, 12:06:59 PM
I hope that everything is ok with your tetra. Perhaps it's just a minor injury and will heal soon.
Thanks, @Littlefish. It looked more like something was bursting through her side yesterday but more like a minor injury / damaged couple of scales today. I think it's all this synchronised swimming with the other female that's probably caused it. All seems well and happy in the tank, though - everyone is coloured up beautifully and I seem to have got the plant arrangements positioned and tilted spot-on correctly this week that's making for a healthy looking, lively yet peaceful tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on August 07, 2016, 12:46:37 PM
All seems well and happy in the tank, though - everyone is coloured up beautifully and I seem to have got the plant arrangements positioned and tilted spot-on correctly this week that's making for a healthy looking, lively yet peaceful tank.

That definitely calls for a piccie! C'mon, you know the rules! :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 08, 2016, 10:36:01 PM
Photos doing it no justice whatsoever but will follow once I can get a semi-decent one.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on August 09, 2016, 12:09:08 PM
I'm struggling to control the nitrites in the fry tank using seachem prime for some reason. It says on the bottle its safe to use up to 5 times the normal dose if nitrites are high but even with 5 times the dose I'm still getting a positive reading. I'm using it because the sponge filter I bought didnt have anywhere to add mature media.

I'm going to make a sponge filter I've seen on you tube out of a plastic bottle and nick some mature media out of the other tanks so hopefully it shouldn't be a problem after thats up and running but I mystified why seachem prime isn't doing the job...unless I'm doing something wrong
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 12, 2016, 09:37:13 PM
@Fiona: looking at the Seachem Prime details, it seems to make a distinction between what it reduces levels of (chlorine, chloramine) and what it detoxifies (ammonia, nitrates, nitrites).

I'm suffering from my weekly "guilt" feeling, having done a water change which renders the tetras' bodies, fins and tails ghostly pale. It's a couple of hours since it was completed and they're only now starting to move about a little rather than cowering in a huddle together.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on August 12, 2016, 10:32:31 PM
yup I did @fcmf

I'm dosing at x5normal dosage because there's a cycling filter in there, the mature media doesn't seem be having much effect. Ho hum I'd like some way to calculate the dosage as it all seems to be a bit hit and miss. That said it's a bit weird as tests initially showing nitrites, if left a few hours, show zero nitrites,there's always zero ammonia.

The important thing I suppose is that I have 8-11 healthy and growing fry. It's bit hard to tell the exact amount as they're very good at hiding but yesterday I counted 8 and today 11.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 13, 2016, 07:00:05 AM
Congratulations on your various amounts of little croakers.  :cheers:
It must be boardering on impossible to get an accurate figure as they are tiny, moving and hiding. I'm also fairly certain that they are totally adorable because it's always exciting to have little ones and watch them grow up. I can't wait to see some pictures.
Best of luck with the water parameters inthe tank. It must be quite a frustrating situation.
Come on bacteria, sort yourselves out! ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 13, 2016, 08:32:24 AM
Congrats on the fry, @Fiona - you seem to do well on that side of things, so conditions/water must be favourable. Hopefully, even if the nitrites are being made less toxic by the Prime, you'll get their levels reduced very soon.

I positioned the laptop in front of the fishtank, to let the fish see humans swimming (in the Olympics) - there was a little bit of intrigue (probably at the bright colours on the screen) followed by a seemingly unimpressed decision to resume their business.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on August 13, 2016, 04:31:56 PM
One of my male Cherry Barbs turned up his little fishy toes over night. I've had the Cherry barbs since Dec 2012, so I suppose that makes him (and the others) the best part of 4 years old... so not too bad, I suppose. But still... :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 13, 2016, 05:11:08 PM
Sorry to read of this, @ColinB - always sad, irrespective of age or circumstances. :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 13, 2016, 06:16:43 PM
@ColinB sorry to hear about your cherry barb.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 13, 2016, 08:58:46 PM
My fish news is somewhat negative.
Mark from the fish shop phoned this afternoon to say that had some of the fish I want but not all of them. Unfortunately the missing ones are those I want large shoals of and the ones they have are those I only want a few of. I can't get the few as I won't be able to dose ammonia and in the two to three weeks it'll take to get the big shoals in I'll lose a lot of bacteria.
Mark has been on holiday and I do wonder if the fish I wanted weren't ordered in his absence. He says he'll order them this week for delivery at the end of the week after.
I've waited 2 months so another couple of weeks won't seem too long. If I can't get the fish I want, I'll have to do a rethink.




I asked for 15 purple harlequin rasboras (a colour morph of standard harlequins), 15 Daisy's ricefish (Oryzias woworae), 4 peacock gobies/gudgeons (1 m 3 f) and half a dozen of whatever stiphodons they can get - they had some red neon stiphs arrive yesterday, whatever species those are.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 13, 2016, 11:14:46 PM
Sorry to hear about this, @Sue. :( While it might be possible to get some fish now and possibly have a second fishless cycle going with some of the newly cycled media provided that you had a spare filter and tank/tub for this purpose, taking all into account, it does seem like it's best to wait to see if you can get all of the fish you want or have a rethink if not.

I recall that, when I ordered in baby panda cories, staff were expecting those to turn up in the delivery as that's what had been ordered but discovered that they'd been substituted with the next nearest equivalent - pygmy cories - as there mustn't have been any baby panda cories available at that point in time. Perhaps this sort of situation happens quite often.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 14, 2016, 06:08:08 AM
@Sue that's a very frustrating and disappointing situation to find yourself in.
That's a lovely list of fish, and you've waited such a long time for them.  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 14, 2016, 09:04:52 AM
I know that some fish are seasonal, mainly wild caught. Purple (aka black and midnight) harlequins are farm bred to get that colour so it might just be a question of supply and demand for them. The shop gets peacock gudgeons and stiphodons in regularly, and if necessary they can be added later as I only want a few of those. The one I don't know is the ricefish. I have had these from this shop before but I can't remember what time of year and as my husband is busy painting the bedroom door fame I can't go and get my notebook.


To be honest, it's probably a good thing they haven't come yet. We've had a busy few weeks and there's more to come. It should all be finished before the fish arrive so I'll have time to spend with them. The last few days I haven't even turned my lap top on till after 8 in the evening  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 14, 2016, 12:14:19 PM
I've done a water change on the fishless 180 litre as I've not done one since 29 July. For a tank that has only wood, plants and pest snails (both tiny ramshorns and 'pond' snails) the sand was rather mucky. I used to blame it all on the fish :-\  14 x 7.5 litre buckets clean water later, the tank looks much better.

I am adding 3ppm ammonia every 3 days. Nitrate will be building up but I have no idea how much as I don't have a nitrate tester. Since my pH has been dropping, it must be quite high. I was intending to do a 95 to 100% water change the day before I went for the fish to remove both nitrate and the bicarb I've added for the pH but as that's now on hold, I thought I'd better do something. The new plan is a water change twice a week which should get rid of the bicarb and replace it with the small amount of KH in my tap water, and also remove a lot of nitrate.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 14, 2016, 01:54:09 PM
Snails poop like there is no tomorrow.
I've got ramshorns and pond snails in a tank for feeding to the puffers and they can make an enormous amount of mess.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 14, 2016, 04:08:38 PM
Snails poop like there is no tomorrow.
I've got ramshorns and pond snails in a tank for feeding to the puffers and they can make an enormous amount of mess.
I did think tropicals produce very little in comparison with goldfish whose entire wellbeing seemed to be concentrated around their pooing habits. However, the two massive female tetras have been reaching new echelons on the pooing side of things lately, not helped by the fact they're ingesting a lot of sand lately and so the resultant poo is strewn with grains of this. [Sorry - hope no-one is reading this while eating. :sick:]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on August 15, 2016, 11:39:20 AM
Once I'm back home  (roll on Thursday night) I'll borrow my son's phone and see if I can get a piccy, there's one that's just large enough to see it's dark colouration developing, hopefully they'll be big enough to capture now. They seem to be totally ignoring the decapsulated brine shrimp eggs but they must be eating cos you can see teeny poops coming out their rear end. Using the liquifry has caused this weird white film to grow on the glass and plants and I suspect they're eating that, whatever it is.

I'll also try and get a piccy of the baby pygmy cories 3 of which are not that small anymore, one of them is definitely male as he's joined in with the mating fracas that's started again. There were eggs all over the tank again yesterday  ::)

Soory about the barb Coln, it's always sad to loose a fish even when you know it's had a good long life.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 15, 2016, 07:36:58 PM
I was midway through working today when I got distracted by something moving at a fast pace up the front of the tank glass. Since the arrival of one of the batches of plants, I've noticed a baby snail every week during the water change but which I've discarded to avoid an infestation and given the heebie-jeebies I'd get if I were to find one decimating a dying/dead fish or were to find a partial dead fish.

However, this afternoon, this chap - now named Usain Bolt due to his speed and so likely to become a permanent tank resident now that he's been named - has been out in full force. [Ironically, I focus on trying to take a non-blurred photo of a snail and, inadvertently, I manage to capture probably my best pic yet of an x-ray tetra!]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on August 17, 2016, 01:51:13 PM
Lts hope he doesnt prove to be a Usainina  :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 17, 2016, 01:57:31 PM
Lts hope he doesnt prove to be a Usainina  :))

I've googled this to no avail - help!  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on August 17, 2016, 02:57:03 PM
You'll have to wait for a bolt from the blue, Matt. ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 17, 2016, 06:50:19 PM
You'll have to wait for a bolt from the blue, Matt. ;)
  :rotfl:

Reading http://www.ots.ac.cr/rbt/attachments/suppls/sup51-1%20Physidae/Physidae%20Information.pdf, can someone with some knowledge of biology confirm for me that Usain could indeed be Usainina as well? If so, I think I'll remove him & her ASAP into their own tank!




Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 17, 2016, 07:47:31 PM
I was under the impression that they had girl bits and boy bits, but could not reproduce on their own, and needed two to tango.  ;)
I am prepared to be completely incorrect though.
Also don't be surprised if you find others hiding in your tank somewhere. They can be elusive little things.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 17, 2016, 08:49:52 PM
That's the problem with pest snails - they are pests because they are sneaky little so and so's and when you think you have just one, that's the one you can see. There are plenty more in hiding waiting to make lots of new baby pest snails.
If you ever see a small curved bit of clear jelly with specks inside attached to the glass, decor etc, that's snail eggs.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 17, 2016, 10:43:49 PM
I suspect you're right, both. I had been removing one teeny-weeny one per week over the past few weeks. This one (?) is quite a bit bigger, so I expect (s)he'd escaped my notice, hence reaching this size. While I feel confident that it's the same one, I expect the others are in their hiding places. All tank sides have been frequented by the snail(s) over the past few days, and (s)he's now on the substrate. The fish actually seem quite wary as they're not in their usual sleeping location.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 18, 2016, 08:55:18 AM
Who's been eating chunks of Amazonian frogbit overnight?! Usain(ina) Bolt is going to be removed today if I can track him/her down.

Updated: he's been moved into the QT. Not sure he seems too happy in there - moving much more slowly - but it gives me better peace of mind.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on August 21, 2016, 01:23:52 PM
Pest snails in the shrimpery completely decimated my amazonian frogbit. The newly hatched snails are so small they eat their way into the spongy leaves of the frogbit and chomp away from the inside. The alternanthera is looking decidedly tatty too. I've found a juvenile assassin snail and lobbed that in, hopefully when it's bigger it'll do the job and it's too small to have mated so no assassin eggs in there either :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 21, 2016, 08:18:49 PM
What a coincidence... I bought a single assassin snail today after seeing how many Malaysian trumpet snails there were one night and getting a bit freaked out...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 21, 2016, 10:45:45 PM
I couldn't bear the thought of some animals eating others (eg assassin snails) so instead have rehomed Usain to a pond where I hope he'll be very happy. I don't want to think about what else might be living in the pond but I'm convincing myself that he's leading a happy life among the plants and that there are no carnivorous/omnivorous pondmates around.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on August 22, 2016, 02:25:54 PM
I generally crush the ones in the shrimpery if i spot them, the pygmy cories get all excited when they find one. The assassin is most welcome to them. I don't mind the snails I add myself but pest snails are plant eating menaces and I have as much sympathy for them as I do any snails I find in the garden.

News on my pygmies is I noticed one of the large females has developed a bit of a fungal infection along her back, she's probably worn herself out with all the egg laying bless her. So I've dosed the shrimpery with some eSHa 2000, hopefully it'll do the trick.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 22, 2016, 07:11:26 PM
I generally crush the ones in the shrimpery if i spot them, the pygmy cories get all excited when they find one. The assassin is most welcome to them. I don't mind the snails I add myself but pest snails are plant eating menaces and I have as much sympathy for them as I do any snails I find in the garden.
:yikes: - argh, that's enough... tell me no more! I inadvertently killed a snail outside the block of flats at the weekend, then spent the next half hour berating myself. Think that's probably enough proof for me that I'd not make a good keeper of dwarf puffer fish, aside from my water being too soft.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on August 24, 2016, 04:52:24 PM
I think I need a strategy for controlling my population of MTS... They have completely taken over, there is hardly an area of the substrate I can't see any snails on... I have worked out that they come out in their droves around lunchtime and cling to all the decor. Today I lifted the wee castle and Olaf out of the tank and removed more than EIGHTY snails from them. They have been dumped in the large pickle jar I've been using as an algae farm to grow algae on rocks...

If I do this daily for my four days off I will bring the population down a good bit but what do I do with the snails I remove?They won't all go in the algae jar... However there is a burn (small river to the non-Scots) at the back of my house... What are peoples thoughts on adding Malaysian Trumpet Snails to the outside world...??
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on August 24, 2016, 05:05:13 PM
What are peoples thoughts on adding Malaysian Trumpet Snails to the outside world...??

This (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37165712), I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on August 24, 2016, 05:10:01 PM
What are peoples thoughts on adding Malaysian Trumpet Snails to the outside world...??

This (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37165712), I'm afraid.

Yeah that is my main concern... Given how quickly they can multiply... There are a few sellers on Gumtree, which was one thing I was considering. I may have to get an assassin snail or two I fear. Unlike fcmf, I am not so squeamish about observing the food chain in action in my aquarium...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on August 26, 2016, 05:25:38 PM
A picture paints a thousand words so I'm leaving this here for now...  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

(http://i.imgur.com/E2OG2HV.jpg)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 26, 2016, 06:50:52 PM
Beautiful.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 26, 2016, 08:00:04 PM
Oooooooooooooh, what an exciting day in Thinkfish Land, between Littlefish's updates and now this!  Are they from the new LFS? 
:fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 26, 2016, 08:03:53 PM
Yey rams are my favourite  ;D

Are these electric blues? They are more silver than I have seen previously but might just need some settling in time.

Have you managed to sex them at all?  They look quite young.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on August 27, 2016, 12:16:57 AM
Oooooooooooooh, what an exciting day in Thinkfish Land, between Littlefish's updates and now this!  Are they from the new LFS? 
:fishy1:

Yes they are. The new LFS is offering 20% off all livestock from Friday til Monday so I took the opportunity. I've always wanted blue rams since I started my community. 4 months down the line my Aquarium may not be mature but it is rock solid as far as the water readings are concerned. So I wanted to introduce them before the other fish get much bigger. They are gorgeous fish and they have settled in ok so far. I'll give you a more comprehensive update tomorrow  ;)

Yey rams are my favourite  ;D

Are these electric blues? They are more silver than I have seen previously but might just need some settling in time.

Have you managed to sex them at all?  They look quite young.

You are spot on, Matt. They coloured up fairly quickly after introducing them to the community. I did my best to sex them based on their bodyshape, dorsal fins and one of them had a more pinkish belly so given their very young age I've done my best. I hand picked them so no real comebacks far as rejecting themselves. Fingers crossed I'm right  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 27, 2016, 07:25:39 AM
I'm trying to remember if you've got any flat rocks in your aquarium paddy? (Round rocks with a flat bit will do!) Ive also found caves work well.  They use these for breeding so this might be worth considering further down the line.

Look at me jumping ahead to them breeding when you've only just introduced them... I shall try and act my age and get less excited from now on...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 27, 2016, 07:41:58 AM
@Matt we all get excited, they are beautiful fish. No need to try to be less excited, that will make the rest of us look strange.  :rotfl:
As for breeding, whether our fish are encouraged or not (yes peppered cory, I'm looking at you), seeing little ones and watching them grow up is a wonderful experience, and possibly something that everyone should do at least once (tank/space permitting). :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on August 27, 2016, 08:09:34 AM
ooo - those are nice rams. Good choice.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 27, 2016, 01:55:54 PM
Ended up doing the weekly water change this morn rather than yesterday eve. Hmmm - took 3 hours for the heater to switch itself off, and the tetras are only now resuming their normal colours. Think the water temperature must have dropped considerably, not helped by the water change ending up being 50% as I was so thorough with the siphoning procedure today. Note to self: top up new water with some hot water from now on.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 27, 2016, 05:31:38 PM
I HAVE FISH!!!!!  ;D


I did a big water change this morning (90 litres) then phoned the shop. I think there was a bit of miscommunication (my fault) as Mark was trying to locate purple harlequins while the wholesaler listed black harlequins. I forgot to mention these fish go by the names black, purple, midnight and even royal harlequins. But after I asked him to get them, I changed my mind and decided that natural coloured ones would most likely be healthier as they will be less inbred.

So I have come home with Hengel's rasboras (Trigonostigma hengeli), Daisy's ricefish (Oryzias woworae), 4 x peacock gudgeons (Tateurndina ocellicauda) and 2 x indie blue stiphodons (exact species not known) They are currently acclimating, and I'll count them into the tank to see how many of the big shoals I actually have. I already know that one of the ricefish is actually a Boraras maculatus as they were both in the same tank and as I have 2 survivors of those in the 50 litre tank, it will go in there. And they only had two stiphs, I'll have to wait till they get more in.


Pics once they've settled in.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 27, 2016, 05:37:27 PM
Wow, @Sue - this long-awaited news is absolutely fantastic! This is so exciting - very many congratulations. [My goodness - it's like gold medals on Thinkfish this w/end, with people's achievements and acquisitions. :)]

So much looking forward to seeing the pics.

 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 27, 2016, 07:52:43 PM
Fantastic news Sue. I'm so pleased for you.  ;D
What a beautiful collection of fish species, I'm really looking forward to seeing lots of piccies.
Many congratulations.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 27, 2016, 08:05:03 PM
I acclimatised the fish around cooking and eating dinner, then put them all in the tank. I paid for 15 rasboras and 15 ricefish; I counted in 18 of each, plus the boraras that sneaked into the ricefish bag, so a total of 37 fish instead of 30. Of course, I could have lost count  ??? Hopefully I'll end up with around 15 of each as I find that with these tiny fish, not all of them make it.

They are all very small at the moment, and I couldn't tell the genders of the peacock gudgeons so I'm keeping my fingers crossed with them that I don't have too many males - they all look female but you never know with young fish.
They are going to order more "indie blue" stiphodons and because they are such a pain to catch they'll ring me as soon as they arrive and keep them in the bag till I collect another four. They did have some "red neon" gobies but besides being very ugly they were £12.95 each  :o I wouldn't pay that much for fish I didn't like the looks of, but someone will think they are cute.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 27, 2016, 08:15:16 PM
Extra fish, what a bargain.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 27, 2016, 08:27:55 PM
Congrats sue - exciting times, I hope they all settle in smoothly as I'm sure they will given your encyclopedic knowledge of all things fish!

For the second time I went in search of otocinclus today and my LFS (MA) had sold out AGAIN!!!  >:(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 27, 2016, 08:35:14 PM
I acclimatised the fish around cooking and eating dinner
Heart-stopping moment when I read that.:yikes: 'Fish', 'cooking' and 'dinner' should never feature in the one sentence, at least as far as I'm concerned. Calming down now. :rotfl:

@Matt, hopefully they can order/reserve some otocinclus/otocincli for you next time round?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 27, 2016, 08:42:41 PM
I wondered that too though as the sum total of my purchase is going to be 1 oto and 2 neons, I feel bad making them order/reserve it especially when ill be spending so little with them  :(

Maybe it's time to change my substrate to sand to add more to the order... or just upgrade the tank...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 27, 2016, 08:44:17 PM
At least it wasn't fish on the menu tonight, that was last night's dinner  ;D




I've just been entering my new fish in the CC, substituting slender harleqins for the hengelis, Axelrods rasboras for the ricefish and otos for the stiphodons. It says I'm 55% stocked. With the tank lights out, those 36 x 1 cm long baby fish make the tank look full after two and a half months of no fish.
And why do I have to get fish that aren't in the profiles? The only ones there are the gudgeons......
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 27, 2016, 09:01:06 PM
55% stocked, that leaves plenty of room for more.  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 27, 2016, 09:09:06 PM
Are referring to more tanks or more fish? Sometimes it's hard to tell @Littlefish  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 27, 2016, 10:26:59 PM
@Matt - I'm sure you could always ask when they are due to have more of each in, and/or if, next time they have otocinclus/i and neons in stock, would it be possible to reserve 1 and 2 respectively. I've definitely seen signs on tanks in my MA that say "2 reserved" or such like. My experience is that they've always been happy to help even if a fairly new customer.

Are referring to more tanks or more fish? Sometimes it's hard to tell @Littlefish  :rotfl:
Indeed!  :rotfl:

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on August 27, 2016, 10:39:34 PM
Congratulations on the new fish Sue, we are most excited to see them in a pic soon  ;)

Wee update on my Electric Blue Rams... They seem to be coping well in their new home. They seem to spend an equal amount of time exploring solo and swimming as a pair... They have definitely managed to grab some food among the frenzy of the other shoals who know exactly what is coming and when.

Feeding time has been quite interesting as I am now using a mix of flake and micro-pellets. I chose to do this since the rams had been fed on flake in the LFS and I just simply had to buy a wee pot of flake in case they didn't like the pellets. So I've been feeding less pellets than normal then taking a half cup of tank water and adding some finely crushed flake to it until it submerges, then aiming and pouring it down towards the rams. They have rarely been up past the mid-point of the tank so doing this ensured they managed to get some grub. The other fish saw the flake descending and it looked like they kinda went "Uh, what the hell...???" But then quickly cottoned on that it was food and proceeded to decimate it before it could even reach the bottom third of the tank  :rotfl:

Today though, they were holding their own very well at evening feed (i've done two half-feeds today instead of two full feeds so basically still a half-day ration) and managed to grab some pellets and they looked to enjoy them  :D

Off now to add a few algae wafers for the plec now the lights have been off for a while. Buenos noches, amigos  :afro
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 27, 2016, 10:49:59 PM
Great update @Paddyc glad to hear it didn't take the rams long to settle in enough to get their food.

@Matt and @fcmf fair point.  :rotfl:
I'm quite pleased with myself today as I moved 3 of the 70L tanks out of the living room.   :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 28, 2016, 07:55:55 AM
@Paddyc I would recommend splitting the algea wafers into 2 as the rams will also go nuts for them (they're omnivorous and so need a bit in their diet). This will avoid any tank bottom arguments  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on August 28, 2016, 09:14:12 AM
@Paddyc I would recommend splitting the algea wafers into 2 as the rams will also go nuts for them (they're omnivorous and so need a bit in their diet). This will avoid any tank bottom arguments  :cheers:

I always break them up as the cherry barbs also like to have a munch on them. I spread the fragments around to reduce the need for conflict. I'm worried about the plec and if it has enough food now that I have an overgrown Colony of MTS... I will definitely be installing an Assassin Snail next week.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 28, 2016, 10:18:48 AM
The Bolivian rams I had a few years ago were reluctant feeders at first - I had to buy some sinking tablets to get them to eat. But before long they were feeding at the surface along with the other fish  :o




It's such a dismal day that I can't see into the tank properly, and with 2 lots of 18 a head count is impossible anyway. Once the light comes on a lunchtime I'll be able to search the bottom of the tank for any casualties, which I always expect with tiny fish.
On the plus side, I have zero ammonia and nitrite this morning. I was a bit concerned as nitrite never dropped to zero in 24 hours after adding 3 ppm ammonia, it was taking ~30 hours.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 28, 2016, 10:54:08 AM
I have just revised my CC list as I decided that Alexrod's rasboras were a bit too small to stand in for the rice fish. I've used glowlight tetras instead which takes the stocking to 63%. Maybe room for a few more fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 28, 2016, 11:18:32 AM
Maybe room for a few more fish.
Music to everyone's ears. The developments in your tank are great. ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 28, 2016, 11:28:36 AM
Room for more fish - awesome. Can't wait to hear and see what you get.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 28, 2016, 11:38:26 AM
The next addition will be 4 more stiphodons when the shop gets some more in. And if all four gudgeons turn out to be females, I'll need at least one, maybe two males. That would take me to 72%, or 75% depending if I got 1 or 2 more gudgeons.
That's a bit much for another species, so maybe a few more of the ones I already have.

I would love a trio of honey gouramis but with two internals, which allow me to use 'oversized internal' in the CC, the current is a bit strong for them. If I remove one internal, that means 'internal' instead of 'oversized internal' and the extra stiphs would put me at 89%. Decisions, decisions  :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 28, 2016, 04:57:26 PM
Here are a couple of photos of some small, nervous fish settling in.

The first is a few Hengel's rasboras (Trigonostigma hengeli) and ricefish (supposedly Oryzias woworae, though they haven't coloured up yet). Please excuse the snail poo on the sand  :-[

The second is one of the peacock gudgeons (Tateurndina ocellicauda) and one of the two stiphodons, species not know (sold as 'indie blue'). Yes there are rubber bands on the piece of wood as the plant has refused to attach itself so far.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on August 28, 2016, 05:51:33 PM
Wow - exciting times at ThinkFish Towers. Congrats to one and all!

We've got a couple of eggs from our new chickens... which is equally exciting for us. That's breakfast sorted tomorrow morning. :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on August 28, 2016, 09:04:23 PM
Great pics Sue, I'm sure in a week or so's time they will be ruling the roost.

Speaking of roost, that's great you've got fresh eggs Colin, nothing beats a fresh egg out the hen for brekky  8)

It seems I might not need an Assassin Snail in my battle with the MTS... There were over a hundred of them all clumped around one of the algae wafers I dropped on last night so one swift scoop with the net has dramatically thwarted their aim to overthrow my tank.

Paddy 1
MTS snails 0

Hurrah!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 28, 2016, 11:50:16 PM
@Sue lovely fish. You have a great mix of species in the tank. I have a soft spot for the stiphodons as they have such cute little faces. I hope that we will see lots of pictures of the fish as they settle in.  :cheers:

@ColinB Yummy. I hpe that you enjoy your breakfast.

@Paddyc you may have won the battle, but not the war. Those little buggers are in it for the long term. Good to know the algae wafer & net works quite well though.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 29, 2016, 09:42:24 AM
Take a jar with a screw top lid. Punch holes in the lid from the outside so the spikes this leaves point into the jar. The holes should be big enough for the snails to get through but small enough so the fish can't get in. Place the snails' favourite food inside the jar, place in the tank just before going to bed and next morning it will hopefully be full of snails that can find their way in but can't get out again thanks to those spikes.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on August 29, 2016, 09:46:30 AM
Take a jar with a screw top lid. Punch holes in the lid from the outside so the spikes this leaves point into the jar. The holes should be big enough for the snails to get through but small enough so the fish can't get in. Place the snails' favourite food inside the jar, place in the tank just before going to bed and next morning it will hopefully be full of snails that can find their way in but can't get out again thanks to those spikes.

 :cheers:

Sue, bloody genius! I'm doing this TONIGHT  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 29, 2016, 10:01:51 AM
I'm afraid I can't take credit for this. I read it somewhere so long ago that I've forgotten where  :-[ It might even have been on the old incarnation of Thinkfish!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 29, 2016, 02:41:54 PM
I hate it when I can't account for a fish. This morning I found the body of one of the gudgeons, I'm not very surprised as one was behaving a bit oddly yesterday. But I could only find 2  more and I put 4 in the tank. I've just moved 5 nerites from their temporary home in the 50 litre into the 180 so I used the opportunity to lift all the decor and look underneath. Nothing. Washed my hands and came back to see if the snails were coming out of their shells, and I can now see 3 gudgeons. I'm sure they do this on purpose  >:(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 29, 2016, 03:14:15 PM
I've lost fish whilst away on holiday and NEVER found them.  I did have an explosion of shrimp shortly after though!! I keep wondering if small bits of gravel are bones... freaky  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 29, 2016, 07:33:35 PM
Great pics, @Sue, but sorry to read that you've lost one of the gudgeons.

Hope breakfast was good, @ColinB.

Great suggestion re the snails - I read about snail traps recently but think they were referring to ones which can be bought rather than this DIY alternative.

@Matt - your comment is the ingredient/content of a nightmare; I can't bear to read of this so will block my ears/eyes (nearest emoticon to this  :raspberries).

Ordered a new plant today - water sprite. Am thinking of draping it and some of the Brazilian pennywort lower in the tank to create a carpet-like effect ie so that the sand is less bright from the lights.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 29, 2016, 07:50:59 PM
@Sue sorry to hear about your gudgeon.
I hope the rest of the gang are doing well.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 29, 2016, 08:00:23 PM
your comment is the ingredient/content of a nightmare; I can't bear to read of this so will block my ears/eyes (nearest emoticon to this  :raspberries).

I nearly put a disclaimer on that - thought it might get a few people's imaginations going...
It's definitely a thought I can't get out if my head...  :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 30, 2016, 09:15:48 AM
The rest of the fish seem to be fine. Although I have discovered that two of the rasboras don't have right eyes  :o . It is not recent injuries, there is no sign of recent damage. There is just a clean hole where the eye should be. The two fish seem to be unaware of having only one eye each, they are behaving exactly the same as the 16 with two eyes each.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on August 30, 2016, 04:03:35 PM
HEY!

Sorry to hear about your losses @Sue  and @Matt  :'(

I have decided to make my tank a catfish community and give up on breeding since dad won't let me have another tank of any kind in our house. I had 3 more whiptails for my birthday and 6 Glass Catfish! They are still very shy though. Dad gave me more plants but my catfish have uprooted them! Time to get my hands wet!

Hope you are all doing well!

Apache6467
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 30, 2016, 08:04:45 PM
@Sue strange that you mention that, I've noticed a couple of harlequins and similar with exactly the same problem when visiting two stores over the past few weeks. As you say, really doesn't seem to be a recent accident, everything looks clean & healed/healthy, and doesn't seem to impact on the behaviour of the fish. Very odd.

@apache6467 congratulations on your new catfish, and Happy Birthday. I was looking at whiptails in the LFS last Friday, they had relatively mature one who was quite a striking fella. Don't forget to post pictures, you know it's the rules.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on August 30, 2016, 08:40:15 PM
 :cheers: thanks @Littlefish.
Will do when my new phone comes in as my camera is broken on my current one.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on September 01, 2016, 11:39:53 AM
Long time no see, @apache6467  ;)  interesting to hear about your change of direction with your tank, I wish you good luck that it thrives and your fish eventually come out of their shells a bit. Thicker foliage and hiding places in the lower half of the tank will help build their confidence so it's great to hear you have got plants. @Littlefish gave some great advice on another thread that you can "reinforce" the base of your plants using small smooth pebbles so the fishies can't uproot them. No need to buy any, I'm sure nature will reward you if you look in the right places. Just don't get caught stealing aggregate from a driveway on your paper round  :rotfl:

For me it's my first day off of 4 so it's tank day  :D

60 litre water change and a change of decor. I've been having some success with my snail trap after @Sue gave me the tip to use a jar with holes in the lid. I'm off to complete the build of my custom LED light to replace the old flourescent unit. It won;t be complete for a few days but I shall make a new topic about it once it's all done. I;ve updated my own progress thread with pics of my tank/rock/blue rams/snail trap if you want a nose  8)

Hope everyone is having a lovely morning. Cup of tea raised to you all  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 01, 2016, 12:25:29 PM
Thanks for the ideas @Paddyc ! My dad recently got 2 very active bristlenose plecs so maybe I should get a couple to clean the algae.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 02, 2016, 02:20:39 PM
Methinks your 50l tank is too small for ancistrus.

BTW Sue I've got 3 stiphs that look like your one with the stripes. I never identified them unfortunately.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 03, 2016, 09:50:43 AM
Since there is no Whiptail in the cc and there are no good substitutes, I agree with @Fiona on that one. May try the cc with 5 oto's and see if that helps.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 05, 2016, 12:23:47 PM
Spotted the banded body of another little pygmy cory wiffling around in the low growing grass at the front of the shrimpery this morning :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 05, 2016, 06:17:29 PM
A new baby pygmy cory? Congratulations.  ;D  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 07, 2016, 10:49:12 AM
A new baby pygmy cory? Congratulations.  ;D  :cheers:

Yup and thankee  :cheers: It's the only survivor (might be more but until I see 2 together I'll stick to 1) from the last batch of eggs. It takes the total up to 15 now but I doubt there'll be any more for a while as the assassin snail I put in to deal with the pest snails will probably eat the eggs.

I'm a little worried that the tank might be getting a bit overfull as there are LOADS of cherry shrimp in there too. That said the nitrates are still lower than my tap water but I think I might have to shift some shrimp. How many RCS are too many I wonder?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 07, 2016, 02:01:56 PM
I'm sure I read somewhere that shrimp populations stabilise at a certain level so they don't over populate a tank. But I can't remember where I read that  :-\


I have been looking hard at my fish every day to see if any of them develop spots. Today is the 10th day after getting them and so far so good.
Yesterday I did find one of the Hengel's rasboras dead, lying on its side on an anubias leaf. There was one that didn't seem too happy and I can't find that one today so I assume it is the one that died.
On the plus side, today when I went to look at the fish as soon as the light came on at 1 pm I saw a ricefish with tiny transparent balls hanging from its anal region. Eggs  :). This (http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/oryzias-woworae/) explains the way these fish reproduce.
I now know I have at least one male and one female  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 07, 2016, 03:40:00 PM
Sorry to hear about the rasbora, but good to hear that the others are doing well.
Gosh, it didn't take your ricefish long to settle in, did it! Eggs already.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 07, 2016, 03:46:27 PM
I thought they were far too small yet = too young, but fish can always surprise us. Luckily I had read up on these fish otherwise I would have panicked when I saw these bubble things attached to the underside of the fish  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 08, 2016, 12:58:38 PM
A new baby pygmy cory? Congratulations.  ;D  :cheers:

Yup and thankee  :cheers: It's the only survivor (might be more but until I see 2 together I'll stick to 1)

Definitely 2 and possibly 3  :o

Baby ricefish forthcoming Sue?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 08, 2016, 01:48:43 PM
According to Seriously Fish, the eggs are scraped of by plants etc and take anything up to 3 weeks to hatch depending on the temperature. SF comments that adult rice fish ignore eggs but predate free swimming fry. And I've got the rasboras and gudgeons in there as well. I don't hold out much hope.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 08, 2016, 07:00:19 PM
I am sitting at the dining table using my laptop with my back to the big tank (I'd never get anything done if I watched the fish at the same time) and my husband put his head round the door, said what it was he wanted to say, then said 'why are your fish all up in that corner?'. I knew what he meant as I'd been wondering that a few minutes ago. The fish are all in the front corner next to the window, swimming upwards in formation, drifting downwards, then swimming up again. This is all the rasboras, all the rice fish and one of the gudgeons. I fed them 10 minutes ago with frozen cyclops. I just rubbed it through my fingers till it all melted in the filter outflow, so the individual cyclops were carried across the tank then down the side glass. It is almost as if the fish en masse chased after the cyclops then realised about the water flow direction and are currently enjoying a bit of surfing. I've even drawn the curtain to make sure it's not the light from the window that's attracting them and they are still at it  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 08, 2016, 11:52:48 PM
I love snippets of information like that :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 09, 2016, 10:42:04 AM
Setting up a wormery in the back garden this morning.
Although I can get earthworms from one of the LFS, and can order them online, 6 mature axolotls can eat quite a few worms in a week. I can't get the worms out of my compost bins, because of the shape of the bins they are hardly easy access, and the thought of rummaging through them is unappealing.
I ordered a wormery online, and it is for growing worms for fishing rather than composting, so all the worms are E. hortensis (dendrobaena), rather than E. foetida, which can exude a foul smelling yellow liquid when damaged and the axolots refuse to eat them. Don't blame them really.
I didn't realise worms were sucha complex subject until I got the axolotls.
Back to the garden to finish the wormery now.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on September 09, 2016, 03:31:45 PM
Interesting stuff, @Littlefish , remember the pics or we don't believe you  :cheers:

@Fiona has once again shown amazing generosity by sending me two assassin snails to help curb the population of my Malaysian Trumpet Snails. I hope they enjoy their new home, they seem to have arrived completely unschathed and indifferent to their ordeal through their delivery  8)

Pics...

(http://i.imgur.com/fIbuk5V.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/tjc1pir.jpg)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 09, 2016, 05:00:59 PM
Glad to see that your new arrivals are settling in @Paddyc I'm sure they'll have a great time with the MTS.  :)

I have not long returned from a quick trip to MA to get another 2 dwarf puffers. They are in a quarantine tank for now and will eventually end up in the main puffer tank to bring the total to 15. A girl can never have enough shoes, handbags, tanks, or dwarf puffers.  ;D
Photos to follow when they settle in.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 09, 2016, 05:23:46 PM
I have created a vid of the tanks for you to enjoy! P.S read the description  :))

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2BqzwXiRSM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2BqzwXiRSM</a>

@Littlefish here is the new fish as promised


Apache6467
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 09, 2016, 07:37:01 PM
Thanks for the vid @apache6467 I really enjoyed seeing the tank and fish.
The fella at the end looks awesome too.  8)

High five for mentioning the site as well.  :fishy1:

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 10, 2016, 01:43:36 PM
@Fiona has once again shown amazing generosity by sending me two assassin snails to help curb the population of my Malaysian Trumpet Snails. 

Glad they arrived safely and as your current plague of MTS was caused by me it was the least I could do.  ;) Let me know if they need more help and I'll send you another couple. Assassin's breed very slowly so you'll be unlikely to get over run with them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 10, 2016, 06:35:05 PM
Thanks for the vid @apache6467 I really enjoyed seeing the tank and fish.
The fella at the end looks awesome too.  8)

High five for mentioning the site as well.  :fishy1:

 :cheers:

I agree!  :cheers: @apache6467

Assassin's breed very slowly so you'll be unlikely to get over run with them.
The Apostrophe Police C:-) are on the beat and issuing a word of caution, @Fiona .  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 10, 2016, 08:13:59 PM
Assassin's breed very slowly so you'll be unlikely to get over run with them.
The Apostrophe Police C:-) are on the beat and issuing a word of caution, @Fiona .  ;)

Oops  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on September 10, 2016, 08:27:04 PM
Quick Fiona, I'll knock her hat off, you make a run for it  :raspberries
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 11, 2016, 06:51:53 AM
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 11, 2016, 07:43:49 PM
Dropped my phone in the axolotl tank whilst trying to take pictures yesterday.  :-[
It's dried out but only works for short periods of time, so not completely functional.
Possibly time to get a new phone, possibly a waterproof one.
This is the first time I've dropped a phone, so not too bothered, as long as I can download my photos (fingers crossed).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on September 11, 2016, 09:11:24 PM
Dropped my phone in the axolotl tank whilst trying to take pictures yesterday.  :-[
It's dried out but only works for short periods of time, so not completely functional.
Possibly time to get a new phone, possibly a waterproof one.
This is the first time I've dropped a phone, so not too bothered, as long as I can download my photos (fingers crossed).

Oopsie! If your pics are on removable storage is memory card then you've nothing to worry about, simply remove the card... If they are in the phones memory your best bet is to plug it into a computer and copy your photo gallery to it, hopefully before the phone powers down...

For your next phone the latest Samsung's and the Song Xperia are waterproof x
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 11, 2016, 10:46:02 PM
Dropped my phone in the axolotl tank whilst trying to take pictures yesterday.  :-[
It's dried out but only works for short periods of time, so not completely functional.
Possibly time to get a new phone, possibly a waterproof one.
This is the first time I've dropped a phone, so not too bothered, as long as I can download my photos (fingers crossed).
Not sure that this will help and you may already have tried the suggestions but the following may be of use http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/mobile-phone/how-dry-out-iphone-fix-water-damaged-smartphone-watch-tracker-7-3515240/

For your next phone the latest Samsung's and the Song Xperia are waterproof x
I think Thinkfish has a "superfluous apostrophe" bug in its system. C:-)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 12, 2016, 08:31:01 AM
Phone has been in a bowl of uncooked rice since Saturday evening. I'm also figuring that the phone store staff are used to dealing with this sort of thing, and will be able to help me get my photos even though I can't download them to my laptop because it says it doesn't recognise the device.
I don't think the axolotls were too impressed with me dropping the phone either.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on September 12, 2016, 09:38:05 AM

For your next phone the latest Samsung's and the Song Xperia are waterproof x
I think Thinkfish has a "superfluous apostrophe" bug in its system. C:-)

The phone autocorrect put it in there, I thought about removing it but decided to see if Colin or yourself would spot it and give me a caution :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on September 12, 2016, 11:41:42 AM
The phone autocorrect put it in there, I thought about removing it but decided to see if Colin or yourself would spot it and give me a caution :rotfl:

Not me, guv. I enjoy a bit of freestyle grammar! 8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on September 12, 2016, 12:45:22 PM
The phone autocorrect put it in there, I thought about removing it but decided to see if Colin or yourself would spot it and give me a caution :rotfl:

Not me, guv. I enjoy a bit of freestyle grammar! 8)

I have no idea why i thought it was you who posted the "Assassin's" apostrophe correction but i apologise, it was in fact @fcmf  C:-)

I've changed my reply from "his" to "her"
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 17, 2016, 12:14:39 PM
Having had to remove about 75% of the plants, all of which had died, all I can say is thank goodness my fishkeeping skills are vastly superior to my plantkeeping skills. Not giving up, though!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 17, 2016, 12:31:06 PM
My son just phoned me, he went to visit the famous 'Pier Aquatics' today and came away feeling less than impressed. He said they had some interesting big fish but that Crews Hill has more variety
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 17, 2016, 01:57:56 PM
Interesting. It is a few years since I went there - at least 5 as that's how long since my mother came to live with us. Back 5+ years ago they had a bigger variety of fish than I'd ever seen elsewhere. Either Crews Hill is unusually large or Pier Aq have gone downhill.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 18, 2016, 02:49:53 PM
I think it's more to do with the fact that there are a lot of fish shops there, they all stock the usual but they also all have 'unusual' stock. Unless my son was just sayig it to make me feel better  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 20, 2016, 05:07:14 PM
I finally gave in. My husband has been nagging me for years about too many tanks. I now no longer have a 50 litre tank  :'(

We are have having some alterations done to the kitchen and I will admit where he can't see it that the tank will be in the way. I have spent this afternoon emptying the tank bucket by bucket and searching for shrimps in every one. I counted everything and I have moved 7 pygmy cories, 5 Boraras brigittae, 2 Boraras maculatus and.....93 red cherry shrimps into the 180 litre tank.
I've also had a plant reshuffle. The bolbitis in the main tank tank was looking very sorry for itself after 3 months with no fish, so the wood with bolbitis from the 50 has gone into the 180. The tatty bolbitis has been removed from its wood and the best bits attached to another piece of wood. The large anubias, which refused to attach to its piece of wood, has now been fastened to the wood the bolbitis was on. And I threw away the bits of hornwort in the betta's tank and moved the wood with some hornwort in from the 50 litre.




I now have rather a lot of unwanted hornwort sitting in a bucket of water. If anyone wants some, send me a message. It is shrimp safe but cannot be guaranteed snail free.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 20, 2016, 07:08:43 PM
Time for some photos methinks Sue!!  :raspberries
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 20, 2016, 07:12:54 PM
Oh goodness - that is some news but I understand your rationale. Glad you have managed to locate everyone (and 93 red cherry shrimps - wow!) and that they're all safely in the larger tank. Looking forward to seeing some pics once the 180-litre is finally complete.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 20, 2016, 07:20:32 PM
I had been debating what else I could put in the 180, at least this has solved that dilemma  ;D The Boraras and shrimps fit in with the Asian theme but the south American cories don't. Oh well, can't always get everything 100% right. I am fully expecting the baby shrimps will be a light snack for the peacock gudgeons, if no other fish.
The shrimps ranged in size from a couple of mm to about 2 cm adults. I hate to think of how many babies I didn't find  :-\

I was in the middle of emptying the tank when the fish shop phoned to say they had just got more stiphodons and peacock gudgeons, so we'll go and collect those tomorrow. I bought the last two stiphs in the shop and needed more of the same species which is why I waited for this shop rather than going elsewhere. And the three remaining gudgeons (out of 4) are all female so I need a couple of males.


The betta is swimming round exploring all the new hornwort. He seems happy enough even if I have removed his plant pot cave. He does have more bits of wood to hide under.

I'll take some photos once the tanks have settled down a bit.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 20, 2016, 08:03:29 PM
I had been debating what else I could put in the 180, at least this has solved that dilemma  ;D The Boraras and shrimps fit in with the Asian theme but the south American cories don't.
It can be good when the decision is taken out of your hands sometimes. As for the Asian and South American fish, I'm all "for" the promotion of good international relations, and my tetra and harlies are getting on very well - increasingly, I see them inter-shoaling (eg little harlies and little tetras playing together, while the two female tetras swim laps in synchronised fashion and the bachelor gang of harlies plot or create mischief elsewhere).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 20, 2016, 09:01:31 PM
@Sue  first it was like a physical pain when I heard that you were getting rid of a tank, but then I read the part about the 93 red cherry shrimp and couldn't help chuckling. That is quite some number of shrimp.
I agree with fcmf, and as nice as it is to have everything regionally correct in your tank, sometimes you just have to mix things up and see how they get on.
Great to hear that your betta is enjoying his hornwort.
I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 20, 2016, 10:08:00 PM
I managed to rescue 3 rcs babies at my last water change but I'm not sure they escaped from my pesky rams when they were reintroduced to the tank... I must think more about doing an unfiltered unheated bowl for them, but worry that they might not survive.  It would definitely be me to blame as such if they didn't...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 21, 2016, 08:49:33 AM
It is very easy to suck up baby shrimps during a water change. I don't suck up nearly as many adults as they are strong enough to swim away from the water current, but I usually manage to suck up at least one

When I emptied the 50 litre, I removed 2 x 10 litre buckets and rescued mainly baby shrimps from those. Then I netted all the fish and the shrimps that I could see and put them into another bucket containing a few inches of tank water. Then two more buckets of water with close hoovering of the sand, and rescuing a lot more baby shrimps. I was now down to the last inch of water and finally caught the last few adults that wouldn't be sucked up, then hoovered the sand out of the tank. I then emptied the bucket with the fish and shrimps into the 180 litre and then scooped out some water back into the bucket. Finally I turned to the other two buckets, one with the filter and heater in, the other with all the plants in. I used the water from the 180 litre to rinse the sock that was over the filter, the filter itself and then I dunked and swished all the plants - and found 15 more baby shrimps.
I kept count by writing down the number of shrimps found in each bucket, and the number I caught with the net otherwise I'd have lost count.

Baby shrimps get everywhere.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 21, 2016, 12:15:31 PM
I'm very impressed you gave in Sue but can see the sense in it. My supposed QT ended up with substrate and plants but as soon as I can move my 200l I'm stripping it right down. I don't think I'll have the time for all the maintenance of so many tanks when I start uni next week.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 21, 2016, 08:03:48 PM
Have got some more fish   :)

Two peacock gudgeons, one I'm 100% certain is male, the other I'm 90% sure; four more "indie blue" stiphodons, and the last two pygmy cories in the shop bringing the number up to nine.


Hmm, I need to check with the CC.......
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 21, 2016, 09:26:54 PM
Excellent and very exciting news!   :cheers:

Let us know what the CC says...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 21, 2016, 09:28:53 PM
@Sue yeah, more fish. Such lovely ones too.  ;D
I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures of your tank.  8)

I'm quite pleased this evening as my platy in the quarantine tank is looking better already. She was still at the back of the tank, hiding behind some decor, so I was a little worried. I admit to talking to my fish, and after a few "how's my Mummy fish", and "there's a good girl", she came out of hiding and swam to the front of the tank. She's looking clearer than on Monday, and she's had some dinner, so I'm looking forward to giving her the last dose tomorrow.

If all spots are gone is it ok to move her back to the main tank on the weekend?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 22, 2016, 08:56:22 AM
I would wait for a few days after the last spot has gone just in case one 'bug' escaped being poisoned.
How are the fish in the tank she was in doing re spots? There are differing opinions on whitespot. Some say that just one bug getting into a tank will result in all the fish becoming infected; others say there are bugs in the tank at all times and it's only fish that are unable to fight them off that get infected; and a third opinion says the bugs are on the fish where we can't see them - in the gills. I haven't yet read any statement that research has conclusively proved one of these, but it may be I just haven't found it yet.


The CC is a bit awkward as only pygmy cories and peacock gudgeons are in the profiles so I've had to substitute fish. And as I'm running two filters, I've classed it as 'oversized internal'. According to the CC I have:
15 slender harlequins (for 15 hengel's rasboras)
18 glowlight tetras (for 18 ricefish)
5 peacock gudgeons
6 otocinclus (for 6 stiphodons)
9 pygmy cories
5 axelrod's rasboras (for 5 very small Boraras brigitae and 2 slightly larger B maculatus)
80 japonica shrimps (instead of 93 cherry shrimps, and they count zero towards my stocking level, thank goodness)
5 snails (apple snails instead of nerites, but they also count as zero)

This makes me 81% stocked. If I switch to internal instead of oversized, that makes 97%. I'll just do bigger or more frequent water changes  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 22, 2016, 05:02:43 PM
Thanks Sue  perhaps I'll keep her in there until next week just to be on the safe side. Currently I don't need the tank for anything else, so no need to rush her out. As for the main tank, nothing noticed yet, but keeping a close eye on all. I noticed on the esha2000 instructions it said that it can be used at a one off dose as a disinfectant for the whole tank, and that it is "well tolerated by...shrimps". Really? Has anyone ( @Sue  and @Fiona  I know I've heard you mention using esha2000 to treat) had any experience of using it on a whole tank? and especially a tank containing shrimp? Would it be a good idea to use the disinfectant dose on the temperate tanks this week, then move Mummy fish from the quarantine tank next week? Would the disinfectant dose help or could it cause any problems? Would it also be of any use in the other tanks, especially the dwarf puffer tank, would it help the fluffy growth on the wood? Any suggestions welcome, thanks.

As for your CC calculations Sue, I've always classed tanks where I'm running 2 filters as overfiltered. Often at least one of the filters is oversized even on it's own. I have no doubt that your tank will flourish whatever calculation you go with, and I'm looking forward to seeing your pics.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 22, 2016, 05:03:39 PM
I'm beginning to think that moving the fish from the 50 litre to the 180 litre wasn't a bad move. I have done a water change on the 180 this afternoon and the fish behaviour was quite interesting.

The hengel's rasboras clustered together in the corner as usual
The ricefish swam all over the tank, including dangerously near the siphon tube, as usual.

In the 50 litre, the cories and Boraras all hid in the hornwort tangle. Today they swam round the tank in their shoals (all Boraras as one shoal) and ignored what I was doing. Their behaviour was totally different in the big tank.
I keep reading that even 60 litres is small to fish, and I'm beginning to think they are right.

And the 100% sure male I got yesterday spent the entire water change displaying to a female, and pushing her into his cave with his body :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 22, 2016, 05:08:21 PM
Fantastic news Sue. Glad to hear that the fish are enjoying the larger tank, and to hear that the male is displaying is pretty awesome, even though his tactics are less than subtle.  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 22, 2016, 05:16:13 PM
Re eSHa Exit, I haven't tried using it with shrimps, but back in March I couldn't find one of my nerite snails so had to add the medication with it in the tank. I finally found it 21 hours later and removed it. It is still alive crawling around the 180 litre.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 22, 2016, 05:19:38 PM
....and to hear that the male is displaying is pretty awesome, even though his tactics are less than subtle.  :rotfl:


I've had these fish in the past so I knew what to expect. I even had them spawn in the QT last time I had them.

As SF says
Quote
Whenever a gravid female approaches the cave of a male he will flutter and flare his fins at her, and attempt to get her to enter the cave. Sometimes he even employs physical force, nudging the female in the direction of the cave entrance.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 22, 2016, 07:57:28 PM
I'm beginning to think that moving the fish from the 50 litre to the 180 litre wasn't a bad move. I have done a water change on the 180 this afternoon and the fish behaviour was quite interesting.
The hengel's rasboras clustered together in the corner as usual
The ricefish swam all over the tank, including dangerously near the siphon tube, as usual.
In the 50 litre, the cories and Boraras all hid in the hornwort tangle. Today they swam round the tank in their shoals (all Boraras as one shoal) and ignored what I was doing. Their behaviour was totally different in the big tank.
I keep reading that even 60 litres is small to fish, and I'm beginning to think they are right.
And the 100% sure male I got yesterday spent the entire water change displaying to a female, and pushing her into his cave with his body :o
This is quite fascinating - thanks for that insight.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 22, 2016, 08:11:36 PM
I have taken a few photos this evening.

A pygmy cory quite happily sitting at the front of the tank. In the 50 litre as soon as they saw me they scampered away to hide.

A piece of wood showing black brush alga and the rather pretty green alga.


And a full tank shot of the 180 litre. There are a few fish visible.
The orangey ones with black markings are the hengel's rasboras (Trigonostigma hengeli).
Right at the top, to the left of the java fern which is disappearing behind the tank lid you can see a few fish - two rasboras, a fuzzy one with blue eye rings (a ricefish, Oryzias woworae) and a pygmy cory. Yes, pygmy cories do swim off the bottom of the tank  :)
The red onion/racing track nerite is upside down on that same piece of java fern.
And near the top of the hornwort next to the filter is a cherry shrimp.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 22, 2016, 08:45:37 PM
@fcmf I'm not convinced that using that quote will get you very far with Mr fcmf if you think it will get you a 180L tank to replace your current tank, but it's worth a go.  ;)

@Sue your tank looks awesome.   8)
Your pigmy cory looks quite comfortable sitting there, and utterly adorable.
I like your green alga, it is pretty. The other algea is exactly what the wood in the puffer tank looks like. My mistake. I thought black brush alga was much darker and more tufty looking, especially after looking at some pictures on the internet.
Your full tank picture is brilliant. I saw the fish, chuckled at the upside down snail, and was very pleased when I saw the cherry shrimp. fantastic.
I live seeing pictures of everyone's tanks.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 22, 2016, 08:47:53 PM
My brilliant spelling - I meant to say that I love seeing pictures of other tanks.
 :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 22, 2016, 09:28:42 PM
@fcmf I'm not convinced that using that quote will get you very far with Mr fcmf if you think it will get you a 180L tank to replace your current tank, but it's worth a go.  ;)
@Littlefish: I do genuinely find it fascinating but - oops - you obviously saw the cogwheels in my head going 19-to-the-dozen and knew exactly what I was thinking as well.
:P

Brilliant, pics, @Sue - I thought you said you couldn't keep many plants alive... that tank looks fantastic! Also lovely to see the pygmy - I forgot how lovely they were with their tails tilted upwards like that.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 22, 2016, 10:03:09 PM
Your tank looks great @Sue.

My hornwort arrived arrived today - thank you again.  Ill be putting it into the tank on Saturday and will also post a picture. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 23, 2016, 09:28:43 AM
Thank you all for those kind words.

I thought you said you couldn't keep many plants alive...

It's plants that are rooted in the substrate I have problems with. The plants in the tank are attached to wood, except the bucephalandra bits which are on rocks and the water sprite floating at the right hand side.

@Matt, glad to hear the hornwort arrived OK. If you let it, it will grow like mad. I started with half a dozen pieces about 4 inches long. The stems will get longer and longer but can be kept under control by breaking them to the length you want.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 23, 2016, 12:44:55 PM
Why do fish make life tricky for us  :-\

I know from experience that peacock gudgeons like to spawn in very small spaces. I had put in the tank two slate boxes with 1 x 1 inch openings and one piece of narrow plastic pipe attached to a piece of slate to stop it floating. The male that was displaying to the females yesterday used the pipe and slate cave. During the water change I replaced the slate boxes with one of those plastic ornaments that looks like a pyramid shaped stack of hollow logs and a small terracotta plantpot placed upside down.

Yesterday evening after taking the photos, I noticed one male had a white spot on his side. PANIC!!!!!! Because he was lurking in the foliage, I shone a torch on him, and the spot didn't look right for whitespot, it was shiny.
The lights have just come on and the male swimming round has no sign of any spots. The other is inside one of the tubes of the hollow log pyramid and won't come out even when I shine the torch in there. But I did notice that all the tubes in this ornament have bubbles inside, and the crevices between the sections on the outside also have bubbles in them. Was the shiny spot on the fish yesterday evening just a bubble from this ornament stuck to him?


He won't come out of his tube to let me check on him  >:(





Edit:
I dropped some food just outside the ornament. That didn't move him, but a female went to eat it and he dashed out to chase her.

No sign of any spots  **huge sigh of relief**
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on September 23, 2016, 04:00:59 PM
They're playing with your mind!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 23, 2016, 06:49:12 PM
A couple more photos to share.

I spotted the stiphodon when I fed the fish this evening. This is what makes them so hard to catch in shops that have gravel on the tank floor  ;D

And when I looked in his ornament the male gudgeon popped his head out to stare back at me so I couldn't resist a photo of him. I think he's claimed the whole of the ornament as he's in a different tunnel every time I look.

The smaller male (the one I was only 90% sure was a male) seems to be disappearing into the plants on a piece of wood. maybe he fancies a more natural home.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 23, 2016, 07:45:36 PM
Absolutely loving these updates about your fishes' antics as well as the pics.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on September 24, 2016, 11:58:04 PM
@Littlefish I've used eSHa 2000 in tanks with cherry shrimps and they've been fine, I've no experience of using it with amanos though, hope that helps.

BTW I swear I just heard a croak from my 200l tank....do your sparklers croak at all @Matt ?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 25, 2016, 07:02:22 AM
I know there are others on here that have heard sparkling gourami croak, but mine are in the living room and so I've never heard them, what with the other noises in the room.  I don't believe it is a hugely loud sound nor is it especially distinctive from what Google can tell me.  Sue's experiences are:

Quote
I had them several years ago. I did hear them croaking - more a sort of football rattle sound. I could just about hear it from the other end of the room if it was quiet.
See more at: http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/forums/welcome-to-our-tropical-fish-forum-please-read/introduce-yourself!/msg21775/#msg21775

I still haven't heard croaking. :(

I got a few bubbles of bubblenest recently but it never amounted to much... yet!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 25, 2016, 02:57:28 PM
My 50 litre tank has gone, so no resetting it up  :(

I put it on Aquarist Classifieds a couple of days ago, then this morning I listed it on Ebay. Within an hour I had a message asking if I'd sell it Buy It Now so I added BIN and sold it. I've never sold anything that fast before.

The chap's 14 year old son wants a tank in his bedroom and his dad says there's no way he's having his 6 foot axolotl tank in there so he had to get a smaller tank  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 25, 2016, 10:26:47 PM
@Sue I love the pictures. It always makes me chuckle when a little fishy face peers out of something, glad you managed to catch that.  :)
Also good to know that your tank has found a new home. I'm not sure I'd want my axolotls in my bedroom as they can make some very strange burpy/farty/croaky noises when they go to the surface to get air. A nice 50L fish tank is a much better option.

@Fiona thanks for the information on the esha 2000 in a tank with shrimps. Mummy fish is doing well in the quarantine tank, not sign of spots, and she seemed to enjoy a bloodworm for dinner this evening. I was considering doing the single dose disinfectant treatment of the esha 2000 on the temperate tank, then leaving it for a while before taking the platy out of quarantine and putting her back into the main tank at the end of the week/next weekend. Is this a ok or not? I'm just a little concerned about the platy, but don't want to cause more problems.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 26, 2016, 07:39:14 PM
I think I just heard croaking  :yikes:

If I'm right it's a kind of rapid clicking/vibration for half a second or so kind of like a cricket...

Not exactly loud but reasonably loud for such a teeny tiny little thing
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 26, 2016, 08:00:16 PM
I had sparkling gourami quite a few years ago and the sound was a bit like a short burst from a football rattle  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 28, 2016, 02:29:30 PM
Got some news... I GOT A BETTA!

His name is Borris (the betta) and he really adds some exitement to my tank! Pics coming soon!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 28, 2016, 02:37:23 PM
Which tank is he in? What are his tank mates?

You have to be careful with tank mates for bettas.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 28, 2016, 02:49:05 PM
he is in my tank as the buenos aries would nip him. he has been in for about 2-3 weeks and so far so good.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 28, 2016, 03:43:58 PM
That's good, I was concerned he was in the other tank with all those tail nippers  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on September 28, 2016, 04:18:22 PM
WHAT!!! He's been in there for three weeks and you don't have a photo for us? That's not on, young man! You're shirking your responsibilities. Get that camera out right now! :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 28, 2016, 06:57:05 PM
@apache6467 pics of Boris please.  ;D
Glad to hear that he has settled in over the past few weeks.
It's difficult to resist the lure of a betta.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 28, 2016, 08:29:02 PM
OK OK hold up. @ColinB  I've been buisy with yr 11 so as I'm currently Ill I have a bit of free time. Pics on way now
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 28, 2016, 08:35:40 PM
The photos I took now and some old ones whilst I didn't have Boris and when I made my vid, are here! https://goo.gl/photos/No4tvfwyfTAgm9on9
Read back if u want to watch the utube vid
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 28, 2016, 09:23:12 PM
@Sue do you have any more hornwart?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 28, 2016, 09:27:13 PM
@apache6467 hope you are feeling better soon.
Boris is a very handsome chap.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 29, 2016, 09:07:18 PM
Just watching one of the shrimp giving birth to her larvae.
Sadly they won't do well without brackish water, but that probably means nothing compared to the penguin tetra surrounding the area and eating them.
The shrimp is in the centre of the picture, hanging upside down on the underside of a leaf.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 29, 2016, 09:59:24 PM
Oh wow - what an interesting experience. That's a great pic - but the penguin tetra do indeed look as though they're read to target the area. What are the colourful plants you have (esp the reddish-brown ones) and, in fact, what is the lush green above/beyond the top tetra?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 29, 2016, 10:21:09 PM
It was interesting, you could see the little larvae swimming (until eaten).
At least one of the tetra looks a bit guilty, but the larvae wouldn't have survived anyway, so it's probably all for the best.
As for the plants, I think that the red/brown ones are probably a type of alternanthera. I'm not particularly good with plant names, I generally just buy ones that I think are pretty, then see how they get on in my tanks. I bought two large plants and split them between this tank and the dwarf puffer tank. They've grown well and sprouted lots of roots at the leaf nodes, so I've cut them and replanted the pieces. The new growth is reddish and the older leaves are green.
I also have nymphaea stellata in the tank. Grown from bulbs, they have long, thin stalks with a reddish/brown/green, arrow/heart shaped leaf that floats on the suface. These provide cover for the hatchets.
I will admit that the lush green growth you can see above the top tetra is actually part of the stick on backgroud, so can't take any credit for that.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 30, 2016, 08:45:56 AM
It is very rare to catch "on film" shrimp eggs hatching. Your photo is great  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 30, 2016, 05:05:47 PM
Thanks @Sue it's just a shame that I wasn't prepared for it. I was researching it as it happened, so I might keep an eye on the rest of the females and get some bits and pieces in, just in case it happens again. It would be amazing to be able to take a water sample with a few larvae, transfer them to a little tank, slowly increase the salt and see if I could rear some.
I'm guessing that the males knew what was happening because they were going nuts swimming and running around the tank, I've never seen them that active.  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 30, 2016, 07:22:48 PM
It was interesting, you could see the little larvae swimming (until eaten).
At least one of the tetra looks a bit guilty, but the larvae wouldn't have survived anyway, so it's probably all for the best.
As for the plants, I think that the red/brown ones are probably a type of alternanthera. I'm not particularly good with plant names, I generally just buy ones that I think are pretty, then see how they get on in my tanks. I bought two large plants and split them between this tank and the dwarf puffer tank. They've grown well and sprouted lots of roots at the leaf nodes, so I've cut them and replanted the pieces. The new growth is reddish and the older leaves are green.
I also have nymphaea stellata in the tank. Grown from bulbs, they have long, thin stalks with a reddish/brown/green, arrow/heart shaped leaf that floats on the suface. These provide cover for the hatchets.
I will admit that the lush green growth you can see above the top tetra is actually part of the stick on backgroud, so can't take any credit for that.  :)
Sounds very interesting indeed - although I couldn't have watched them being eaten.
I absolutely know what you mean about fish looking guilty - if any of mine relentlessly chase others out of the way, and I give them a disapproving look or hold up a finger of warning accompanied by a disapproving look, they start moving shiftily/guiltily on the spot.
Interesting info re the plants - I'm in the mood for more plant-shopping this weekend, so you've given me inspiration.
:-[ re mistaking the background for a plant - ah well, it shows it's realistic. :)

I've just had a horrible experience. I was finishing my dinner and need to go to do my daily treatment session so decided to take a large mouthful from my glass to finish it. As it was in my mouth, I paused and thought "this doesn't taste like mango and apple juice" - it turned out to be the water that the net containing the frozen fish cube had been dunked in ie I'd lifted the wrong glass! Needless to say, I've just used about half a bottle of mouthwash to remove any remnants of bloodworm, daphnia, mysis, brineshrimp, etc.!
:yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 30, 2016, 09:33:39 PM
@fcmf    :sick: it must have been quite unpleasant to realise that you had picked up the wrong glass.  :yikes:

As for my shrimp, I feed live food to several of my gang, so I've had to come to terms with the "things eating things" issue. The larvea wouldn't have survived in the freshwater, so in a way the fish were doing me a favour.  At least the tetra that turned towards the camera kind of looks a little guilty.
I would really like to try to raise some of the shrimp larvae if the same thing happens again though.
As I enjoy gardening I appreciate worms, and at the begining I found myself apologising to the worms I was feeding to the axolotls, but I chose to have axolotls, so it has to be done.
I also work in the science industry, so although could not work somewhere that tested on animals, I do understand the need for it with regards to pharmaceuticals & genetics (not so convinced with skin care products, shampoo  or make up, etc.). I've also had to spend time at an abettoir to collect blood, which was quite traumatic the first few times, but again it was absolutely necessary to manufacture diagnostic test kits, so..........

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 01, 2016, 09:28:47 AM
As I enjoy gardening I appreciate worms, and at the begining I found myself apologising to the worms I was feeding to the axolotls, but I chose to have axolotls, so it has to be done.
I also work in the science industry, so although could not work somewhere that tested on animals, I do understand the need for it with regards to pharmaceuticals & genetics (not so convinced with skin care products, shampoo  or make up, etc.). I've also had to spend time at an abettoir to collect blood, which was quite traumatic the first few times, but again it was absolutely necessary to manufacture diagnostic test kits, so..........
That's why I couldn't have dwarf puffers, aside from my water being too soft - I couldn't bring myself to feed them snails.
As for the science industry, I was under the impression that testing on animals for cosmetic reasons no longer had a place as it was increasingly acknowledged that there wasn't a need for it, and that the need for testing on animals for medical purposes was being increasingly questioned now too..? [Oops - going off-topic on this thread...]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 01, 2016, 10:48:29 AM
@fcmf, there is still some requirement for testing prior to human trials, and in the field of research. I don't know about cosmetics etc. but am guessing that it still goes on to some extent, otherwise certain companies would not advertise themselves as cruelty free if all companies were.
It's always a bit of a positive v. negative problem and most situations are very complicated. Even with axolotls, which are a favourite for genetic research due to their regeneration abilities, etc., but if it wasn't for the axolotls bred for research and the pet trade, they would basically be extinct as they only come from one area of lakes in Mexico, which are disappearing due to the expansion of Mexico City.
Perhaps sometimes the circle of life is a bit wobbly, but it is encouraging to see that there are more and more people who care, work on animal welfare/breeding programs, etc.

(apologies to all for going off topic - starts moonwalking away from controversial topics with fixed smile on face)

Mummy fish, my orange platy that has spent some time in the quarantine tank, has been spot free since the tratment, and is much perkier than she has been, so I think she'll be heading back to the main tank today - hooray.  :)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 01, 2016, 11:53:13 AM
Interesting stuff.
Perhaps sometimes the circle of life is a bit wobbly, but it is encouraging to see that there are more and more people who care, work on animal welfare/breeding programs, etc.
Absolutely - and if alternatives and more ethical approaches can be found to minimise unnecessary harm, so much the better ie benefits all.

Mummy fish, my orange platy that has spent some time in the quarantine tank, has been spot free since the tratment, and is much perkier than she has been, so I think she'll be heading back to the main tank today - hooray.  :)
Brilliant news. :)

I'm just back from the LFS - any excuse to browse the fishtanks - and back with an Alternanthera rosaefolia which should add some more colour to the tank (besides what's still in there of the silk plants).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 01, 2016, 04:42:20 PM
I've just re aquqscaped my tank and I had to remove all my fish to a temporary bucket. Twas stressful and I shalnt repeat in a hurry. Fish doing OK and got 5 rummy noses to fill the midwater. Pics when filter has find shed clearing the water and fish are calmer. :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 01, 2016, 05:29:40 PM
A couple of pics - please excuse poor quality!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 01, 2016, 05:52:23 PM
Nice pics. Love the use of ur plants @fcmf
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 01, 2016, 08:33:17 PM
@fcmf the tank is looking great. Fish looking quite please with the results as well.  8)  ;D

@apache6467 Aquascaping and new fish, great stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing your pics. I'm quite fond of rummy nose tetras, and if my water was softer would absolutely have some.  ;D  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 01, 2016, 09:42:42 PM
Truth be told, I would prefer to get debwai catfish (African glass cats which arnt like reg glass catfish) but they look good. Debwaui next week or 2 when I has more money. At £5 each I'll need 15 cuz the shop only has 3
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on October 02, 2016, 09:30:24 AM
Last year I picked up a cheap second-hand 500litre marine tank with the intention of converting it to freshwater. I didn't know quite what I was going to put in it, perhaps Discus or as it turns out now, large South American Cichlids.
The one thing I was sure about was I couldn't afford the time to do the hefty water changes each week with a second tank given the volume of this one. So I set about designing a filter to keep the water in really good condition without having to rely on big changes.
Well the fishless cycle is now done. It took about three weeks and I now have 30cm of baby Cichlids in residence so it might be of interest to share as it seems to be working.
From what I has heard, sumps are good because they add water volume and allow a lot of biological filtration material. however despite looking for examples I couldn't see any designs that added really significantly more bio than a big canister filter. Typical arrangements with sumps around 150litres didn't have much more than 50litres of working material and it seemed to be a bit of a waste for all the effort.
What I found was plastic 'Euro boxes‘, they are used in industrial storage in various heights and also a ventilated version for cold storage of er ....fish. Well they are chunky and stack and this means I could build the filter out of the top of the sump into the dead space under the tank. The ones above the waterline have their bases drilled to trickle, and below the water they are the open ventilated versions.
If you have a look at the attachment it shows the contents, there is a range of different media, some fully submerged, some wet and dry, some moving, an algae scrubber, big UV steriliser (not in the sump!) even a bit of anaerobic for Nitrate reduction all nicely separated with nothing working hard or needing constant attention. I think it has a total usable bio volume of around 140litres and a turnover of 7times per hour with part of this is fed under the substrate to reduce the flowrate in the tank and keep the substrate clean. The only part that should need maintenance is the algae scrubber mesh and the filter foams at the top, and they are easier to change than an external filter.

Anyhoo, I accept this is a mad project and as I'm an engineer I got as much enjoyment out of the build and design process, also it wont appeal to the non-weird majority, but it is working well. At the end of the fishless cycle there was only 42ppm Nitrate which I dropped to 20ppm with a water change before stocking the tank. Even with me feeding the growing fish four times a day for two weeks the Nitrates have actually fallen to 18.7ppm, its also runs quieter than my 200litre tank and uses about the same amount of electricity.
I put a picture of the tank while the cycle was running – sea trials? The lights are on full to take the picture, its normally a lot more subdued and moody.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 02, 2016, 09:45:29 AM
looks great @Andy the minion! wish i had a bigger tank to have one of these as that's to OP for my 50L ;D

What types of cichlid are they?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 02, 2016, 09:53:09 AM
Wow @Andy the minion that is quite some project. Well done.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on October 02, 2016, 10:04:09 AM
@apache6467
They are all babies at the moment but I have pairs of Green Severum, Jack Demsey, Firemouth, Green Terror and Blue Acara. Hopefully they will play nicely when they grow up!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 02, 2016, 10:07:52 AM
Thanks @Andy the minion for clearing that up. Here is my album if pics. The new ones are there somewhere! https://goo.gl/photos/No4tvfwyfTAgm9on9

Apache6467
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 02, 2016, 11:50:31 AM
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2BqzwXiRSM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2BqzwXiRSM</a>
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 02, 2016, 12:06:02 PM
Thanks for the kind words re the pics of my tank, @Littlefish and @apache6467.

Very impressed with your project, @Andy the minion.

Have enjoyed your pics and video, @apache6467.

I went on an outing this morning to somewhere with fishtanks. Oh, how they could improve what they have. My mouth is watering at the thought of how I'd re-design those fishtanks, so I might "get on the case" with some suggestions for them... helps satisfy my MTS. :)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 02, 2016, 05:07:01 PM
I have just finished a water change on my big tank. Last time I managed to put the pyramid of hollow logs ornament where I couldn't see inside it, so when I moved it to hoover behind it today I had no idea the top tube was full of eggs  :o It was only when I discovered the male sitting tight inside I realised what had happened. He did leave the tube later giving me a good view of a roof covered in eggs. I hope I've not upset him too much  :(

It also explains why one of the females had a chunk of tail missing yesterday.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 02, 2016, 06:02:37 PM
Is this your gudgeons Sue?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 02, 2016, 06:32:58 PM
Congratulations on the eggs Sue.  :cheers:
Fingers crossed for the hatching.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on October 02, 2016, 07:04:16 PM
Yes Congratulations on the potential Auntyhood.
I dread eggs because of the number of hungry mouths in a community tank, its never ended well for me, but if its Grudge you'll have anglers sitting on the side of the tank wanting to add them to their list of native species. Make sure you see their permits :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 02, 2016, 07:05:02 PM
Is this your gudgeons Sue?

Yes it is, I forgot to include that vital piece of information  :-[

I've just had a look as I've put the wood in front of the decor slightly to the side, and the eggs have gone  :'( It's my fault for disturbing him. But on the positive side, if he and one of the females have spawned once, they'll do it again. Maybe next time I'll set up the QT and move the ornament with him inside. That's the advantage when they use a tube, it is very easy to put a finger over each end and lift it out of the tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 02, 2016, 08:40:26 PM
That's a shame, but as you say there is a good chance that they will spawn again.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on October 03, 2016, 08:03:21 AM
Great tanks, people... and a lovely bit of DIY, Andy.

I'm not doing anything with my tank at all, really, it just sits there and gets on with it. I clear out some plant growth every month and do a water change every so often. The fish seem very happy and are getting quite old so I must be doing something right. I must try and take some photos that aren't just fuzzy blurs.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 03, 2016, 06:57:39 PM
Oops  :o forgot that the new photos of my new aqua scape arnt in the album I posted
@fcmf  :yikes:

Here they are now https://goo.gl/photos/Q8PgaHQ9YGb2Mkwg7
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 03, 2016, 07:37:41 PM
Very good, @apache6467. Wow - just looked at your 'signature' - you do have a lot of fish in your 50-litre tank. It might be worth having a play around on the Community Creator in the Fish Profiles section, just to work out if you have too many - it might be worth moving the rummynose tetras into the 190-litre, for example, or getting a small tank just for Boris. Hope you don't mind me suggesting this - I just noticed that your tank is the same size as mine but has more than double the fish in it than I have, so I wouldn't like you or the fish to run into any sort of trouble such as them falling ill as dealing with ill fish is not at all pleasant.

Inspired by a post last month, I sent off for some dried banana leaves which arrived today from China - hopefully the fish now feel as though they're in a 5* hotel with all the accoutrements I've added to their tank lately. :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on October 03, 2016, 07:49:59 PM
I think I just heard croaking  :yikes:
If I'm right it's a kind of rapid clicking/vibration for half a second or so kind of like a cricket...
Not exactly loud but reasonably loud for such a teeny tiny little thing

Glad you've finally heard it @Matt, I think it sounds like some of the tree frogs you sometimes hear on nature programmes. I've actually witnessed the male and female Croakers croaking several times now but only ever heard the Sparklers once. And yes it's a loud noise for such a little thing  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 03, 2016, 08:07:05 PM
Truth be told,I dont actually knowif it is a 50L. the dimensions are 2ft by 1ft by 1ft. i just went on that most of my fish are bottom dwellers
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 03, 2016, 08:17:37 PM
Truth be told,I dont actually knowif it is a 50L. the dimensions are 2ft by 1ft by 1ft. i just went on that most of my fish are bottom dwellers
That's the same dimensions as mine, so it will be - hope that's helpful. :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 03, 2016, 08:26:31 PM
Also try http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/calculators/aquariumvolumecalc (http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/calculators/aquariumvolumecalc)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 03, 2016, 08:31:48 PM
Thanks, That clears that up...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 04, 2016, 10:04:44 AM
The tank I've just sold was 60 x 30 x 30 cm so the same size. That was called 54 litres by the manufacturer but that was right to the brim so it wouldn't hold that much water. I always called it 50 litres.

Bottom dwellers count just as much as mid water and surface fish.



In the CC, I entered 60 cm long tank, 50 litres and internal filter, then added fish.

11 panda cories - 5 actual pandas and 6 to stand in for 4 larger juliis which aren't in the profiles.
6 glass catfish

the CC says just with these fish you are 186% stocked, and the tank is too small for glass catfish

5 Rummy nosed tetras

now at 216%, and it says the tank is too small for rummies

1 male betta
3 twig catfish to stand in for 4 smaller whiptails

now at 316%



Your tank has over 3 times more fish than it can safely hold. With this number of fish you should be doing 50% water changes every second day to cope. It's not just fish poo and nitrate made by the bacteria but fish excrete other things too. I used to work in a hospital lab and you'd be amazed at the number of things we tested urine for. Fish excrete lots of things to which we can't test for without a lab. These things build up in the water and are not good at high levels. That's why you need to change so much water, to remove it all.



So going back to the CC,

5 panda cories - 30%
1 male betta - now 40%
5 rummy nose tetras - now 70%

I would stop there. Maybe get a couple more cories and rummies but that's all.

I always check with Seriously Fish as that gives the tank size needed for a particular fish. That says:
Whiptails need a tank 30 inches/75 cm long.
Rummy noses are OK in 24 inches/60cm though the tank should be taller to give more volume. The CC says 60 cm is too small for rummies.
Glass catfish need a tank 36 inches/90 cm long
Julii cories need a tank 36 inches/90 cm long as they are big cories.




You also need a back up plan. The rummies might suddenly decide to start nipping Boris' fins. Or Boris might suddenly snap and go for the rummies - this is a known problem with bettas, they seem quite happy with their tank mates until one day the snap and start to kill them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 04, 2016, 08:03:47 PM
Hmmm thanks @Sue for the advice. Just spent 10 hours at the hospital for blood tests. Horrible fever last night. Thanks for the hornwart. I've also got a sponge filter in there aswell
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on October 05, 2016, 07:44:16 AM
Eeek - hope all's well, Apache, and you recover quickly.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on October 05, 2016, 09:25:53 AM
Yeah all the best @apache6467 , get well quick  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 05, 2016, 01:19:27 PM
Get well soon @apache6467
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 05, 2016, 04:01:19 PM
Feeling much better.

Thanks @Andy the minion for the lettuce and I like how you sent it. Thanks also to @fcmf for the magazines! Love the fish stickers! I shall enjoy reading them. As with my tank, I shall be watching closely when I'm not at school or home and will keep you informed. Thanks for the kind words :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 05, 2016, 05:14:16 PM
Glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better @apache6467   :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 06, 2016, 06:54:29 PM
I was right about the gudgeons spawning again.

When I fed the fish this evening I noticed that both males were ignoring the food in favour of pestering one of the three females. I wondered why they were both paying attention to the same female when there are enough for one each and one to spare, as it were, when I noticed that the female in question's breeding tube was showing. Is it the female that initiates courtship by displaying her willingness to mate?
I had to put the rubbish out, and when I got back the smaller male was pootling round as though nothing had happened but the larger male and the female are inside one of the tubes of the log-pyramid ornament. Did he win because he's bigger and therefore stronger than the smaller male, or because females prefer larger males?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 06, 2016, 07:14:34 PM
Are these coackatoo cichlids?

if so its normal for one male to have a 'hareem' of females. but nature allways supports survival of the fittest...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 06, 2016, 07:46:55 PM
They are these fish (http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/fish/peacock-goby.html). Some places call them gobies, some call them gudgeons. They aren't really true gobies but they are related.

With 2 males in the tank both after the same female, I don't know if the bigger, stronger male chased the smaller male away or if females choose the bigger male = a male more likely to give her big strong offspring.



Peacock gudgeons do breed in a similar way to apistogrammas. They spawn in caves, the smaller the better. The female lays her eggs and the male fertilises them. But with the gudgeons it is the male that looks after the eggs until the fry become free swimming, unlike apistos where it's the female that looks after the eggs.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on October 06, 2016, 07:59:55 PM
@Sue You can be sure its the female that initiates courtship if your lippy has gone missing.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 06, 2016, 08:31:47 PM
Go into any city centre on a Saturday night and you'll see a lot of females with their breeding tubes nearly showing. Those are usually the ones that initiate courtship.   ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on October 07, 2016, 09:03:06 AM
@Littlefish !!! I thought it, but didn't dare say it ! :) Now where is that PG icon.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 07, 2016, 09:05:49 AM
I need to learn how to phrase things better in future ..........  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 11, 2016, 07:47:57 PM
Hmmm - I stuck a Tetra Fun Tip on the tank glass this evening for the fishes' dinner... it's clearly an aphrodisiac among the x-ray tetras!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 11, 2016, 08:09:00 PM
Well, I guess it did have the word "fun" in the name.  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 14, 2016, 06:05:22 PM
I've just caught the fish playing a game of "What time is it now, Mr Wolf?" Ordinarily, one harlequin sits in a particular location, and anyone who dares swim into that territory gets chased away. I got distracted by noticing that all tank inhabitants were behind him, nudging one another forward, then one female tetra seemed to take a leap of faith and went darting forward, only to be met by him spinning 180' round to face her head on and then be chased around the inside of the tank as though she'd committed the most heinous of crimes. The other fish all seemed to freeze in their tracks, out of shock.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 14, 2016, 09:56:16 PM
Wow, I don't think my harlequins get the chance to play bossy boots in my tank with the rams and their territorial ways and post feeding chasing sessions...

I've had a shrimp invasion tonight, they've been doing a bit of breeding clearly and now their taking risks with the rams as their food supply in their hideaway under the red moor wood must be getting low...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 05, 2016, 06:34:49 PM
Okay, the fish have surprised me again, we have just had a teen pregnancy in the Cichlid tank!
During the week I noticed the two Firemouth Cichlids were showing off to each other, but I've only had the tank running 6 weeks and all the fish were bought as small juveniles, so I just thought 'Oh good a pair'. They still are only about 7cm, which is about half adult size and not showing any adult colouration or sexual dimorphism but clearly that's not important as we now have 150 eggs and they have taken to caring for them in a big way.
They have established a 50cm³ 'no fly zone' or should it be 'enforced their Common fisheries policy territorial waters' so everybody else is in the other 2/3rds of the tank :) They are fantastically well organised in their guard and cleaning duties. The instant one returns to the eggs the other swims off to patrol the boarders or work on a large excavation in the sand under a rock, I'm guessing this is for the fry.
I have no idea if the eggs are fertile yet and I doubt if the fry will survive once they are free swimming as I'm fairly sure everybody else is partial to live food :( but they are fascinating to watch.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 05, 2016, 07:04:42 PM
All part of the joys of fishkeeping  ;D

Look for opaque eggs, those are the infertile ones. The parents should eat these, though it does sometimes take cichlids a few attempts to get it right.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 05, 2016, 07:21:09 PM
@Sue Yes they are doing that so I am hopeful.
I'm not judging the Firemouths of course, but I will be sitting the others down and giving the others 'the talk' about safe sex and making sure they find the right fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 06, 2016, 10:48:54 AM
The whole description of the scenario has made me chuckle.
As Sue said, it's all part of the joys of fishkeeping.
Fish behaviour is always fascinating to watch, whether or not it is expected/encouraged/discouraged.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 06, 2016, 01:43:07 PM
We have wrigglers ! The parents are now picking them off the wall and transporting them to one or the excavations Both have changed colour overnight and the territorial water have moved out to the 200mile limit (must have Icelandic genes in them)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 06, 2016, 02:43:18 PM
Congratulations.  :cheers:
That sounds so cute - the parenting bit rather than the territorial limits.
I hope that your little wrigglers and the new parents do well, and that the rest of your fishies don't have too much trouble keeping out of the way.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 06, 2016, 04:45:13 PM
Very exciting indeed, @Andy the minion - keep us fully posted on progress, please.

I went to my LFS this morning - and, this time, fell completely head-over-heels for these http://www.killi.co.uk/speciesProfile/Nothobranchius/guentheri/ . There's no option now - I am absolutely going to have to resume a mega clearout of paperwork, etc, in order to free up some space for a second tank...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 06, 2016, 05:42:50 PM
Oh, very nice @fcmf
With enough determination there is always a way to make space for a tank.  ;D

I was quite taken when these little fellas appeared at the independant LFS
http://www.killi.co.uk/speciesProfile/Fundulopanchax/sjoestedti/
Scroll to the bottom left picture and those are the ones they had.
Goofy and adorable.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 08, 2016, 07:07:30 PM
Does anyone know what has happened to the Seriously Fish site?
I just get a message to say that the domain has expired.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 08, 2016, 07:23:20 PM
I've had error messages on and off for a long time. I just wait patiently for between a day and a week and it comes back. It is very frustrating when you want to look something up.

For example, see reply #11 here (http://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/new-fishkeepers/long-awaited-tank-pictures/). It was two or three days before I was able to update this post.



Edit - I have just googled SF and seen the page about the domain having expired. Eeeek  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 08, 2016, 07:44:26 PM
The Firemouth fry are still developing and will be getting to the end of their egg sacks soon. Does anybody have a good suggestion for delivering food to them under a rock at the bottom of a 60cm tank?
Given the level of the parental care I wouldn't put it past them to gather and spit out food for them but I haven't seen any references to this behaviour.
Sucking up a solution of either brine shrimp or powered flake using a syringe with a long length of airline tube fitted is the only idea I have at the moment?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 08, 2016, 07:45:40 PM
You could try a turkey baster.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 08, 2016, 07:49:18 PM
@Sue my response to SF was much the same as yours.   :o :yikes:

@Andy the minion I think the turkey baster/pipette is a good idea. If feeding flake crush it really small, to a powder, mix with a small amount of tank water & use a pipette/baster to deliver to the approximate area. I'm sure they'll get some of it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 08, 2016, 07:54:23 PM
@Andy the minion  it's not a widely known fact, but taking pictures of your tank and sharing them on a forum helps to encourage fry to feed. Amazing, isn't it. Bet you didn't know that.

In reality I'm a bit grumpy because I went to MA yesterday to find out when my large tanks are going to be delivered and was told it was going to be another few weeks, so admiring other people's tanks is what is keeping me going at the moment. Especially as I had deliveries from both Aqua Essentials and Aquarium Gardens with plants for the new tanks.  :(  ::)  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 08, 2016, 08:37:22 PM
I am a member of another fishkeeping forum and I know one of the members on there writes articles for SF. So I started a thread on there asking is anyone knew anything. The chap in question has replied saying it has been off line recently for up to a week but the domain thing is new to him. He has only recently been revising the loach entries.
But the site owner has not been responding to emails and the chap on the other forum is worried, about both SF and its owner.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 08, 2016, 08:40:30 PM
That is a bit worrying.
I hope that the owner is ok.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 08, 2016, 10:41:42 PM
Does anyone know what has happened to the Seriously Fish site?
I just get a message to say that the domain has expired.
I've only ever once had an error message on that site, and I look at it at least several times per week. I've just tried it from Google Chrome and Internet Explorer and that's certainly a new message I've never seen before. This is indeed rather worrying about both the site and indeed its owner. Update: I see SF has a Facebook page https://en-gb.facebook.com/SeriouslyFish/ and it's possible to send a message to them which I'll do (although this is probably what the other guy has been doing too).



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 09, 2016, 08:36:31 AM
It's now 8:35 and since we have to wait in for a delivery I decided to turn my laptop on early and check for any Seriously Fish developments.

It's back, as though it's never been gone.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 09, 2016, 12:13:15 PM
I quickly went to SF to check and actually cheered.
The fact that the person I share an office with didn't even ask what I was making so much noise about possibly reflects the amount of noise we make in the office.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 09, 2016, 01:10:18 PM
It's now 8:35 and since we have to wait in for a delivery I decided to turn my laptop on early and check for any Seriously Fish developments.

It's back, as though it's never been gone.

Ah - that'll be because of the message I sent at 08:11, telling them what a great source it was and how much we hoped it would be back online soon.  I'm quite sure it's just a complete coincidence, though, that it happened to be fixed immediately after that - whatever the situation, just as delighted as everyone else that it's functioning once again as I felt quite bereft!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 09, 2016, 02:38:18 PM
I have already been through the loss of a much used database earlier this year and I feel quite lost without it, though in this other case, Wayback Machine has been invaluable.
Another of my hobbies is family history, and so many of my family and my husband's were coal miners. There was a website that had pdfs on mining accidents and disasters, and most of these named the casualties. There was also a searchable database of names of those who died, which also included men who died in small accidents not listed in the pdfs. I finally found out what happened to the website. It was owned by a company of solicitors that went into administration in March this year. I have downloaded all the pdfs from Wayback Machine, but the searchable database is lost forever, including the death of my great great great grandfather in 1857 who died from falling down a mine shaft.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 09, 2016, 07:56:27 PM
@Andy the minion  it's not a widely known fact, but taking pictures of your tank and sharing them on a forum helps to encourage fry to feed. Amazing, isn't it. Bet you didn't know that.

In reality I'm a bit grumpy because I went to MA yesterday to find out when my large tanks are going to be delivered and was told it was going to be another few weeks, so admiring other people's tanks is what is keeping me going at the moment. Especially as I had deliveries from both Aqua Essentials and Aquarium Gardens with plants for the new tanks.  :(  ::)  :-[

@Littlefish Yes I heard that too... but I posted pics a couple of weeks ago, do you mean the effect wears off?
Thanks for the suggestion with the turkey baster, I discovered we live in a baster free zone - at least in the shops between home and work. So I made the Acme fry-o-matic, mm accuracy, I don't need a step ladder or to get wet to my armpit.
Now where's the number of the company that sells bits of plastic crap that nobody wants at petrol pumps to get it into production :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 09, 2016, 09:55:07 PM
Yes, the effect wears off.  :)
I have to admit that I did go back and look at the pictures on several threads of different peoples' tanks, and it did cheer me up a little.
I have spent a few hours putting more plants in the dwarf puffer tank this evening, and that has also been fun. Ends of fingers quite wrinkley now though.

I'm very impressed with your pipette/tube/stick feeding set up. Genius.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 10, 2016, 10:35:54 PM
Hells bells @Littlefish, well I hope its not too late.... two pics of the babies, one taken tonight and the other four days ago, and then one of Mum? giving me the fish equivalent of 'the hairy eyeball'
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: adenann on November 10, 2016, 11:51:03 PM
Littlefish

One good link deserves another.  Try this one http://www.isitdownrightnow.com/

It's very handy in finding out if a site is badly down or being a bit grumpy with just you.  Plug in the web address you want to check and off you go!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 11, 2016, 08:29:48 AM
@Andy the minion those are amazing photos. Those fry are sooooooooo adorable. Mum certainly looks as if there is some concern regarding the amount of attention the little ones are getting.  :o  ;D
I hope that you will keep us updated on progress (with lots of photos), watching littles ones develop and grow up is a fascinating process, and although I'm not a huge fan of young humans, the sight of baby fish, axolotls, or anything with a similar large eyes/tiny tail appearance is pretty much guaranteed to nearly bring a tear to my eye.  :)

@adenann many thanks for the link, very handy.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 12, 2016, 09:29:25 AM
two pics of the babies, one taken tonight and the other four days ago, and then one of Mum? giving me the fish equivalent of 'the hairy eyeball'
Wow, @Andy the minion - these are absolutely fantastic. You need to create a thread on the updates - the more detail on the daily progress, and the more pics, the better! :).

although I'm not a huge fan of young humans, the sight of baby fish, axolotls, or anything with a similar large eyes/tiny tail appearance is pretty much guaranteed to nearly bring a tear to my eye.  :)
Exactly the same albeit usually fish, rabbits or dogs.  :)



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 12, 2016, 11:23:13 AM
I'll get some more pictures tonight, the whole brood has been relocated to another sandpit. Perhaps this is how they feed them, by moving to new food locations. Its that or all the attention with camera put the wind up Mum and Dad - but I would think they are getting used to a tropical equivalent of the Perishers 'Eyeballs in the sky'.
I'm rooting for them and will do my best, but ladies please don't get too emotionally attached. I have a nasty feeling this story has a tragic ending as they leave School. :( Sniff.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 12, 2016, 12:12:25 PM
In my old 60 litre tank before it started to leak, I had a pair of apistogrammas. I had to remove the male once they'd spawned as he was in incorrigible egg eater, which left the female alone with the eggs then fry. She would shepherd the fry round the tank from place to place rounding up strays by sucking them up and spitting them out where she wanted them. This sounds like the behaviour you are seeing. But my apisto also rounded up the fry and took them back to the cave the eggs were laid in every evening.

I never did find out how they behaved as the fry grew bigger because the tank started to leak a week after the fry became free swimming and I had to put the fry in my quarantine tank. I didn't dare move mum in there as well as I was afraid she'd be so stressed she'd eat them. 5 of them survived to adulthood.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 13, 2016, 02:38:55 PM
Firemouth fry update.
So, I finally have a video clip of an acceptable and in the correct format and this is the third attempt at writing this post as its keeps failing Grrrr.
The fry are now just about free swimming and the parents now have a real job on their hands keeping them where they want them. They are constantly sucking them up and spitting them out back into the ever-expanding swarm.
I didn't want to stress them any more so I didn't fully light the clip so it is a bit grainy but I think you should be able to see some of the detail.
If anybody with a suitable tank would like some of the fry http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/fish/firemouth-cichlid.html I won’t post them as I'm not sure if they will survive so its just sensible traveling distance from Lanark in Scotland if you would like some.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 13, 2016, 02:41:50 PM
GRRRRRRR. I'm up to six attempts now and this one above has attached the file as a picture not the Gif
I give up - there are fish moving in the video - honestly
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 13, 2016, 08:59:45 PM
Firemouth fry.
Yep the parents are feeding the fry as well as me I just saw one spit two mouthfuls of collected flake at them - lovely care, questionable etiquette.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 13, 2016, 09:19:37 PM
@Andy the minion  great to hear that the fry are being well fed. When I read the first part I thought "oh, bless them, so cute", then when I read the last part I had to laugh.  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 19, 2016, 04:12:41 PM
Finally, I know that I have 6 stiphodons, 4 males (unfortunately) and 2 females.

Anyone who has stiphodons will know they are sort of a cross between loaches and plecs. Their bodies are loach shaped and they eat algae and can stick themselves to the glass like plecs. They also like to bury themselves. I have never seen all 6 at once, and I have never found the remains of one.
I bought the last two in the shop when I restocked in September, then got 4 more a couple of weeks later when the shop got more in. They were all sold as 'indie blue gobies' but I do not know if all six are actually the same species. With the second batch I tried my best to get 1 male 3 females.

The most I have seen at the same time is 5. Two were obviously female - white coloured with a black stripe down the side. Two were quite plump and male. One is now a gorgeous deep blue-black with a turquoise blue tail, red edges to his dorsal fins (stiphs have two) and when he sticks to the glass his throat is bright turquoise blue. The other plump one is paler with a light bluish body. Number five is a thin stiph, lots of black with a deep blue stripe.
I have just been watching the tank and seen two thin male stiphodons at the same time, more or less the same colour but one darker than the other. I know that stiphodons change colour with their mood so I may well have seen both thin ones on separate occasions and assumed they were the same fish.

And I wonder if they are now colouring up so much because they have settled in and and are maturing.


The thin males and the two females look like the photos here (http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/stiphodon-atropurpureus) and the pale plump male looks like the paler male in those photos. The dark plump male doesn't look like any photos on Seriously Fish.

I am aware that there are many different stiphodon species and that the collectors won't know what they are. They are sold under many different names, and probably mis-identified in most shops.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 19, 2016, 05:34:12 PM
Congratulations on being able to see all of your stiphs, count them and check the sex.
They really are lovely looking fish, such cute little faces and amazing colouring/markings on the body.
I also love the way that they move, and the way that they almost use their fins like legs, kind of standing on them and looking up.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 19, 2016, 08:36:12 PM
Firemouth fry update.
Well there have been some losses in the past week, the 100/150 are now down to 30/40 :( I haven't see any get picked off but they tended to suddenly move away from the nest as a shoal so its not hard to imagine 20 or 30  getting lost. There is also a pile of rocks close to the nest and a tiny Jack Dempsey shelters there overnight so if they found there way in there they would make a tasty midnight snack.
The one that have survived are now 6mm long and are actively swimming with the parents are still in constant attendance and feeding them. I have stopped feeding as they didn't appreciate the feeding tube going anyway near the nest.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 19, 2016, 09:01:02 PM
Thanks for the update, always good to hear how things are going.  :)
Although it's not nice to lose fry, imagine how difficult it would be if up to 150 survived  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 20, 2016, 03:34:33 PM
Mr FCMF is out and I'm skulking around with a measuring tape and researching small tanks, thanks to @Littlefish's bad influence ;) on my just-under-the-surface-but-bubbled-over-once-again-MTS symptoms.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on November 20, 2016, 05:53:06 PM
@fcmf My evil side insists on fuelling your MTS urges... I got a new (to me) 250litre corner tank last week. The refurb is just about done and it has cleaned up very well almost looks like new :) just waiting for a new hose for the external.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 20, 2016, 06:41:40 PM
@fcmf I'm afraid that your are unlikely to find anything but encouragement for purchasing another tank  ;D
With a bit of effort you can fit one almost anywhere, if you are prepared to move some belongings around, and get a tank small enough or oddly shaped enough to fit into the space.
You are not the only person to say that I'm a bad influence this week, so I'm quite proud of myself.  O:-)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on November 20, 2016, 08:07:05 PM
All this talk about MTS makes me jealous since dad says i cannot have another tank  :'(

Ill go talk to Boris the Betta©
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 20, 2016, 08:54:19 PM
@apache6467 don't be too jealous because however many tanks I have I always want more.
I swear that it would be easier to just make the living room water tight and fill the room with fish.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on November 21, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
Good evening all! Sorry for the long absence, I must hold my hand aloft and admit I have neglected my moderator duties and let the other mods and members down by not being here pretty much in any capacity for approximately a month! I apologise  :(

There are two reasons for this. I won't go too deep into the nitty gritty details but the first one was a long drawn-out reunion with my fiancees 17 year-old daughter who has been back in touch and visiting us after a 2 year absence living with my fiancees parents. It's a very long story and the development has consumed a lot of my spare time and energy.

The second is my fiancee herself who has Sciatic disc bulge. We have no idea how this happened (during our week in Tenerife in October) but it could be equally attributed to sitting for extended periods (ie the 4.5 hour flights) or by a heavy lifting movement in her work as a Care Assistant with some rather heavy-set residents... So most of my remaining energy on my time off has been keeping up with chores and tending to a missus who struggles to put one foot in front of another, never mind unload a dishwasher or washing machine... Still a few weeks to go I reckon but we are sseing improvements with physio. It's one of those things that cannot be rushed...

I have, however, been keeping up with my tank maintenance and the community is thriving. Still just the one tank on the go, I will eventually (in the new year now) do something with the 3 foot tank but for now it's a steady march towards Christmas and a promotion coming about sometime after the new year!

So lots have been occuring and I look forward to catching up with you all!   8) 8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 21, 2016, 08:41:31 PM
Welcome back Paddyc!!  :wave:

All the best to you and your family
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 21, 2016, 09:16:40 PM
Hey @Paddyc great to hear from you.   ;D
Best wishes to you and your family, I hope that your fiancee gets well soon, congratulations on your imminent promotion, and good to hear that your community tank is thriving.
Take care.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 22, 2016, 07:37:28 AM
Good to hear from you, @Paddyc - I had been wondering if all was ok. Thanks for the update, and all the very best on all fronts.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 22, 2016, 08:53:30 AM
Tell your fiancee I sympathise, having myself suffered from compression of the sciatic nerve by a disc in my spine. I know just how painful it can be.

It is good news for fiancee about her daughter  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on November 23, 2016, 08:12:00 AM
Glad to see you around Paddy, and that 'things' are improving.

I had Sacro-Iliac problems for about 10 years so I'm fully aware of how debillitating a spinal problem can be. I have a lot of words to describe back pain.... quite a few are not for a family forum!!! :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on November 28, 2016, 08:11:24 PM
Thanks all, yeah it's lovely to be able to put a long term family dispute behind us. RE: My missus' injury, the physio has been chatting aith her and says if things don't improve over another 3-4 appointments he will be referring back to GP about surgery...  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 29, 2016, 08:53:21 PM
Almost feeling dizzy. One fish, in my peripheral vision just beyond my work laptop, has spent most of the day swimming up and down, up and down the glass, in a seeming desperate bid to enter the territory in the reflection. He seems perfectly healthy but just dropping an incredibly strong hint that he wants a longer tank to swim the length of... Going up to talk to him, to ask him what he was up to, certainly stopped him in his tracks!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 06, 2016, 08:55:28 AM
We were up early as it's wheelie bin day and they come any time from 8 onwards. It is also foggy and was still dark at 7:45. After I'd had breakfast I went to check on the betta as he'd had plenty of time to wake up. He is getting old and likes to spend his time sitting in the hornwort. He was there this morning, but sort of stretched out, and still in the same position as when I turned the light on. I couldn't see his gills moving, or his mouth. After studying him for a couple of minutes I decided he must have passed away in the night but to be sure I got the magnifying glass to see him better. He decided that he wanted to know what was going on and his eye swivelled to look at me, he realised it was only me so swivelled his eye back again.

A bit like me when my husband decides it's time we got up and I want another 10 minutes sleep  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 06, 2016, 08:51:06 PM
After studying him for a couple of minutes I decided he must have passed away in the night but to be sure I got the magnifying glass to see him better. He decided that he wanted to know what was going on and his eye swivelled to look at me, he realised it was only me so swivelled his eye back again.
My heart missed about 3 beats on reading this. Glad to read that he is still in the land of the living.

A bit like me when my husband decides it's time we got up and I want another 10 minutes sleep  ;D
:rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on December 06, 2016, 09:36:42 PM
Well at least your husband wasn't contemplating scooping you out of bed with a net and flushing you. Poor betta I hope you gave him a treat.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 06, 2016, 10:05:07 PM
at least your husband wasn't contemplating scooping you out of bed with a net and flushing you

 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 07, 2016, 09:05:45 AM
My betta is definitely still in the land of the living, he spent a few hours yesterday (after he woke up properly) flaring at his snail  ;D



But that's more than can be said about one of the rasboras. I saw what I thought was a dead leaf on the floor at the side of the tank yesterday evening. It wasn't, it was a dried out hengel's rasbora   :'( It must have jumped during a water change. I did the last change last Friday so it could have been there since then, it was very dried out.





Doesn't say much about my housekeeping though, taking 4 days to notice something on the carpet  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 07, 2016, 08:00:26 PM
Sorry to hear about your rasbora.  :(

Glad to hear that your betta is ok though.  :)




Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 14, 2016, 08:47:47 PM
Gosh, there seems to be a lot of love in the dwarf puffer tank this evening.  :o
I'd go as far as to say that two of the females are quite receptive, and are being persued by certain males, who have developed their colours and now have very dark belly stripes.
Thankfully it is more of the "gently nuzzling" sort of action than the more frantic activity seen in the tiger barb tank a few weeks ago.  :)
 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on December 14, 2016, 08:56:36 PM
Maybe it's the Xmas spirit that's got into the dwarf puffers, Donna, it's a romantic time of year  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 14, 2016, 09:05:13 PM
Or it could be their Christmas party, those can get quite out of hand sometimes.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on December 14, 2016, 09:07:47 PM
<Imagines photocopier images of fishes tail fins and an underwater stationery cupboard > :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 14, 2016, 10:26:14 PM
Gosh, there seems to be a lot of love in the dwarf puffer tank this evening.  :o
I heard it mentioned that there's a full moon tonight - perhaps that has something to do with it.  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 14, 2016, 11:19:56 PM
<Imagines photocopier images of fishes tail fins and an underwater stationery cupboard > :rotfl:

Well, there was a couple nuzzling in one corner, and another male chasing a female around at the other end of the tank, so not a million miles away.
I've not seen any of them in a small santa hat, but perhaps that one was being sick in a small waste paper bin at the back of the tank.
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 15, 2016, 04:59:03 PM
NEW TANKS BEING DELIVERED ON MONDAY!

Sorry about the shouting, but I'm very excited.   ;D

 :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 15, 2016, 06:38:08 PM
You could always have increased the font size and changed the colour. After waiting so long I'm surprised you were so restrained  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 15, 2016, 07:08:23 PM
Don't forget... #picsoritdidnthappen

I'm excited to hear about how things progress  :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on December 15, 2016, 07:15:03 PM
@Littlefish Is the fat guy in red and white doing a special trip so he can squeeze some toys on board? How are the plans for Christmas looking now? :)
You realise its payback time now. Pictures of the new tank dance will be needed. As @Paddyc correctly said #picsoritdidnthappen

@Matt You beat me to it :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 15, 2016, 08:29:47 PM
I will be posting pics on Monday, possibly just to prove to myself that the tanks really have arrived.
I'm looking forward to setting up the first tank to upgrade the axolotls.
I'm hoping to use some of the Christmas holidays to start working on the river tank, and I'm also hoping that Dad has taken the hint on MA gift vouchers for a Christmas present.
That should keep me going for long enough to give the other fish (especially the dwarf puffers) a break from the recent spate of tank reorganisations I've done to keep myself entertained.
It has been quite a wait, and I am feeling the urge to do a tank dance to celebrate.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 15, 2016, 08:53:28 PM
When you're back to normality Littlefish, you'll have to update your signature for us.  I must admit I've completely lost track  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on December 16, 2016, 05:12:09 AM
@Littlefish Fish vouchers?  How on earth did he know you might like those? Oh hang on you live in an aquarium Silly me
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 16, 2016, 12:46:15 PM
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on December 16, 2016, 01:54:02 PM
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/06/8d/85/068d85ffc4f7ebf436c3c8570fba0d58.gif)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 16, 2016, 04:13:18 PM
@ColinB that looks a lot like the tank dance.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 16, 2016, 07:13:42 PM
Definitely Irish dancing with the arms down by the side. I suppose, retaining the water theme of Riverdance, Irish dancing would be appropriate for inside an aquarium. :)

I've just lifted a bag of Christmas cards out, with the intention of writing them. I wondered why the fish looked so excited and all came to the front of the tank with an air of anticipation, then realised that the bag was rustling in an identical manner to their fish pellet packet - they must have thought they were in luck for getting a second dinner!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on December 16, 2016, 07:40:38 PM
Its been a while but the baby Firemouths are still in the game.
I'm fairly sure they are down to 4 now but they are still growing fast and are just about 15mm long and starting to develop colouration. The larger of the two Severum is spending a lot of time lurking down their end of the tank, trying to look all sweet and innocent until the parents have enough and charge as a pair to shoo it away.
If the parents manage to get through the next two weeks I'm starting to hope that they will be too big for a mouthful and will survive.
It some achievement for them to get this far, but the 100% dedicated parenting strategy is what has done it and impressed me so much.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 16, 2016, 08:58:32 PM
Great to heare about the little ones, thanks for the update and the pics, they look great.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 17, 2016, 10:45:32 AM
Great to read and see the update, @Andy the minion .

I've just noticed a fishtank - or at least a big square glass cube - abandoned in a garden in the neighbourhood... Must "pull myself together" and stop dreaming about what I'd stock in it if it were mine...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on December 17, 2016, 11:28:58 AM
@fcmf Oh but no, surely pull yourself together and ask if they would like you to dispose of it for them, but do it quick because it will take @Littlefish about 6 hours by car to get there :)
Littlefish don't forget to close the door behind you. Littlefish? You still there....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on December 17, 2016, 12:38:09 PM
You may remember I had problems with fish trapped in with the shrimp that live in the sumps overflow box a couple of weeks ago. Well there is a bit more to the story.
The shrimp originally came from my community tank - I didn't know they were in there, but as I transferred everybody to a larger corner tank I found then in one of the buckets the plants were in. Having see it I started a careful look through the other containers and was up to 6 or so :)
That's when I wondered about the gravel in the old tank, it was mostly covered in water but showed no sign of life but I scooped it out with a dustpan and washed it through, then sieved what came out through a net. Incredibly I was up to about 15 at the end of this. How they survived the scooping I don't know but I couldn't think of another method.
So they all went in the overflow box because I had been wondering about adding some anyway and after all this wanted them to have a nice safe permanent home. It has a deep sand filter in the bottom and it would collect sediment over time, so they would a food supply and help to maintain the places I cant reach.
Then came the disaster with the Cichlids getting in. I was sure they were all eaten (the weir has now got a proper repair so this wont happen again) A week later I saw a survivor, and today I have just seen a tiny second.
Theses things are either the luckiest invert alive or so tough that it will be them and the cockroaches that will be the only things left after Trump and Putin fall out and start pressing red buttons !

I'm now just waiting for three wise Killifish to arrive from the East.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 17, 2016, 12:47:58 PM
@fcmf Oh but no, surely pull yourself together and ask if they would like you to dispose of it for them, but do it quick because it will take @Littlefish about 6 hours by car to get there :)
Littlefish don't forget to close the door behind you. Littlefish? You still there....
:rotfl: - think I'll have to invite her in for a cuppa when she arrives, the least I can do after beating her to it in getting my hands on that tank.

Theses things are either the luckiest invert alive or so tough that it will be them and the cockroaches that will be the only things left after Trump and Putin fall out and start pressing red buttons !
I'm now just waiting for three wise Killifish to arrive from the East.
Wow - 'robust' is more than an understatement to describe what they've gone through, and I think you're probably right in that they'll be here long after the rest of us! Hope the 3 wise Killifish arrive soon.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 17, 2016, 02:15:32 PM
Mine are in the main tank permanently under threat from cichlids which i do see munching down a shrimp every now and then.... they have survived for years like this hiding away during the day to avoid predation.  I think their love of small hiding spaces is what does it... they also get found in the water change bucket after a trip down the gravel cleaner...

Definitely a born survivor  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 17, 2016, 02:23:27 PM
@fcmf  and @Andy the minion  I can't get any more tanks until I've got the new ones on Monday, move the axolotls, then work out what I'm doing with the 2 empty tanks the axolots were in. I keep thinking that I have officially run out of space, but you never know when I could find a bit of space for another tank.  ;D
Always happy to accept a cuppa though.  ;)
I'm thrilled to hear that you have some shrimp still surviving. That's amazing.  ;D

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 22, 2016, 04:05:08 PM
Off work today. Mr FCMF was out and I mentioned buying the fish a treat and maybe breaking into one of my Christmas presents which I knew contained a giftcard for the LFS. Mr FCMF returned and, testing the water (excuse the pun), I blurted out "New fish tank" to see what his reaction might be. He looked absolutely identical to this: :yikes: , then looked massively relieved when I said "Don't worry - I was just looking at a new fish tank."
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 22, 2016, 08:14:04 PM
So are you going to keep repeating that until Mt FCMF stops looking  :yikes: and go from there?
 ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on December 23, 2016, 07:48:51 PM
sorry that this is old news, but a month ago, one of my whippies died (RIP). i now have 2 SAE's. Any guesse on the species?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 23, 2016, 08:24:56 PM
@apache6467 sorry to hear that one of your whiptails died.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 23, 2016, 11:01:51 PM
So are you going to keep repeating that until Mt FCMF stops looking  :yikes: and go from there? ;)
That's the approach, yes, @Littlefish . :) I've already been casually commenting on others' new tanks and the size of them, in the hope of slowly adjusting him to the idea that getting new and larger fishtank is normal and that there'd be something completely out of the ordinary only to possess one fishtank. :)

sorry that this is old news, but a month ago, one of my whippies died (RIP). i now have 2 SAE's. Any guesse on the species?
Sorry to read about this, @apache6467 . I've "cheated" and looked up Seriously Fish - are your new SAEs one of these two?
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/crossocheilus-langei/
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/crossocheilus-atrilimes/
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 24, 2016, 08:35:21 AM
@fcmf I am all for new, larger, and multiple fish tanks (obviously).  ;D

I hope that it doesn't take too long to convert Mr fcmf to an admirer of multiple tanks.

 :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on December 24, 2016, 10:11:31 AM
@fcmf how did you guess ;D
Its the top one!

Also known as the Siamese flying fox. They are just chilling on the bogwood as I type. Boris just ignores them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 24, 2016, 10:17:50 AM
Apache, can I suggest you read up everything you can on how to tell the difference between the SAE, flying fox and false SAE. Shops often get the names wrong. Some can be kept as groups, others can't and you need to be 100% sure which species you have.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on December 24, 2016, 10:22:34 AM
Well, judging by behaviour and colouration, that are the peaceful ones, as they are eating the algae from my glass and not bothering the others. Boris doesn't care about them. So far so good! Pics coming soon.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on December 24, 2016, 10:36:15 AM
Added 6 new pics!
https://goo.gl/photos/Q8PgaHQ9YGb2Mkwg7
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 24, 2016, 12:59:29 PM
I mentioned recently how, when the dimensions for something were cited recently, all I could think of was how big a fishtank that would hold. I've just been looking at a car's tail lights and thinking the horizontal strip looked just like a glowlight tetra. I need to get out more... to the LFS.  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on December 24, 2016, 03:06:58 PM
@fcmf What like "Littlefish has enough tanks to cover Wales"?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on December 24, 2016, 04:23:20 PM
Oi! We're doing alright here, thanks.

I've just heard the news about Rick Parfitt - one of my all time heros for decades since I was ~14. I'm raising a glass and cursing 2016. :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 24, 2016, 05:14:55 PM
@fcmf What like "Littlefish has enough tanks to cover Wales"?
Yes, comments such as it being the norm to have tanks in all rooms, or "Andy's main tank at 500 litres contains x/y/z, whereas his little tank at 200 litres..." with the hint that a 50-litre tank isn't really a tank at all...
;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on December 24, 2016, 05:44:25 PM
@fcmf What like "Littlefish has enough tanks to cover Wales"?
" with the hint that a 50-litre tank isn't really a tank at all...
;D
My 50l is ok thanks!

seen the new pics?
https://goo.gl/photos/Q8PgaHQ9YGb2Mkwg7
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 24, 2016, 06:04:27 PM
My 50l is ok thanks!

seen the new pics?
https://goo.gl/photos/Q8PgaHQ9YGb2Mkwg7
I love my 50-litre tank too but certainly wouldn't say no to at least another one or two or more...

Pics look great. :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on December 25, 2016, 08:30:38 PM
You think you've got it bad...  I'm doing my new tank project and my wife has just raised the odds to buying a new house.  :O
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 26, 2016, 02:42:45 PM
@apache6467 great to see your pics. Boris is still looking good, and it's nice to hear about your new arrivals.  :)

@fcmf I hope that your tactics are working. Keep at it.  ;)

@ColinB 2016 has a lot to answer for. Couldn't believe it about Rick Parfitt, and now George Micheal as well. Roll on 2017, let's hope it's better and/or quieter than 2016 has been.

@marquismirage does the new house have more room for fish tanks?

Just got back from a brief visit to Cardiff. Opened the front door and hear a noise upstairs, which was worrying. Looked in the living room and things had been disturbed, but not enough to suggest that I had been burgled (again). Checked all downstairs rooms, no broken windows. Went upstairs to find that somehow a squirrel had got into the house while I was away, and has spent the time trashing any room it had access too and pooping everywhere. It was on the windowsill at the top of the stairs, and was obviously frightened by my walking up the stairs, so it jumped, hit me in the face, ran over my head and ran into my bedroom. I have opened the bedroom windows and shut the door, hoping it will find it's own way out, while I pick up all the tree decorations it knocked off, clean up all the poop, and wash everything that I can.
On thre bright side the fish and axolotls are ok, if slightly nervous and hiding in the corners of their tanks. Everyone has eaten, so I'm hoping I can deal with the uninvited house guest, find out how it got in, and get everything back to normal fairly soon.
Perhaps I can even start setting up the new tank for the axolotls tomorrow.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 26, 2016, 05:08:13 PM
Wow, @Littlefish - glad your intruder was not a human! Also hope you weren't injured by the squirrel, and very relieved to read that your fish and axoltols are fine. When we had our 9-month-long intrusion of mice in the cavity walls and ceiling, I vaguely recall it being mentioned that squirrels can often find their way in from overhanging trees via the gutters, so that may be one option to explore. When I read your final line, I thought it was going to say "Perhaps I can even start setting up the new tank for the squirrel"!

We were away for a couple of days and I had to make a choice between automatic feeder (which sits on a heavy-duty condensation tray but with the tank lid open) or timers on the lights (housed in the tank lid) for the plants - I decided to opt for the latter but to leave a food tab for the fish. As it turned out, the timer wouldn't fit in the extension socket under the low-hanging fish tank cabinet, and I had to leave the tank lights off. Thankfully, fish and plants seem fine. However, someone ran into the back of our car this morning - and it looked as though we might not be able to get the boot shut to be able to drive home - at which point, after checking to ensure I hadn't incurred any more injuries on top of all my existing ones, I began to regret not having set the automatic feeder with extra days' worth of food and not having got the tank light situation sorted before I left!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 26, 2016, 05:41:57 PM
We had Christmas dinner in my mother's nursing home, a very good 3 course meal for £2.50. My younger son was at a loose end as his girl friend is a pharmacist who had to work yesterday so he came too.
My mother had a really bad fall almost 2 weeks ago and ended up in A & E twice - the second time was because the nursing staff at the home couldn't believe that she hadn't broken something the amount of pain she was in so she had to go back for a second X ray. Mother still can't walk because of the pain so she couldn't come here this year.

We spent today with my elder son and daughter-in-law hearing about their less than perfect Christmas day - d-in-l's father came down with labyrinthitis so not only could he and d-in-l's mother not go, they couldn't collect d-in-l's grandfather from the rehabilitation home so our son had to go for him, and then the other grandmother; and d-in-l dislocated her knee last week so she can hardly walk.



All in all we had the better Christmas day - no cooking and no washing up, and an excellent meal.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 27, 2016, 09:46:00 AM
It sounds as if quite a few people have had some incidents over the festive period. I hope that everyone is ok.

I had a good night sleep in the spare bedroom, and I think the squirrel issues has been resolved this morning, but won't know for sure until I start hoovering under the bed.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on December 27, 2016, 03:46:56 PM
@Littlefish Truly shocking news about the squirrel - but I'm afraid hilarious from a distance. Do you need us to send some replacement nuts down? Sorry..... its still funny :)
You should try hoovering with armed backup, both barrels of a 12 bore should sort the blighter out.
Oh no, on second thoughts that would be stupid you might wing a tank, now what eats Squirrels? I know! Three or four large excited dogs, probably wouldn't catch it but I'm sure they would chase it out .....after a while.
I'm probably not helping am I?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 27, 2016, 09:03:35 PM
@Andy the minion it's quite hilarious close up too, although the poop hoovering continues (I swear the little bugger went everywhere - even 3 times on top of one of the new tanks  :o )
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 27, 2016, 09:37:25 PM
Might the section on squirrel-proofing the home in these articles help, @Littlefish ?
http://www.squirrel-attic.com/keepaway.html
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/squirrels
http://www.animalaid.org.uk/images/pdf/factfiles/squirreladvice.pdf

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on December 27, 2016, 11:20:30 PM
@Littlefish I think you are discovering one of the effects of a nut rich diet. Do you remember the advertising slogan "What's got a hazelnut in every bite?" We'll now you know Topic and... squirrel shit :) Happy hoovering
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 28, 2016, 08:53:59 AM
I will admit that the squirrel problem is probably my fault as i do tend to feed them in the garden.  :-[
Never expected one to come down the chimney though.

@fcmf very useful links, thanks. I'll be asking the landlord to have a look at the chimney, and will also be spending some time checking the attic.

@Andy the minion I am counting my blessing as the poop is dry pellets and is easily hoovered. Can you imagine if it wasn't...  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on December 28, 2016, 09:21:44 AM
Hey Donna - I could lend you Tufnell for an hour or two. Chasing squizzles is a favourite game of his... but I'm not sure that he wouldn't trash the house in the process.

As for my Crimbo... I was out on the morning of the 24th chasing a ball with Tuffers (he was chasing, I was chucking!) when another dog barged into the side of my knee and bent it sidewards. I had to be helped out of the mud by the very embarrassed owner of said dog and hobbled back to my van with Tuffers in tow.

I spent all of Christmas Eve and Day barely able to walk even with a walking stick, so I sat there with my leg raised up, an ice pack on my knee, alternating between Nurofen and glasses of wine. I can walk reasonably well now... but I've had better Christmas Days. *Ho-hum*.

A very Happy New Year to y'all... here's to a better 2017  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 28, 2016, 10:15:45 AM
Thanks for offering the services of Tuffers, if it ever happens again I may well take you up on that.  ;)

I hope that your knee is a little better now, and that the wine & Nurofen cintinue to help you to handle the painuntil everything is well again.  :)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 02, 2017, 06:59:36 PM
I turn the filter off in the 180 litre just before I feed the fish as the food gets sucked up if I don't. I wait a couple of minutes then turn it back on. Yesterday I obviously forgot to turn it back on. When I fed the fish this evening, there was no water movement and the switch on the multi-socket was off.
The last thing I wanted to do was a water change at 6.30 on a dark cold evening especially as I had a bath late afternoon and am in my dressing gown. But the shrimp were pootling round as usual so I knew the water conditions weren't horrible.

The nitrite test was a lovely sky blue.
The ammonia test had a hint of green - but the kitchen has fluorescent lights. Into the dining room with its LEDs - yellow. Check in the hall with halogen bulbs - still yellow. Huge sigh of relief.


I know that plants use ammonia as food, and I do have quite a lot of live plants now. I know that 'filter' bacteria grow on every surface in the tank.
But I did not realise that in my 180 litre tank I could leave the filter off for 24 hours and have no ammonia or nitrite in the water  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 02, 2017, 07:24:35 PM
That's quite impressive, and a relief to know that your tank is fine for at least 24 hours.
Glad to hear that everyone is ok.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 02, 2017, 07:36:12 PM
That is the benefit of a larger aquarium, @Sue ie more scope if there's a mishap such as this. Good for you to find out/know - but not the type of situation that anyone would want to test out. [That's exactly the sort of situation that wakes me up during the night ie fear that I may have done something such as this.]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on January 03, 2017, 09:37:34 AM
*phew*
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 03, 2017, 10:18:31 AM
The tests are blue and yellow again this morning.

Yesterday evening I took a good look at my tank and realised I have a lot of plants in there now. They are slow growing, low light plants that are grown attached to decor and some floating plants, but it would appear that they, and the bacteria on them, the wood, sand etc are what saved my shrimps and possibly fish too.
There is a chap on another forum who never advises fishless cycling. His preferred method is to set the tank up with lots of fast growing and floating plants then get fish a few at a time. I'm beginning to think he could be right.


However, I'm not about to abandon the idea of fishless cycling. Unless they say they are using live plants, I always assume a newcomer to the hobby is using fake plants. I certainly started off with fake plants, progressing from plastic to silk, and then finally after many years on to live plants. But where a newcomer does say they have live plants, I now know that plants can make a big difference.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 03, 2017, 11:34:14 AM
There is a chap on another forum who never advises fishless cycling. His preferred method is to set the tank up with lots of fast growing and floating plants then get fish a few at a time. I'm beginning to think he could be right.
I have a feeling @Richard W would also agree with this more 'natural' method of cycling.

But where a newcomer does say they have live plants, I now know that plants can make a big difference.
I have a hunch that there may well be a difference between an established tank with plants and one just being set up with plants. For example, when I started converting from silk to live plants in the summer, something wasn't quite right and many plants didn't fare that well despite all allegedly being "easy to care for". After a few months, though, the situation changed and even those alleged to require "medium care" are doing fine despite me doing nothing differently ie just keeping them in the pots that they came in and not using any chemicals, root tabs, etc. I suspect that, if your situation had occurred in my tank in the summer (or at the point where I was 100% fully live plants), the outcome wouldn't have been as positive as if it were to occur now with plants having been established and surviving/thriving in the tank for several months.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 03, 2017, 01:10:24 PM
The tank lights have just come on to reveal a lot of cherry shrimp scouring the plants, two female ricefish with eggs hanging from their vents and the dominant male stiphodon looking spectacularly coloured.
I don't think their filterless 24 hours has done them any harm  :)



But I have just witnessed a pygmy cory swim up and eat the eggs hanging from one ricefish  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 03, 2017, 06:49:00 PM
Maybe you should give up on the filter alltogether  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on January 03, 2017, 07:36:06 PM
@Matt   
I have heard of people who run tanks without filters.  I think it's way beyond my ability.  If you have a large amounts of plants and a low amount of fish/shrimps/etc. then the plants and bacteria present can deal with the ammonia, nitrates, and so on. 

@Sue
Maybe because of that heavily planted established tanks can handle a short period of no filter running.  Hands up who wants to run experiments on this further with their tanks?  Me neither.  :D

I think the fish in cycle is criticised because the 'bad' water conditions will be stressful on the fish.  With plants and hardy aquarium bred fish maybe the negatives are overstated?  I'm going to run fishless cycles but for more experienced fish keepers maybe fish cycles are a valid option.

Plenty to think about anyway.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 03, 2017, 10:20:26 PM
While concentrating on something entirely different, the term "silent cycle" just popped into my head - I recall reading about this before ie using plants for what I think is many months in order to cycle the tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 04, 2017, 09:06:44 AM
I think a true silent cycle is planting the tank heavily, waiting until they are growing well then adding fish. Most of us don't plant that heavily though, so we do need to add fish slowly to be on the safe side.

I would still recommend a newcomer to do a fishless cycle, though, as they won't know how good their plant growing skills are. Experienced fishkeepers with planted tanks will be much more aware of the needs of plants but they will also know about cloning filters etc

I would never dare attempt a silent cycle as I only know about slow growing plants  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 06, 2017, 09:13:52 PM
The fish are up to it again.
It was a teen pregnancy before, now I have a Blue Acara and a Green Terror paired up and are canoodling/moving rapidly towards heavy petting!
I hadn't realised they interbreed but according to Google its been recorded before. Both species were bought as 'pairs' but I was very dubious about the LFS owners ability to sex immature fish at a glance while swishing a net around.
So what will the offspring be, Turquoise Acara or a Terrible Greeny blue?

In fact I hadn't planned on stocking Green Terrors but the owner went off on a mission once I had my selected fish and came back with an additional pair (for free) "that will go really well in the tank". He had them listed just as 'rivulatus' which rand a bell but I didn't make the connection at the time.
I knew the Green Terrors reputation from the stocking research but so far everybody has played nicely. I have been waiting to find out what happens when they mature - well now I know!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 06, 2017, 09:42:38 PM
Maybe something in the air (or water) as some of my harlequins have been rather amorous this week too which is most unusual, unlike the tetras.

Let us know how things develop and whether you find yourself with a new species...

The tetras are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following their weekly water change. Hopefully the situation will calm down soon and they'll stop shaking, start swimming around and colour up.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 06, 2017, 09:53:42 PM
@fcmf Oh! Do they normally react badly? Have you ever done a full parameter check before and after the change - there could be a temporary pH  swing as you are in soft water or perhaps temperature?
ps check out the signature, I did something shocking :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 06, 2017, 11:04:47 PM
Thanks, @Andy the minion - this is actually completely normal for the tetras to behave like this. The only time it didn't happen was when I did a "mini" water change one week ie the one week when I didn't take all the decor out of the tank and just changed the water by syphoning from the water near the surface rather than vacuuming the tank substrate. Yes, I check all the parameters pre- and post- water change; the KH and GH do go down as the tank water has some limestone rock in it and then they build up again over the course of the week. However, the tetras' behaviour and lack of colour seems to be entirely and proportionately connected with the amount of time I'm interfering in the tank replacing the decor. Unfortunately it would be impossible to clean the tank properly any other way ie to get my hand or the syphon in around the existing decor. I do leave half the decor in the tank at a time, though ie clear the decor from the RHS and vacuum that half of the tank, then replace the decor, and repeat the process with the LHS, so at least they've somewhere to hide during the process.

Oh dear- your KH and GH are non-existent. Dare I ask what happened? Remind me, do you / how do you increase your water hardness in the tank?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 07, 2017, 08:05:09 AM
@fcmf
Err yes..... low, did you look at the contents of the 200 litre?  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 07, 2017, 08:07:55 AM
 :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 07, 2017, 08:42:38 AM
That was the reaction I was expecting  ;D
The chicken have been confined to the coops because of the H5N8 avian flu outbreak so I thought I would get some live mealworms to scatter into the sawdust to keep them occupied. The girls will eat then all in a tenth of a second, but you never know there might be another one..... and that's them busy for an hour.
So I went to order some with the intention of breeding them, because you can never have too many mealworms when you have chickens or the kids have rodents.
That's when I saw the locusts and crickets and thought the girls would LOVE them. So the old 200 litre is a locust vivarium now, I have some racking drawers with the mealworms and plastic bins with silent crickets.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 07, 2017, 08:48:46 AM
That'll teach me to look at the forum when I've just woken up and brain hasn't engaged. I take it you have set up an insect tank with locusts which don't require water, as opposed to my sleepy brain which read it as maggots (my fault for reading a news article last night about a maggot incident) which had set in due to a case of the water parameters having gone very awry in the tank and the fish having died and been there in that state for a long time.. I must admit I did wonder how one tank could have gone so awry / been neglected when the others are well cared-for and have a clean bill of health. Doh!  :-[

Time for a strong coffee...

Edited to add: you posted while I was slowly typing this on my phone. Thanks for the explanation. :) Sounds like the chickens will be in their element during their confinement.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 07, 2017, 12:56:38 PM
Enjoying their abode after the weekly water change. The new leaves seem to have produced a lot of tannin overnight which they seem to be enjoying.
 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 07, 2017, 02:12:09 PM

The tetras are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following their weekly water change. Hopefully the situation will calm down soon and they'll stop shaking, start swimming around and colour up.



@fcmf They look fine ! and nice tank. Your PTSD thresholds must be quite low :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 07, 2017, 03:39:00 PM
They look fine ! and nice tank. Your PTSD thresholds must be quite low :D
Yes, actually PTSD probably isn't an accurate "diagnosis", as it only lasts the duration of the evening; even in fish years, that's not particularly long. They're always absolutely fine by the following morning and are usually chasing one another round the tank in a mating game.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 07, 2017, 09:20:16 PM
@fcmf great to see your tank doing so well. Your plants and fish look great.  :cheers:

@Andy the minion branching out with new tank contents is something I quite enjoy. I have a couple of small tanks where I breed pest snails to feed teh small ones to the dwarf puffers. I hope that your chickens are doing ok, even though they are having to be kept in confinement to avoid the outbreak.
As for your possible interbreeding scenario, please keep us posted on that, it could have quite an unusual outcome.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 07, 2017, 09:49:59 PM
Just a heads-up Andy - if the blue acara and green terror do lay viable eggs which hatch and fry survive you'll need to find something to do with the offspring. It is frowned upon to pass them on because some people would take them off you then sell them on as pure bred fish, or try to breed from them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 07, 2017, 10:06:01 PM
@Sue No danger, I'm not into breeding for sale. Slightly ironic as the Blue Acara is the electric blue form and that is already a hybrid :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 08, 2017, 09:38:52 AM
I didn't think you would send them out into the world but it was worth mentioning just in case. A lot of people don't realise that there are some unscrupulous people put there that would sell them on as pure bred whichever parent they look like.

There are a few well known hybrids in the trade, the one I know most about is endlers. All endlers in the shops are endler-guppy hybrids, you have to go to a specialist breeder to get pure endlers.

I hadn't realised your acara was the electric blue - a forced hybrid of the blue acara and electric blue ram.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 08, 2017, 09:55:55 AM
@Sue I didn't realise at the time - I thought it just a variation on common naming. I certainly hadn't gone out to get a hybrid variety and I have to say when I realised I wasn't happy which speaks to your point. Although I now know the electric blue is not unique to this LFS I won't ever go back again - but I had traveled some distance to get there and well you know how it goes, the fish scales had fallen over my eyes.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on January 10, 2017, 06:46:44 PM
Exciting stuff to learn you've got breeding fishies Andy, looking forward to the updates  8)

In the last few weeks I have been dealing with a semi-serious outbreak of Neon Tetra disease. I had a Cardinal tetra die out of the blue at the end of November and thought the two might be connected but no evidence to suggest this online, the remaining cardinals have remained healthy and colourful.

I had 4 Neons with a range of ailments including 1 with a bulging eye, two with curved spines and all of them had some sort of mouth/fin abnormality with white looking sores. I did a full course of Esha 2000 at first then waited a week whilst changing 40 litres every 2-3 days then going for another 3-day course of Esha 2000, All 4 Neons now show massive improvements so I will decide in a day or two whether or not to begin another 3-day Esha 2000 course.

Today I did the biggest deep-clean of my tank since I moved house last year. Bogwood, decor, plants all removed and placed in tank water, complete hoover of gravel (the hidden parts were particularly filthy) and a rebuild of the decor, plants re-planted and an addition of a small air-driven sponge filter since I had procured a double-outlet air pump so I am now driving an airstone and the sponge from a more efficient, powerful and quieter filter! The reason for adding the sponge filter is that I am thinking of building a shrimpery/Beta tank in the summer and a pre-cycled sponge will help get this going.

The fish seemed to cope well with the massive disturbance and the colours returned within an hour of me filling and allowing the tank to settle, the electric Blue Rams are even more vivid and Blue than before!

Sad to have lost my first fish through (supposedly) natural causes but considering the Neon tetra disease has struck I'm quietly proud I have managed to contain it (for now).

Hope everyone is good, member and fishy-wise  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on January 10, 2017, 06:48:44 PM
Just to add - I have left the external filter untouched for now and will wait at least til my next days off in 5 days to swish out the sponges. I thought doing this today would be too much of a disturbance to the bacteria colonies so the filter hasn't been touched, in case anyone has any concerns about a mini-cycle  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 10, 2017, 07:49:20 PM
Good to read of your update, @Paddyc . Sorry to hear about your loss but best of luck in getting this nipped in the bud. [Incidentally, I have definitely read about cardinals getting NTD although unsure how 'bona fide' the source was (and will have to hunt around for where I read it).]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 22, 2017, 12:23:30 PM
A couple of quick updates.
The Green terror and Blue Acara did spawn and we had about 20 3-4mm fry for a week or so then they made a basic error and allowed the Firemouth babies into the nest area.... there might be a few hiding amongst the rocks but the parents have given up :(
The Firemouths spawned again and also made the same mistake, so a lot of the eggs were hoovered up. A few hundred made it to wiggles but then disappeared overnight This is clearly a downside of their excellent parenting method.
That was three weeks ago and today they are spawning again - I would estimate 500-1000 eggs but the babies are making their own way in the tank now so they might stand a better chance this time.
And finally we have baby Locusts, probably 20 hoppers and the adults are still going strong so hopefully a full plague come summer
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 22, 2017, 06:51:11 PM
Fish never cease to amaze me.

I have just fed my fish and something in the betta's tank caught my eye. The betta is getting old now and he spends most of his time lying on the bottom of the tank, in the plants or perched on the heater bracket. He stirs himself for a quick flare when he sees the snail on the glass, and he is quick enough to eat his pellets, but otherwise he behaves like an old man.
The thing that caught my eye this evening was something tiny swimming in the tank which on closer looking was a 3mm fry with bright blue eyes - a rice fish.

Rice fish are egg layers. The eggs are sticky and hang from the female's vent until something removes them - such as a pygmy cory eating them (I've witnessed that!) or the female wriggling through a plant scrapes them off. There must have been an egg on the water sprite I moved into the betta's tank about 2 weeks ago.

I know the betta is getting old but he hasn't eaten it - or perhaps couldn't catch it. And it is so small I don't dare risk netting it. I'll have to see if I can suck it up with some airline tubing tomorrow, if it survives that long.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 22, 2017, 08:50:23 PM
Added 2 Amano shrimp to my tank yesterday. One very much seems to be the hide away type and the other, the swim round and round the tank like there's no tomorrow type. 

Not sure how they are going to date long term but it's nice having shrimp which are too large to be bothered by the ram and sparkling gourami as the rcs in my tank just hide all day.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 23, 2017, 07:00:19 AM
Just woken up to discover the electricity is off in the entire street (typing this on my phone). No idea how long it has been off. Beside myself with worry about the fish...

Edited to add:

Have covered top of tank with a towel to retain heat and will add some more to the sides. The poor filters and filter media, though...

Thank goodness I didn't get additional fish ie push the stocking.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 23, 2017, 08:03:54 AM
@fcmf how are your fish? Is the electric back on yet, or is there any indication from the electricity supplier of what the problem is?
If it's any consolation, I think that fish can survive these situations. It was only this weekend that I realised I hadn't switched the heater back on after cleaning one of the tanks. The temperature dropped from 24C to around 19C overnight, but the fish were fine.
Back last year when I was moving the tetras and hatchets to the 125L tank I had an incident where one fish had been overlooked and was in the old tank in around an couple of inches of water, without a filter or heater, overnight. He was fine.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and your little ones, for the rapid return of your electricity supply.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 23, 2017, 08:27:10 AM
Thanks, @Littlefish. Electric is now back on again, thank goodness, after lighting a match to boil water on the hob and eating breakfast by candlelight. I've had a peer in and think I've accounted for everyone. I did manage to find the following article http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/article/power-cuts-in-a-tropical-fish-aquarium which I knew existed, so am going to (try to) refrain from feeding today and monitor water quality over the next week. My goldfish was in a bad way for a week a number of years ago following the filter having been off for several hours, so I'll probably do small daily water changes as well over the next week just to keep the water at optimal quality and minimise the effects of any potential mini-cycle. Keep those fingers crossed for me over the next week in the hope that everyone gets through this unscathed. :)

Conversation at breakfast:
Ms FCMF: Ah great - found the article about what to do in the event of a powercut.
Mr FCMF: On the electricity supplier's website?
Mr FCMF: No! ::) On the Thinkfish website - that's all I'm worried about. [stifling a sniffle due to worry about the fish and indeed any fish which might be inhabiting the households along the street.]

Edited to add: everything in the freezer still seems frozen so I'm hoping that the power cut didn't last too long.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on January 23, 2017, 08:48:50 AM
Glad your electricity is back on @fcmf , a power cut holds an extra level of concern for fishkeepers, although I do have a small suitcase-sized backup generator that is capable of running my filter, heater, home boiler and maybe the TV or a kettle... Hope I don't have to use it  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 23, 2017, 11:27:22 AM
@fcmf glad to hear that the electric is back on. Hope everyone is ok.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 23, 2017, 06:22:51 PM
Thanks, @Paddyc and @Littlefish - all seems fine, thank goodness.

Typical that one of my 3 ammonia re-agent bottles ran out of liquid this morning, just when I really needed it to monitor ammonia levels post- power cut! Went to the LFS at lunchtime, only to discover that the ammonia test kit cost £20 - this seemed too steep to me as I was expecting half that price and so I left empty-handed, too shell-shocked even to avail of the opportunity to look at the fish; I did, however, notice that the API Masterkit cost £40. On return home, I managed to get refills for the 3 re-agent bottles at £8 (P&P included) from an online purchase and which ought to arrive tomorrow while the same supplier sells the API Masterkit for £22. I don't normally mind spending a little extra to support my LFS but the vast difference in prices was phenomenal. I didn't have time to browse around and may have managed to get an even better bargain but I've used this supplier before for catappa leaves and other items and they're excellent.

Fish have been behaving normally all day - usual, now-predictable antics of male tetras chasing females during the morning, territorial harlequin not allowing anyone near his territory in the afternoon, two female tetras' synchronised swimming displays, mixed-species games/enjoyment under the jacuzzi (filter waterfall, etc).

I've just decided that it might actually be a good idea to contact the energy network to find out how long the power was actually off for - turns out it was only off for 2 hours which is a massive relief.  I've therefore decided that a small meal for the fish and a 10%, "non-invasive" water change (ie just a couple of jugfuls of water from the top of the tank) for precautionary purposes seems a good plan and that I can probably put my mind at rest now - glad I made that phonecall, rather than wondering if the electric might have been off for as much as 7 hours.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 23, 2017, 06:57:20 PM
If the fish are behaving normally, that's good sign.

Don't forget my filter was off for 24 hours before I discovered I hadn't turned it back on after feeding the fish and I had no problems.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 23, 2017, 07:12:35 PM
@fcmf A true aquarist !! Worry about the little devils before yourself and a hot shower!
Don't worry though, power cuts are a regular occurrence (monthly) on the end of the extension lead that they call a network supply to our road. A tank of water will take several hours to noticeably start cooling down and well cycled filter media also survives in the post so the fish were probably just wondering what the funny woman was doing googling by candlelight :)
Glad you are up and running though, we wander around thinking what can we do while the power is down, the hoovering, have a cuppa, switch the light on. DOH ! Damnit ! .....every time.
I now have a generator permanently wired into the house with a change-over switch, but it's only 2kW so it's still ..... Have a cuppa? The oven? DOH!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 23, 2017, 07:34:23 PM
All very valid and reassuring points, @Sue and @Andy the minion - thanks. Hopefully it will mean I'll be able to sleep well tonight rather than what I've done in the past on occasion - slept on an inflatable mattress beside the fishtank, set the alarm for every half hour, just to get up and check on the fish (my goldfish at the time when he was gravely ill for several days) by torchlight.
so the fish were probably just wondering what the funny woman was doing
is probably a very apt term to describe me.  :-[

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 23, 2017, 09:13:31 PM
@fcmf Funny woman in a nice way of course :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 29, 2017, 07:07:35 PM
I just finished a water change on the community tank and bent down to switch the external filters back on and jiggle the air out. Then something hit me on the head, a fish!
The flow restarting must have spooked one of the hatchets into taking a flying leap. That mistake is usually fatal so I hope she will tell her mates and they will realise what works in a river doesn't in a tank  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 29, 2017, 07:51:33 PM
I hope that your hatchet is ok.

When I was moving mine a while back I heard a splash, started to panic, looked around the tank, on the floor, but couldn't find it. Turned out it jumped into the net.  ::) I hadn't thought of looking there.  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 29, 2017, 11:23:42 PM
Not sure if this would help / is feasible in your situation but, ever since reading about Sue's dried-up rasbora, I now ensure that, during the tank water change regime, I keep the lid on wherever possible. Therefore, I open it to remove the decor and syphon, then close it while tending to the decor (removing decaying leaves or fungused food pieces or algae from the leaves or dipping the leaves in the old tank water) or rinsing the filter media in old tank water or getting the replacement tank water sorted and declorinated or the catappa leaves boiled, then open it to replace the decor and filter media or when replenishing the water with declorinated water. Switching on the filters and heaters is only done once the lid is closed too.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 29, 2017, 11:30:16 PM
Thanks @fcmf To be 100% safe I'm going to start wearing a hat from now on  C:-)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 30, 2017, 08:03:18 AM
@Andy the minion  if you could get a hat with a wide brim (like a cowboy hat), and fill the brim with the old tank water you syphon out (a 10 gallon hat  :rotfl:  omg so sorry  :-[ ) then the fish would be perfectly safe.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 30, 2017, 09:32:55 AM
The worst case of jumping fish I ever had was a tank of female bettas many years ago. One of them was an incorrigible jumper. I eventually put their food in using a funnel through a cut out at the back of the tank, which the rest of the time was filled with filter wool. Before that I had to have one of my sons on standby to catch her when I lifted the flap to feed them. Cleaning the tank was a nightmare.
I finally found this fish dried up behind the tank, I have no idea how she got out with all the anti-escape precautions I was forced to use.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on January 30, 2017, 12:35:34 PM
Thanks @Littlefish I can see that working, I think I still have my 45.4 litre hat from when I was a cattle rustler on the South Downs
@Sue Humm a real deathwish Im afraid. Any water addatives with Prozac in them?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 31, 2017, 07:58:43 PM
Lighting unit seems to have failed this week - two new light tubes have been tried to no avail, fuse in plug socket been replaced, cover been taken off lighting unit to ensure wires still intact, etc. Have e-mailed the aquarium manufacturer for advice. Poor fish are suffering from the equivalent of jet lag and keep going to their night-time sleeping positions as though confused re the time of day.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 31, 2017, 08:02:34 PM
The ballast can give up, and be replaced. Do you have a friendly electrician who could assist?

Or even replace the light tubes with LEDs. I have some that have their own electric supply but use the fluorescent tube sockets to hold them in place.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 31, 2017, 09:53:51 PM
Thanks, @Sue - Mr FCMF is willing to take up the challenge of replacing the ballast. The LED idea also sounds an alternative potential option. I was beginning to think I might have to buy an entire new canopy or even new tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on February 01, 2017, 07:23:23 AM
I changed to LEDs when my original tube stopped working. They're much easier to deal with.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on February 05, 2017, 11:32:04 AM
I am definitely upgrading to a LED unit this year... My own custom built led light is rustic but operated perfectly. However with no discernable cooling system the white LEDs have yellowed over time so I have concluded that it would require significant investment to get to the full variation of light I want so sometimes it's just better to go to the big boys who have already built something that fits my purposes.

In my own tank news, I have added ten Harlequins to my community bringing the shoal to 18. The size difference is significant to the old guys but they didn't waste time getting to know each other. The cherry barb's like their company too and all were happily schooling together after yesterday evenings feed.

Also added a Ludwigia plant to my tank so will add pics on Wed or Thurs after my big water change.

Incidentally I used P@H for my fish purchase which I told myself I didn't want to do after their snootiness and not allowing me to buy sufficient fish to get my tank set up and create enough waste to keep my bacteria colonies going. But when I compared prices with my local independent, P@H came in at £9 cheaper! Almost a quid per Harley saved!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 05, 2017, 11:48:30 AM
Shoal of 18 sounds great. Glad to hear that they are settling in and all getting on well.
Pics, @Paddyc , pics please.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 05, 2017, 12:14:48 PM
The LED light systems (eg Fluval Sky) which would replace the current fluorescent tubes seem to be not far off ~£100. I'm currently balancing a table lamp on top of a vertical shoebox and shining that through a condensation tray to keep the plants alive, while I and Mr FCMF figure out what to do next.

Great news re the new harlequins settling in and being accepted so quickly by own and other species, @Paddyc. You'll have to update your signature now. :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on February 05, 2017, 12:28:50 PM
The LED light systems (eg Fluval Sky) which would replace the current fluorescent tubes seem to be not far off ~£100. I'm currently balancing a table lamp on top of a vertical shoebox and shining that through a condensation tray to keep the plants alive, while I and Mr FCMF figure out what to do next.

Great news re the new harlequins settling in and being accepted so quickly by own and other species, @Paddyc. You'll have to update your signature now. :)

I shall do this soon, well reminded!

Shoal of 18 sounds great. Glad to hear that they are settling in and all getting on well.
Pics, @Paddyc , pics please.

Yes yes, they're on their way over the next 24 hours  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 05, 2017, 01:43:33 PM
Just doing my rounds, checking the tanks & inhabitants, when I saw something I've never seen before in one of the temperate tanks.
I like my amano shrimp and have them in several tanks. I am used to picking moults out of the tanks, and have often wondered how they do it. I'm sorry I can't get a clearer picture, but I have found a moult still on the wood, and it seriously looks as if one of them has just opened a hatch at the back/top and got out. I can't stop looking at it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 05, 2017, 01:47:46 PM
Hope you can see the "open hatch" more clearly in this picture.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 05, 2017, 09:12:06 PM
Meanwhile, in the dwarf puffer tank, some of them gather to explain the difference between 3 small meals a day, and a constantly full feeding pod, and make it clear which one they would prefer.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on February 05, 2017, 09:24:57 PM
Run Littlefish!!

The puffers are attacking!!

 :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on February 08, 2017, 04:38:55 PM
The thing that caught my eye this evening was something tiny swimming in the tank which on closer looking was a 3mm fry with bright blue eyes - a rice fish.

I now have 3 ricefish fry in the betta's tank, one bigger than the other two. The betta has made no attempt to eat them.

I bought the betta 23 months ago and he is behaving like an old man. My husband has also asked if he can see properly as his food must be dropped about 1 cm from his nose or he can't find it. Maybe he can't see the fry  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 08, 2017, 07:38:52 PM
Congrats on the ricefish fry! This sounds like perfect compatibility ie an elderly, blind betta in with some fry - let's hope they manage to make it to adulthood.
 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News. We are a Grandparent!!
Post by: adenann on February 08, 2017, 08:59:44 PM
:wave: Having had a bit of trouble last week with a sick Black Molly recovering and her weaker sister not surviving the treatment :(, I was sat by the tank on Thursday evening when I caught a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye :fishy1:. On investigation, against all the odds, our recovered Molly had thanked us with 4 fry.
At Friday morning's feed there were 6 and after a very careful water change on Saturday we were up to 8! :D They're really hard to count as they're so small and quick and like to hide away in the decor.
Nearly a week now and they've doubled in size and none of their tank-mates have shown any interest in them.
So far MA 1 : Adenann 8. Even if only 2 make it to adults we'll be ahead of the game!
 :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 08, 2017, 09:28:43 PM
@Sue and @adenann congratulations on your fry. There's something so adorable about the little ones, and I hope that you can share pictures with us at some point.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on February 09, 2017, 10:52:27 AM
Indeed - congratulations. I've only ever had one fry make it to adulthood so I'm really impressed.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on February 09, 2017, 11:02:12 AM
Rice fish spawn readily - I often see females with eggs hanging from their vents in typical rice fish fashion. But in a community tank, eggs rarely survive, and even if they did hatch any fry wouldn't last long. But in this case I moved a plant into the betta's tank and there must have been eggs stuck to it. According to Seriously Fish, the eggs take anything from 1 to 3 weeks to hatch, so maybe I had one about to hatch and a couple more newly laid eggs on the plant.
I was just astounded that the betta hasn't found them yet.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on February 10, 2017, 02:05:45 PM
Make that 4 rice fish fry.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on February 10, 2017, 03:52:21 PM
Is that your regular order at the Chinese takeaway Sue?
Make that 4 rice fish fry.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on February 10, 2017, 04:41:13 PM
Is that your regular order at the Chinese takeaway Sue?
Make that 4 rice fish fry.....


;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 12, 2017, 09:33:13 AM
Fish seem to be enjoying their latest additions - hygrophila polysperma (which I know @Paddyc is a fan of) and echinodorus martii. A few plants had lost some leaves while waiting for the tank lights to be fixed (took over a week to do so and thus diminished lighting during that time), hence replenishing them with a couple of new ones.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on February 12, 2017, 09:38:28 AM
while waiting for the tank lights to be fixed

What did the problem turn out to be?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 12, 2017, 10:24:12 AM
while waiting for the tank lights to be fixed

What did the problem turn out to be?

Almost certain it was the ballast. Weighing up the pros and cons of the various options (eg installing expensive LED lights, getting an electrician in to fix the ballast but potentially finding that that wasn't the problem after all and back to the drawing board, getting a replacement lid for the tank), it seemed the most convenient and economical option under the circumstances was to go for a replacement lid which we knew ought to address the problem with no unforeseen hitches. Unfortunately, the company which we ordered it from realised that they had none left in stock at the time and needed to order more in, hence a week's delay. In that intervening time, a table lamp was balanced on top of a vertically-positioned shoebox and shone through a 'corrugated' condensation tray, but I felt uneasy about this being on while out at appointments, so it was off for long spells during the day too - which collectively is why some of the plants lost some leaves. Thankfully, I hadn't thrown the old light tube away as it works perfectly fine in the new lid.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on February 12, 2017, 10:30:56 AM
Hopefully the plants will recover.

My old Juwel tank was notorious for the ballast failing (or at least the ones made in a particular place, the ones that had small round red stickers on them); there are step by step photographic guides on several forums for how to replace that one. The cause in this case was dampness getting into a supposedly sealed box.
It would be interesting to see if the ballast in your old lid is all rusty.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on February 12, 2017, 02:46:50 PM
Just an Update...

First, an apology for not being on sooner! GCSE's are hard work.

Boris (the Betta) and friends are doing great, with an addition of 10 Khuli/Coolie/Eel Loaches

Hows everyone doing?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 12, 2017, 04:44:02 PM
Hi @apache6467
Glad to hear that you are working hard for your GCSEs, and that your gang are still doing well.

All good here, in general.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 12, 2017, 06:25:10 PM
Hi @apache6467 - good to hear from you and that all is well. Best of luck for the GCSEs.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on February 15, 2017, 07:46:12 AM
Good to see you Apache... I hope those GCSEs go well for you. Just keep thinking of the lovely, long Summer holiday you'll get after they've finished.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on February 27, 2017, 03:45:18 PM
Afternoon all, just taking a coffee break from writing up a psychology report.

My bristlenose plecos, Bob and Missus B (not in my list) are now mummy and daddys again. I'm not quite sure how many babies there are as they a bit elusive atm, i estimate about 20. When they reach a reasonable size they'll be going to my MA to give me a bit of shop credit. I put a couple in my son's tank a few weeks back as he really struggles with green algae even though he's got otos. I had thought they had died but he's noticed 'something' is clearing the algae, there's a huge swathe of the stuff gone from the front viewing panel. I reckon they're hiding during the day and coming out at night for a scoff. 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 27, 2017, 06:04:11 PM
Congratulation to Bob and Mrs B   :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on March 04, 2017, 08:09:52 PM
Another update...
10 Khuli Loaches have joined Boris!
got em about 2 weeks ago and are feeding, swimming and hiding in wood (as they are Khuli Loaches!)

Everythings going fine!

If u need to know anything just messsage me or email me!

Apache6467 - Bottom dweller tank and owner of Boris

p.s. both pairs of anglefish in my dads tank have spawned. the silver, less expirienced pairs got eater, wheras the more expirienced black pair had one fry.... it was eaten by parents  :vcross:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 05, 2017, 12:21:45 AM
Thanks for the update @apache6467 glad to hear things are going well.
I have a bit of a soft spot for khuli loaches, they have cute little faces, and their elusive nature is part of their charm. I thought the PFK article and set up was awesome.   8)
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/articles/2017/2/2/set-up-a-kuhli-loach-hotel

I'm also keen on all types of bottom dwelling fish, and have plans for all current empty tanks to house various species, but currently struggling to narrow down the choices.  :)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on March 05, 2017, 08:47:19 AM
mmm - I like those loaches!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 05, 2017, 08:59:26 AM
The khuli loach hotel article is very interesting.
My boss had a group of khuli loaches for many years and they had grown quite large. Unfortunately the last 2 passed away a few weeks ago, which was a shame as she was very attached to them.
The independent LFS had a shipment of little ones, and I was told that watching them all feed from the same piece of food was like seeing Medusa's head.
Again, my problem is my water hardness, otherwise I'd have them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 05, 2017, 09:07:31 AM
Arnt they nocturnal?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 05, 2017, 09:18:17 AM
They seem to venture out in low light, so I guess if they are comfortable with the lighting, amount of hiding spaces, and lack of predators then they may venture out more often. Huge numbers also seem to be a good thing.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 09, 2017, 08:18:00 PM
Ummmmm, I was flicking through a copy of PFK today and found that I am only a couple of miles away from a fish store that was voted the runner up in PFK UK best retailer 2016.
How had I not realised this before.  :o
Guess where I'm going tomorrow.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on March 09, 2017, 08:55:06 PM
I'll ring them and warn them. God, this could get ugly.
Anybody know if its possible to book a 999 call?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 09, 2017, 09:42:43 PM
 :rotfl:

Operator: What's your emegency?
Me: I want aaaalllllllllllll the fish and I don't have enough tank space.
Operator: Donna, back away from the fish and go home.  C:-)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 12, 2017, 12:10:55 PM
I managed to visit the store without buying anything. I did spend a lot of time admiring their bamboo shrimp though. So cute, and amazing little things. I'd love to have a tank with a few of those in at some point.

However, regardless of the fact that I don't have a tank mature enough to hold them, I've gone ahead and ordered some otos - I just could resist them.
http://www.palaeoplushies.com/product/otocinclus-sucker-mouthed-catfish-handmade-plush-toy
Saw them in PFK and thought it might be nice to keep me going until I can get some real ones.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 12, 2017, 01:57:56 PM
And they make betta key chains in various colours and tail types  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: adenann on March 12, 2017, 03:17:22 PM
.... found that I am only a couple of miles away from a fish store that was voted the runner up in PFK UK best retailer 2016....
:wave:
@Littlefish If they're near you they're probably near me too. Were they any good?   Can you be more specific as to who they are?  In Hardwick maybe?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: adenann on March 12, 2017, 03:34:42 PM
...... When they reach a reasonable size they'll be going to my MA to give me a bit of shop credit.....
:wave:
@Fiona
What's the deal you've got with MA?   The one I use, that's had several  £00s off me since last November,  didn't want to know when I asked about taking our excess Black Mollies.  They would only "re-home " them, i.e. get them for nothing from me then sell them on.  Was never any mention of store credit. I know they're all franchises so to some extent each shop can make their own rules but I will be a bit upset if they're trying to pull a fast one with a good customer.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 12, 2017, 03:44:34 PM
Yes @adenann the coral cave at the pet store in Hardwick.
I had to collect my car from a garage in Swavesey, so went to the coral cave on the way home to Cambridge. I admit more like 10 miles from home rather than a couple of miles, but who's counting when it means a visit to a fish store.  :)
They had some stuff that I hadn't seen in other stores - the zebra moray eels in the marine section were impressive, and the tank of bamboo shrimp were my favourites. Although the majority of the coldwater and tropical fish seemed fairly standard, all the tanks were single species (which I thought was great) and the labelling/identification was very clear.
I liked the layout, which made the most of the space available, and also had a lot of walking/gawping at tanks space, so people could still move around when it was very busy.
I got the impression, via some fairly unsubtle eavesdropping (I was the only other person in the vicinity when they were dealing with another customer), that the staff were very helpful.
I am likely to continue getting my stuff from MA or Amwell, as they are closer to home or work and I've already got to know most of the staff, but if the coral cave is close to you then it's certainly worth a visit. There was a pleasant atmosphere and you may find that it becomes your "go to" place if you get to know them.  :)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on March 12, 2017, 06:17:37 PM
I made this ages ago....
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T8UlTqLOvMB3DkPJ4Jmc9pBXDw8hLeEkAVPOlQ4d9Z0/edit?usp=sharing

Enjoy Reading
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: adenann on March 12, 2017, 06:32:59 PM
@Littlefish
Thanks, I suspected it might be them.
The manager there has always given me good advice (I think).  It was he who told me long ago that we are water keepers mainly and the fish keeping is a byproduct of that.
I use them as they're the only ones close by who stock SeaChem products, which I'm a fan of.
Never bought fish from there as I prefer to stick with MA.
They seem to have a nice range in pre-planted rocks and wood that I'm thinking of adding to our tank to keep the NO3 better controlled.
 :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on March 14, 2017, 08:02:36 AM
@adenann

I might just be lucky. I was going to say Mollies breed as readily as guppies and that's the difference between them and ancistrus, but actually ancistrus breed like guppies too. Ancistrus are more expensive than mollies though, so maybe thats why they're happy to take them and give me something in return.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: adenann on March 14, 2017, 08:57:35 AM
@Fiona
  :wave:
Our Mollies are too small & quick to catch & transport right now. When they get to saleable size I'll ask around again. We've got 2 x MA, 1 x P@H & 3 x other LFSs to try.
 :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 14, 2017, 01:54:42 PM
We went to the garden centre this morning, and I didn't go into Maidenhead Aquatics  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 14, 2017, 03:38:07 PM
We went to the garden centre this morning, and I didn't go into Maidenhead Aquatics  :yikes:

Whhhhhhhhaaaaaaaatttttttttt!?!   :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 14, 2017, 03:45:24 PM
My tank is overstocked; I have enough decor and plants; they don't sell the food or dechlorinator I use.

I'd only see fish I want then get grumpy because I can't have them  ;D




Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 14, 2017, 06:30:29 PM
Fair point.
Hope you had a nice trip to the garden centre.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 14, 2017, 06:46:28 PM
My husband got his lawn feed with 10% extra and £5 off as well, so he was happy. He also got some seed potatoes and onion sets and I got my Gardener's Delight tomato seeds, which are now planted in a seed tray on the kitchen window sill  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 15, 2017, 05:46:26 PM
Someone close to me paid a visit to a LFS today and mentioned how fascinated they were by a couple of fish having a stand-off in the tank. I enquired as to what the type of fish were. "Mopani fish" was the response. Puzzled for a second, I asked if the tank was placed above the decor such as the bogwood. It was. Turns out they assumed the sign was referring to bogwood below but mopani above ie that was the name of the species of fish rather than the sign referring to "mopani bogwood" below. Shouldn't laugh but it is giving me a chuckle.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on March 15, 2017, 09:48:13 PM
@fcmf I know what those fish are, the scientific name is Pleasedonot Tapthetank
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fiona on March 16, 2017, 08:13:14 PM
Well I went to feed the pygmy cories and the RCS and found another of the older pygmys looking very pale and listless. This will make the 3rd pygmy to sicken within the last month. There's been no signs of an illness, they just look old. All the fish that have died have been the older fish, the juveniles are fine.  :( Water quality is absolutely fine. There's been no changes to the tank for a long time.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on March 23, 2017, 12:04:24 AM
I have no shame in saying that as a grown man I went sqweeeeeee in delight today.  Got an email from ND Aquatics and my tank, cabinet and sump are ready.  Now I just need to organise three buddies to help me get the beast into the house and get a delivery date.  :D

I also saw some very pretty guppies at P@H that would have sorely tempted me if I had somewhere to put them.  The males had a bluish body with a rainbow coloured tail i.e. it had green, blue, yellow, and red in bands.  I haven't seen guppies like them before and can't find anywhere what this strain is called.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fish-friends on March 24, 2017, 10:27:11 PM
Hey, didn't know where to share this because it's just random chat then saw this thread,
Last night I was moving some rocks and found a shrimp pellet left underneath I picked it out and two shrimp swam on my hand to retrieve it from me one swam away with it the other started cleaning my hand I let it stay there until he swam away  :) I told my friend who looked at me like I was crazy, she said please don't tell me you talk to your fish! Yep!  :) :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 25, 2017, 01:48:44 PM
I told my friend who looked at me like I was crazy, she said please don't tell me you talk to your fish! Yep!  :)

You are in good company on the forum  ;D Even my fish-hating husband talks to my betta  :o


That sounds like shrimps  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 25, 2017, 04:19:53 PM
Thank goodness I keep spares in the cupboard.

I have just done a water change and when I turned the filters back on, one of them didn't move any water just made a vibrating sound. I lifted the pump off to make sure there was no trapped air but it still didn't work. So I took the impeller out to clean it - and saw that the magnetic bit had split down the length. No wonder it made that noise. Luckily I had an unopened spare impeller in the cupboard.

I'm now off to order a new spare  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 25, 2017, 05:45:12 PM
Amazon prime is my spares cupboard!!  I assume that my plants will keep me going for 24 hours...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 25, 2017, 07:34:01 PM
We don't have Amazon Prime so the cupboard under the tank is the only realistic option for me. If I'm lucky, from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday is the fastest I can hope for - provided the seller dispaches on Monday and Royal Mail deliver overnight  :-\


I should mention that when I looked in the spares box I found 2 spare impeller shafts still in their packaging. I went through a spell of breaking these on a regular basis  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fish-friends on March 29, 2017, 11:56:52 AM
I love my shrimp  :)
My husband isn't allowed near the tank after he put the filter back in wrong after I'd cleaned it, I think he did it on purpose out of jealousy he reckons I give them more time than him  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 30, 2017, 06:41:27 PM
I love my shrimp  :)
My husband isn't allowed near the tank after he put the filter back in wrong after I'd cleaned it, I think he did it on purpose out of jealousy he reckons I give them more time than him  ;D

Well, they do help with the cleaning.....  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 31, 2017, 07:19:41 PM
I've frequently mentioned the fact my x-ray tetras cower and go pale during and for some time following their weekly water change. Today, I decided to do a running commentary of what exactly was happening and why, in a calm and reassuring "speaking to the fish" voice. What a difference this has made - no cowering whatsoever and not a pale tail in sight! May sound daft but there is no other explanation for this other than that this commentary/tone of voice served its purpose.
 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on March 31, 2017, 09:17:11 PM
@fcmf You're a fish whisperer!  Now teach them to line dance.  :D

Tank arrived safe and sound on Wednesday.  Tank and cabinet setup OK (over the concrete in the dining room where a fire place used to be).  Been wrangling with the plumbing for the last couple of days.  After a couple of leaks I think I've solved the weir connection drips.  Giving it another 24 hours to make sure.  Then it's time to test the sump return pipes.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on April 01, 2017, 07:22:29 PM
I've discovered a pH spike in both my tanks... High range pH result was vibrant purple so off the scale! Might explain the neon tetra death I had last week. I just presumed that it was a terminal victim of Neon a Tetra disease, it did look very worse for wear with no other sufferers in the tank...

It had been a while since I checked the pH levels, I can't remember checking them since the new year! So I'm guilty of neglect in that respect. I feel terrible. Need to monitor the situation over the next few days, have done 75% water change in the cycling tank and have yet to start the community tank as it takes a bit longer... I'll go do a dilution test to see if I can get an accurate pH result... Any tips or questions to get to the root cause much appreciated in meantime  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 01, 2017, 07:32:15 PM
The usual cause of rising pH is something in the tank made from calcium and/or magnesium carbonate slowly dissolving. This would affect GH and KH as well as pH.

Or, as it is a while since you tested, has the water company done something and you've gradually been adding water of a higer pH with every water change?

I would test the pH of your tap water - let some stand overnight too and test that as well. This will show if your tap water has changed which will eliminate/confirm the tap water as the source.


If the tap water proves to be a lot lower than the tank, be careful changing too much water at one go.
The cycling tank will be fine at high pH as the filter bacteria prefer it high.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on April 01, 2017, 07:52:35 PM
The usual cause of rising pH is something in the tank made from calcium and/or magnesium carbonate slowly dissolving. This would affect GH and KH as well as pH.

Or, as it is a while since you tested, has the water company done something and you've gradually been adding water of a higer pH with every water change?

I would test the pH of your tap water - let some stand overnight too and test that as well. This will show if your tap water has changed which will eliminate/confirm the tap water as the source.


If the tap water proves to be a lot lower than the tank, be careful changing too much water at one go.
The cycling tank will be fine at high pH as the filter bacteria prefer it high.

Tap water straight out the faucet is 7.5 ( top of pH range, bottom of high range ) like it has always been. I don't foresee the standing tap water returning different results but I've put some aside to tes tomorrow and I'll repor back...

What I don't understand is that I changed 60 litres 8 days ago... But without a regular set of pH results I can't track back to when the change may have occurred.

I will do a 25% water change in the community tank and see what difference that makes them do 24 hour testing
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on April 02, 2017, 12:15:08 AM
Water changes are rarely the solution to an increasing pH.  As Sue correctly points out it is usually some sort of carbonate issue with an item in the water (maybe a chipped ornament for example).  In this case removing the offending item will cause the pH to gradually fall by itself.

As I don't know your setup I'll add another possible cause which is low levels of carbon dioxide in the aquarium.  This is usually caused by low circulation or aeration in the tank so when the NH3 converts to NH4 and releases an additional OH (hydroxide) atom it stays in the water column.  If this is a possibility in your tank adding an air stone will sort it.  The aquarium will produce more CO2 and the pH will gradually fall.

Large pH changes through large water changes will potentially shock your fish while not fixing the cause so go careful.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on April 02, 2017, 09:32:17 AM
There is plenty of circulation and air bubbles running all day so CO2 can't be the problem. Could liquid fertilisers be the issue maybe? I use Seachem Flourish once to twice a week... I do have ornaments in the tank so might try trial and error and remove one at a time and see what happens. I've been changing about 1/3 of the tank water every 8 days to coincide with my shift pattern so I've probably been unwittingly fluctuating the pH anyway... Like i say the only fish showing abnormalities are a couple of neons  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 02, 2017, 09:49:20 AM
Sorry to hear about your tank problems @Paddyc
It sometimes amazes me that any fish survived at all previously when people didn't know about the nitrogen cycle, water hardness & pH, and all the other stuff that needs to be monitored & balanced.
Sometimes it all seems so complicated.
I always have problems with my water pH. It comes out of the tap around 7.4, but if left in a glass for 2 days then reads 8.2-8.4. Not sure how the chuff anyone is supposed to take that sort of stuff into account when trying to maintain an environment for fish, but as a general rule my lot seem to tolerate most things.
Best of luck with finding the cause of your problems. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you & please keep us updated.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on April 02, 2017, 10:59:13 AM
@Paddyc Liquid fertilisers should be OK.  It will be a carbonate issue so doing the ornaments should hopefully catch it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on April 02, 2017, 11:45:28 AM
@Paddyc Liquid fertilisers should be OK.  It will be a carbonate issue so doing the ornaments should hopefully catch it.

Fingers crossed! Thanks for that, i will maintain the regular dosage to see if removing the two castles helps. I've got two buckets of water standing for 24 hours, I'll do a pH test on them tomorrow then drop each castle in its own bucket and monitor the pH levels in the tank and the buckets.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 02, 2017, 12:26:23 PM
Give Olaf a strong look in the eye to see if he's in any way guilty (if indeed he's still in the aquarium).  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on April 02, 2017, 01:48:48 PM
Give Olaf a strong look in the eye to see if he's in any way guilty (if indeed he's still in the aquarium).  ;D

He's still there, I'll be shining a light in his eyes and interrogating him later...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on April 02, 2017, 11:58:53 PM
I may have found the root of my spurious readings...

When I got home this evening to remove the ornaments and start my diagnosis, I carried out a pH test of the main tank and - while I was at it - the cycling tank in the garage.

Both tanks pH 7.5 - absolutely spot on what they should be.

I can only assume I have got the high pH readings when I have taken a sample of tank water shortly after feeding the fish in the main tank. I came to this conclusion because yesterday I did my pH test after adding a 1ppm ammonia dose to the cycling tank and almost simultaneously feeding the fish in the main tank, hence ammonia production would have been at its peak!

Lesson to me and anyone else reading this, maintain a regular test of your water levels, and only carry out tests when the tank is "at rest" ie. Nothing has been disturbed in a few hours such as feeding, lighting conditions or water changes (this list is not exhaustive).

Many thanks to all who jumped in so quickly with good advice. I will get back to you if things go a bit pear-shaped in future  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on April 03, 2017, 06:08:38 PM
*phew*

Glad you're sorted!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Paddyc on April 03, 2017, 06:13:45 PM
*phew*

Glad you're sorted!

Cheers Colin  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fish-friends on April 03, 2017, 10:53:54 PM
Glad your tank is ok   :fishy1:
Does anyone else have shrimp that go around stealing everyone's food at feeding time!
When I fist got them they were shy and sometimes the tetras would chase them, now they will steal food directly from my poor little cories and even take on the tetras for the food at the top!
My shrimp are definitely in charge of my tank!  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fish-friends on April 03, 2017, 10:57:41 PM
you are right littlefish ....... if only they could help me with my cleaning  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 04, 2017, 06:10:46 PM
My amano shrimp in the temperate tank, who I think are 6 large females, regularly steal mini wafers from under the noses of the cories, then swim off to eat them at the top of the internal filter. They don't even take a wafer between them, but one will take a wafer and eat it herself, then another will take another wafer to eat, etc. I have 12 peppered cories in that tank, so sometimes it can be quite tricky to make sure they get enough to eat.
The large shrimp are the same size as the male cories, and take no messing from any of the fish.
Luckily mine don't take food from the top, so at least the cories can eat any flake than manages to make it to the bottom of the tank, plus a couple of wafers put in after the shrimp have run their raids.
Poor cories, but I have quite a soft spot for the shrimp, and I'm sure the cories get enough (eventually).  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fish-friends on April 04, 2017, 07:46:52 PM
Mine are amano shrimp too, I had red cherries but they just hid and I think when I added the amano shrimp the red cherry shrimp ran out of food!
I do love my shrimp can't believe they are in charge of my whole tank!! (And to think I was worried the tetras would eat them!)
My shrimp also like a whole piece of food each too!  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 04, 2017, 08:02:06 PM
Mine don't even bother hiding when moulting. One left her old shell/exoskeleton/thingy on the side of the spider wood pretty much in the middle of the tank, in full view of everyone. It was fascinating because you could see the "door" on the back that she must have emerged from.
I have 6 females in the temperate tank, and a mixed group of 8 in the South American tank. They are out of their old shells more often than I would expect. I got home from work to find a moult in the temperate tank and three in the SA tank - they litter the tanks floor like empty beer cans in student accommodation. They may be awesome at cleaning up algae and old plant material, and if I could train mine to pick up their moults after themselves it would save me the effort of getting the long forceps out to get them. Perhaps I could put a tiny waste bin in the corner of each tank and ask them to deposit their moults there......worth thinking about.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on April 06, 2017, 07:11:27 PM
Mine don't even bother hiding when moulting. One left her old shell/exoskeleton/thingy on the side of the spider wood pretty much in the middle of the tank, in full view of everyone. It was fascinating because you could see the "door" on the back that she must have emerged from.

Had the same happen to me recently I the forktail grow out tank.  Did a double take as I thought it was the ghost of Cthulhu.  Been working on my own South American tank.  Spent all day chopping wood, cleaning stones, and patching up leaks in the pipes.  Hopefully I'll be able to start on placing the aquascape soon.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 07, 2017, 07:49:31 PM
My big tank needs cleaning and a pair of peacock gudgeons spawned yesterday evening. If I disturb the male (he's the one who guards the eggs) he'll eat them all. But I need to clean the tank  :-\



And the stiphodons have been behaving oddly. Yesterday evening, one of the males had gone black with a coppery gold stripe. He is usually dark blue with a turquoise stripe or pale grey with a pale turquoise stripe - these fish do change colour with their mood. And one of the pale stiphs was all over him, nibbling him - but he didn't mind and chased another stiph away not the one doing the nibbling.
Tonight I have 2 black males, and again a pale one is nibbling one of them.

It is very rare to get stiphodons breeding in a tank, so if this is courtship behaviour it will come to nothing. But it is supposed to be the male that pursues the female till she gives in so I don't think it is courtship. So what is it  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 08, 2017, 08:56:33 AM
@Sue you need to have a stern chat with your fish and explain to them how inconvenient it is when they spawn the day before a tank clean.  ;D
Regardless of the timing issues, the spawning news is awesome. Congratulations. I'm looking forward to hearing how things progress.

As for the stiphodons, perhaps it's a new era in female fishy rights and she's decided to make the first move. Perhaps she was fed up of subtly flirting with him and decided to make her intentions more obvious. Perhaps you have the first of a new generation of feminist fish.  ;D
Again, very interested in what happens with their relationship. How cool would it be if your stiphodons decided to breed.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 08, 2017, 09:16:19 AM
Peacock gudgeons like tiny spaces to spawn in and I have in the tank a very small terracotta plant pot with one of those terracotta plant rings siliconed to the wide edge of the pot to make it longer. The whole thing is maybe an inch wide and two inches long with a quarter inch hole at the narrow end with half an inch hole at the other. I was watching the odd behaviour of the stiphodons when a movement caught my eye - a tail sticking out of the hole in the narrow end. When I peered in I could see two fish in there. Because the 'cave' was the wrong way round for me to see in properly, I used a stick to push it round 180 deg so the wide end was facing me and two little faces appeared at the hole to see what was going on - then they went back to egg laying.
Yesterday, every time I went near the tank the male's head appeared at the hole to warn me off and he managed to leave long enough to eat before going back on duty. I've just looked in the tank to see him swimming round the 'cave' and a torch showed there are still eggs in there. After his swim round he went back inside, and he only just fits through the wide hole.


Once the eggs have gone (eaten or hatched) I'll photograph the cave so you can see just how small it is. @marquismirage can see what these fish like to spawn in as he's got some too.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 08, 2017, 09:29:59 AM
The thought of the two little faces peeking out of the pot is adorable. There is something quite special about fish breeding. The pot/plant ring combo is a genius idea to create a space for them, obviously they love it.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on April 08, 2017, 03:56:48 PM
Please do @Sue.  I'm not actively trying to breed them but I'm not discouraging it either.  At the moment I can't work out how many males to females I have.  I have a couple who are definitely males with clear head humps and one that is a clear female.  The remaining three could go either way.  Still there's plenty of dancing and flaring in the tank and no extreme aggression so think it could be OK.  There's not been too much interest in my caves so far but I think it could be because the entrances are too close to open ended features other fish can swim through.  It's still a relatively new setup so no expectations of babies yet.

So as I said to my wife when my copy of A Practical Guide To Breeding Your Freshwater Fish by Derek Lambert dropped through the post box - "I'm not planning on breeding them".  No, really, money set aside for a breeding tank?  Why, yes I have.  But that's just a coincidence...  No, no... no breeding.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 08, 2017, 04:07:18 PM
Once the gudgeons are mature, look at the fins. Any fish that has a dark edge to the anal fin is female.



Peacock gudgeons are quite easy. If you have a cave that can be sealed at both ends with a finger and thumb, wait till they've spawned then move the cave complete with eggs and male into a separate tank by covering the ends of the cave while you lift it into a sunken tub, then from the tub of water into the separate tank. Hopefully, the male will just carry on guarding the eggs in the new tank.

If I remember, hatching took longer than the 24 to 48 hours that Seriously Fish says - though there are also comments to this effect in the notes on SF. The eggs are attched to the cave by a neck and as they get near hatching the male will suck the eggs before eventually sucking the fry out of the egg and spitting it back out into the tank. Once all the eggs have hatched, remove the male or he'll eat them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 08, 2017, 04:13:01 PM
...and I thought 6 nosy harlequins, peeking out from behind plant leaves when I approach the tank, was cute. The peacock gudgeons having a glance out, and giving you a disapproving look for interrupting them, is on a different level altogether.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on April 12, 2017, 09:23:18 AM
Finally got all the leaks in the four foot tank sorted.  Now running the pump for 48 hours to make sure everything holds up.  If that goes without a hitch then it's time to drain everything (been curing the wood in there so it's quite cloudy) and begin the hardscape.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fish-friends on April 12, 2017, 10:22:43 PM
Looking forward to seeing a picture of the hatched eggs!  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 13, 2017, 09:49:00 AM
The male peacock gudgeon wasn't in his cave yesterday evening so the eggs must have hatched. But with a tank full of fish there is no chance they got more than an inch from the cave  :(
I've removed the cave so it can dry off a bit, then I'll photograph it and put it back in the tank.

I did do a water change, very carefully without putting the siphon tube near the cave. Needless to say, the bit of sand at that end of the tank is now rather messy.



The other thing I did was to move the ricefish fry to the main tank last weekend They are about the same size as a Boraras brigittae. The funny thing is that they stick together swimming in the top third of the tank in the section with no floating plants. They ignore the adult ricefish, and the adults ignore the juveniles  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 13, 2017, 02:50:12 PM
As promised, here are some photos of the 'cave' that the peacock gudgeons spawned in. It consists of a tiny tetrracotta plant pot and a terracotta plant weight siliconed together. Since I used to have gravel in my tanks, I rolled the wet silicone in some of the same gravel, which is why there is gravel stuck to the middle.
The smaller hole in the plant pot end is too small for the fish to get through, they have to use the wider hole in the plant weight end.

Hmm, it won't let me post all three photos as they exceed the size limit so I'll attach them in two posts.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 13, 2017, 02:51:04 PM
And the two ends.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on April 13, 2017, 06:23:51 PM
Very nice, thanks for posting. :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 13, 2017, 10:14:15 PM
@Sue that is a great little cave for the fish. Glad they liked it.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 13, 2017, 10:52:45 PM
Anyone know what other gobys/stiphodons there are which can be kept at normal tropical temperatures without additional flow?

I wondered about Stiphodon atropurpureus/semoni
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 13, 2017, 10:59:56 PM
As I don't know your setup I'll add another possible cause which is low levels of carbon dioxide in the aquarium.  This is usually caused by low circulation or aeration in the tank so when the NH3 converts to NH4 and releases an additional OH (hydroxide) atom it stays in the water column.  If this is a possibility in your tank adding an air stone will sort it.  The aquarium will produce more CO2 and the pH will gradually fall.

Sorry to go back over old ground here but this got me thinking... does this mean that in s some setups, co2 levels could be increased with the addition of an airstone (I'm thinking about plants here!...)? I did some research on this a while back but never came to a solid conclusion. Could I test the theory by pH testing after a week with the airstone on vs off?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on April 14, 2017, 02:27:20 AM
To be honest, and I'll @Paddyc here too, what I initially said was a bit muddled.   

The producing of more CO2 was badly phrased here.  Adding greater flow of air won't produce more CO2 but release more of the potential of the CO2 amount already in the water.  The potential is reached when the CO2 is mixed with the water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3 - so wish subscript worked for me).  As it's an acid (in normal atmospheric conditions it has a pH of around 5.65) this reduces the overall pH value.  This is the usual state of a normal aquarium and you can't increase the total of CO2 by adding more air.   Too high a water movement can have the adverse effect of raising pH more because CO2 exchange at the surface doesn't allow it to change into carbonic acid.  Usually this will top out at around pH 8.4.

For plants adding CO2 to achieve a constant pH value would require a controlled system such as a pressurised CO2 kit.  For example to achieve a pH of 7.4 in water with KH of 4 based solely off carbonate (CO3) would need CO2 to be at 4.8 ppm but that's not really what the CO2 kit is trying to achieve.  To get the most out of CO2 in water for your plants the kit is trying to get you to 30 ppm which in the above controlled example would lead to a pH of around 6.6.  At 30 ppm the CO2 levels are considered optimum for the plants.  Also carbonic acid isn't the only acid in your tank which is why drop checkers aren't calibrated against the tank water but a separate liquid usually at 4KH.  The actual pH when the CO2 is added may turn out a little lower.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 14, 2017, 09:49:47 AM
Anyone know what other gobys/stiphodons there are which can be kept at normal tropical temperatures without additional flow?

I wondered about Stiphodon atropurpureus/semoni

Paecock gudgeons are fine because they are not really gobies - which is why I prefer the word gudgeons  :)

I don't have that much flow and I have what were sold as Indie Blue gobies. I have no idea which species they are. They look most similar to S. atropurpureus. There are many sepcies and those on sale are all wild caught. The locals catching them don't know or don't care what they are as long as they get paid.

If you read up on stiphodons on Seriously Fish, they mention that
Quote
Stiphodon spp. inhabiting the fastest-flowing and/or living above waterfalls generally lack extended dorsal-fin rays/spines plus the first dorsal-fin is rounded in shape and approximately the same height as the second dorsal-fin.
and
Quote
In contrast those possessing a ‘taller’ first dorsal-fin with one or more extended rays (characters usually if not always more apparent in males) tend to live in slower-moving streams and not climb waterfalls as part of their life cycle (Watson, 2008).

I have yet to get a useable photo of mine swimming, which is when the fins are seen open, but this is the best I have of the fins of a stationary male.

[Please ignore the state of the tank. It needed cleaning and the male was so nicely coloured and well positioned I had to photograph him before I cleaned the tank  ;D ]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 14, 2017, 12:09:38 PM
Thanks @Sue I am 'little kid level' excited about getting a couple of these!!  ;D

Can I just check what water temperature you have yours at and what you feed them? I was considering Soilent Green from what I have read online...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 14, 2017, 03:20:37 PM
I keep my tank at 23 deg C. And I feed them with Hikari algae wafers, though I'm almost out of those so next I'm going to try Omega One veggie rounds which I've read are highly recommended. The tank also has a fair amount of algae.....

I bought the last 2 stiphodons in the shop and both turned out to be male. The shop ordered some more and I got 4 more, which turned out to be 2 of each. This is not the recommended gender ratio but the tank has a 107 x 45 cm footprint with lots of wood so the males haven't done any harm to each other yet. The recommended is 1 male and a few females. Females are the plain ones with no colour, just a black stripe. But if the shop tank has any substrate they'll dive into it and be very hard to catch, so getting the one fish you are certain is female is not an easy job  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on April 14, 2017, 06:03:25 PM
OMG @Matt Soylent green!!!!! Do you know what that's made of?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 14, 2017, 11:31:21 PM
OMG @Matt Soylent green!!!!! Do you know what that's made of?

Just googled it!!  :rotfl:

No I meant this: https://www.store.repashy.com/soilent-green-4-oz-bag.html (https://www.store.repashy.com/soilent-green-4-oz-bag.html)

Not the horror film...  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 02, 2017, 12:08:02 PM
Very recently realised that I lived within driving distance of the on-line aquatic plant retailer that I'd previously purchased from. I took a drive to the Aquarium Gardens store this morning and have realised that I'm as bad with plants as I am with fish.  :-[
Muchos spendy spend  ;D
My timing is also quite awesome, as the owner said they have an aquascaping demonstration by George Farmer on Thursday evening, so will be going to that too.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 02, 2017, 12:21:41 PM
George Farmer! That is a must on your calendar  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 02, 2017, 04:19:09 PM
I think I killed a fish last week  :(

Last time I did a water change, I also cleaned the media in one filter. Eheim biopowers have a clip on the back which slots into a bracket. It was a bit fiddly getting the filter back on the bracket last week.

I've just done a water change. When I put the filter back last week, the mini spray bar wasn't positioned correctly so today I unhooked the filter to move the bar and a dead fish floated to the surface of the water. It was a long dead, flattened fish. The fact that it was flat and hadn't been eaten makes me think I trapped it when I put the filter on the bracket last week. It had been there a fair while as it stank.
I think it was a stiphodon because the eyes were close together on top of the head, and these fish do cling to the glass or anything else solid - like a filter bracket.


So be warned, if you have a filter that clips into a bracket, make sure there are no fish in it after cleaning the filter.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 02, 2017, 06:34:13 PM
Oh dear  :'(  sorry to hear about your bad luck on this one.

Good of you to spread this excellent advice Sue. Hopefully it will avoid others having a similar experience  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 03, 2017, 07:48:52 AM
Sorry to hear about your fish @Sue
Some fish are more prone than others to various types of accident due to behavioural characteristics, and when you consider how frequently filters are moved, sometimes it feels like it's only a matter for time before these accidents happen, however careful we are.
 :(


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on May 03, 2017, 06:36:56 PM
Sorry to hear about your fish @Sue .  I thought I'd lost one this morning but counted again this afternoon and they were all there.  Which confuses me as I got remains of something out of the aquarium.

@Littlefish I like to watch George Farmer on youtube.  He makes some lovely aquascapes.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 03, 2017, 06:38:59 PM
They haven't been breeding replacements, have they? Just to confuse you of course  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on May 03, 2017, 06:54:23 PM
I totally redid my quarantine tank into a grow out tank (more on that in another post) yesterday and gave it a thorough clean.  I had amano shrimp in there and now suspect one was hiding in the substrate and what I got out was its remains.  :/  The others were transferred to the PNG tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 03, 2017, 07:02:48 PM
@marquismirage my tanks are all planted, but far from aquascaped. As a general rule my focus is on the fish, and the plants are there to create hiding places for the fish, help with the water, and make the tank look ok.
It would be positively rude not to watch an expert in action, less than 15 miles from home, for free (not counting how much I've spent on plants this year  :o )
Don't expect a marked improvement in my tanks though.  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 03, 2017, 07:51:04 PM
I also did some shopping today, with mixed results.
I went to one branch of MA for some panda cories, otos, and amano shrimp. My entire shopping experience was ruined as I watched the male of a young couple (possibly mid-twenties) tapping on several of the tanks of smaller fish (neons, glowlights, etc.) and watching them all scoot to the back of the tank. The girl told him to stop, but he carried on. I couldn't help myself, and had to say something about his behaviour, and explained that he was stressing the fish which could lead to some of them dying. Ok, a tad overboard I know, and I've seen kids do worse, but I felt he was old enough to know better, and at least I didn't say what I was thinking.
I went to another store, but they didn't have everything I wanted, neither did the 3rd store. Eventually I got everything I wanted, and my current quarantine tank (previously housed the betta and pandas) now houses another 8 pandas, 6 otos, and 10 amano shrimp. That tank has been growing algae for several months, and the otos seem to be munching their way around the tank with wild abandon.
Eventually the pandas and otos will join the other pandas and betta. Not sure about the shrimp, but so fond of the ones I've already got I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up with some in an aquascaped tank (if I learn enough tomorrow).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on May 03, 2017, 11:29:57 PM
I pet hate is when I'm in a fish store and people (of all ages) go: 'Look, it's a shark, I want a shark!'  It's a cyprinid that will be a pain in your posterior.  Still new fish day is always good.  :D

I'm even more confused about my grow out tank now since I've spotted the amano shrimp rebel alive and well.  There was nothing else in the tank.  So I'm going with aliens.  Yup, aliens did it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 04, 2017, 07:53:13 AM
I was entertained at the second store when a girl was shopping with what appeared to be her dad. She saw the baby BNs and said "Aaaawwwww, look how cute they are", which is always what I think as well. They didn't buy any as they were looking at all the stock and considering what would go with the other fish in their tank.

@marquismirage there is more than one occasion on which I would have sworn that my shrimp have the ability to teleport, as I found them pottering around a tank a couple of hours after I thought I'm moved everything to a newer tank. I have been out-smarted by my shrimp several times, which I've been told is not something I should admit to in public.   :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 04, 2017, 10:52:27 AM
On the subject of other people in fish shops, several years ago I went into a shop to find the staff too busy to serve anyone. They were cleaning up the mess created when a child banged on a tank and broke it. There was water and glass everywhere. I didn't see any fish so maybe they picked them up first. The next time I went there, there was a rope barrier keeping customers a good 3 feet away from the tanks. I could fully understand why but it did make it tricky studying the fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: ColinB on May 04, 2017, 12:00:13 PM
I've just realised that I haven't been to a fish shop for months... probably even last summer!!! I think |I've got this MTS thing kicked!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 04, 2017, 12:14:29 PM
I've been to two garden centres with Maidenhead Aquatics (one yesterday, the other two days ago) and I didn't go into either MA  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 05, 2017, 07:40:36 PM
Sorry to hear about your fish, Sue - that's the location I found one of my tetras in last July (ie a fatal accident). However, rather than it occurring during tank cleaning (when they disappear as far away as possible), I'm almost certain it had occurred earlier in the afternoon during one of their bouts of males chasing females as the other filter had become dislodged while I was out, although I may have inadvertently struck the final/fatal blow to the trapped-but-possibly-still-living fish by hoisting the filter and bracket up the tank wall to position it higher.

Since the day it happened, I now keep filter wool wedged around the small gap between the back of the filter and the bracket. I would also advise folk to attach the filter back onto its bracket when both are out of the tank before re-attaching it to the tank wall, rather than keeping the filter bracket on the tank wall and trying to attach the filter onto it there - more scope for a fish potentially getting stuck either between filter and bracket or between bracket and tank wall.

@Sue and @ColinB - not going into LFSs? What on earth is going on? You call yourselves fishkeepers?!  ;) :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 05, 2017, 07:54:00 PM
The trouble is that because of the design of the tank it is not easy trying to stick a bracket to the glass without a filter in it, let alone with a filter  :( I don't know the official name for them but the tank has what look for all the world like little glass shelves siliconed right at the top of the glass on all four sides. They act as bracers, and the ones along the long sides also support the cover glasses. They stick out about 3 inches and I have to reach under them to stick 3 suckers to the glass while keeping it level so the filter doesn't fall out of the bracket. I don't have very long arms (a well established joke in the family  >:( ) so I also have to do this with the tips of my fingers.
I feel horribly guilty because the reason i couldn't get the filter in the bracket must have been down to the fish being there.

I know it wasn't a peacock gudgeon because I've seen 2 males together and 3 females together. I know it wasn't a female stiphodon because I've seen them both at the same time. But of the 4 male stiphodons, the most I've seen together is 2. It has always been rare to see all four at the same time, and not common to see three so I can only assume it was one of the males. But I have also not seen the dominant (= most brightly coloured) male for a few days now.....



The problem with fish shops is that my big tank is overstocked so I daren't see any more must-have fish  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 06, 2017, 07:07:49 AM
I know what you mean Sue, the Aqua Oaks I have are exactly like that, and have a wooden hood on top. Luckily they are also my larger tanks and all run with external filters, but the tanks can be quite difficult to set up & maintain for me as I'm quite short. Even with something to stand on I struggle sometimes. I can't imagine how tricky it must be to manoeuvre a filter into place with those glass bracer thingies in the way.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on May 06, 2017, 06:14:30 PM
Yeah, my custom job is like that as well.  I think all basic tanks above a certain size will have that going on to help with the pressure on the front panels.  The technical term for it is a braced aquarium.  The alternative is called a rimless tank.  It's possible to get a large custom rimless tank but you're talking a much thicker glass and a lot more money at which point you should be eyeing up much lighter rimless acrylic tanks instead.  Acrylic tanks are more expensive which is why they're not used for smaller sized aquaria (which is a shame as acrylic doesn't tend to crack) but if it's going to be expensive for thick glass you may as well.

Anyway, starting to ramble a bit.  I'm 5 foot 10 and I have to use a short step ladder to get to a height where I can get an arm to reach a corner.  Aquascaping was trickier than I'd anticipated before receiving the tank.  I think next time I'll just invest in a wet suit.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 06, 2017, 06:39:04 PM
You want to try being 4ft 11........even with a short step ladder I struggle with some of my taller tanks.
It also explains my username here - I'm short and my surname is Fish.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 06, 2017, 07:01:33 PM
Wait.. your surname is 'Fish'?

I suppose with your aptitude for filling your house with tanks we're lucky it wasn't 'Whale'...
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 06, 2017, 07:16:00 PM
Yep, I guess it could be worse.  :rotfl:

Obviously it has caused much hilarity when I've ordered fish tanks, etc.
Now I think about it, when I was much younger my dance teacher was called Lori Guppie.  :fishy1:
I've heard so many comments about my name I thought I'd heard them all, until earlier this year when one of the guys at independent LFS said "that's so cool", and wasn't being sarcastic. Steve does take his fish keeping very seriously though, and I've recently found out that he's being visited at home by Nathan Hill next week, who will be taking photos of Steve's tanks. Wow.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on May 08, 2017, 10:06:04 PM
Little Fish! :) :) soooo cute :) It does explain a lot though.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 08, 2017, 10:12:31 PM
Perhaps it's my destiny to fill the house with fishies.  :fishy1:   ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 12, 2017, 06:36:35 PM
It's lovely to have the betta back in a tank next to the arm chair. We've fallen back into the old routine of him settling at the closest end of the tank when I sit down to watch tv.

Also nice to see the otos enjoying the air stone in the quarantine tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fish-friends on May 12, 2017, 09:00:20 PM
Sorry about your fish Sue   :(
Aww I would love my fish to come and settle near me I sit next to the tank every night sometimes a Cory will settle near me but only if he's found food in the sand! I love that your surname is fish
It was meant to be!  :fishy1: :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 12, 2017, 09:06:48 PM
It's lovely to have the betta back in a tank next to the arm chair. We've fallen back into the old routine of him settling at the closest end of the tank when I sit down to watch tv.

Also nice to see the otos enjoying the air stone in the quarantine tank.

Nice photos Donna  :))

Your arm chair beats my uncomfortable foot stool thing I drag over to the tank to sit and watch my fish hands down...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 12, 2017, 09:10:25 PM
I'm very lucky to have most of my tanks in the living/dining room, so always comfortable when watching the fish.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fish-friends on May 12, 2017, 09:20:21 PM
I sit in my arm Chair next to the fish and get moaned at for not concentrating on the film (too busy watching fish) and then I ask what's going on in the film  :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 12, 2017, 09:30:39 PM
As I live on my own I've had nobody to stop me from indulging my multiple tank syndrome, so they are all around the room. My bristlenose, tetra & cory tank is under the tv, so I'm watching Bertie fan a new batch of eggs while I'm watching the tv.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 14, 2017, 10:38:06 PM
Have just spent the past hour looking into a bucket of tank water.
I did the daily water change on the quarantine tank, the otos are doing well, and the large one who had been bleeding is doing very well. As I was syphoning out the tank water I thought I saw something, so I put that bucket to one side and carried on with the water change. After finishing I went back to the first bucket and looked at it under the light. There was something moving, in fact several somethings. I got a pipette and a glass and spent nearly an hour trying to catch & identify what was moving. It appears that I had 4 fry in the bucket, which I have returned to the quarantine tank. How strange. No idea what they are or where they have come from.
Not sure if I may have lost some of whatever they are during other water changes over the weekend because my focus was on the otos, especially the big one.
It is also going to make other water changes a bit difficult, but it will be interesting to see if any fry survive.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 14, 2017, 11:00:19 PM
Wow, Littlefish- all the very best for the bristlenoses' eggs and also for the survival of the unknown fry. Hoping for a positive outcome for the former and the survival of at least some of the latter.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 15, 2017, 06:24:53 AM
Bertie seems more comfortable now that I've put another light in the tank which has a dimmer and a blue light setting. I'm not sure how many of those fry will survive with the tetras in the tank, but I'm looking forward to seeing some if they do.
I can only imagine that the fry in the quarantine tank are from the panda cories, but I hadn't seen any eggs, so it was very unexpected. I was worried that perhaps some critters had got into the tank, but the little things had the shape and swimming style of cory fry, which was a relief.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 19, 2017, 09:33:47 PM
Taken the plunge - at last. A tiger orange nerite snail has been ordered and will be joining our family next week. Just hope the fish accept his arrival.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 20, 2017, 08:45:21 AM
Best of luck with your new arrival @fcmf

Bertie the BN has eaten the eggs again. Perhaps he is not cut out for fatherhood. Although this is possibly not his fault as (unfortunate timing) the patio doors that were broken during the burglary were replaced this week, so perhaps  Bertie got disturbed by all the noise and activity.
Still, I'm taking the opportunity to do a bit of work on the tank, adding some more wood and doing some rearranging, so perhaps next month he will feel more secure.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 25, 2017, 07:11:55 PM
Hmmm - the new nerite snail doesn't seem to have moved at all for the past 24 of its 56 hours here... I'll see how the situation is in the morning before giving it a gentle prod to see if it's in the land of the living or not.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 25, 2017, 07:44:39 PM
If it gorged itself during the first few hours, it could be recovering from a huge meal.

The easy way to check if a snail is dead is to sniff it cautiously. Dead snails smell appalling  :sick: . Just the tiniest sniff is enough or the smell will stay in your nose for hours.
If it is attached to something, don't wrench it off as that can damage a snail. You have to slide it along whatever it's attached to till it falls off the edge.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 25, 2017, 10:06:17 PM
My assassin snail has been presumed dead numerous times... in fact be seems to have some form of green tufty algae growing on his shell now which doesn't help his first impressions at all!

I wouldn't worry, just check again in the morning or evening tomorrow and you'll probably find all is well.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 26, 2017, 08:48:59 AM
Thanks, both. He's still alive - he moved late last night in the direction of a thin slice of courgette with a tiny piece of Snail Stixx wedged in it. He's now back in his usual location, as though he's never moved, but presumably sleeping it off. I'm removing uneaten food to avoid fouling the water or risking him over-eating.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 26, 2017, 09:56:16 AM
...seems to have some form of green tufty algae growing on his shell

So does one of my nerites. Quite ironic for an algae eating snail  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 26, 2017, 10:15:26 AM
...seems to have some form of green tufty algae growing on his shell

So does one of my nerites. Quite ironic for an algae eating snail  ;D

Perhaps they are just carrying their own snacks.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 26, 2017, 07:11:09 PM
Hamster snails  :isay:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on May 26, 2017, 08:18:02 PM
I thought Spider pig, but that is my answer to most things
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 28, 2017, 07:56:05 AM
Great, now I've got the tune stuck in my head.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 29, 2017, 06:18:16 PM
Snail moved 0.5 cm over the weekend. (S)he seems to have disappeared overnight, though - which I'm taking as a positive that (s)he's moved at all, and hopefully (s)he's just under some plant leaves.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 29, 2017, 07:10:06 PM
It is a good sign. I often lose my snails for days at a time. If you remember a couple of years ago I needed to remove my nerites to treat the tank and couldn't find all of them no matter how hard I looked. The missing one turned up the following day.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TrenchyLs on May 29, 2017, 11:16:14 PM
My Assassin Snail is equally elusive.  Most of the time the only evidence that he's alive is the occasional empty snail shell.

I assumed that they were called Assassin Snails because of their carnivorous diet, but now I own one I'm fairly sure that it's because they're invisible, like Ninjas!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 01, 2017, 09:13:42 PM
Snail has covered more ground in the quarantine tank today than covered for the past 9 days, at least during the daytime - think the water change has perked him/her up. Would love to do the transfer to the main tank but am erring on the side of caution and going to delay the move for another week.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 06, 2017, 01:59:34 PM
After 2 weeks' quarantine, and confirmation from the reputable company that the snail had never lived with fish, I moved my tiger nerite into the main fishtank today rather than later in the week as previously intended. Within a minute of his arrival there, he started exploring avidly and seems to be thriving on the biofilm and algae food opportunities provided. :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 06, 2017, 02:16:30 PM
I found when I first got nerites that they ate their way through the algae creating lovely abstract patterns as they went. A bit like crop circles in algae  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 06, 2017, 05:34:55 PM
Great to hear that your snail is enjoying his move to the new tank.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 07, 2017, 08:16:51 AM
Wow - overnight, the stubborn patch of algae along the rim at the front of the tank has vanished, as well as the patches on the heater suction caps; I'm impressed. Mr Snail must now be taking a well-earned rest to sleep it off as I can't see him.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 07, 2017, 09:32:34 PM
Bless him, he's been very busy.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 14, 2017, 08:05:08 PM
Mr Snail had been snoozing on top of his Snail Stixx in a terracotta pot turned on its side and up against the glass to prevent the two female tetras from stealing his food; I managed to find him by discovering the trail of snail poo around the pot (- there's a lot of it!). At lunchtime, he appeared full of energy and covered all 4 tank sides with speed. The fish also convey his whereabouts as there is usually a flurry of activity from the entire gang and a watchful, slightly bemused eye from a female tetra close to his location.

At one stage, he slid off the glass and onto a leaf, only for the leaf to bow completely under his weight. He then stretched as much of his body out of his shell as is probably possible in order to get a grip back onto the side of the tank. The two pieces of bogwood have now been pressed up against the glass to give him the opportunity to climb onto them and go exploring. A path of pebbles has been laid on the substrate between each piece of bogwood to enable a smooth transfer between pieces, given that he doesn't like sand. He also doesn't seem to like one of the two filters - it vibrates more than the other which is the only explanation I can think of - and which is a shame as I'd been keeping the algae on it for him to feast on.

I would never have envisaged a snail could provide such fascination!  :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 14, 2017, 08:15:19 PM
Yes, they are the most entertaining creatures. My two small ones regularly crawl along the bottom glass under the sand. I can track where they are by the sand moving.


Something I haven't warned you about nerites. If they fall on their backs, they can't always turn over and the fish can pick at their bodies. It is up to us to turn them over. I use a long stick so I don't have to submerge my arm to the shoulder.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: SinghRathorTari on June 14, 2017, 10:44:44 PM
I like watching my assassin snail Mossy, he's generally quite easy to spot, for obvious reasons  :o .....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 15, 2017, 06:34:55 AM
@fcmf  snails are quite cool.  8) I think that they are a great addition to a tank and I enjoy watching mine - even the ones in the breeding tank.

@SinghRathorTari  very appropriate name for a very stylish snail.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on June 18, 2017, 06:05:41 PM
Been fighting cyano bacteria in two tanks.  I seem to be winning.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 19, 2017, 02:05:25 PM
Hi all. GCSE's finally over... Long time no see!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 19, 2017, 02:14:08 PM
I hope you get good results  :)

What are your plans next? A levels, training course?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 19, 2017, 02:52:33 PM
I hope you get good results  :)

What are your plans next? A levels, training course?
A level then Marine Biology....
One thing fishkeeping is good for!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 19, 2017, 06:50:24 PM
I hope you get good results  :)

What are your plans next? A levels, training course?
A level then Marine Biology....
One thing fishkeeping is good for!

I like the sound of your plans. :cheers:

In the meantime, enjoy a well-deserved break.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on June 20, 2017, 08:09:21 AM
Thanks... My fishtank is of my top priorities, as well as chickens and some new bees!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 20, 2017, 08:16:46 PM
Marine biology  :afro
Hope you manage to find some time to relax between the fish, chickens & bees.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 21, 2017, 09:23:14 PM
After seeing the "Soilent Green" fish food mentioned on the forum, and the ensuing entertaining comments, I thought I'd have a look for some.
I apologise in advance for my immature sense of humour, but some of the other foods they had available made me chuckle.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on June 23, 2017, 10:44:48 AM
I've got morning wood for my L397's.  Sounds so wrong...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 23, 2017, 03:45:28 PM
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 25, 2017, 10:16:59 PM
Well, I now have more panda cories than I realised. When I bought some new ones to increase the numbers of my current gang, I found babies in the quarantine tank. I thought these were from the new fish because I thought my original group were all male. I now know that I'm wrong as there must be at least one female to have produced even more panda babies in the original tank, while the newer gang are still in the quarantine tank until the babies are big enough to move. No idea how many I have now.  ::)  :)
To top it all off, Bertie and Harri (the BNs) have laid eggs every month, but Bertie has eaten the eggs every time. Until this month. I didn't even realise what had happened because he chose a different place for the nest this time. I didn't know anything about it until I just saw something on the tank glass, and went to have a closer look.  Now I have no idea how many bristlenose plecs I have, but when they get bigger I think most will have to go to MA as there is no way I can keep all of them.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 26, 2017, 09:23:09 AM
Congrats on all those fry  :)


You'll be able to start your own shop if they carry on like this  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 26, 2017, 10:30:17 AM
Thanks. They are very cute, and a mix of dark and light, which I hadn't spotted yesterday.
Have had to text the guys at MA to see how big the fish have to be before I can take them to the store.
I'll also have to spilt Harri and Bertie up for a while to give them a rest.
Hands are very full, and the babies are not making tank maintenance any easier, but they are adorable.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TrenchyLs on June 26, 2017, 05:05:58 PM
You'll be able to start your own shop if they carry on like this  ;D

I think she has more tanks than my village FS so why not?  :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 26, 2017, 08:31:06 PM
Awww cute  :wave:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 30, 2017, 09:49:30 PM
Something I haven't warned you about nerites. If they fall on their backs, they can't always turn over and the fish can pick at their bodies. It is up to us to turn them over. I use a long stick so I don't have to submerge my arm to the shoulder.
Thanks for this warning, @Sue - the first instance of this has just occurred. I took a peer in to the tank to say goodnight to the gang before lights off, when I found him beside the driftwood he'd been crawling up 5 minutes beforehand - on the substrate on his back and struggling to get himself the right way round. Thankfully, I managed to rescue him - 5 minutes later and I would never have noticed as it would have been darkness in the tank.

Wow, @Littlefish - I missed this exciting development. Keep us posted on your brood.  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: glitch74 on July 01, 2017, 06:31:21 PM
I've been trying to get my fish to try blanched veg for a while now, started trying once I put ottos in the tank, I've tried spinnach, lettuce, cucumber and courgette with no success. Today I tried peas and my fish went mad for it, all except the ottos.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 01, 2017, 06:54:20 PM
Otos can be very picky. Some people report success with sushi nori, if you can put up with the mess.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 03, 2017, 10:41:38 PM
The panda cories are still laying eggs and I think I've spotted another couple of little ones.
I think I've just worked out how they are surviving in that tank (not heavily planted). I made a tree out of whatever branched piece of wood it is, trimmed pads of filter sponge, and willow moss. It's been under high light to grow the moss, and I was looking at it this evening, wondering if it would be safe to trim the moss to encourage growth. Without shame a couple of pandas swam in front of me and started to lay eggs in the moss. There are even a couple of eggs stuck to the glass by the moss pad. I think this is making it difficult for the other fish to eat the eggs, causing more to hatch.
Taking the "tree" out will cause too much disruption, but I hope they stop soon, before the tank becomes too full.
 ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on July 08, 2017, 02:27:32 PM
Busy, busy, busy.  Moved the L397 to the refugium of the Amazon tank to keep an eye on them and see if they'll breed.  Forktail Blue Eye are finally in the Papua New Guinea tank and have had fry.  White Cloud Mountain Minnows have had fry.  Small snail packets all over the quarantine tank.   The quarantine tank now has Silver Tipped Tetra in it which will be the final addition to the Amazon tank instead of Lemon Tetra.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 12, 2017, 09:58:30 PM
Nerite snail was hanging off filter outlet, with what looked like his entire flesh being sucked out/buffeted by the water output. I was just about to take a photo of him to post on here to ask for advice when he fell off backwards and landed on his shell. I waited to see if he could rectify himself but it looked as though half of his underside was a gaping hole while the other half was flesh. No idea what this means but I've put him upright and will just have to hope he's alive in the morning...  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 13, 2017, 06:31:17 AM
@marquismirage your fish have been very busy.  ;)  :cheers:
I hope that all the fish & babies are still doing well.

@fcmf how is your snail this morning?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 13, 2017, 08:38:41 PM
@fcmf how is your snail this morning?
Found eventually, thanks - alive and sleeping on a piece of bamboo stick.   :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 16, 2017, 10:20:41 PM
Nerite snail is not only an acrobat (cf catapulting backwards from the filter outlet a few days ago and heading towards there again late last night before I went to bed) but now an escape artist (despite water quality being at 0, 0, 10-20 for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate consistently). Going to have to keep a very close eye on him and make more use of filter wool to block up cable holes.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on July 16, 2017, 11:08:35 PM
Long time no post... but I have been lurking to keep up on any fishy goings on.
A couple of things I would like to raise, brown water from the taps - horrid and smells 'a bit of pond' in large quantities, this has been going on intermittently for several years but over the last two months it became a real issue, see the bath pic. We obviously stopped drinking the water and used a carbon filter once it cleared. The reply from the water company was quite prompt and an inspector was due to come and have a look at the end of the week, didn't turn up but rang and explained that it is deposits in the aging iron pipes getting disturbed, not to worry and promised to start a maintenance program of monthly flushed from the nearest standpipe
So its now six weeks later and the second picture is what I was able to recover from the filter I keep in the water aging (conditioning) wheels bin, its 240 litre and picture is after 1 1/2 fills so say 350litres and I didn't manage to collect all the sediment. So back to the water company and explained that my water coming out of the fish tanks is cleaner than the water going in, not happy. They say they will start a 2 weekly flush and see how it goes. I'm starting to think that I will fit a a three stage mechanical filter to the inlet - the fridge has a carbon filter for drinking water. I have relatives in Tunbridge wells and the water there was a Victorian attraction because it comes from iron rich sandstones it smells and tastes of iron. Maybe i should start bottling this muck as still Iron Bru?
In the tanks... I have a Amazon sword that has put up three 1m spikes they are well above the water level and I thought they might be about to flower but it seems they are runners and little sword-lets (or should it be knives or daggers?) Anybody seen this and do they ever flower?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 17, 2017, 09:35:55 AM
All I can say is  :sick: Have the fish suffered from this water?


If you can get someone to visit I would offer them a glass of water and see if they refuse to drink it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 17, 2017, 10:37:06 AM
That water looks nasty.  :sick:
It's bad enough when this sort of thing happens and you just have to deal with drinking & general water use, but with the extra stress of keeping your fish tanks in good condition it must be a bit of a nightmare.

As for your plants, I've had amazon swords with similar runners/plantlets. I have made the mistake of cutting the runner before the plants were big enough previously, so the two I have in my plant storage tank are being left alone to grow. I have had something "flower" in the dwarf puffer tank before. I'll have a look through my previous pics to see what it was.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on July 17, 2017, 12:10:24 PM
@Sue Offer them a drink I like it! Wasn't there a politician that offered to feed beef to his daughter during the BSE problem.
@Littlefish I expect the runners need to stay submerged if theses are just runners?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 17, 2017, 12:25:00 PM
The first picture is the runners on the amazon swords in my plant storage tank at the moment. The runners go up toward the light, and the roots remain submerged even if the leaves break the surface.
The second picture is from the dwarf puffer tank, I think it was last year, but can't remember. I'm fairly certain it was from one of the amazon swords. As you can see, the runner doesn't have any leaves, and was quite long (more than 50cm). I had no idea what it was, but it was nice to see something like that in the tank.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on July 17, 2017, 07:24:47 PM
@Andy the minion My helanthium quadricostatus (aka echinodorus quadricostatus) has done the same with runners.  It's growing so fast and at a maximum height of 15cm I think I may just let it cover the whole front of the tank as a carpet.  It looks like the plant in your first photo and it can flower (although I haven't experienced it).  The flower appears on the end of a stem that grows from the centre of the plant and has three white petals that emerge from a bud.  The second photo looks like a flower from the actual echinodorus amazonicus species.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 25, 2017, 09:39:53 PM
It's turning into a very long night.
Decided to tackle the bristlenose & tetra tank, mainly to split the BNs to avoid any further babies.
So far I've transferred 57 babies, and I'm not finished yet.
They are cute, but I wish the babies would all just swim into the net now.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 25, 2017, 09:56:46 PM
57

 :yikes:

Cute though...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 25, 2017, 10:42:30 PM
The (possibly) final total is 107 babies moved to another tank.
My back hurts, so I'm going to have a rest for a few minutes, before a final check of the original tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 26, 2017, 07:18:20 AM
What are you going to do with them all??
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 26, 2017, 07:51:10 AM
The (possibly) final total is 107 babies moved to another tank.

Wow!  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 26, 2017, 07:51:37 AM
The final, final count was 111 babies.
By the looks of them it's pretty much a 50:50 split of standard colour, same as Harri (mummy fish), and yellow with dark eyes, like Bertie. Shame it's too soon to tell if all the boys are yellow and all the girls dark, and I'm not completely on top of my BN genetics, so can't guess.
MA have said they will take them, but that was when the fish laid the first batch of eggs. I can't imagine the store won't take them all, but there are another 3 stores that I go to, so I could always take some to each.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 26, 2017, 08:58:45 AM
That's how I felt after emptying my 50 litre tank full of shrimps. But that was only 50 litres....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 26, 2017, 03:47:53 PM
I had a JBL air pump running the sponge filter in my betta's tank but it was quite noisy and the tubing coming out of the pump had turned dark brown. So I bought an Eheim air pump to replace it.
Wow, is it quiet! I have to listen for the humming now.



And a couple of weeks ago I replaced the water sprite in the betta's tank. It doesn't do well in there, presumably not enough nitrate/ammonia with just one fish and a snail, but as the water sprite in the 180 litre needs thinning out regularly it isn't a problem. As I was setting up the new air pump, I spotted another rice fish fry, which must have come from an egg on the water sprite. I know it isn't good to have just one fry on its own but it will get eaten pretty quickly if I move it to the main tank.
I'd better get the fry food out of the cupboard.

I'm not sure the betta can see these fry as he does have trouble finding his food from more than half an inch away. Either that or he is too old to bother chasing them - I got him in March 2015.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 26, 2017, 04:39:06 PM
Congratulations on your extra fry @Sue   :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 26, 2017, 04:47:56 PM
4 fry last time, 1 this time doesn't really compete with 111 bn fry  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 26, 2017, 06:37:05 PM
It's all relative. BNs are prolific breeders, and their eggs are so huge there is no way anything else in that tank could eat them. Rice fish on the other hand....far more tricky to keep happy enough to breed, and for the eggs & fry to survive.   ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 28, 2017, 10:38:53 AM
I have been studying my rasboras after reading something on line. I think I have Trigonostigma espei not T. hengeli.
The shop had three separate tanks labelled harlequin rasboras, hengel's rasboras and espe's rasboras. I wanted 15 and there weren't enough harlies or espe's rasboras so I got them from the tank labelled hengel's rasboras.
Mine are definitely not harlequins because the black mark is not nearly big enough. But they are all over light orange and there is no orange line above the black mark, which is why I think I might have T. espei.

I need an expert in fish ID  :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TrenchyLs on July 28, 2017, 04:18:09 PM
Definitely matches the description of Espei Rasboras.

IMHO the prettiest of the 3 breeds.  I was hoping to put some in my collection at some point, but now I know a bit more about the hobby, my pH is just a bit too high.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 28, 2017, 04:32:55 PM
And looking at them again after the lights came on, they have orange in their dorsal fins like espeis. Mine have orange eye rings and none of the photos of hengels do.

I think I'll change my signature until I can prove they are hengels. it is always possible that the tanks were mislabelled at the shop. The Trigonostigmas of all threes species were very small.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 31, 2017, 03:48:09 PM
I've just witnessed one of my female panda cories eating a small pest snail. I've never seen that happen before, the cories usually ignore the snails, which get harvested for the puffer tank.
She didn't have the same level of attack/suction power as the dwarf puffers, and didn't completely empty the shell (will have to pull out the remains with the long forceps), but she seemed to feel that the snack was worth the effort.
Well done young lady, keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 01, 2017, 11:32:58 AM
I am desperate to do a water change. My poor fish haven't had any clean water for 11 days.

I did something to my back last Friday morning, the day I was supposed to do the water changes. I haven't been able to stand up straight since then. I can't ask my husband to siphon the water out as not only would he refuse to put his hands in the tanks but he would probably suck up all the sand and half the fish as he's never done it before.
The pain isn't nearly so bad this morning and I can almost straighten up so hopefully I'll be able to do the water changes in the next day or two.


But we do have a recliner chair so I can still sit here and use my laptop  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 07, 2017, 07:25:04 PM
@Sue, I think your husband needs to be taught some siphoning skills, practising with a bucket and a spare fishless tank/container, so that he's able to do this either now or later down the line on any occasion when you might not be able to.

My nerite snail has vanished for the past 79 hours - no sign of any snail poo either which is usually an indicator of his whereabouts. The tank rim and lid has been checked. All decor and plants have been removed, checked and replaced, to no avail. I have a gut feeling that he's escaped through the cable holes although I'm not panicking just yet, in case he's been hibernating under the thin layer of substrate even although there's been no sign of it moving.

As for my plants, my delivery of just over a week ago was dead within the week - only 1/4 plants was semi-surviving by the end of the week. I wasn't able to get to the LFS, hence the online delivery, but I think I'll stick to the LFS from now on as I seem to have better luck with theirs! Failing that, I'll be reverting to silk plants once again.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 07, 2017, 07:35:55 PM
Nerite snails are extremely good at hiding. If you remember back a couple of years, I needed to treat the tank and despite taking everything out of the tank I failed to find one of the snails so it had to take its chance with the med. It reappeared a couple of days later.


I finally did a water change after 13 days, and I'll do another one tomorrow which is less than a week after the last one. I've suffered back problems for 30 years so I know they don't last very long. They just hurt for several days. Almost every time I've done it by twisting, in this case by twisting round to get something out of the back seat of the car. You'd think I'd have learned by now  :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 08, 2017, 04:09:39 PM
After finding that the panda cories had been breeding, followed by the BNs, I've had another surprise today.
I was cleaning the dwarf puffer tank, and to cut a long story short, I've set up a quarantine tank for the 3 baby dwarf puffers I rescued from the dirty water bucket.  :o
They are tiny, so I don't know if they will survive, but we'll see what happens.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 08, 2017, 04:17:30 PM
I've said it before, but the way your fish behave you'll soon be able to supply shops in your area  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 08, 2017, 06:29:41 PM
I'm considering having a very stern chat with the gang, just to get them to take a bit more responsibility for their actions. Perhaps they will then understand that I'm running out of quarantine tanks, and the time to have a life.  :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 08, 2017, 07:51:36 PM
Nerite snails are extremely good at hiding.
Yes - he re-appeared very briefly within the hour of me writing that he'd been missing for 79 hours but vanished again shortly thereafter.

I was cleaning the dwarf puffer tank, and to cut a long story short, I've set up a quarantine tank for the 3 baby dwarf puffers I rescued from the dirty water bucket.  :o They are tiny, so I don't know if they will survive, but we'll see what happens.
They sound adorable; what sort of size are they? Fingers crossed that they survive and that we get to see some pics.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 08, 2017, 09:22:01 PM
Glad to hear that your snail has reappeared, if only briefly.

The dwarf puffer babies are tiny, tiny, tiny. Around 2-3mm. I had to get the magnifying glass to check what they were.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 16, 2017, 04:45:14 PM
I have just done a water change and plants reorganise.

I have had java fern for years, it was the only plant I couldn't kill when I first got live plants. I now have a lot more plants including java fern 'wendelov' which is much prettier than ordinary java fern. The wendelov shared a piece of wood with Anubias coffeefolia, and they are both now too big to be on a single bit of wood. I decided the time had come to separate them so I removed a piece of wood with ordinary java fern and put the plants in the compost, then found a better shaped piece of wood to tie the anubias to (I have a few spare bits in my box)
Once the anubias has settled, I'll remove some bits of wendelov from the main plant and see if I can grow them bigger, then gradually replace the rest of the ordinary java fern with wendelov.


The flower bud on the bucephalandra is getting bigger but there are no signs of it opening yet.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 25, 2017, 06:43:55 PM
While lying awake last night, worrying about a number of things, one of these was about copper inadvertently contaminating the main fishtank with the nerite snail. Just glanced at the packets of Hikari micro wafers and Hikari micro pellets and discovered with horror that they contain copper sulphate - each fed daily to the fish. That's in addition to the copper in the Seachem Flourish plant fertiliser.  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 25, 2017, 06:54:06 PM
It's the amount of copper that matters  :) Copper containing meds have a lot of it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 26, 2017, 11:25:56 AM
Unfortunately the baby dwarf puffers that I found in the waste bucket after syphoning the substrate did not survive in the quarantine tank. I had put mini moss balls and a few other items from other tanks in with them, and I had a bowl on the windowsill to culture infusoria for the tank, but still no joy with the babies. Perhaps I would have been better putting them back in the main tank to take their chances with the adults.
We live and learn.  :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 26, 2017, 12:30:43 PM
Sorry to read about this, @Littlefish - I read something very similar elsewhere in which the fry left in the main tank survived but the ones in the QT didn't. What a shame after all your efforts.

We live and learn.  :-\
Hear, hear - and this applies so much to fishkeeping as I know only too well myself.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 27, 2017, 11:49:57 AM
Knowing @Littlefish and co. there will be plenty more babies!!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TrenchyLs on August 28, 2017, 06:53:52 PM
Well, this week I have learned that there is no such thing as just one pond snail.

It's been about 6 weeks since I saw a snail in the Flex. Every one I saw got thrown straight into my main tank to feed my Assassin snail as he (and a more reasonable feeding regime) had pretty much eradicated them.
For at least a month I have been hand feeding him the occasional bloodworm since he misses out during normal feeding (probably on account of him being a snail).

Anyway, I digress...  So, I come back from work last Friday to find the biggest pond/pest snail I've ever seen trundling around the small tank.  I can only assume it had been hiding in the pump cavity at the back of the tank living on biofilm.

This seemed fortuitous because I was contemplating getting a Nerite or two to add a bit of variety and help the shrimp with the algae.

Nobody told me that they can fertilise themselves!!!!

I know have loads of tiny, tiny snails in the tank  :o

Still, every cloud has a silver lining: I won't have to hand-feed my Assassin for much longer! :D

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 31, 2017, 07:51:37 AM
It's a big day for me today...I'm going to get rid of two tanks.  :o
Yes. it's true.
I will admit that these were the first tanks I bought online after I bought/cycled/stocked the starter tanks purchased from P@H and realising the starter tanks were too small for the fish, regardless of what I'd been told at the store.
I've never liked the tanks in question, so they are first out of the door when attempting to rationalise my MTS.  :)

On a slightly different topic, as I've been clearing out tanks, and after the amano shrimp were put into the river tank, I was clearing out that tank, and found 5 baby assassin snails. So cute. They have gone into the betta tank, and their empty tank now contains rocks & wood and is on the windowsill in an attempt to grow more algae for the river tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 31, 2017, 09:21:20 AM
...I'm going to get rid of two tanks.  :o

Something I never thought to hear you say  :yikes:




But I do agree, our tastes and expectations change as we get more into the hobby, and early purchases can seem less attractive than they were at the beginning  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 31, 2017, 09:44:03 AM
@TrenchyLs  Although they are hermaphrodites, it is very rare for these snails to fertilise themselves. But they can store sperm just like guppies  :)

And breed as fast as guppies  >:(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 31, 2017, 09:43:59 PM
...I'm going to get rid of two tanks.  :o

Something I never thought to hear you say  :yikes:




But I do agree, our tastes and expectations change as we get more into the hobby, and early purchases can seem less attractive than they were at the beginning  ;D

I'm going to have to get rid of another tank tomorrow. It's another old 60L one which I'm currently using to soak wood, and I've just realised that it's leaking.
At this rate I'll be bordering on normal rather than addicted.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 31, 2017, 10:12:31 PM
You'll have to update your signature @Littlefish   ;)

I must admit to having got a little lost as to what tanks you currently have running!  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 31, 2017, 10:34:06 PM
I'm getting concerned. Either the real Littlefish has been abducted by aquatic aliens or else someone has hacked into her profile and is typing instead of her - I really can't believe that the contents of her posts on this thread today have been written by the Littlefish we know. I'm actually worried as to what tomorrow's posts will say! Please reassure us that you'll be keeping the rest.  :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 01, 2017, 07:25:42 AM
Fear not, for I have neither been abducted or hacked.  :)
I'm just having a bit of a tidy up after having all the quarantine tanks around the house, and also using the time to clean all the items (decor & kit) that I currently have spare, and storing them in one place. I'd gotten into a bit of a mess with various bits and pieces in different places around the house, so quite often couldn't find what I needed and ended up going out and getting another. I had completely lost track of what I had, and what was working/available for use.
I'm currently in the process of rationalising/reorganising/replanting the tanks, and have plans for all remaining tanks.  ;D
I will update my MTS thread with plans & progress, and to provide reassurance that my urge to have more tanks & aquatic housemates is still strong.   :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 01, 2017, 06:55:34 PM
Sounds like you might be able to open a VLFS
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 01, 2017, 07:43:59 PM
Sorry for the change of mood, but -

I don't think my betta has long left in this world  :( I bought him in March 2015 so he is a good age for a betta. But in the last couple of months he has taken to spending his day under a log watching the world go by. This has developed over the last week to lying on his side under the wood with his tail towards the outside world, and now he has stopped eating. Every time I go past the tank I examine him with a magnifying glass to see if he is still alive. It can't be long now.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 01, 2017, 08:44:47 PM
Whilst I'm sure you will be sad to see him go Sue, I actually read this as quite a happy story...it's really nice to know that he has had a comfortable life and is passing away peacefully at the end.

Sending positive vibes...  :wave:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 01, 2017, 09:07:23 PM
Thank you Matt. Yes, I will be sad to see him go, but it is also sad to see him the way he is now, so in many ways it will be a relief when he dies.
He has been the healthiest betta I've ever had. He has had no illnesses just a burned tail from sitting on the heater bracket - and that healed so well you can't tell anything had happened to it. He is just fading away.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 01, 2017, 10:22:32 PM
Very sorry to read about this, @Sue - may he pass peacefully, having led a fulfilled life with a human who gave him the best life a betta could have.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 02, 2017, 09:10:08 AM
Sorry to hear about your betta @Sue
He's a magnificent fish and has reached a great age. He couldn't have asked for a more caring owner or a more comfortable life.
You've looked after him so well, which I hope is some consolation at this sad time.
It's difficult to see a fish fade, so in the nicest possible way, I hope it's not over a prolonged period.
My thoughts are with you and your betta.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 02, 2017, 11:11:06 AM
Thank you both.

Bettas are not long lived fish, the oldest I ever heard of was 5 years but that was exceptional. And I do wonder if the varieties with the biggest tails die earlier having worn themselves out through carrying all that weight.

They have personality so we become attached to them. They are pets rather than 'just fish'. I will be sad to see him go.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on September 03, 2017, 01:21:31 AM
Sorry to hear about your betta, Sue.  Totally agree that they're very personal with distinct personalities.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 09, 2017, 08:47:32 PM
A film is on and, predictably, I'm distracted by the fishtank in it (supposed to be a background feature), attempting to identify its dimensions, brand and whether there are actually any fish in it at all (I don't see any)...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on September 09, 2017, 09:33:19 PM
Fish called Wanda by any chance?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 10, 2017, 10:35:40 AM
Today is our ruby wedding anniversary and yesterday evening our son and daughter-in-law took us for a meal in a local pub-restaurant. We had to walk past a fish tank to get to our table, and once again when we left. I wasn't allowed to stop and look at it properly  >:(

It must have been about 100 litres, and 45cm tall, if that, and it contained 2 angelfish, the orange black and white blotchy type, one penguin tetra and one albino cory.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 10, 2017, 12:05:14 PM
Fish called Wanda by any chance?
"Begin Again". Nothing remotely to do with fish but my "fish tank radar" is constantly switched on and everything else about a film (eg characters, plot) is secondary.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 10, 2017, 04:59:00 PM
Terrarium anyone...?

My latest creation for our kitchen... not quite fish related but I thought it might be of interest to some.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 10, 2017, 05:33:26 PM
Is that a Sansevieria at the back, or something like an aloe or Hawarthia?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 10, 2017, 05:58:28 PM
Lol no idea I threw the label away already... wait... bin tells me it's a Sansevieria.  Good plant knowledge Sue!

Basically, my wife isnt allowing any additional fish tanks just yet (dont worry im working on it...) so I've started making "plant tanks" instead.

 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 10, 2017, 06:47:06 PM
If it is a Sansevieria I have three of those in the lounge. Two are the dwarf rosette types (one has green leaves with yellow edges and the other green leaves with white bands across the leaf) and the third is tall one (green with yellow edges). There is also a tall version that has green leaves with white markings. Hopefully, yours is the rosette type.
The tall ones do send out highly perfumed flowers  :)

The cactus with three ears looks suspiciously like a tall one - be warned! But the two little ones should stay small. And they should flower.

Watch out for mealy bug. They are very hard to kill.


Have I mentioned the tray of cacti on our kitchen widow ledge  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 13, 2017, 05:01:59 PM
My peach coloured betta passed away on Sunday evening. He had spent the previous few days just lying on his side on the bottom of the tank and after we'd washed up the evening meal I noticed he was no longer breathing. I'd had him 29 and a half months, a good age for a betta.

Because the betta was so weak I had been only scooping water out and replacing it with new instead of doing a proper water change so I cleaned it properly yesterday. I knew I could only wait a week-ish so this morning we caught the bus to the Maidenhead Aquatics I got the peach betta from.
I narrowed it down to 4 quite quickly, then it took ages to finally decide. I finally decided that the black and white betta had the marble gene so would change colour; the pale orange with see through fins was a bit lethargic; and the bright red with blue edges was a double tail, so a lot of fin to carry round. That left the little orange chap with pale blue iridescence. I think he's a veiltail, I'll find out when he's grown a bit more.
He has been swimming round the tank since lunchtime, generally exploring his new territory. This MA keeps the bettas in a rack of individual tiny tanks - bigger than the cups a lot of shops use, but not in a tank with other fish - so my 26 litre tank must seem enormous. The chap in the shop said that the bettas are delivered in plastic bags the size of a teabag  :o so even those tiny tanks must seem huge to the fish when they first arrive.


Photos when he's settled in  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 13, 2017, 06:24:59 PM
@Sue sorry to hear that your betta finally passed, though at least it was peaceful at the end.

I hope that your new chap settles in quickly, and I'm looking forward to seeing pics.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 13, 2017, 06:31:11 PM
 Sorry to hear about your Betta Sue, but equally excited to see your new addition! I hope he settles in well to his spacious abode overnight.
 :fishy1:

I saw some wild type Bettas on a recent trip to MA. The wild type can be kept together I believe as they were in the shop.  They dont have the colour or finnage of the splendens type but retain the personality.  They were clearly tired at the end of the day and had nearly all settled into a suitable resting place on the plant in the tank for the night.  Looked like a betta Christmas tree  :o

I was very tempted... but also under strict instructions!!...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 13, 2017, 06:47:25 PM
I've always liked the non-splendens species of betta. If I ever get another tank of 50 to 60 litres I too would be very tempted  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on September 13, 2017, 10:04:14 PM
If you do go for some wild types remember they require very different water than the splendens.  I would like some betta foerschi.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 14, 2017, 09:21:42 AM
I would choose a species that does suit my tap water, something like B. imbellis or B. smaragdina. B. foerschi are lovely, but my hardness is right at the top edge of their range and my pH is too high. Though had my tap water been right for them, I would have gone for B. channoides  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 14, 2017, 07:26:16 PM
Here are a couple of photos of my new betta. He won't keep still! When the light catches him, the tail half of his body also has a blue sheen to it.
He is still small, and I think his fins will grow some more. His tail is a bit split, probably damage during transit as he hadn't been in the shop long.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 14, 2017, 09:04:52 PM
Lovely looking betta.  ;D
I like the colouring.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 14, 2017, 09:59:33 PM
I'm hoping he doesn't lose the blue as he gets older. My last betta did have green iridescent streaks in his tail, and they didn't fade, so I'm optimistic  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 15, 2017, 06:42:55 AM
Wow I've not seen a Betts with iridescent blue on it  like that before. He's a stunner!  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 16, 2017, 11:14:03 AM
Sorry to read about your peach-coloured betta; I had been wondering about him. Lovely to read and see pics of your handsome new betta - wow, he really is gorgeous.

Not much news from here - fish are very active which is a joy to watch (and the x-ray tetra's longstanding wound is much more sealed and unexposed than it used to be, thanks to the recent treatment). The snail has been underground for most of the past week but surfaced yesterday and spent most of it sitting on the heater - he may be in for a surprise when it switches on more frequently now that we're into the autumn or perhaps that's what he likes.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: MarquisMirage on September 16, 2017, 12:25:48 PM
Now I want a new betta!  :D  Stop showing me nice fishies (no don't stop!).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 16, 2017, 03:24:35 PM
My 26 litre tank came with a silly lid. The idea is a nice one - a glass lid with a clip on the side LED light. But in reality, the glass is 2 inches narrower than the tank so there is either a big gap at one side or two smaller gaps, one at each side. It is held in place with two supports, one at each end.
This is my betta tank and bettas are notorious jumpers. Even males with those big tails are quite capable of jumping out of a tank. And the water evaporates quite quickly through the opening. So ever since I got it, I've had the glass at one side and a strip of condensation sheet over the gap. This stopped the betta jumping out but still allowed evaporation.

I decided enough was enough so I bought a piece of perspex. I spent an hour or so this morning cutting it to shape with a stanley knife - I'm glad I got 1.5 mm thick because that was hard enough. I had already bought more of the supports to hold the condensation sheet in the 50 litre tank I closed last year. So now instead of one support on each short end there are two supports on each long end. The tank is completely covered except for a small rectangle around the light clip. The perspex is in two pieces, a 1/3 piece and a 2/3 piece, and all I have to do to feed the betta is lift the 1/3 piece out of the way.


I should have done this years ago  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 17, 2017, 09:19:02 AM
Sounds like a great DIY Fishkeeping moment Sue... Any chance of a photo!?!?  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 17, 2017, 10:42:39 AM
I was going to take a photo but then I noticed that the perspex was sagging in the middle  :( I think 1.5 mm might be a bit too thin. I used a sheet of 2 mm perspex as a lid for my quarantine tank which doesn't sag, but that sits on top of the tank with just a corner cut off for cables. I can't do that with the betta's tank. It has sort of handles at the sides so it has to sit inside the glass walls, and I had to cut a rectangle out of one edge for the light clip, and I didn't think I could manage to do this on anything thicker than 1.5 mm.
This morning I have cut some lengths of old catenary wires as supports while i think of something else. (The catenary wires are from husband's old model railway, they are very useful for moving things such as upside down nerite snails without getting my hands wet)

This is the tank Aqua One AquaSpace (http://www.aquaone.co.uk/aquaspace.php) The photo of the white tank shows the support clips and you can see the glass lid sitting just below the level of the top of the walls.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 17, 2017, 11:47:44 AM
Hmmm... do you have enough spare perspex to do a strip spanning the width of the tank?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 17, 2017, 12:05:34 PM
I have a few bits of perspex left over. But the supports are along the longest edges so any strengthening has to be on these supports as well.


Question for those who know more about these things than me - would thicker perspex still sag in the middle or would it be more rigid? My elder son has his own one man handyman company and he might have some equipment that will cut perspex better than a stanley knife. I'll have to ask him  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 17, 2017, 01:38:38 PM
It would Sue... but...

Could you not put three strips on? One across the tank at the back, one at the front, and one where the two pieces join? Then it would all be supported and level.  Does that make sense?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 17, 2017, 02:58:25 PM
I've attached some photos to show what I mean. The tanks is sideways on because there are no cupboards under the kitchen worktop so it sits longways over the end panel supporting this end of the worktop. There is a wall cupboard above the tank so the top view is not taken from straight over which is why the tanks looks mis-shaped  :) Please ignore the junk on the rest of the worktop  :-[

The light has to clip on to one of the long sides as those 'handles' over the short ends are in the way. So the original glass lid ran from short side to short side with supporting clips under the 'handles'. The gap between the glass and the tank walls allowed room for the light clip.
But this gap was just too small to feed the fish properly. I think my last betta was going blind and if the food drifted away he couldn't find it - and with just that thin strip of non-glass, I couldn't rescue it either.

I had already got some more supporting brackets from when I had my 50 litre tank and I kept them when I sold the tank. So I relocated the support strips on this tank from the sides to the front, and put 2 more at the back, then cut the perspex so I had a much wider feeding hole. But I don't have any more brackets to put at the sides of the tank.

In the side view photo you can see the sag in the middle of the perspex. At least the condensation does collect at the lowest point and drip back into the tank.
The front view photo shows the 'handles' on the side, and the position of the supporting brackets.
The top view shows the join to the right of the light and also the strips of catenary wire under the perspex (which are also sagging in the middle, but not as badly as the perspex would without them).


I think some metal strips or even rigid plastic ones under the two pieces would be better than catenary wire.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 17, 2017, 04:31:05 PM
Getting my head around it now...

You can buy those brackets on Amazon if it helps...?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SODIAL-Aquarium-Acrylic-Support-Holder/dp/B00TJPXZN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505661978&sr=8-1&keywords=Bracket+aquarium+glass (http://https://www.amazon.co.uk/SODIAL-Aquarium-Acrylic-Support-Holder/dp/B00TJPXZN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505661978&sr=8-1&keywords=Bracket+aquarium+glass)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 17, 2017, 04:42:26 PM
The link doesn't work  ???

This tank has thin glass. I did buy some other cover glass supports but they are for thicker glass and just wobble around. The only ones I could find that were for the right thickness glass were the very expensive ones that came with the tank. I bought a second pair to use with the original pair on the 50 litre tank to hold the condensation sheet, and I used the ones for the thicker glass on this one for a while but I did not like them.

To be honest, if the perspex doesn't bend so much that it falls in the tank I'll put up with it. The curve does mean the condensation drips back in the tank in the middle. I probably wouldn't even have noticed if the tank was the right way round  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on September 17, 2017, 10:14:51 PM
@Sue Perspex sheet does have a tendency to bend, but it will be very related to the unsupported span, increased thickness will also mean increased weight and could cancel out the advantage. I use 8 and 10mm perspex as tank top and evaporation covers and even with a central support the corners bow up slightly at the end of a week. I invert them every week and this is sufficient to keep them flat.
Greenhouse plastic sheet might be a better option, they are made of double layers and the linking web is at right angles to the surfaces so it adds considerable strength, plus they are much lighter to start with. The down side is the common sheets are 5-6mm thick plus water can enter the hollow channels and could be unsightly.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 18, 2017, 09:33:02 AM
Andy, I did make the cover for my quarantine tank from a perspex greenhouse pane, but it doesn't sound the same as you describe. The one I bought was a single layer 2 mm thick. That one never sagged in the middle, possibly because it overhangs the tank on all four sides.


I don't really mind the sagging as long as it doesn't sag so much that it falls off the the supports. And at least all the condensation drips back into the tank unlike the QT where some runs under the perspex and down the outside of the tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on September 19, 2017, 08:08:40 PM
This is odd, I posted a reply this thread yesterday but it's not shown.
Okay try again, @Sue  The sheet I use is polycarbonate. It did occur that you could cut a sheet and trim the edge so the underside of the top surface rests on the rim while the bottom surface will be below the tank top and prevent dripping. The lip formed should also centre the lid in the tank and not require any support. I did a sketch, it took all of 5 seconds so don't laugh.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 19, 2017, 09:44:34 PM
Thanks Andy. If my plan B fails I'll have a go at that.

Plan B - I had a rummage in my box of bits, and found the four small glass supports that are a bit wide that I thought I'd thrown away. I also found two glass strips. These were in my very first tank which sprung a leak a few years ago. They were the bracer bars along the front and back edge and for some reason I kept them when I dismantled the tank to take it to the flat glass skip. So if I can lay my hands on a glass cutter (hmm, does my son have one?) I can trim one of the glass strips then superglue the cut edge to one of the plastic supports. Maybe glue the other end to another one as well. Then place this from short side to short side under the perspex.

The only thing I'm not sure about is will superglue attach glass to plastic?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 19, 2017, 09:55:43 PM
Not sure... you do seem to be able to purchase glass glue which is so that you get a clear joint when it dries... probably doable but messy.  Could you try it 'offline' first?

Aquarium silicone would do it if you have any?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 19, 2017, 10:05:42 PM
I have tried using silicone on plastic before and it didn't stick  :( Would glass adhesive work on plastic? I have used that before to glue glass together when I broke half the base off a wine glass, and you can hardly see the join.

These (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-Pcs-6-8mm-Aquarium-Tank-Clear-Plastic-Clip-Glass-Cover-Support-Holder-Clamps-/281826464044?var=580813417905&hash=item419e2a912c:m:mUrcdg4kpMHmh2sfGXJAj0g) are the kind of cover glass supports I found in the box. I was going to try gluing one to each end of the glass strip to support the perspex. Or just glue one end and leave the other loose.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 20, 2017, 06:14:22 AM
Gut feeling is yes it would do glass to plastic, especially if you sanded the surface of the plastic BUT I'm completely guessing at all of this  :(  Does it not say on the packet what it can be used for?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 20, 2017, 09:08:28 AM
I'll have to wait a while to look at the pack. It's in a kitchen drawer and the kitchen is currently full of plumbers fitting a new boiler  ;D


But I still need to cut the end off the glass trip to make it fit and I'm reluctant to buy a tool I'll probably never use again. Once the plumbers have finished, I'll ring my son. He drives a van and with the van already on the drive it would get a bit congested if he came over now  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 22, 2017, 02:20:48 PM
But I still need to cut the end off the glass trip to make it fit and I'm reluctant to buy a tool I'll probably never use again. Once the plumbers have finished, I'll ring my son.

He doesn't have a glass cutter - he doesn't like working with glass. So I went out this morning and bought a £3 one from Wilkinsons. I couldn't believe how easy it was.
I have glued a cover glass support to each end, and slotted a tiny piece of perspex into the bit that goes over the side wall as the supports were made for wider glass.
I am just waiting for the glue to cure but I had to make sure it fit, so while I was testing it I took a photo.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 22, 2017, 05:13:46 PM
£3 well spent  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on September 22, 2017, 06:37:15 PM
@Sue and a new skill. I will be watching out for reports of 'bank jobs' with a neat hole cut in the window, vault empty, the tank in the bank managers office nicely siphoned and the fish fed.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 22, 2017, 07:09:11 PM
It does make you wonder. My grandfather was a glass cutter by profession, he worked for Pilkington Brothers (now Pilkington Glass)

Only he died 9 years before I was born.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 23, 2017, 12:01:00 PM
I possess some skills/traits/mannerisms of my grandfather who died the year before I was born, but which skipped a generation, so it's altogether possible that glass-cutting is a genetic skill in your family line, @Sue.

Over the course of 24 hours, my nerite snail managed to cover about half of the substrate in poo. I wasn't able to get a water change done until a few days later, by which time the nitrates had gone up from their usual <20ppm up to 40-50ppm for the first time ever! No wonder he was found perching on dry land yesterday, on the very top of the heater. His bioload would appear to be far heavier than the cumulative effect of 11 fish...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 23, 2017, 12:55:05 PM
Wow!! :yikes:

Hope your nitrates stay low over the next few days and there isnt something else nasty as play  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 23, 2017, 01:49:22 PM
@fcmf after having a tank for breeding snails, now having a tank for the baby BNs, and adult BNs in 2 tanks, I can say that all are all quite high up there on the poop producing scale.  :o
Constant grazing = constant pooping   ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 25, 2017, 01:25:19 PM
Mixed news from the river tank today.
I found a panda garra floating on the surface of the tank today. The body has been removed and disposed of appropriately. :(
I think it may have been one of the two pandas who were regularly sparring for dominance. I'm guessing that things got quite rough.
Although I'm disappointed about the loss of a fish, the tank is now peaceful and none of the other pandas seem to be fighting.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 25, 2017, 01:45:21 PM
I'm sorry to hear that  :(

If there were two of them sparring, it could well be that one came out on top at the expense of the other.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 25, 2017, 08:04:45 PM
All of the panda garras look alike, so it's difficult to tell them apart.
After I found the deceased fish I tested the water, just in case, but results were 0/0/<40 as usual. I did a 20% water change anyway, even though the last one was on Friday, again just to be on the safe side.
All fish spent the rest of the day pottering around until dinner time.
After dinner two of the pandas had quite a battle, so I don't know if they were the two original sparring fish, or if one of the other pandas is trying to battle for dominance. The fight lasted around 15 minutes, and things have settled back down again.
I'll have to keep a close eye on the situation as I don't want any more problems.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 03, 2017, 09:25:09 AM
I read something yesterday that is worth using to help explain certain problems in stocking tanks.

The questioner asked about keeping a pair of dwarf gouramis in a 40 litre tank. Several people said no, it's too small, but someone else said it would be fine provided there were lots of plants so they can't see each other. Then the real fish expert replied. I can't quote him directly (copyright) but the gist of his comment was that fish make two sorts of chemical, pheromones which are understood by fish in the same species, and allomones which are picked up by all the other fish in the tank. Aggressive fish like dwarf gouramis send out lots of aggressor signals, the filter can't remove them so the other fish live in constant fear. Then he used a comparison that would mean something to everyone.
If you shut a cat in a room which has a vicious dog chained in one corner, the cat will pick up the signals from the dog and although the dog couldn't reach the cat, the cat would be terrified.


I'm going to use that to explain things in future  :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 03, 2017, 07:20:52 PM
I've heard this one before used as a reason to do water changes even if parameters are perfect... I have zero nitrates at every test but still do a 20% water change :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 03, 2017, 07:29:51 PM
Once upon a time, many years ago, I worked in a hospital pathology lab, the chemical pathology lab to be precise. You would be amazed at the number of things we tested urine for. And that was just chemical pathology, there were other pathology labs as well.
If we excrete these chemicals, fish excrete similar things. And all the things we didn't test for in the lab. We may grow bacteria to 'eat' the ammonia made by the fish but they don't 'eat' anything else. So these other things build up in the water between water changes.
So yes, it is these other things excreted and secreted by the fish that is the reason we do water changes. Nitrate is just an indicator that everything is building up but if we have lots of plants so that nitrate doesn't build up, we still need to do those water changes.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on October 04, 2017, 05:32:17 AM
@Sue and @Matt This is interesting, following on from this logic. The consensus view seems to be that activated carbon is not requires in filters unless meds or tannins are being removed. I wonder if is a argument for?

Incidentally I currently have an issue with a newly introduced (hopefully) male Severum to a temporary heavily stocked tank and have noticed that he is barely eating. I have been watching him with growing concern over the last week. His not being chased or hiding/avoiding nor is he being out-competed as they are getting are getting multiple feelings of four different food types, floating, sinking and two slowly sinking so everybody gets a good chance of getting some.
He is currently about 5cm in a tank with three 15+cm females and a raucous collection of growing other cichlids both larger and smaller than him. Water quality is good and is generally changed twice weekly.
it would be an unscientific guess but I was wondering if a 1/2kg of carbon in the sump might have some effect?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 04, 2017, 07:29:26 AM
This probably needs someone far more knowledgeable as chemistry than me to answer but as I understand it, activated carbon adsorbs organic compounds, so that logic would stand.  What is your water change regime like on the tank?  Using your example, it would also stand that after a big water change the fish should feel better as the chemicals in the water would be reduced.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 04, 2017, 09:39:15 AM
There are also inorganic things excreted by animals - we tested urine for sodium and potassium for example.

But there is a balance to be met, especially with tanks that have live plants. Many of the fish's organic waste products provide the plants with fertiliser. Carbon would remove everything, meaning we would then have to add chemicals back to the tank to feed the plants. The ideal is to keep the chemicals that affect the fish to a minimum while still allowing chemicals that hardly affect the fish at all to be present in enough quantity to feed the plants.


And there is the other reason for water changes - plants need minerals, and the tank needs carbonate to keep the pH stable. These get used up and need to be replenished. Water changes are the simplest way of ding this.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 04, 2017, 06:53:00 PM
And there is the other reason for water changes - plants need minerals, and the tank needs carbonate to keep the pH stable. These get used up and need to be replenished. Water changes are the simplest way of ding this.
This is something I've never quite understood. If the carbonate/KH in tapwater is 2, yet the KH in a tank is 3 due to having Tufa/limestone rock in it, then surely each weekly water change slightly dilutes/reduces the KH? Is it that, if the weekly water change didn't take place, the tank water would naturally reduce from 3 to 2 and potentially even down to 1 as the carbonate would get used up?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 04, 2017, 07:00:54 PM
In this scenario then yes, water changes will lower the KH.

I have KH 3 but I don't have any calcium carbonate in my tank (limestone, tufa, coral etc). I know that if I don't do water changes my pH will crash. But weekly water changes keeps the KH high enough to prevent a crash.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on October 04, 2017, 07:49:28 PM
@Matt The tank is currently producing 25ppm of Nitrate per week, it was just over 34ppm/week but adding plants has I think caused the reduction. I deliberately reduce Nitrates back to 20ppm each change with on average a 40-45% change twice weekly. I have virtually no dKh (0.5) and dGh is 2.5 so I am diligent on changes, tank pH is stable at 6.2. Since adding hydroponic terrestrial plants to this tank as well I have started adding a 1/4 dose of nitrate free liquid fertiliser.
The thoughts on the carbon were largely clutching at straws as I can't see an obvious reason for the Severum not eating, everybody else is literally hovering food down and he just sits in the middle of the pack watching food pass him by. I'm am feeding 4 times a day because of the number of rapidly growing babies.
The fish is otherwise looking fine, active, good colour, free swimming and if it weren't for the fact that I'm watching him during feeding time I would have said he completely settled. Maybe he is snacking between meals (kidding the others finish every scrap within 60 seconds)
I'm not actually panicking just yet, given his otherwise good condition I will give him more time in case it's a settling in thing.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 04, 2017, 07:55:08 PM
Is he doing a betta? Bettas are notorious for not eating what the fishkeeper gives them if it is different from what they are used to. It takes them a while to realise it really is food, or at least food to their taste. In the case of bettas, they do start eating before they starve.

Have you tried the fish on live/frozen food? Most fish will eat that when they won't eat anything else. i don't mean to feed bloodworm etc exclusively, just to see if he will eat some then you'll know he can eat.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on October 05, 2017, 05:00:38 AM
Thanks @Sue I will try that, everybody else will love that I'm sure. Let's hope they don't cotton on and all start wanting special treatment :) I will also ask what the shop feeds as well.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 05, 2017, 07:53:01 AM
Have you tried the fish on live/frozen food? Most fish will eat that when they won't eat anything else. i don't mean to feed bloodworm etc exclusively, just to see if he will eat some then you'll know he can eat.
I would very much advocate buying the garlic-infused frozen food. My LFS advocated it (the brine shrimp in my case given the fish I have), plus some Microbe-Lift Herbtana, when my x-ray tetra was in poorly recently. I only bought the garlic-infused brine shrimp - but what a "hit" it has been among everyone from the outset and causes widespread excitement in a way no other food does. Even the two small harlies, who can be very fussy about what food to take if it's not the right size/shape/texture, and who generally ignore the standard frozen food in the tropical fish quartet or spit it out, zoom off at top speed to capture this and munch away happily on it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 05, 2017, 10:15:01 AM
I'd forgotten about garlic! If you have your own garlic press or garlic juice you can soak dry food in that as well as adding some to defrosting frozen food.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 10, 2017, 07:02:23 PM
May have found the answer to running out of space for more tanks.
Not sure how the filtration would work, but.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 10, 2017, 08:13:21 PM
I think the worst tank design I've seen recently are half fish bowls that screw in the the wall like a picture.  How on earth your expected to heat, filter etc. tanks like that I have no idea.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 10, 2017, 08:23:06 PM
I think the fish in keyrings sold in the far east a few years ago beat that  :( http://www.amusingplanet.com/2011/04/live-fish-and-reptiles-sold-as.html
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 10, 2017, 08:37:07 PM
I forgot about that... absolutely disgusting and I'm probably more open to cultural differences than most. That is wrong through and through.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 10, 2017, 09:24:06 PM
I've seen pictures of the wall-mounted half bowls, but luckily I've never seen them for sale in any shop.
I'd never heard of the keyring ones before.
Really wish I hadn't clicked on the link.
Words fail me.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 16, 2017, 12:01:26 PM
Well, passed my GCSE's good enough for college and im in the mood to totally re-do my tank. The whiptails, julii, tetras and siamese flying fox are going in the 190L and im keeping the panda corydoras, guppy, glass cats and khuli loaches in my 55L as im thining about shrimp... Any suggestions and sorry for my long break!

Apache6467
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 16, 2017, 04:35:24 PM
Many congratulations on your exam results @apache6467   :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 16, 2017, 10:15:15 PM
One suggestion if you get different coloured shrimp which can breed together (eg. caridina sp.) They will often produce grey/brown dull offspring which you may wish to avoid. Of course keeping something like red cherry shrimp with amano shrimp as I do avoids this issue.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 17, 2017, 09:51:32 AM
Congrats on the exam results  :)
What is the next step for you? I know you've mentioned college, but doing what exactly?

With shrimps you meed to make sure that different shrimp species need the same water parameters - pH, harness and temperature - just the same as for fish.
Red cherry shrimps are the easiest. There are different colours (orange, yellow, blue, chocolate) but these are more delicate having been selectively bred from red cherries, which in their turn were selectively bred from the brownish wild ones.
Amanos and ghost/glass shrimps are next easiest.
Crystal reds & blacks are harder, as are things like tiger shrimps.

The best source of info on shrimps is Planet Inverts (http://www.planetinverts.com/)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 17, 2017, 12:43:58 PM
I have my eye on a couple of bamboo shrimp...something a bit different.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 21, 2017, 06:36:24 PM
The fair is in town. It takes place in the High Street which is closed on Tuesday evening as the fair gets itself into position, then again on Thursday evening, Friday evening and 10.45 am to midnight on Saturday while the fair is open. Most of the small shops close for the week.
We needed to go to the supermarket this morning and were there as the horse flashing took place, and the mayor and his entourage were driven up the High Street in a covered contraption pulled by a steam engine. While this was going on, the fair people were getting ready to open for the day.

And I was sickened to see the stalls that are still giving away goldfish as prizes. So much for all the petitions calling for this to be banned.

I do wonder if this practice will ever be banned  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 21, 2017, 07:35:48 PM
@Sue - I think you need to station yourself beside such a stall and provide some educational advice to prospective participants about goldfish care and requirements. :fishy1: It's events such as these which perpetuate the belief that goldfish are way down the hierarchy of pets.

The tetra with the various injuries has had the brightest tail of all the tetras for the past week. She has also taken a keen liking for the snail food - Snail Stixx which are to prevent the snail's shell from eroding in my very soft water - and has found a way of sneaking into his miniature clay pot to munch on it at any opportunity, even when he's buried in the dissolved food. I thought I'd managed to position it facing one of the tank walls and thus avoid her from accessing it but she's learned quickly how to do so. She's now guarding the pot and shooing anyone away who comes within the vicinity - I think she thinks she's a cichlid guarding her fry!
:fishy1:

 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 21, 2017, 07:47:22 PM
That's good news about the tetra  :)



Apparently in England and Wales the Animal Welfare Act 2006 did almost ban goldfish at fairs then at the last minute the very influential fairground industry got it changed from a total ban to a ban on giving fish to under 16 year olds unless there was an adult present. Scotland did manage to ban the giving of animals as prizes "except where it is offered in a family context".
There is more than one stall at our fair. I'd need an army of helpers - assuming the fair people didn't get me removed.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 21, 2017, 08:02:38 PM
@fcmf glad to hear that your tetra is doing well, even if she has taken over the snail food & pot.  :D

@Sue it's a shame that fish can still be given as prizes. They are usually kept in such attrocious conditions on the stall, and are then given to people without any further information (not even a leaflet) on caring for the fish. I can't imagine this happening with any other animal. Imagine the uproar if there was a stall with loads of hamsters in little cages...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 05, 2017, 06:34:11 PM
I would love to know what goes on in the mindset of a fish.

I have one harlequin who takes possession of the middle third of the tank for the duration of the afternoon and sends every intruder well out of range. Some of the male tetras appear to tease and seem to try sneaking in to the area when another is being chased, checking for the harlequin's whereabouts before darting into the space, only to be chased out of it seconds later by the harlequin who seems increasingly angry.

This afternoon, the harlequin has taken a dislike to the wound-prone female tetra who normally takes possession of the adjacent third of the tank to the right but who is quite happy to share this area with one of the male tetras and the smallest harlequin (while everyone else is confined to the remaining third of the tank). The harlequin is not only forbidding anyone to enter his usual territory but is terrorising the wound-prone female tetra out of hers. The smallest harlequin is allowed to stay there and the other female tetra (who has uncharacteristically moved from her current usual spot on the extreme left of the tank to be in the wound-prone female tetra's spot) is allowed to stay there. The wound-prone female tetra's male friend and this territorial harlequin are involved in a series of heavy spats - I admire the male tetra's loyalty towards his companion. Oooh, would I love to know what this is all about, though...  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 09, 2017, 09:06:37 PM
Note to self: be more careful when checking the catappa leaf as the snail's colouring must be similar! Did a water change a day earlier than usual and discarded the decomposing catappa leaf after checking both sides (or so I thought). Clink as it hit the bottom of the bucket. Poor snail was asleep and attached to it. :yikes: Maybe just as well that I didn't chuck it in on the top of the water, otherwise I wouldn't have heard the clink...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 09, 2017, 09:38:25 PM
I have several nerite snails of different species. I have two of one type, and I must have a male and female because if they are in the same tank there are soon hundreds of eggs everywhere. So one is in my betta's tank, the other is in my community tank.
I have a slight algae problem in the betta's tank and the nerite is slowly vanishing under a carpet of algae on its shell.
I did my weekly water changes this afternoon and spotted the other one of them in a very convenient position in the big tank, so I swapped them. Within a minute, the algae covered snail had two shrimps climbing all over it. I'm hoping they can clean it up for me as scraping the algae with my finger nail does not remove it.

If I hadn't been in the middle of a water change with wet hands I would have taken a photo but by the time I could take a photo the snail and its cleaners had vanished into the undergrowth  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on November 09, 2017, 09:49:37 PM
Anyone heard of "red chillies" shrimp? My LFS has them and they appear to be just like RCS but i can find no information on them? Same price, so im getting them on Saturday, just getting your thoughts
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 09, 2017, 09:54:46 PM
I have heard of red rili shrimps. Are they what the shop means?
http://www.planetinverts.com/Rili%20Shrimp.html

Rilis were developed from red cherries by selective breeding so they are bit more delicate than cherries.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on November 10, 2017, 06:51:49 AM
I have heard of red rili shrimps. Are they what the shop means?
I think so as they sold their last RCS and probably autocorrect corrected rilli but if they are almost like cherries (they are the same price) im going to get 10 so I can start with a healthy population
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 10, 2017, 07:29:59 AM
The rili look to have a white section on the body... either way I doubt they are going to need any specialist care if they are neocardinia looking shrimp  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on November 10, 2017, 11:01:58 AM
Another change of plan.... white rilli or black carbon shrimp?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 10, 2017, 11:29:37 AM
A quick Google hasn't flagged up any particular issues with black carbons. Just dont mix then as you'll likely just end up with different shades of brown!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 10, 2017, 12:21:32 PM
One thing to bear in mind is that all cherry shrimps of every colour are descended from brown wild shrimps. The first colour to be developed by selective breeding were red cherry shrimps. All the other colours were made by selectively breeding these red shrimps.
The more selectively bred a creature is the more likely it is to be delicate. So blue, orange, rili etc will be more delicate than red cherry shrimps. But it is impossible to say how much more delicate they are.
And because they are all Neocaridina heteropoda, as Matt said they will breed to give original wild brown coloured offspring. So whatever you go for, just that one type and no other.

It is possible to mix shrimps of different species provided their requirements are the same. For example, red cherry shrimps and crystal red shrimps do not like the same conditions and should not be kept together.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on November 10, 2017, 02:45:12 PM
Thanks, but i was asking your opinion on which one to get XD
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 10, 2017, 02:58:45 PM
Whichever one you prefer the looks of  :) Something like this is all down to personal preference.  The only reason I have red cherry shrimps is because when I got mine that's all the local shops stocked and I didn't want to buy them on-line.

But something to bear in mind - if you have a black substrate, think about whether black shrimps would show against it. You say you want pygmy cories in the same tank - they are shades of grey, would black shrimps be too much the same?
This is what I mean by personal preference - if I had black substrate and intended getting grey fish I would want brightly coloured shrimps. Other people like the idea of a monochrome tank and will only have black and white fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 10, 2017, 04:20:41 PM
In that case rili looks the nicest to me.
 You'll see them easier in the tank like Sue says.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 10, 2017, 04:30:48 PM
Just a thought... you could do a new thread and add a poll to gain people's views...?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 10, 2017, 06:15:40 PM
I like all shrimp. I think Sue has made a good point about the colour of the subsrate.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on November 10, 2017, 09:05:48 PM
Ive decided just ti get the corydoras tomorrow and wait until the rcs are available again, as they are the cheapest and easiest shrimp to keep----- best for me :P
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 16, 2017, 10:47:45 PM
The advantage of an x-ray tetra is that you can see some of what's going on in their bodies. One of mine has developed a growth above the spine this week - it had a small red blob on it yesterday which has disappeared today but it's elongated today. It definitely looks entirely internal rather than an external wound - so I'll just have to monitor the situation.

A harlequin rasbora, who lost a scale in his/her dark patch, has had that area expand today, with the pink dot becoming much larger and actually deeper and slightly raw.

Meanwhile, the wound-prone tetra is looking better than ever, with her scars barely noticeable.

The snail seems to spend 95% of the time asleep in recent weeks - it's as though he's started a winter hibernation.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 18, 2017, 06:30:19 PM
A positive ammonium test this week, for the first time in 3 years - 0.1 or 0.2. The tank clean was done on the 8th day as last week's had been done a day earlier than usual. However, this wouldn't have accounted for it. The culprit was soon identified - I'd done such a good job of hiding the snail food from the fish, and the snail had been sleeping most of the week, that it had been decomposing in his little clay pot. I put some fresh food in yesterday and see that he's buried himself among it. If he doesn't move off it overnight, I'm going to move him so that I can dispose of what's left of his food - certainly don't want another occurrence of ammonia!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 25, 2017, 02:29:04 PM
Argh - feeling intensely broody for new fish but realistically only have the stocking capacity for one in my current tank (and I wouldn't risk overstocking - surefire guarantee all would start to go awry although I'm sure other folk might be fine if they did the same). Is there actually any soft-water fish which would be happy being on its own (eg a dwarf cichlid)..?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on November 25, 2017, 02:36:52 PM
I would suggest a BN Plec for a solitary fish of its species. But I think they have a higher bioload than their size would suggest. So might not be ideal if you've only got a small amount of stock capacity left.

(I can't remember if you are the person that, like me, has a BN Plec named Bertie)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 25, 2017, 02:44:21 PM
I also have a BN called Bertie. He's my daddy fish, and Harri is the mummy fish.
This morning I took some of their offspring to the store, and the rest will be following soon.
I don't like to see them go, but I couldn't keep all of them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 25, 2017, 02:50:10 PM
@fcmf Your tank is 55 litres isn't it? It's a bit on the small side for dwarf cichlids, and bristlenoses. The trouble is that most fish suitable for 55 litres tend to be shoaling fish.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 25, 2017, 02:51:01 PM
A larger tank is often the answer to most things.  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 25, 2017, 02:55:36 PM
Thanks, folks - just wish I didn't completely freak out every time I see a plec/oto sucking on the body of a dead fish, otherwise a dwarf BN plec would have been ideal as they're otherwise very cute. Yes, it's looking as though my little 54-litre tank definitely needs an extension built onto it then...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on November 25, 2017, 02:58:07 PM
I love the phrase "broody for new fish". That's how I feel. But I need to finish my aquascaping first. But buying new fish is so much less time consuming!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 25, 2017, 03:04:47 PM
That's how I was a couple of months ago. I really missed having honey gouramis and since I now have all Asian fish they are a perfect match. I gave in and got a trio even though I know I am rather heavily stocked  :-[

I just had a thought - how about a pair of peacock gudgeons/gobies? They are fine in a tank with a floor of 45 x 30 cm. Some shops sell them as gobies, some as gudgeons. http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/tateurndina-ocellicauda/
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 25, 2017, 04:11:58 PM
Peacock gudgeons/gobies are an option, thanks, @Sue - may need to put some more limestone rock in the tank to harden it up a bit more from the tap water's 1.52 German degrees, though...

@Helen - your fish will have a lovely reward when you finish your aquascaping; I do envy those skills.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 25, 2017, 04:55:36 PM
If it weren't so cruel to keep shrimp in such a small environment, I'd actually possibly manage to find the space for this http://www.prezzybox.com/shrimp-world-ecosystem.aspx - not quite satisfying the fish broodiness but perhaps taking the edge of it somewhat...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 25, 2017, 05:11:02 PM
I just hope they mean brine shrimps in that 0.5 litres :o


If you want a very small tank to alleviate your fish broodiness, brine shrimps are marketed as sea monkeys and lots of places sell mini tanks for keeping them in  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on November 25, 2017, 06:36:53 PM
Thanks for the compliment @fcmf , but I'm not entirely convinced I actually have any aquascaping skills. I can do the science bit, but to be honest, the plants do the artistic bit themselves. My tank always looks better when I've given up trying to arrange the plants and just leave them to spread on their own.

I always struggle to get the plants as close together as they appear in the professionally aquascaped tanks. The other thing I find difficult is to get any depth. So this time I intend to put in a sand 'path' and have got some more plants that will be different heights to ones I already had. You'll have to let me know what you think when I finally get there. Here's to hoping if even vaguely resembles the image in my head!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 25, 2017, 09:44:41 PM
Thanks, folks - just wish I didn't completely freak out every time I see a plec/oto sucking on the body of a dead fish, otherwise a dwarf BN plec would have been ideal as they're otherwise very cute. Yes, it's looking as though my little 54-litre tank definitely needs an extension built onto it then...

You are more likely to see a BN feeding on the tank glass with the mouth movement similar to that of a sock puppet. Strangely funny in an adorable way.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 26, 2017, 12:19:42 PM
Argh - feeling intensely broody for new fish
Argh - I thought I had it bad yesterday but this is on another level today, not helped by the fact that I indulged/tortured myself further by managing a visit to the LFS. One option of a small shoaling fish puts me at risk of 100%/120% stocking (depending on whether I count my filtration system of 2 filters as oversized internal or just internal), another option means I'm going to have to address my fear of freaking out over BN plecs sucking on dead fish, another option of tempting cories again puts me at risk of overstocking if I go for 6 (although SF's recommendation is a bit loose re minimum numbers)... 
:yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 26, 2017, 12:35:39 PM
Oh dear, you went to the LFS whilst already feeling broody.  ::)
(puts head in hands)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 26, 2017, 01:26:19 PM
There is now a poll available, awaiting folks' votes on how I should proceed...
:D

[NB. I have had pygmy cories before - unsure what exactly caused their demise but, this time round, the tank is more mature, has live plants and I'd opt for 8 rather than 6, if that were the route I went down.]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 26, 2017, 03:13:16 PM
My vote goes for otocinclus, though I'd go for 2 or 3 only to keep from overstocking the tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on November 26, 2017, 04:17:40 PM
I've never seen my BN Plec sucking on a dead fish. And I've had quite a few dead fish since Bertie has been in the tank (whole shoal of cardinal tetras reached old age).

How do I see the poll?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 26, 2017, 04:19:32 PM
Just to be awkward I'll comment on the fish in your poll instead of voting -
Trilineatus cories are bit big for your tank
Does your tank grow enough algae for otos? They can be tricky to feed without enough algae
I'd forgotten your water is softer than mine, so maybe not peacock gudgeons
Pygmy cories do better with 10+
Microdevario & ember tetras a lovely little fish, I've kept them both  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 26, 2017, 08:48:00 PM
*cough* get a bigger tank *cough*

Anyway, a shoal of small fish would be nice, or some otos (I originally bought 6 otos for my betta tank, but most of them died within the first 2 days in the quarantine tank and I now only have 2, although I'd like to get more at some point).

I'm trying not to be a bad influence, but you know my approach to these things...
*cough* another tank *cough*
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 27, 2017, 07:26:24 PM
Thanks, folks - all very helpful.

@Littlefish - I absolutely agree that another tank is the way forward - but I think a house move would be required in order to accommodate it (or "the fish room" that I really want).

The various comments and other issues arising from them played around in my head all evening and during the night, with the productive result that I woke up at some unearthly hour this morning with my answer, including a strategic plan for the tank over the next decade! My definitive decision will be revealed in due course - but, for various reasons, it might be into January before I implement it.
:fishy1:

In the meantime, I'll just have to make do with my main tank and my tiny 80x75x45 mm toy aquarium.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 29, 2017, 10:03:28 PM
The 14 baby BNs have all gone to the LFS, hopefully to find happy new homes.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 30, 2017, 03:05:24 PM
My betta, the one I got a couple of months ago, has finrot in his tail. I noticed a few splits on Friday when i did a water change, so knowing that finrot is caused by stress and/or water conditions and is usually cured by extra water changes, I did another water change on Saturday and again on Sunday. He got worse. On Monday i managed to get to the shop to buy some eSHa 2000, and his tail has stopped disintegrating and is showing signs of regrowth. I think, it might be wishful thinking  :-\

I also considered why he should be stressed. His water conditions were perfect, so not that. But he has been very agitated about the nerite snail, so I took that out of his tank. And very agitated about his refection. Until the weekend, his tank light came on 2 pm to 8 pm. The weather has been so dim recently that having a light inside the tank and dimness outside meant he could see his refection. His light now comes on at 5 pm after we turn the room light on.


But there has been a casualty. I had hornwort in the tank, some weighted down and the rest floating. This morning I had a lot of bare stems and leaves on the bottom of the tank. It took ages hoovering up all the leaves. I've moved a few pieces of water sprite over from the big tank - bettas appreciate cover, and I don't know whether I have many bacteria left in the filter as the plants will use most of the ammonia, so I needed more plants just in case.


I know from previous experience hornwort does not like Seachem Flourish Excel, and it would appear it doesn't like eSHa 2000 either.

So a word of warning to those who have hornwort in their tanks - be careful about adding medication!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 30, 2017, 08:38:24 PM
Sorry to read about your betta and hope the eSHa 2000 is indeed helping his tail to regrow.

Your post is particularly interesting - and it's actually resolved an issue in my own tank, albeit not to do with hornwort. The wound-prone female tetra has been physically very healthy lately and I'd discovered that her most recent problems seemed to have been caused by over-indulging in snail food. However, this week, she'd been swimming up and down the glass beside the heater, shooting up to the water surface and then diving down, as though very stressed about something. However, I couldn't put my finger on what it was at all. I now realise that it's because the room light had been off for much of the daytime but the tank light on +/- a table lamp to the side and above the height of the tank on during some of the daytime plus the evening in addition to the room light in the evening. Since reading your post and keeping the table lamp off, the problem has resolved itself. Thanks, Sue! ;D

Now I just need to re-arrange the tank slightly in my latest effort to stop my harlequin tyrant from taking possession of the entire tank...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 30, 2017, 09:27:39 PM
It occurred to me that when it is dark outside and the room light is on the window is like a mirror. I realised that is what it was like for the betta - light inside his tank and darker outside - so it was like him having a mirror against the tank wall.

I can see transparent membrane on the edge of his tail, so fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 30, 2017, 10:31:49 PM
Fingers crossed for a full recovery for your betta.
I'm sure he'll be feeling better soon.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 30, 2017, 11:10:48 PM
Really good point about the tank glass acting like a mirror when its dark outside... my neons were behaving similarly the other day and I think this could he the cause.

All the best with your Betta Sue, hopefully things are on the mend now.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 14, 2017, 09:30:49 PM
Two of my harlies have been sparring all afternoon and evening, interspersed with one of them (the territorial harley) chasing one of the other fish relentlessly the length of the tank. It looked as though the two sparring fish were trying to take a bite out of each other occasionally and I now notice that the territorial fish has acquired an eye injury (or his eye has suddenly become cloudy this evening). Just hope one of them hasn't killed the other by the morning!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 14, 2017, 09:34:50 PM
What do you put in their water  ;D Harlies are supposed to be one of the least aggressive fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 14, 2017, 10:20:46 PM
I hope that your harlies are ok  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 16, 2017, 09:54:35 AM
The harlies are still ok but they seem to despise each other as the sparring has been continuing with a vengeance, albeit perhaps not quite as violent as the other day. I've re-arranged the positioning of the plants yet again, so that might help a little even if only temporarily.

Separately, I decided to get rid of the pieces of limestone rock I'd had in the tank for several years as I read somewhere that they can leach nitrates after a while and my nitrates had been higher than they used to be (and the limestone had turned a green shade - perhaps algae). I've had new pieces in for the past fortnight or so - it has raised the GH up another degree of hardness, KH is raised to the same level as the old pieces, and I'll know better whether nitrates have been reduced or not once my new test kit arrives.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 19, 2017, 09:08:20 AM
A few posts ago I mentioned my betta's finrot. His tail started regrowing, then started disintegrating again. Then I realised he did not like the sun shining in his tank. At this time of year the sun is low enough that it shines right into the kitchen, and for the two hours it was on his tank he was swimming frantically back and forth.
He now has a sun screen made from a cereal box and three paper clips. I hook it on just after breakfast and remove it an hour before lunch. My husband is complaining that it is upside down, but the top of a cereal box gets a bit worn through use and I had to use the nice pristine edge for the paper clips  ;D After a couple of weeks, his  tail is now regrowing nicely. Again.


**sigh** The things we do for our fish. And the ungrateful creature has taken to flaring at me.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 19, 2017, 04:28:37 PM
Glad you got to the bottom of it. What a simple thing to have caused your Betta such discomfort and hurt it's fins.  I have previously stuck a sheet or card to the corner of a tank in the height of summer where he light reaches it at this time of year... so I share your issues with our lovely UK climate!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 19, 2017, 04:39:07 PM
I think I just have an awkward betta. The tank has been in this location for years, and with several bettas. He is the first one that flares at his reflection if the tank light is on and the room dim; he is the first betta which has objected to having a background on the tank at the side opposite the window; he is the first one to object to the winter sunlight shining in his tank. He is not the first to flare at a snail, but he is the first to get stressed by it.

It is a well established fact that bettas have very variable personalities  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fishbeard on December 19, 2017, 06:50:43 PM
If he's such a diva, then let's hope he doesn't start complaining that the box is upside down too!

Glad to hear he's picked up, though.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 20, 2017, 12:23:52 PM
Perhaps the betta isn't flaring at Sue, perhaps he's just using his fins to point to the upside down box  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 20, 2017, 12:27:46 PM
The betta charges to the end of the tank where I am with his gill flaps flared out to make himself look more frightening. He doesn't bother with his fins  ;D

It looks quite amusing  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on December 27, 2017, 05:12:19 PM
Think my old man harlie may have died. I can't see a body, but I can only count 12 rasboras (he makes 13), my ammonia level is a little higher than normal (0.030) and there are two pairs of harlies 'facing off', one pair quite aggressively.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 27, 2017, 07:54:26 PM
Aw, very sorry to read of this, H.

The nerite snail slept for 3 days but has been out and about today, speeding his way round and across the tank for the past 7 hours, balancing precariously on the sturdiest plant leaves at one stage. The tetra still has a couple of pus-filled lumps over her almost-healed wound - so tempting to squeeze them but which I'll resist doing!

I've been flicking through back copies of an aquatic magazine and happened to notice an article which has given me an idea for addressing my poor plant-keeping skills. Watch this space...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on December 27, 2017, 09:53:06 PM
How old is your nerite? I think they only live a couple of years. So maybe it's an old snail and therefore doesn't need to eat much, and sleeps a lot.

One of my espe's has had white fuzz on its side a couple days ago. This has gone now and it ate this evening and picked up colour, so seems to be on the mend.

Hope your tetra is ok and recovers again.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 27, 2017, 10:05:59 PM
My nerite is only 7 months (or 7 months since I got him) but he's always been like this ie bursts of activity for a day or several, then sleeps or hides for anything up to a week before re-appearing, so I'm not unduly worried as it seems to be normal for him.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 28, 2017, 06:06:25 AM
@Helen Did you get your ammonia levels back to normal? Did you find the root cause?

@fcmf interested to hear more about your plant keeping tips!!...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 28, 2017, 09:23:03 AM
I have two nerites which are 6 years old - or rather, it is 6 years since I bought them. Look at the dates in the first post here https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/gallery-showcase/snail-photos/


I have come to the conclusion that my betta is a tail biter. He doesn't have, and never has had, finrot. His tail regrows, then I get up and find part of his tail gone again with spikes of the rays sticking out. Next day it is showing signs of regrowing. Then a few days later, another bit of his tail has gone all spikey. This does explain the pattern in his tail when I bought him - the outer rim of his tail was clear with one orange stripe running to the very edge. Newly regrown tail is colourless.

The question now is, what is causing him to bite his tail? It is said to be a sign of stress, but what is stressing him?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on December 28, 2017, 09:43:09 AM
Wow @Sue , that's impressive about the age of your nerites! Are they particularly old in terms of expected snail life? I'm wondering where I got 2 years from.

All the eggs from the nerites I had a few years ago are now more or less gone. I think one of the current inhabitants of my tank ate them. I suspect either the BN Plec or the kuhli loaches. The former would explain why they've not gone from what was the underside of a piece of bogwood as it is a place the kuhlis particularly like to hang out.

Has your Betta's tail improved with the cereal box? Could it be that there's too much traffic outside the tank that's stressing him and causing him to bite his tail?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 28, 2017, 10:15:52 AM
I have been wondering if it's where the tank is that's the problem.

Attached is a pretty awful drawing of the kitchen, showing the betta's tank. (I am hopeless at drawing and even worse at controlling a mouse  :-[ )

But I do not have a stand for the tank and there is nowhere else to put it. My husband refuses to have it in the lounge (the air pump and bubbles from the filter would interfere with his hi-fi). The dining room is full of the 180 litre tank. Upstairs is not an option as my husband would object and I'd have to carry the old water downstairs during a water change.


This betta is the most highly strung one I've ever had. The tank has always been in this location and he's the first of at least half a dozen bettas that I've had problems with. I have thought about moving it to the worktop opposite and next to the dining room door (the fridge freezer is at the other end of the worktop where it is at the moment).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on December 28, 2017, 11:10:15 AM
I wonder if it's because 2 sides of the tank are exposed to traffic. If he's a particularly stressed individual, it might be that which he doesn't like. I'm guessing that the cereal box went on the end facing the window.

Could moving the tank to a part of the worktop that has the least passing traffic and both ends covered help?

(I find this very strange offering you suggestions @Sue. Pretty much everything I know about fish behaviour, especially Betta's because I've never owned one, I've learned from you!)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 28, 2017, 11:40:25 AM
Yes, the cereal box is on the side facing the window. But he is such a quirky fish that I can't have anything next to the tank when the tank light is on or he flares at his reflection. He seems to cope with the light grey wall tile at the back of his tank, but I don't know if he'd cope with a side and a back next the tiles, though the cereal box doesn't seem to worry him, possibly because it does let some light through so he doesn't see his reflection.

He gets upset when:
the sun shines in his tank for a couple of hours mid morning in mid winter
the tank light is on but the room is even just dim as that turns the tank walls into mirrors
there is anything next to his tank which turns the tank walls into mirrors.


I did rearrange his tank last week which may have been the cause of the latest tail biting. I put in some hornwort weighted down with terracotta plants weights in the tank, and added more water sprite. I did have hornwort in the tank till the eSHa 2000 made its leaves fall off, so I've pinched some more from the big tank. One theory of tail biting is boredom, so at least he now has lots of things to swim through.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 28, 2017, 01:01:12 PM
@Sue is there any possibility of putting the tank in the lower left of your diagram. I'm thinking there would be less sunlight here, and your Betta would always be able to "see you coming" and so be less likely to get startled...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 28, 2017, 01:42:40 PM
@Sue is there any possibility of putting the tank in the lower left of your diagram. I'm thinking there would be less sunlight here, and your Betta would always be able to "see you coming" and so be less likely to get startled...
That is exactly what I thought when I examined the layout of the kitchen and I think it would make a big difference, giving your betta "control" over who/what he sees and that there won't be any surprises. Hoping that might be feasible...

Daft though it may sound, I always advocate sitting alongside fish and interacting with them; once they get more comfortable with your presence and that you interact with them, it can make a tremendous difference. You can always do it if your husband is out and you're on your own - and even the occasional interaction with the fish helps.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 28, 2017, 01:56:55 PM
I have updated my drawing. As you can see, that corner is under the boiler and next to the sink so it is used a lot. It's also next to the toaster and kettle, and is almost under the wall cupboard with the tea, teapot and teacups. It's also the only place for the combination microwave because it has to go diagonally across the corner to get the required amount of space behind it.
The house was built 26 years ago so compared to modern houses has few electric sockets. This limits where the appliances can go. [I have already been planning a new kitchen layout when we can afford it  ;D ]

There are two possible places but my husband is unlikely to agree to one of them.
1 - in the top left corner next to the dining room door. Unfortunately we use this worktop for food related things so my husband will object (nasty dirty fish tank full of bacteria near food  :o ) This is another problem with the bottom left corner as well.
2 - at the other end of the worktop it is currently on, next to the fridge freezer. This worktop is not used for food, it is where we keep the box of tissues, the manual shredder, the box of plastic tubs to put waste food into etc. And the fish food, hidden behind the box of tissues so the betta can't see it till I'm about to feed him. This position has the advantage that it would be screened from view on two sides. The disadvantage is that I'll have to move the hook in the underside of the wall cupboard which holds the airline tubing and electric cables to make a drip loop. But with 26 year old builders kitchen units, he shouldn't complain that much to another hole.




The cupboard with a concertina door was only added at the end of 2015. The stairs are in the cut out of the kitchen, the staircase is U shaped, and the house was built with two half height cupboards going under the stairs. This meant I could keep very little in them - the ironing board was tucked down between the fridge freezer and the wall and the clothes horses were in a bedroom. My handyman son built the cupboard extension - in the place where my 50 litre tank used to be. That's why I had to close it.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 28, 2017, 02:55:17 PM
All I can think is try it for a "trial period" of a week in either of those locations and see if it makes any difference...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fishbeard on December 28, 2017, 08:26:38 PM
We've got cupboards with concertina doors and they make quite some noise (though ours are a lot older than yours) - are yours particularly noisy? I'm wondering if the sound/vibration of them being opened and closed might be unsettling your Betta - I try not to open ours when someone's sleeping upstairs on account of the racket they make.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 28, 2017, 09:33:43 PM
Ours are pretty quiet, just a swishing noise like drawing curtains, but they were just about the most expensive ones we could find. We didn't want any like my parents once had which were two sheets of plastic with stiff panels inside - the plastic outer split where it bent.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 02, 2018, 03:16:07 PM
Not sure whether the fish or I are more stressed.

After the lights came on, I noticed that the female tetra with the healing wound had developed some fungus over where the pustules had been last week but which had burst/subsided of their own accord - it looked as though a scale was attempting to grow over the open-but-superficial wound but this was accompanied today by fluff. So, conscious that I was looking for an excuse to simultaneously treat the male tetra with the still-cloudy eye, I tried to catch them to treat them together.

It was clear after a few minutes that I needed to remove all the plants and driftwood in order to do this. While the harlequins were volunteering to enter the net and had to be released, the tetras were darting away at lightning speed. It also became clear that it was a 2-person job, especially to identify and catch the male tetra. Eventually, Mr FCMF managed to disengage himself from a film to help and eventually we caught all 3 of the male tetras and had them in the QT with the healing-wound tetra, with the intention of putting back the two healthy male tetras into the main tank. Suffice to say that this was harder than it looked and somehow the cloudy-eyed male tetra ended up back in the main tank by mistake, not helped by the fact that there were only 1.5 people working on this as the other 0.5 was distracted by the film, while it was as though the cloudy-eyed tetra disguised his cloudy eye just before capture in the QT (perhaps a self-defence mechanism).

Currently, we have the fluffy-wounded female tetra in the QT, everyone else back in the main tank with plants and wood reinstated, while I've had another couple of unsuccessful attempts on my own at capture with the plants and wood in situ - the leaf debris is certainly escalating while the water is becoming cloudier and cloudier from disturbed root tabs! Ideally, I'd like to treat the two fish together, so will probably make another attempt later - but, for now, I'm giving everyone a break from the stress, myself included!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on January 06, 2018, 09:38:31 AM
Quick update and photo of baby cory which is now 3 to 4 weeks old and has been in the main tank for over a week now  :)

I found another baby this morning swimming around which is even smaller than the first one. I managed to catch him and put him in the hatchery net so fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 06, 2018, 10:00:02 PM
Awww he's a cute one  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 11, 2018, 08:47:57 PM
A new toy arrived early this week - an aquascaping toolkit. I've now managed to remove dead plant leaves every day this week without getting my sleeves wet. ;D The tweezers do seem to send everyone in a panic, though, and results in them shoaling up as though checking to see if anyone's been lifted out. I think I'll need to be careful to peer in from the front of the tank when using them - attempting to lift items out when looking from above runs the risk of a nosy fish swimming into the jaws of the implements.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 11, 2018, 09:15:29 PM
I've always fancied one of those kits... which one did you get?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 11, 2018, 09:40:23 PM
Always nice to have a new toy.  :)
I didn't but a set, but I so have scissors and 2 pairs of long forceps, although one of these is mainly used for feeding the puffers/mudskippers/axolotls.

I'm planning a trip to the Water Zoo on Saturday. It's only around an hours drive. They stock quite a few of the fish I have for my river tank, so at some point when the main tank is set up again I can do a round trip to Aquarium Gardens for more rock, and then on to The Water Zoo to get more fish to replace the ones I lost last year.

 ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on January 11, 2018, 10:51:39 PM
I have a pair of long handled scissors and tweezers. The latter are invaluable for planting, but it always takes me a few attempts to get my technique right. I'm always worried about squishing or snipping a fish, because mine are SOooo nosey.

Both now also have alternative uses. We have a "tree stump" coffee table with a hole in it. The tweezers' other job is "small toy retriever". And now the scissors are being used to cut the grass in a fairy garden.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 12, 2018, 05:55:49 PM
I've always fancied one of those kits... which one did you get?
From Amazon, the "Signstek 5 in 1 Stainless Steel Aquarium Tank Tweezers Scissors Spatula Tool Set" - for a further 50p cheaper than it's currently being advertised at, so quite a good bargain.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 21, 2018, 03:51:10 PM
On a semi-whim, I've spent the past couple of hours decanting the remainder of my plants out of their pots! Eventually, I managed to get each of them to stay "put" in the substrate, thanks to the numerous ceramic/terracotta rings which come with the plant pots and some JBL plant pins/pegs. Not quite sure that it could be called an aquascape by any stretch of the definition but at least it ought to look more natural, give the fish more scope to swim around the base of the plants rather than navigating their way round plastic pots (neat though they were) and enable the plant roots to spread out.

With all the piling up of sand around the bases, plus some moving of plant location, there has been an enormous amount of disintegrated root tab debris around the tank, so much so that it's difficult to see the fish and how the tank actual looks, and one of the filters stopped working. I did a 20% water change and squeezed out the sponges on both filters - wow, how much debris had gathered even since the water change two days ago. The tank is still very cloudy with debris, so I reckon I'll have to do another water change and filter sponge squeeze-out in a while from now. In the meantime, I'm hiding in another room as I couldn't bear to look at the cloudy tank and distressed fish; Mr FCMF will be alerting me if the filter ceases function again due to another clog-up or once he thinks it's ready for me to return.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 21, 2018, 04:16:47 PM
And of course once it clears you'll take a photo wont you??  :-\

Did the plants seem to be growing/surviving better once planted then?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 21, 2018, 04:29:54 PM
I'm a bit embarrassed about how it looks / will look (once I can actually see it) as it's a bit haphazard :-[ - would probably cause you expert plant-keepers to recoil in horror like so :yikes: - so not sure that I can commit to taking a photo once it eventually clears... but I'll think about it...

In all honesty, I can't tell if the already-decanted plants are surviving better or if the decay rate has slowed down; I'd say it's much the same but probably too early to tell. Some decanted last week died quickly with the leaves detaching from the roots/stalks, presumably as a consequence of mishandling / inadvertently destroying the roots when removing the rockwool.

[Edited to add: ok, despite grimacing, I've plucked up the courage and decided I might as well post - if anything, it ought to make fellow fishkeepers void of plant-keeping/aquascaping skills and potential feel better about their own efforts! Separate thread might be best for this.]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 21, 2018, 05:31:04 PM
@fcmf I've had so many disasters with plants - I like to think of it as a very steep learning curve.  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 21, 2018, 07:28:29 PM
This is getting ridiculous.

I need to do a water change in my 180 litre tank. It was Wednesday 11 days ago that I did the last one. I should have done one on Wednesday this week, but I spent the afternoon in hospital visiting my mother. On Thursday afternoon I was at another hospital at my eye clinic. On Friday my mother was discharged from hospital but we had to wait for an ambulance so i couldn't risk starting a water change (she finally arrived at 6 pm). Yesterday my mother fell out of bed in the care home and had to go to A&E. Today, I managed to do a water change on the betta's tank before lunch but then it started snowing on the back of the house and my husband refused to let me open the door to empty the old tank water down the drain. He has just announced he wants us to go out after lunch tomorrow  :vcross:

The tank light comes on at 11.30 so I can't start a water change till 12.30 - and that's in the middle of getting lunch. The tank light goes off at 7.30 so I can't do one in the evening.


And to cap it all, I have to have cataract operations on both eyes and I won't be allowed to lift buckets of water for 4 weeks after each one. My husband refuses to carry the buckets because he plays the viola and can't risk straining his arm or shoulder muscles. My son has agreed to help me - but I'll have to pay him as I can't ask him to lose an afternoon's work just to help me. The consultant has agreed to let me lift the jug of water I use to refill the tank!


Sorry, rant over  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 21, 2018, 08:12:58 PM
Oh dear @Sue what a time you are having... I'm not sure the below is what you need right now but I will just try and be logical about your water change situation...

I wouldn't say doing a water change with the light off is necessarily a terrible idea... as long as the fish are active after their nights rest I wouldn't worry about doing a water change with the lights off - admittedly any gravel vacuuming etc might be hard but a basic water change will still benefit the tank. My fish haven't seemed to noticed before when the light timer has shifted back an hour after a power cut either so maybe that's an option too...

It might also be interesting to see what level your nitrates are at to see how desperate a water change is...

I'm sorry those are the only real suggestions I have other than buying a python water changer or something of that sort to try and make the changes quicker or easier..

That just leaves me to wish you and your family all the very best... I'm sending positive vibes your way!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 21, 2018, 08:31:11 PM
I'm not allowed a python. All that dirty bacteria laden water going down the sink  :yikes: (should never have used the b word in his presence   ;D )

I have told him that if he really must go out tomorrow afternoon I will have to turn the dining room light on at breakfast time so the fish can wake up. The dining room faces north and the last few days I've had to turn my keyboard lighting on to see what I'm typing. I can't even see the fish when it's is so dull so heaven knows what I'd suck up. It's forecast overcast but at least no rain for tomorrow.

I will do a water change tomorrow or else!



I'm just panicking because about 10, 12 years ago I had a pH crash through not doing enough water changes because of my low KH.


And I don't actually have a nitrate tester........
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 21, 2018, 08:42:44 PM
I'm just trying to remember what things increase hardness... though im normally striving to go the othet way... certainly a small piece of tufa rock might help, would the salts you mentioned in another thread also work? Sorry I'm not sure I'm helping much!!

Would the water change system I'm planning to use be more acceptable to your husband? A garden hose to siphon water out to the garden, and a tap connector to fill the tank  back up using the same hose.  It would mean no dirty sinks.  If you had a clean and a dirty hose there would be no chance at all of cross-contamination.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 21, 2018, 08:44:20 PM
Tell him they are pro-biotic bacteria, and they're good for him.  ;)

Sorry to hear that you've had such a difficult time, and that tank maintenance is such an issue. I don't know what to suggest.

Best wishes to you & your family. x

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 21, 2018, 08:46:26 PM
Sue, I have a suggestion...send your other half around here - he'll soon realise that are much worse things that could horrify him than just tank water going down the sink.   :yikes: :sick: :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 21, 2018, 08:54:27 PM
Sorry to read about your hard time, Sue.

On a practical note, and although probably not what you want to have to get, rollators can actually be very good for carrying items eg perhaps something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=four+wheeled+rollator. I was just about to suggest a method of doing this in conjunction with a couple of cheap buckets with lids which might to enable water changes to be done, but, thinking through the complicated logistics, it probably is easier if your son can do it. However, aside from the water changes, rollators or similar items can be very useful post-surgery.

Also, as you have a lot on your mind, tomorrow's water change could maybe be what I call a "non-invasive" water change perhaps ie taking jugfuls of water out and in, rather than the more time-consuming aspects of siphoning, decor removal/replacement and filter maintenance.

All the very best for the next while.

PS.
Sue, I have a suggestion...send your other half around here - he'll soon realise that are much worse things that could horrify him than just tank water going down the sink.   :yikes: :sick: :rotfl:
Fantastic idea - perhaps you could "casually on purpose" quote some examples of the horrific things people on the fish forum do such as my frequent mouthfuls of fish water during water changes and lots of other things; he then might realise that, by comparison, some b******* down the sink isn't that bad.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 21, 2018, 09:05:19 PM
We actually have one of those in the garage. But I'd still have to lift the bucket on and off it. It is my mother's rollator but after she fell and hurt herself quite badly 13 months ago she's had to use a zimmer ever since. We've been keeping it just in case she can ever use it again.


I had already decided I'll do week and a half water changes after the ops - the day before, week 1.5, week 3, then at week 4.5 I should be able to do them properly myself. My son is self employed so we can work round his jobs.
I just got so frustrated at my husband's attitude. He doesn't like my hobby and thinks it's a waste of time. He can't understand why I'm complaining  :o Mind you, I can't understand why he spends 3 hours a day re-learning the viola since he retired  ;D He hadn't touched the instrument since he left school, it was just sitting in the back of the wardrobe till a couple of years ago.

And there's the other reason....
At the last water change i took out all the hornwort. The stems were getting rather long so I wanted to prune the old, less attractive bits off before putting the pruned stems back. There are now rather a lot of hornwort leaves on the bottom of the tank making a bit of a mess and I'm desperate to get rid of them. It's just so unsightly  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 21, 2018, 09:12:13 PM
I had been thinking more of hosing the water into Empty Bucket (with lid) No.1 placed on the rollator, son/someone wheeling it into fishtank room but son would probably need to shimmy it onto a similar-height piece of furniture the day before, from which you could ladle jugfuls of water following water change the next day. On the day of the water change, then Empty Bucket (with lid) No.2 could be placed on rollator and water siphoned into that, until son/someone can wheel it to wherever it's allowed to be disposed of. Might that work?

Or https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitters/united-kingdom/ might have someone able to help?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 21, 2018, 09:23:18 PM
Son called round a few weeks ago while I was doing a water change so I asked him then. He said he is quite willing to let me siphon the water into the dirty water bucket (consultant says this is OK) then carry it outside and empty it. Then let me fill the new water bucket in the sink and add dechlorinator, then carry it to the tank and place it on the stool I use so that I can ladle it into the tank with my jug (also OKed by consultant). Carrying 12 litres water outside then 10 litres water to the tank is not allowed but siphoning and ladling is allowed.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 21, 2018, 09:31:26 PM

PS.
Sue, I have a suggestion...send your other half around here - he'll soon realise that are much worse things that could horrify him than just tank water going down the sink.   :yikes: :sick: :rotfl:
Fantastic idea - perhaps you could "casually on purpose" quote some examples of the horrific things people on the fish forum do such as my frequent mouthfuls of fish water during water changes and lots of other things; he then might realise that, by comparison, some b******* down the sink isn't that bad.

I was originally thinking that even just seeing a house over-run with tanks may make Mr Sue realise that this is worse than just tank water being poured down the sink. Then I realised how messy I am with water changes, etc. and how many kitchen utensils have been re-purposed for tank maintenance, so we'd probably need a paramedic on standby just in case there was a bad reaction to the amount of chaos in the Littlefish household.  ::)
On the bright side Sue, it would make Mr Sue realise that you are a paragon of restraint and neatness.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 21, 2018, 09:50:48 PM
Hmmm, we used to live in Cambridge. Perhaps I should suggest a trip round some old haunts then casually mention I know someone who lives there......

Though he'd probably have a heart attack at the sight of so many fish tanks - then I'd have to go and visit him in Addenbrookes where I used to work.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 21, 2018, 09:58:25 PM
You'd be fine to use a python at home and empty the tank water down the sink then though.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 21, 2018, 10:00:14 PM
But there is a downside - I don't drive and my favourite fish shop isn't on a bus route  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on January 21, 2018, 10:58:04 PM
I put my old fish tank water down the toilet. I do pour it slowly so as to spot any livestock that might have accidentally got caught up. None so far.

I used to pour it out the back door, over a manhole cover. Then I realised that manhole cover was for our foul drains and that by pouring the water in the toilet (which was closer, warmer and less messy), it was going exactly the same direction.

And I'm pretty sure that fewer bacteria go into the toilet from the fish tank than from the other things that go in it!  :sick:  :yikes:

Also, we have a water meter. But that only measures water coming in. It is assumed that all water coming into a house, also goes out the foul drains (we do have separate surface water drainage). So I figured I've already paid for the water from a tank water change to go down my drains.

I hope things improve for you @Sue.

Would more very small water changes be ok for your tank?

I should also add that with all the plants you are now growing, your tank will be far more resilient to a few weeks of neglect. I think the pH crash you mentioned was pre live plants?

I know my tank is more heavily planted, but it survived literally months of severe neglect. Rather amazingly.

Feeding the fish less helps too. Imho. Think of it as a holiday for them!  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 22, 2018, 07:08:13 AM
Your point about the surface water vs foul drainage is an interesting one... we certainly shouldn't be pouring waste tank water into surface drainage as responsible aquarists.  Looks like everyone here is doing the right thing from what I've heard so far but I bet there are a lot of people out there who wouldn't have had this thought!

It could kill native species if any tropical diseases are present, the indestructable Malaysian trumpet snails as an example could also enter our waterways threatening native species again.

There has been much documented about these potential impacts of the hobby, but I'm not sure the link to surface drainage has been made before?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on January 22, 2018, 08:09:24 AM
There are a couple things about surface water drainage: not everywhere has a separate system. And there will be life in surface water anyway - just think of all those street drains blocked with leaves...  I'm not entirely convinced that tropical species would survive the British weather. But I guess that is a different discussion. And your point about introducing potentially invasive / destructive species is definitely a valid one.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 22, 2018, 10:06:14 AM
I pour the old tank water down the same drain as the sink water. In dry weather I pour it over the planters on the patio and when they are soaked over plants growing in the soil. The only place I'm not allowed to pour it is over the vegetables - the 'b' word again.

The problem with pouring it down the loo is that I am notoriously clumsy and some of it would end up on the floor. Outside it doesn't matter if I get some on the ground.


Current problem solved - we are going out when he's finished this morning's viola practice so I can clean the tank this afternoon. And despite the weather forecast, we have blue skies and sun  ;D



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 22, 2018, 04:43:54 PM
I water the garden with my tank water, including the fruit & veg.
My largest tanks have Fluval FX4 and FX6 filters on them, which have a port at the bottom for draining, so I bought some longer hose, which reaches out of the patio doors at the back, or the window at the front, which save me from carrying large containers of waste water.

See @Sue, Mr Sue would be horrified at the working practices here.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 22, 2018, 05:04:11 PM
At last! All the mess from the hornwort has gone  :) And both filters cleaned - they were full of decaying hornwort leaves.


And I have forgotten to mention that I got a new male honey gourami a couple of weeks ago. Unlike his predecessor which stayed very pale and hid in corners before dying, this chap has fully coloured up and has even been spotted blowing a few bubbles. We were passing near my next to nearest Maidenhead Aq so called in - I was expecting to see yellow honeys and red honeys but they had a tank full of natural coloured honeys so I now have a trio of naturals again.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 22, 2018, 08:44:42 PM
I've yet to see the naturals in the shops... very jealous!! Good to know MA can get them.

I've done a water change on the puffer tank today, wow they are messy little things, that said I think I'm overfeeding them at the moment because I'm worried about the khulis not getting anything. They are going on a diet day tomorrow.  Gobys in the 220 litre are doing a brilliant job of ridding the wood of fungus stuff and algae.  Tank looks amazing apart from the planting substrate they have dug up when burrowing... they are also messy little things...  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on February 05, 2018, 10:20:25 AM
I've had an espeii rasbora that has steadily been getting more and more skinny over the last several weeks. It initially had a spot of fluff on it's side, but that disappeared the next day before I could get a good look at it. And it seemed absolutely fine. So I spent a couple weeks just counting the number of espeii I had until I realised that it was looking (lost its shine and bright colour) and behaving ill. Despite me trying to make sure it got sufficient food by feeding it separately (which I thought was working because it was eating and even had a day where it's colour came back), it got progressively thinner. This morning I found it's body after a quick search when I realised I couldn't see it at feeding time.  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 05, 2018, 08:56:17 PM
Sorry to hear about your loss.  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 06, 2018, 10:21:13 PM
@Helen - sorry to read about this.  :'(

After a couple of pieces of sad news on the forum the past couple of days, I thought I'd share some good news as an antidote. I resisted the urge to move any plants during the weekend's water change and only lost a few leaves in the space of a week, in comparison with the usual loss of about 25% of each plant's leaves when they were potted (not helped by lifting the pots in and out of the tank during each water change). Unfortunately, the floating plants melted within a week or so of their arrival - my own fault as I need to keep them contained in fish feeding squares to prevent them being buffeted around the tank or sinking - but at least the planted ones are now faring much better now that they're directly in the substrate.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on February 07, 2018, 06:18:16 AM
That is much needed good news re your plants @fcmf looking a few leaves is quite normal in my tanks, and is often caused by the inhabitants causing the leaf to become detached or damaging it.

I also struggle with floating plants because I fail to prevent the filter flow from sinking and bufferting them. I dont like unnatural looking things in the tank though so I can be hard to prevent this happening. I have found that by using floating plants with long root structures I can get them intertwined with the foliage to prevent them moving around the tank too much.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 09, 2018, 07:52:17 PM
I learned an important lesson this evening about the importance of thoroughly cleaning test tubes, not just swilling them with water a few times and leaving them to dry. PH was 9! Thankfully, I re-tested and also tested the tap water, getting more accurate readings for each.

Nerite snail is perched precariously on the end of an anubias leaf, with nowhere to go. He has an audience of 11 fish right beside him, watching as though they know what's likely to happen.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on February 10, 2018, 09:10:02 PM
Nerite snail is perched precariously on the end of an anubias leaf, with nowhere to go. He has an audience of 11 fish right beside him, watching as though they know what's likely to happen.

 :rotfl:

Were the fish right? If your snail hasn't fallen yet, you might need to keep an eye on him to right him before he's attacked by the fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 10, 2018, 09:38:17 PM
The fish were indeed correct - he landed upside down, tried and failed to rectify his position, then had to be repositioned with the help of an aquascaping tool.  ::) It didn't stop similar behaviour today, though...

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 11, 2018, 09:57:18 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 17, 2018, 02:36:36 PM
The filter won't stop vibrating today and it's driving Mr FCMF crazy. I assumed the nerite snail had wedged himself behind it as he often does but he's nowhere to be seen. Twice, I've taken the filter off the bracket, removed and replaced the bracket itself and all the media and the impeller, to no avail. I'm wondering if I over-cleaned the impeller and impeller well yesterday and whether that would even account for the vibrations... If this doesn't subside over the course of the week, I might need to consider investing in a new filter.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on February 17, 2018, 03:41:35 PM
Have you tried tilting it, very carefully while switched on. It is possible to get air trapped in the impeller well even with internals. You just need to make sure you don't give yourself an unexpected shower.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 17, 2018, 04:28:30 PM
Thanks, Sue - I've just tried that after seeing your suggestion but it's still not reducing the noise...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on February 17, 2018, 07:16:07 PM
There is another thing you could check. Last year I discovered that an impeller had broken. The magnet part had split down its length and made an awful noise. And they do wear. I always keep a spare in the cupboard
Is the impeller shaft ceramic or metal? I have broken more than one ceramic shaft. I keep spares of those too.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 18, 2018, 09:16:46 AM
Thanks. I've had the filter out again for examination this morning - magnet definitely isn't split or showing any signs of wear and tear. It seems to be metallic. It doesn't look as though spares of this particular impeller are available to buy but I've e-mailed the manufacturer to seek their advice.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 25, 2018, 01:47:45 PM
Very quiet on here this weekend so I thought I'd share some news that Sue in particular will be pleased to know. My new filter allows the waterline to come right up to the top of the tank, not the 1-2 inch gap that I used to have to have with the old filter (which in turn means no deliberate cropping of any tank pictures to spare Sue the horror of seeing the waterline :rotfl:). Just hoping that the snail, who has a tendency to enjoy sitting above the waterline, doesn't consequently escape the tank altogether...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on February 25, 2018, 02:13:46 PM
That is good news  ;D

Snails can only get out if there's a hole somewhere. In my old 50 litre, the 2 nerites in there went through a spell of climbing through the cut outs in the back of the lid and crawling over the kitchen floor (vinyl not carpet). I stopped them by pushing some filter wool into the holes. They stopped doing it after a few months.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on February 25, 2018, 03:06:56 PM
@fcmf so does that mean you have 10litres more water in the tank??... I can almost hear the till at the LFS...  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 25, 2018, 03:36:20 PM
In my old 50 litre, the 2 nerites in there went through a spell of climbing through the cut outs in the back of the lid and crawling over the kitchen floor (vinyl not carpet). I stopped them by pushing some filter wool into the holes.
I recall you mentioning that before so filter wool duly installed there as a precaution.  ;D

so does that mean you have 10litres more water in the tank??... I can almost hear the till at the LFS...  :rotfl:
You read my mind! I've already been on the Community Creator, working out what of my previously possible additional fish might now be a possibility - still not sufficient space even for a shoal of a micro species. Having said that, the way the fish haven't yet got used to the new filter flow and the fact that the micro pellets scatter across the bottom of the tank uneaten, I did wonder whether another attempt at keeping pygmy cories (in my now much more mature tank and keeping them in larger numbers) and who might be able to eat such leftovers even although they do produce waste themselves might actually be less problematic than the uneaten food decomposing on the tank substrate...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on February 25, 2018, 04:23:46 PM
Sounds good!!

What about cherry shrimp?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 25, 2018, 04:55:08 PM
What about cherry shrimp?
I would love to have shrimp but (i) I wouldn't trust the remaining female tetra and the territorial male harlequin with them (I saw the latter eyeing up the snail the other day) and (ii) I couldn't handle shrimp in the same tank as fish given my heebie-jeebieness over dead fish and exponentially even more so over potentially finding a dead one some day with shrimp availing of the feeding opportunity. An invertebrate-only tank some day is probably about as far as I'll get to that but I can't see that / a second tank for that happening any time soon.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 03, 2018, 10:01:45 AM
Hmmm - the boiler has been groaning and grinding to a halt intermittently over the past couple of days. Its relevance to fish? It's attached to the plasterboard wall in the kitchen and their tank is in the corner of the living-room adjacent to the other side of this plasterboard wall. I've always said that, while they're alive, the boiler and the kitchen can't be replaced as the noises and vibrations would be too risky for them - I've seen their startled and cowering behaviour when neighbouring flats have been undergoing renovations. Perhaps we'll have to do without heating or hot water for the next few years until the fish see out their days... 
:yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 03, 2018, 10:12:40 AM
I have a vision of you huddled round the fish tank trying to keep warm  :o

Would it be possible to move the tank temporarily or would that upset the fish just as much?
Would it be a straight boiler replacement or would there need to be extra work done? If it was just take the old one out and connect a new one up it wouldn't be too noisy, especially if it was the same make and model.



We needed a new boiler last year and were worried they'd have to take the house apart to replace an old 1991 boiler with a condensing boiler, but it turned out to be quite painless - a heat-only boiler so we kept the hot water cylinder, and one of the very few boilers that don't need an over run so no taking up of floorboards to install a cable.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 03, 2018, 10:23:55 AM
Your vision is not far from reality.  :fishy1:

There's not anywhere that's suitable to move the fishtank to long-term but it's possible that the QT could be set up temporarily in the spare/multi-purpose room, after moving some items off the top of a chest of drawers to somewhere (it's already floor-to-ceiling in the flat as it is, but I'll try to figure out something...) Might be easier to move into a bigger house - which would simultaneously give the option for a larger fishtank or even multiple tanks..! ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 03, 2018, 10:38:34 AM
A thought has just occurred to me.

Is the boiler a condensing boiler, and is the drain pipe inside the house or outside?
In the last really cold spell some of our neighbours had problems with their boilers, which was caused by the condensate freezing in the outside drain pipe and blocking it. Our plumber said if that happened to us, soak some cloths in very hot water and wrap them round the pipe to melt the blockage.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 03, 2018, 10:49:06 AM
I'm glad I came on here and mentioned this - it's amazing what can be learned through a fish forum (thanks, @Sue!) and even Mr FCMF is impressed as it was something that hadn't occurred to him :). Although the pipe can't be reached from the window - it would need a cherry-picker to reach from the ground - at least the snow is beginning to melt this morning, so the problem may resolve itself once the cold spell passes.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 03, 2018, 11:01:53 AM
In the last really cold spell we still had our old non-condensing boiler so when our neighbours had problems we said we must remember that for when we get a new boiler. They all had those very narrow white drains on the outside of the building. We asked the chap who installed our new boiler last autumn and he said he now prefers to run the pipe inside where possible. Ours wasn't possible. He got round it by having a very short length of narrow white pipe fitted into a standard kitchen sink sized black drainpipe so it would take a lot of condensate to block that. And he also recommended the hot cloths if it did block.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 03, 2018, 03:56:32 PM
Argh - there's no such thing as a perfect filter. My remaining female x-ray tetra vanished this afternoon. I've spent the best part of the afternoon with an aquascaping tool, prodding the plants individually to see if she floated out from the leaves - no luck. I removed both lots of wood to get a better view - still no luck. The new filter was close-fitting to the wall, so I ruled that out as a possibility. I began to wonder if I'd misunderstood the lack of appetites this week, and which I'd put down to the fish becoming fussy because the food packets had passed their shelf life (not 'use-by' dates but 'open for a long time' dates), as some form of withholding of appetite in preparation for a feast on a morbidly obese tetra even although this wouldn't be "in character" (as far as I know). Finally, I decided to remove the new filter - and out she swam, as though "put out" by the fact that I'd disturbed/found her.  ::)

Turns out that the filter is not as close-fitting as I thought; new models attach with magnet strips but the model I got only has suction cups at the top and actually it's quite easy for a fish/invertebrate to push their way / be chased up the bottom/back corner of the filter despite no actual gap being present. (Additionally, the nozzle which allegedly twists to alter filter output flow doesn't seem to do as it claims...)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 03, 2018, 04:49:46 PM
This is the case for another of the myriad uses of filter wool  :) Just stuff a wodge behind the filter.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Geoffish on March 03, 2018, 09:06:38 PM
Hi all

I thought I'd share a pic of my first tank! I've had it up and running for just under 2 months and the brown algae is largely gone (thanks to much cleaning, otos and shrimp), tests all good, plants healthy and fish look happy.  :) With all going well, I thought it best to make the most of it before any problems set in. I've read a lot of your posts about the problems that can crop up!  :-\

I've just got one restless kuhli, (Kevin) who swims round the tank when the lights are on. It's strange since the others mill around at the bottom. I can only assume that Kevin is restless, either that or they take it turns to swim around as only one does it. You can see Kevin at the front of the tank in the photo.
 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 03, 2018, 09:22:33 PM
Looking good  8)

May you have many more trouble free months!!
I have a lot of brown algae at the moment in my new 220litre.  Tomorrow will be a day of cleaning to try and get rid of it.  I'm not used to such a large tank so everything seems to take so much longer now! I'm going to try adding an anti phosphate sponge given others experiences on here and see if that helps.

By the way, what are the two tallest plants? One in the middle and one on the right hand side. I don't recognise them...

The behaviour of your khuli is interesting. I rarely see mine and they are a constant source of worry... have they died?... did they get any food?...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Geoffish on March 03, 2018, 09:58:29 PM
I had a lot more brown algae, but I gather that's normal in a new tank. My approach was to disturb it so it was floating about then siphon it out when doing a water change or use a net to collect it. I was doing 10-15% WC every 3-5 days for last 3 weeks and I think is what had the biggest impact. The other thing was putting in a small power jet, which meant less chance for it to settle and more filtered out.

In the middle it's a lizards tail. It's generally a pond plant, but I read somewhere that it's fine in an aquarium. This may be a big mistake, but it's looking good so far. My plan is to let it reach the surface, but keep it fairly restricted. The otos spend most of their day on it, so they're definitely fans. If this plant turns out to be a disaster, I'll be sure to post about it!  :-\

The other one is dwarf hair grass. It grew well, but it's a magnet for brown algae, so I wouldn't get any until you've got yours under control. I would have waited a few weeks before putting mine in if I'd known. The power jet is situated right behind the grass and helped to loosed the algae. That's why it's flowing out sideways in the pic.

My best guess for my kuhlis (and hope)is that I've got plenty of hiding places, so they're relaxed. Either that or they're starving because my barbs are eating all the food! The only food the kuhlis seem to get a chance of eating are algae pellets. Even when I hide food under rocks, and putting it right where they hang out (as suggested by Sue) the barbs seem to root it out before them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 04, 2018, 10:42:49 AM
A belated welcome from me to the forum, @Geoffish  :wave: 

Tank looks good - and nice to "meet" Kevin.  :)

Useful tips/pointers as to what might help with brown algae - thanks for sharing these. You're doing better with dwarf hair grass than I did - mine lasted only a few days.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on March 04, 2018, 05:36:12 PM
Another tip for feeding kuhlis is to feed them at or after lights out. They are generally nocturnal fish. I drop food at the front of the tank and then watch the kuhlis come out. When I refurbished my substrate, the kuhlis would hunt the tiny substrate life that had been disturbed. It was really fascinating to watch.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Geoffish on March 04, 2018, 05:52:23 PM
Thanks @fcmf.  :) Interesting you had issues with dwarf grass, I guess I was just lucky. I did manage to kill off the first Anubia I put in (attached to bogwood), which are supposed to be fairly indestructible, so I'm certainly no plant expert!

@Helen, good tip. I had noticed that any scraps of food disappear overnight, but assumed it was the barbs. The various tips I've had on here seem to work, but will experiment more in the coming days. Out of interest, how many kuhlis do you have? I've got 5, but hear that they are happier in bigger numbers.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on March 04, 2018, 10:02:01 PM
I currently only have 2 kuhlis. They could be up to 8 years old. They were the only kuhli survivors from a case of white spot. Since then, my tank has been through severe neglect and they have still survived. (I think they ate all / any snails)

 Over the last 6 months or so, I have been refurbishing my tank and have since tried to increase the number of kuhlis. I have an open 'order' with my local MA for more, but am not having much luck. I should probably give them a call, but because kuhli are scale less fish, they can be quite delicate, so I  being patient (the case of white spot was when I bought kuhlis in snowy winter). I went in to the MA about a month ago to collect 6 or 12 (I hadn't decided) that I'd reserved and the stores entire stock had been wiped out by white spot.

I am looking forward to increasing the numbers as they are my favourite fish. Though, my most recent additions of dwarf rainbow fish (bought on the kuhli trip) are climbing up the popularity rankings!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Geoffish on March 04, 2018, 10:21:31 PM
Hmm, that's interesting. I've only been to my nearest MA once. It had a v big selection of fish, but everything looks healthier in my LFS and so far they've had everything I've wanted to buy. Sometimes I have to wait a few days for the next delivery (and settling in period), but that's ok. They had a tank that must have had 100 kuhli in it! They also had marbled hatchet, which are on my long term list (once the plants have brown up to the surface).

Dwarf rainbows are on my list too along with dwarf gourami (amongst others). I plan to get some (either rainbows or gourami) in a month or so.  :)

I've just been watching the night time action. My kuhlis were nowhere to be seen (probably hiding under the dragon stone). So much for being nocturnal, my guys are more active during the day! Not that I'm complaining!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 06, 2018, 02:44:05 PM
I've been working on the river tank for the past few weeks, mainly draining, re-arranging decor, and refilling to check the flow. Over the weekend I had the misfortune of the handle of one of my buckets breaking, and spilling 11 litres of water onto the carpet  ::)
I think I've finally got it to the point that it's nearly ready, or at least to the point where the work involved in draining and refilling seems like too much effort for any more minor changes for a while.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 06, 2018, 09:28:02 PM
Looking forward to seeing the photos of the revamped tank. :)  Hope the carpet has dried out successfully.

The "tropical quartet" cube this evening seems to have had an aphrodisiac effect on my own fishtank inhabitants this evening.  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 09, 2018, 06:02:14 PM
One of the male tetras was behaving oddly towards something on the tank glass, as though eyeing it up and ready to take a pounce to eat it from the glass. It turned out to be a tiny white worm of about 3 mm long which was moving around. I watched for about a minute, then went to wash my hands with a view to removing it with an algae scrubber but, by the time I'd returned, it seemed to have disappeared and the tetra had resumed normal behaviour - I suspect he consumed his prey. I had "planaria" in my head and, if this was/is it (am I correct?), a quick search on here suggests that it's probably harmless (thoughts/suggestions welcome if not, though); thanks.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on March 09, 2018, 06:57:01 PM
My husband bought our daughter a usb microscope for Christmas. It has been used to look at the fish tank in detail (within about 10cm of the front of the glass - the lense can't focus any further away.)

We discovered a lot of tiny life, which is all apparently normal and harmless. And I suspect the reason that my kuhlis didn't starve during the period of neglect in my tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 10, 2018, 07:55:24 AM
From what I understand about planaria, I think most of us probably have a few of these in our tanks even if we don't know about it. A few is ok, as with anything, but if you get an infestation it can be a problem. They feed off detritus in the tank, fish poo etc. so the way to keep their numbers down is through good tank maintenance. I'm pretty sure that your tank is very well maintained @fcmf so I'm sure there is no need to worry  :D

http://www.aquariadise.com/planaria-in-the-aquarium/ (http://www.aquariadise.com/planaria-in-the-aquarium/)

I've seen a video if someone use that dewormer to great effect on an infested tank but it was on a shrimp only tank... not sure how it would affect fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 10, 2018, 08:32:16 AM
Thanks, both.

I was tempted to dig out an old magnifying glass last night but then thought of how frequently I've ended up with a mouthful of tankwater when starting the syphon and felt a bit :sick: at the thought of discovering what else might be lurking in the tank.

Until recent months, when I've been leaving the live plants in situ during water changes, I used to give the tank a probably over-thorough clean, digging deep into the sand each time and taking absolutely all decor out of the tank. Of course, now the plants are in situ and the sand is much deeper to keep them that way. Over the past 2.5 weeks since attempting to cycle the new filter's media, a lot of food has been floating to the bottom as the fish try to get to grasps with the new filter flow and their new fish food (replacing packets/tubs of different brands which had been open for quite some time). I've been trying to do 10% water changes every few days to address this but don't think I'm very skilled at manoeuvring the syphon tubing around the base of the plants. I'd been conscious that there was probably more detritus in the tank than usual - in fact, I'd even been wondered about the addition of a shoal of pygmy cories to address the dropped food, before reminding myself that Thinkfish (although not AqAdvisor) would classify this as overstocked, a risk I daren't take. So it's altogether very plausible that altered tank maintenance might account for the planaria, if that's what it is. Anyway, I'll keep an eye out for any more signs or whether this was an isolated case. I'll also take a read of the linked article now - thanks for that, Matt.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 10, 2018, 09:11:30 AM
From what I can gather, the worms we all call planaria are harmless - these are the hair thin worms a couple of cm long., and are really detritus worms. Real planaria are a lot bigger. Lots and lots of detritus worms = too much food.

I don't bother moving my decor when I clean the tank any more after reading comments by that very knowledgeable chap on the other forum. I just hoover up the snail poo where I can reach it, and the bits that collect under the filter. The chap said that the substrate is home to a whole host of micro-organisms which we should avoid disturbing. Even 'dead' areas under decor should be left as they contain anaerobic bacteria.
And I have Malaysian trumpet snails in the sand to eat any food that gets down in there.

I use a wine siphon tube to clean between decor - this is like a siphon tube except that wide cylinder in the end is replaced with a narrow rigid tube which is much easier for getting between things. I start the siphon by filling the tube with water at the sink, and between buckets of water just put it in an empty bucket - carefully so the open ends are high up and the tube doesn't drain empty.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 10, 2018, 05:43:11 PM
I use a wine siphon tube to clean between decor - this is like a siphon tube except that wide cylinder in the end is replaced with a narrow rigid tube which is much easier for getting between things.
Useful tips on syphoning/siphoning - thanks, Sue. Re the wine siphon tube, is a "siphon tube tap" the rigid part that goes at the end and ought it to fit in the end of any siphon? If so, I might just order that part.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 11, 2018, 09:21:10 AM
With the various bits of tubing i have accumulated, my wine siphon tubing is narrower than the fish siphon tubing so the rigid tube won't fit in fish siphon tubing. Well, it'll fit in but it will also fall out. But in my case, neither the wine tubing nor the fish tubing is long enough. So with a bit of persuasion, and making sure the tube ends are warm and wet (ie soak them in hot water for a few minutes first), it is possible to insert the wine tubing into the fish tubing to make one nice long piece of tubing. Then just insert the rigid tube into the other end of the wine tubing.

Wine and beer making siphons are like this one from Wilkinsons http://www.wilko.com/homebrew-accessories+equipment/wilko-syphon-pack/invt/0022573  I remove the cup from the end of the rigid plastic tube, and the tap from the other end. (The cup is so that you can place the bottom of the tube on the bottom of the container and the top of the cup is above the sediment on the bottom. The wine/beer flows down into the cup then up the tube. This is not the ideal way to clean a fish tank where you want to pick up the sediment  ;D )

This is a photo of the tubing I use on my big tank. You can see the rigid tube from the wine siphon inserted into the flexible tubing from the wine siphon; this is then inserted into a shorter piece of tubing from a fish siphon.
The wire spiral is a screwcumber (for feeding cucumber etc to veggie fish) just to make that end of the tube heavier so it stays in the bucket. I keep my water change stuff in the greenhouse and in winter the tubing is cold and won't straighten out till at least half way through the first bucket.The weight helps pull it straighter.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 11, 2018, 12:25:24 PM
Thanks, Sue - very helpful.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 11, 2018, 11:02:58 PM
The heater in the 220litre has given up the ghost...  :yikes:

I have the 64 litre dwarf puffer tank normally held at 23 degrees now wrapped up in blankets with no heater. And the 220 litre at just 21 degrees whereas that's normally at 26 degrees. The 100w heater from the dwarf puffer tank is set to 21 degrees to hopefully hold this temperature from dropping further overnight... Ill swap the heater back into the puffer tank in the morning and ramp the heating in the house up!

I suspect the heater may have stopped working a while ago and I have only just notcied.  :vcross:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 12, 2018, 07:38:37 PM
Best of luck with your heater issues @Matt
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 12, 2018, 08:17:30 PM
Goodness; hope you have managed to get a new heater (or do so soon), Matt.

I bought a new plant yesterday from the LFS. This morning, my nerite had company on the front glass and the new plant had various chunks out of it, clearly made by the baby hitch-hiker. He (the hitch-hiker) has since been rehomed.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 12, 2018, 09:00:56 PM
New heater in place by 11:00, slowly increasing temperature  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 14, 2018, 11:01:47 PM
 :cheers:, @Matt.

Interesting observation today. Someone sent me a hand-drawn pic of a fish and I noticed its nose pointed in the opposite direction to the only way I can draw a fish. I wonder if right-handed people can only draw fish with the nose to the left and tail to the right, while it's the opposite way round for left-handed people?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 15, 2018, 09:10:15 AM
Hmm, I'm right handed and the nose is always on the left as well.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 15, 2018, 10:12:25 AM
Hmm, I'm right handed and the nose is always on the left as well.

Me too.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 21, 2018, 09:00:54 PM
I keep looking at everyone's photos and how well aquascaped they are in comparison with my own tank. I was having a browse through the internet for inspiration at how I could alter mine to make it look better and found this https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/articles/how-to-get-your-aquascape-right-first-time - it seems I've fallen foul of no.9 in particular. Therefore, it seems I've eventually recognised that mine's not aquascaped but haven't quite worked out what to do to get it looking better / more aquascaped.

Once I've "de-algaefied" some of my plants and have done the next water change, I'll take a photo of my tank - 50% of plants in my last photos https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/fish-tank-plant-advice/how-to-improve-my-plant-health/ have probably died by now - and seek some advice on what to move where... Thanks in advance. :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 22, 2018, 05:38:46 AM
I can't tell you how much I would recommend drawing out a few options in paper and pen first for your scape. Its much easier to trial things this way, think through the aquascapingp principles and its also muh less disruptive to the fish  :fishy1:

I'd be happy to help in any way I can... remind me... what hardscape materials do you have?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 22, 2018, 08:01:05 AM
Good idea re drawing out plans on paper. I want to minimise disruption to the fish - unfortunately, as soon as they see the tweezers coming near the tank now just to lift out a broken-off plant leaf, they huddle together in a tight inter-species shoal of 10, so it will have to be a basic slide of plant positioning, etc, rather than removing everything and doing a major renovation. Will be glad to have your (and others') help; thanks. In terms of hardscape, I only have some small pieces of limestone rock (currently tucked away under the filter); I do have something larger which served as a cave for a while but it was prone to falling over and I didn't want any casualties. I also wasn't keen on having anything too hard in the tank as the snail was prone to being overly ambitious about plant leaves being able to support his weight and prone to climbing up the filter outlet nozzle and doing acrobatic flips and ending up on his back/shell; however, he seems to be getting more careful these days, so more hardscape is possibly something I could consider.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 22, 2018, 08:42:15 AM
I don't think my method of landscaping is recommended at all  :-[

Buy a tank and add bits to it as and when I feel it needs a bit of something else. I started out with plastic decor - fake logs, fake plants etc. The various bits have been moved from tank to tank as I upgraded and in more recent years, they have been swapped for real wood and real plants. This is not the way to plan a new tank  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 22, 2018, 09:35:22 AM
I'm right there with you Sue.  ;D

I went to Aquarium Gardens recently, to get some plants for the new tiger barb set up. Dave was kind enough to spend some time going through plant combinations with me, and made things seem really straight forward. I came home with my box of plants and started working on the tank.
Currently it looks totally rubbish. I keep telling myself that it will look better when the plants start to grow, but my main priority is always going to be the fish rather than the plants, so their favourite fake hollow log had to go into the tank. I tried my best to disguise it with the two types of java fern, arranged the same way that Dave suggested, but I'm not impressed with my efforts.  ???

The fish are still in their quarantine tanks, so I have plenty of time to sort the new tank out, but I'm not known for my patience, and plant growth is not always known as speedy.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 24, 2018, 10:15:00 PM
I wouldn't be wanting anything technically difficult - more a matter of re-positioning / sliding some plants from one location to another and possibly adding in some slate. As it happens, though, I've had another one of my online shopping faux-pas - overdid a plant order and the tank is now so heavily planted that the poor fish are having to squeeze themselves in among them - so this has dictated where the plants are positioned for now.

 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 26, 2018, 11:48:41 AM
I think we might need a photo of that @fcmf  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on March 26, 2018, 11:52:14 AM
I think we might need a photo of that @fcmf  :yikes:

+1   :raspberries
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 26, 2018, 06:33:28 PM
It doesn't look as plant-heavy in a photo as it does in real life but here goes (why do I always cringe :-[ as I upload my pics?). The oversized-for-the-size-of-the-tank Echinodorus twist has been dumped in the middle where it has support from the wood while the hornwort has been slapped over the BBA-ridden anubias in an effort to "de-algaefy" it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on March 26, 2018, 06:37:10 PM
Looking good to me fcmf, and there's still plenty of substrate clearly visible so even allowing for it looking busier in the flesh than in the photo, I'd still say that wasn't over planted or anything...  I bet your water parameters are spot on every time you check 'em now...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 26, 2018, 07:29:47 PM
Thanks, @TopCookie. I'm fortunate to have 0 nitrates in the tap water which certainly helps with good water quality although I am very diligent with my water changes and do quite large ones. Nitrates in the tank were 20 when I kept silk plants but have actually been a bit higher since converting to real plants - part of this may be that I over-cleaned when keeping silk plants as I removed all the decor and deep-cleaned the very thin layer of substrate, whereas I now don't remove the plants when cleaning the tank and have a lot more substrate.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 26, 2018, 10:10:39 PM
You have a really nice variety of plants there... starting to look like a Dutch style aquascape!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 27, 2018, 08:27:14 AM
Wow - I never expected to read the term 'aquascape' in the same sentence as referring to my aquarium, but I'll gladly accept it as a compliment; thanks, @Matt. :) The plants are generally lasting longer now that I decant them out of their pots, and there is less algae since I reduced lighting by 35mins to 7hrs,45mins; however, I'm quite sure that it won't be too long before the tank looks much barer again (eg the alternanthera at the back is starting to wilt).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 27, 2018, 05:20:58 PM
Great plants @fcmf - well done  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on March 27, 2018, 09:16:40 PM
Looking good @fcmf  :cheers:

Have you considered that maybe you struggle with plants because your water conditions are too good? Some of the things we do to make our tank water quality perfect for fish can mean that the plants don't have the nutrients they need to thrive.

When you change the water, do you pour the new water on or near the anubias? I found that in my tank the BBA increased after water changes and then I noticed that it was only near where I poured the new water in. By pouring water only in one small area, it created enough of a fluctuation in CO2 to encourage the BBA.

I also found that with low nitrates, the echinodorus really struggled. My tank has been much better balanced since I took them out.

The key to keeping plants is balancing nutrients (so each tank set up is different, which doesn't always make it easy to identify problems). So if your nitrate levels have increased, it points to one of the other nutrients (possibly macro, so potassium or phosphate) being the rate limiter (ie too low). Do you have the means to test P and K?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 27, 2018, 09:32:12 PM
You may very well have figured out the problem, @Helen - all of this is very plausible and I do reckon there is a lack of nutrients, esp with such soft water.

When you change the water, do you pour the new water on or near the anubias?
Yep, always - onto the top of the spare filter which is directly beside the anubias.

I'll get "on the case" with getting a P and K test - I strongly expect they will be very low but it would be good to know definitively.

Thanks.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on March 31, 2018, 11:21:29 AM
@fcmf , how successful have you been with keeping your plants in the sand recently? When you initially took them out of the pots, I'd not had my smaller, shallower substrate for long. I have discovered that the smaller the substrate, the more difficult it is to initially secure the roots in the substrate.

Something I've always done, and now find essential (with the finer substrate and even more so with the sand) is to trim the roots prior to planting. This gives me a lot more control over the roots when planting them (though sometimes it still takes several attempts to get them secure enough).

The theory behind it, is that trimming the roots promotes their growth. Obviously don't want them too short, so I trim to a minimum of about an inch, depending on the size of the plant.

I found the other day that the roots of some of my crypts had grown right across the sand area (about 15-20cm), along the bottom of the tank. Which is quite a lot in about 3 months. ;)

By the way, it took me a very long time (over a year) to figure out why my soft, low nitrate, heavily planted, but under-stocked fish tank wasn't thriving. Then it became extremely resilient to my neglecting it.  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Skittler on March 31, 2018, 11:36:49 AM
If you can superglue (gel) some gravel to the roots, then place in a dish of water to "cure", the plant should stay planted in the substrate. I've seen this somewhere on a video.

Skittler
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 31, 2018, 11:52:21 AM
Quite a lot of the plants I had a few months ago have sadly died. Probably the greatest determining factor on how well a plant does is making sure it's not got something shading it eg an alternanthera rosaefolia got shaded a bit recently by the new echinodorus twist and the leaves are now disintegrating. Of equal importance, it seems that the thicker the plant leaves, the better they seem to do eg hemiographis colorata is doing well. There are other plants which I think are lasting longer than they would have done if they had remained in their pots, as only a few leaves now drop of these plants each week rather than half of them disintegrating off at once (although this may not have been helped by lifting them all out of the tank during water changes). I've actually had what I think is my first growth of a plant - the hygrophila polysperma has grown by about 50% of its height in a week, and that's even in the "jinxed" corner where most plants die!

Trimming the roots sounds a good plan, @Helen - crypts do seem to get very bulky roots, I've noticed, as I keep having to build up the sand and terracotta rings around them to hold them in place. I think I have some leftover gravel from my goldfish-keeping days, so perhaps supergluing some gravel to their roots as per @Skittler 's suggestion might address this and also help keep the echinodorus twist down - it's currently floating a few inches above the substrate although being kept in position by some wood. Thanks for these suggestions, both.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 03, 2018, 07:42:30 PM
My (remaining) female tetra is swimming around with a 2-inch hair of mine protruding out her rear end - just hope it's not a full-length strand or it's going to take forever to pass through! I had an incident with a male tetra a few years ago during his first week in which he got a strand of my hair stuck in his mouth and kept choking and getting distressed in attempts to remove it. I do wear a very fetching hairnet when I do a tank clean / water change but tend to be less diligent about doing so when sticking in an aquascaping tool to remove dead leaves - I expect the hair dropped in then or during feeding time.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 03, 2018, 08:18:52 PM
Oh dear. I hope that she passes the hair fairly soon.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 07, 2018, 02:06:28 PM
I am in shock. fcmf has just messaged me about the total destruction of the garden centre at Stokesley which houses - housed -  the MA which was my second favourite fish shop  :yikes:

I've just found the reports on-line (explosion yesterday evening) and it looks horrendous  :'(

I've been studying the aerial photo on here https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/strikes-fire-what-know-far-14502731 and I think the part of the building at the left end in the photo is MA. It was in an section added on to the back of the main garden centre a few years ago.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on April 07, 2018, 03:22:23 PM
 :yikes:

I don't know what else to say.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 07, 2018, 03:43:50 PM
Really terrible. The source from which I heard about this has had updates added to it, mentioning 3 of the staff's names and that they found out mid-morn that unfortunately the entire store and all its fish (etc) had perished.  :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 07, 2018, 03:52:17 PM
I've looked further down the report and yes, that was the MA.

Right at the end of the report is a photo taken from above the field at the rear of the garden centre. You can see the island that the entrance to the garden centre is accessed from, then the main car park between the island and the buildings. You walked into the entrance facing the island, and down the left hand aisle past the seasonal garden stuff (we'd have been going any day now for seed potatoes from that section) and house plants, on past the clothes, shoes, toys etc, then down a short corridor through to MA right at the back - the part of the building nearest the rear hedge. The outdoor area behind MA is where the paving stones etc were kept. The still intact white covers on the left of the photo were over the half hardy plants to protect them from frost, and outside those were the hardy plants and shrubs.


The good thing is that it happened after the garden centre closed. Knowing the layout and the fact that it's Easter holidays, people would have been hurt if it had been open.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 07, 2018, 04:19:10 PM
Such awful news.  :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 07, 2018, 04:30:18 PM
I'm trying to think of something semi-positive to write after the devastating event above.

For various reasons, I was very distracted yesterday evening. Between dinner and washing-up time, I grabbed a bowl from the sink to hold underneath the fish net containing the fishes' dinner (tropical quartet frozen food, having rinsed it, etc) and brought it through to feed them. Having dipped the net in the tank to release the food, I let the fish eat what it contained, then set the net in the bowl for a few minutes and watched them intently before dipping the net in the tank again to release more food still attached to the net. Just after doing this, I realised with horror that the bowl actually contained neat Fairy Liquid in it and that this would definitely have "contaminated" the net and fish food. How on earth I hadn't been aware of this, I don't know - but my mind must have been completely elsewhere. So, on top of the weekly 40% water change having already been done a little earlier, a second 40% water change had to be done. I was semi-dreading what I might wake up to this morning, whether from the aforementioned incident or from the result of too much water changed and therefore a drop in KH and GH to as low as tap water levels, but thankfully everything has been fine (so far, anyway). Lesson learned not to do anything in connection with the fishtank if at all distracted - the outcome could have been horrible!

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 07, 2018, 04:38:54 PM
Thank goodness the fish were all OK.


This is one advantage to my husband's horror of fish water - I have to use special containers that never go anywhere near food related items. Most of these containers are old margarine tubs, ice cream tubs, yoghurt pots etc. I cannot mistake any of these for 'real' dishes  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 07, 2018, 04:53:48 PM
I have a whole range of such items in the fish cupboard for that purpose. However, I'd pretty much upturned the contents of the fish cupboard, and soaked myself, the walls and the floor during the water change earlier on, and so decided to grab the first item that was close to hand. Thankfully, order (including my brain) has been restored today and the fish cupboard and its contents are all as they should be.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 07, 2018, 04:55:16 PM
So glad to hear that your fish are ok @fcmf
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 07, 2018, 06:25:34 PM
Ditto on the "phew...!!!"   Glad they're all ok fcmf...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 08, 2018, 02:03:39 PM
Here it comes again - another intensive wave of fish broodiness, not helped by the fact that my plants are actually doing quite well at the mo (famous last words!) and the surface-level hornwort would make an ideal environment for some sparkling gourami... Argh...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 08, 2018, 03:13:32 PM
Ok, that answers my question on your other thread.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 08, 2018, 04:37:27 PM
Surprise, surprise - my fish broodiness took me into the LFS; somehow, I just found myself there although did leave my purse behind due to not trusting myself. There was one little sparkling gourami on its own but, amongst the other temptations, there were pygmy cories - hmmm, would I want to go down that route again after the previous problems I encountered but this time with a much more mature tank and live plants which might result in an entirely different outcome..?  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 08, 2018, 08:52:14 PM
Both are good choices to my eyes. They will show very different behaviour to your existing stocking. 

I don't hear lots of people struggling with pygmy corys outside of this forum, pandas are nice a nice alternative also.  Would you need to buy sinking food for them or does enough make it to the bottom for them already?

I really enjoyed sparklers when I had them and considered doing a species only tank before I got sucked in by the dwarf puffers... they can be kept in smaller numbers than the corys and I know you were concerned about stocking.... if they are something you've not had before it would be nice to give then a go!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 09, 2018, 02:09:20 PM
I bought a trio of honey gouramis some months ago; the male died and I replaced him in January. Last month one of the females vanished. I now have a m/f pair of wild coloured honey gouramis.

I am beginning to suspect I have a rogue female. When there were two females I did notice that one of them continually chased the other. Did she kill the other one, either directly or by the stress of chasing her?
And over the weekend the male has been looking washed out and hiding in the corner behind the heater. I witnessed the female pushing at him. Today he has more colour and is out and about but the female is chasing him, and his tail and dorsal fin look to have been nipped. I know that females of the more aggressive gourami species can be like this but towards other females and not usually males. Honeys are usually regarded as peaceful - for gouramis. I am 99% certain she really is a female because she has a darker stripe from nose to tail, and she did not develop male colours during the time there were just 2 females in the tank.

I need to keep a close eye on these two.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 09, 2018, 02:29:39 PM
Squabbling fish is incredibly stressful, eh Sue...   :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 09, 2018, 08:34:22 PM
Today's pic of tank (while it's still relatively lush and taken from a distance whereby algae, etc, isn't too obvious).  ;D

PS. Hmmm - didn't quite realise what an eyesore that second filter was; will have to move it back slightly and slide one of the hygrophila polyspermas across to hide it somewhat!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on April 09, 2018, 09:36:12 PM
Looking great. The plants are looking very lush and healthy. Looks like you've cracked  it with real plants.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 09, 2018, 10:21:52 PM
Yep, definitely lush looking fcmf...   :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 10, 2018, 04:34:10 AM
Tank is looking great  8)

You've got me thinking now about building a filter out of square black guttering downpipe... silicone it to the bottom of the tank in the corner, pump in the bottom drawing water in through drilled holes near the substrate, pushing up through filter sponge and flowing out near the surface at 90° via some more drilled holes. Heater hidden in there of course, using corner of another bit of the downpipe siliconed into an inside corner of the filter to create a little chamber for it, again loads of holes drilled to disperse the heat...

Why is my brain thinking this all up at 4.30 in the morning when i should be asleep?...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 10, 2018, 08:18:47 AM
Good to see you plants doing well @fcmf   ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 10, 2018, 09:14:14 AM
Your tank is looking great  :)

I know the feeling where you suddenly realise you can keep plants alive after all  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 10, 2018, 06:49:38 PM
Thanks for the kind words, all. Definitely a good feeling that I can look at the tank now and feel quite proud of it - but still a bit unsure of how long it will last like this, hence taking the pic.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 11, 2018, 07:04:11 PM
I think my betta is nearing the end of his life  :'(

I am surprised he has lived as long as he has. I bought him 7 months ago and I commented to my husband after a few days that I didn't expect him to live long. He was hyperactive, spending long periods dashing around his tank. This is not normal betta behaviour.
This abnormal behaviour lasted till about 2 weeks ago, then he started spitting his food out, then trying to eat it again and spitting it out yet again. He's had only 2 or 3 pellets a day since then. Over the last week, a lump has grown on the underside of his 'throat' between his gills, and today he has just been lying on the bottom of the tank or wedged in a plant. As I type he is lying on his side on top of the heater.
I'll be surprised if he is still alive tomorrow.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 11, 2018, 08:33:12 PM
Very sorry to read about this, Sue - that does indeed sound like your prediction for tomorrow is accurate. It's horrible when this happens. :'( At least his short life was with someone with plenty of betta experience and who couldn't have given him a better (sorry - this was not meant to be a pun) home or do anything more for him.

[Note to self: tell the story tomorrow re the harlequins' antics; not appropriate to do so today in light of above sad news.]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 11, 2018, 08:44:01 PM
I should also have mentioned that this fish was a tail biter. The colour patterning in his tail when I bought him was unusual - an orange spike running from body to tail through an otherwise clear fin. I realised a couple of months later that this was because he bit his tail (I thought it was fin rot the first time I saw it) with the remaining old parts being orange and the new growth clear. Again, not normal betta behaviour.
If it was possible for a fish to be neurotic, that's how I'd describe him. Certainly highly strung. It looks as though he burned himself out too quickly.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 11, 2018, 08:47:56 PM
Sorry to hear about your betta @Sue
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 11, 2018, 09:13:33 PM
Fcmf is right... I know the lengths you went to to ensue he was always happy, I think it is you with the cereal box tank side cover contraption...? I'm sure he will have very much enjoyed his stay as chez Sue.

I saw an amazing betta at my local MA last weekend, quite unusual coloration with, white gold and orange.  They are beautiful and characterful fish, problem is they steal our hearts as a result... my thoughts are with you and your little guy.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 11, 2018, 09:20:43 PM
Yes, that was me with the sunscreen. And removing his snail to my other tank, and a few other things to see what was stressing him to make him bite his tail. I never did stop it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 11, 2018, 10:32:31 PM
(http://www.cdv-forum.com/Smileys/default/sorry.gif)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 12, 2018, 09:08:18 AM
As expected he was dead this morning.


RIP Mr Fish.




I knew from a few days after I bought him that I wouldn't have him long.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 12, 2018, 09:12:55 AM
Sorry to hear that Mr Fish has passed.  :(
I know he had problems from the beginning, and I believe that he has lasted longer with you than he would have done with someone else.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 12, 2018, 12:43:56 PM
RIP Mr Fish.  :'(

My harlequins have taken up a new game in the past week – attempting to jump between the aquascaping tweezers (is that the correct term?) when I put them in the tank to lift out a dead plant leaf. It was a close call yesterday as to whether it was a piece of the remnants of an alternanthera rosefolia or a harlequin which had been lifted out! I am now having to insert the tweezers purposefully closed, checking that no harlequins are around, then getting the tweezers as close as possible to the stray leaf and opening them as little as possible to retrieve it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 12, 2018, 12:46:24 PM
That's kinda funny fcmf...  I just hope they don't harm themselves with their new games/play  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on April 12, 2018, 05:03:03 PM
Sorry to hear about your Betta @Sue.

I've noticed my Harlequins doing mad things, but it is usually restricted to racing in the filter outflow or facing off to each other.

Sorry, but I find the idea of them playing chicken when you're aquascaping funny.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 12, 2018, 05:09:47 PM
In my main tank it's the rice fish that are suicidal.
I also have a few Boraras (about 4 B. brigittae and 2 B. maculatus) left over from shoals in my old 50 litre tank. When i closed that tank the inhabitants were moved into the 180 litre. I rarely see the Boraras except during water changes when the two maculatus come to see what's going on. They are so small that I'm always worried about sucking them up.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 13, 2018, 09:33:58 AM
@fcmf how is your female tetra doing? Has she passed the hair that she swallowed?
I've had a couple of moments of panic recently when I thought I had hairs in the river tank. Luckily, each time was just a shrimp behind a rock or piece of wood, with it's massive feelers waving in the flow from the manifold.  ::)  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 13, 2018, 02:01:45 PM
She's fine, thanks, LF - it passed through shortly afterwards that evening. At first, I thought it was a piece of hornwort, then realised that, no, indeed it was a strand of my hair. Found 2 strands of my hair in the tank this morning. It's fine during water changes as I wear a protective hairnet but don't bother with that when putting food or aquascaping tweezers in the tank which is when such incidents happen.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 13, 2018, 06:20:20 PM
Thanks to the suggestions on another thread, my method of filling the siphon changed today and consequently I've just ended up doing a water change without getting a mouthful of water - and somehow managed to avoid soaking myself and the walls, possibly due to paying extra care generally.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 13, 2018, 06:47:02 PM
Congratulations @fcmf   :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 13, 2018, 08:12:42 PM
Going through MA's website, clicking on the profiles for each of the cories, purely to broaden my own knowledge, of course, although it does no harm playing on the CC, again purely out of innocent interest - turns out there are quite a few small ones that I wasn't aware of, just in case anyone's interested. Besides the pygmy, hastatus and habrosus micro-/nano-sized cories, and the panda cories, there are another batch around 4.5cm - loretos, masked fairies, elegans, spotted, six-rays...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 13, 2018, 08:21:20 PM
The 4.5 cm cories (that's almost 2 inches) are usually classed as standard sized cories.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 13, 2018, 08:41:37 PM
Ah right. I had developed my own classification system of 6cm being standard and 7cm being large. Useful to know that 4.5 is actually considered standard. The six-ray (judging by SF's sizes) would probably be classified as small, though, at 30-35mm - maybe only it and pandas are classified as small (assuming the micro-sized ones are very small).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 13, 2018, 10:49:13 PM
Cories are also very slow growers (sorry if I'm making them sound like plants!) So if bought small they will stay small for a while longer than you might think!  In fact I just added three to my existing 2 and although I have the 2 juveniles for a long time (at least a year), they still look small compared to the new ones I bought which are clearly much older.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 14, 2018, 01:36:33 AM
Hard not to fall under the spell of Corydoras once you have them...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 14, 2018, 05:59:21 AM
Hard not to fall under the spell of Corydoras once you have them...  :)

Definitely  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 15, 2018, 11:37:43 PM
At the same time though, they can be cheeky little blighters too...!!!  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 19, 2018, 07:17:54 PM
In my betta's tank were two pieces of wood, one with bolbitis attached, the other with anubias at one end and java fern at the other. I always had problems with the long filament type of algae on all these plants. After the betta died, i put the wood & plants into the main tank as I won't be getting another betta just yet (and I'm feeding the filter with ammonia)
Today I did a water change in the big tank, and there is no sign of the algae on the betta tank plants. This could be due to any of the following:
nerite snails
cherry shrimps
stiphodons

I can put a nerite back in the small tank when I get a new betta but i don't think shrimps or stiphodons are a good idea.



The reason I haven't got a new betta yet is because we are going to have the radiator moved from underneath the worktop the tank is on and I would not like to either subject a new betta to the work, or move a new betta temporarily. Once the work is done, I'll be betta shopping  :)

Besides, I've had a rotten cold for the last week and just haven't felt in the mood even for fish shopping  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 19, 2018, 11:23:36 PM
I've long been tempted by a single black Nerite snail...  The thought of a global sesame seed attack is what puts me off though, but I believe there's simply nothing better as an algae & detritus muncher...!!!

Tempted by more Cappuccino Faunus snails though, for sure...  and more Rabbits...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 20, 2018, 10:47:31 AM
I have had nerites for years, and I don't always have eggs. I bought 3 the same type a few years ago and one of them did lay eggs so I separated that one from the other two (I had three tanks back then) and hey presto, no more eggs in any tank.
And I've never had eggs with a single nerite. They need two to tango....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 20, 2018, 12:41:32 PM
Any problems with Nerites "falling over" Sue, as I believe they can't right themselves if they topple at certain angles...?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 20, 2018, 12:50:38 PM
Frequently  ;D

If they are near enough to something rigid they can grab hold of that and pull themselves onto it, but if they are too far away they try to grab hold of the substrate which doesn't work - they stay upside down with a foot covered in gravel or sand and we need to rescue them. But that was in the past. I now have so much wood with attached plants  in my tank that they always have something close enough to grab hold of.
It is quite interesting watching a snail come further and further out of its shell looking for something to grab hold of. They can reach round 180 degrees; that's when they try to grab hold of gravel/sand.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 20, 2018, 10:37:49 PM
I spoke to Sebastian, via e-mail, at length about the various snail types they sell...  He described Nerites as eating machines, when it comes to algae and detritus etc...  :)   The type he said are the worst potential candidates for egg laying were the Horned Nerites, which is such a shame as they do look kinda funky (meant in a good way)  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 21, 2018, 08:46:20 AM
And I've never had eggs with a single nerite. They need two to tango....
The impression I get, from googling and reading of others' experiences, is that a single nerite female does still produce eggs, so perhaps Sue's been lucky in that respect? I also read about horned nerites being the worst - shame for you, TopCookie, as they're the ones that have the advantage of being small/lightweight enough to eat algae off plant leaves. Personally, much as I very much enjoy having a snail in my tank for the different behaviour and aesthetics, I wouldn't buy one purely for algae-eating as I find there doesn't seem to be any particular strategy in this regard - a patch of algae may be left untouched while he goes over and over a seemingly algae-free area and leaving footprint patterns behind.

I was going to recount my experiences of my nerite landing upside down, usually having done acrobatics off the filter or misjuding the weight of a plant leaf, and that he seems to have learned from the error of his ways over time, being careful to test out plant weight with his feelers before deciding whether or not to move onto it. However, I heard a clink this morning - he had fallen from the top of the glass and landed on his back, the second time I'm aware of that he's done this over the past few months.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on April 21, 2018, 09:13:16 AM
I have had nerites snails in the past. And although I rather like them and find them interesting, I've not bought any more. I'm not convinced that my planted tank has enough algae to sustain a decent sized snail. (Once it settled down.)

I didn't dislike the sesame seed egg effect but that has gone from all visible surfaces in my tank. I'm not sure which of the inhabitants are the eggs, but someone clearly did. When I rearranged the tank, I discovered that the underside of a smaller bit of wood, that had been partially buried still had eggs on, so they've not dissolved or anything.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 21, 2018, 12:07:20 PM
The cause of the most recent batch of nerite eggs were the two #1 snails shown in this thread https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/gallery-showcase/snail-photos/ They even laid eggs on the glass. But once separated, neither of them laid eggs. I have to confess that the one in the betta's tank is no more. When I thought it was stressing the betta too much I put it in a tub of water and forgot about it  :o :-[ (I did have three, one of them died shortly after purchase)

I suspect snail #3 is not well. See photo in reply 13 in the same thread. It was on its back when I did the water change so I put it on a rock and it's still there 2 days later. It is still alive - it didn't smell and it held it's operculum (trapdoor) tight when it pulled at it with a fingernail. Maybe it's responsible for the disappearance of all the filament algae from the betta tank plants and is just sleeping it off  ;D





Several years ago when I had 125 and 60 litre tanks I had just one nerite in the 125. The filter in the 60 was a Hagen Trio, a filter which had a large flat front. http://www.hagen.com/img/aquatic/products/a360.jpg It grew algae all over the front. So I borrowed the snail from the 125 litre. It didn't take long for it to find this field of algae and ate its way round and round in the most elaborate patterns till there was none left.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 21, 2018, 04:38:37 PM
I do love that about the Faunus snails and the Rabbit snails...  no eggs per se and no getting stuck when falling over (which they both do)...  But then variety is nice too...!!!

My biggest single problem with the whole hobby is that I am a victim of rampant indecision, lolol...   :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 26, 2018, 04:22:32 PM
Water change again today, and the snail that looked iffy last week hadn't moved at all. This week, it smelled  :sick:
RIP nerite.


I get bored when doing a water change because of how long it takes to refill the tank. So today i used some of that time to do some measurements.
It took nearly 40 minutes to refill the tank because of waiting for the kettle to boil. I need 1.5 litres (kettle max level) per bucket of water.
Today it took 3 minutes 15 seconds to boil 1.5 litres water in our kettle. It takes 1 min 15 seconds to carry the water to the tank, ladle it in with a jug and return to the kitchen.
Our tap water is 6oC at the moment.
Come August, I'll only need 1 litre boiling water, and it will boil faster than I can pour a bucketful of water into the tank using a jug.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 26, 2018, 04:54:00 PM
Sorry to hear about your snail Sue.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 26, 2018, 05:19:31 PM
(http://www.cdv-forum.com/Smileys/default/sorry.gif)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 26, 2018, 06:01:10 PM
Sad news about the nerite. :'( Your calculations on timing made me smile, though - you really must have been bored. :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 26, 2018, 06:44:40 PM
I bought the snail on 14 December 2014 so I'd had it three and half years.


It's that 2 minute wait for every kettleful that gets to me. I go and do something else and forget to come back then have to reboil it. As the tap water gets warmer in summer, I need to boil less, and it boils faster because it's warmer. Water changes in summer are really fast  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 27, 2018, 01:10:56 AM
lol, I have to admit to being amused by Sue's technique for boredom avoidance there...   ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 27, 2018, 08:35:34 AM
You can always rely on someone with a scientific background to take measurements & monitor their protocols to pass the time.  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 27, 2018, 01:32:24 PM
(http://vapepit.net/public/style_emoticons/default/spit.gif)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 27, 2018, 05:50:03 PM
Hitch-hiker found in tank - but contents vanished. I have my suspicions as to who is responsible - the greedy female tetra.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 28, 2018, 10:07:26 AM
Morning peeps...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 28, 2018, 10:16:15 AM
:wave:

So dark here that it's difficult to see what antics are taking place in the fishtank this morning.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 28, 2018, 12:02:17 PM
Had a couple of hors of sun here this morning but now living in the dark like everyone else!

Just had a call from MA saying they have new stock in... they have a fire red agassizi pair which I'm going to try to nip in and see later. Busy weekend though so might not get to make it down there...  :vcross:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 28, 2018, 12:35:50 PM
Went to collect live food from LFS this morning. Sadly they have had a problem overnight, causing a flood in the store. Fish are ok, but carpets are soaked and staff have a huge task ahead of them cleaning up and fixing the ceiling.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 28, 2018, 01:33:40 PM
Glad the fish are ok... I can only imagine what it must cost to insure a fish shop...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 28, 2018, 01:37:37 PM
I once went into my nearest MA before it became an MA (not the one that burned down) to find the carpets awash after a child had smashed the front of one of the tanks. The fish had been removed before I got there so I don't know how many survived. Yet another of the things than can befall a fish shop.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 28, 2018, 02:37:51 PM
Luckily the only impact on the fish tanks was staff having to turn the lights out whilst sorting out the ceiling. The tanks & livestock were fine.
I can't imagine the sort of mess that a broken tank would create in a shop.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 28, 2018, 02:56:14 PM
I like to think that the child got soaked and the seat in the parents' car got rather wet on the way home  >:(
No-one said if the child had to go to A & E to be stitched up though; I wouldn't wish that on even the most badly behaved child. Though there was no sign of blood on the wet carpet .....

The shop erected a rope barrier, as seen in art galleries, after that. When the garden centre was taken over by Wyevale and the fish section was taken over and upgraded by MA, they did away with the barrier.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 28, 2018, 03:58:52 PM
I would also like to think that the child got soaked, and possibly knocked on its behind by the force of the water.
Poor fish, and poor staff having to deal with such an unpleasant incident. Hopefully no-one was injured by the broken glass.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 28, 2018, 05:00:32 PM
I'm "with" you both on that. I was horrified to see a child scoot in the LFS one time - I think it is totally unacceptable to be using a scooter indoors, not only for the safety of other customers, but additionally for the fish in the glass tanks.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 28, 2018, 05:32:00 PM
+1 for the little blighter to have had his come-uppance, one way or another...!!!   :vcross:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 28, 2018, 06:15:36 PM
Had a couple of hors of sun here this morning but now living in the dark like everyone else!

Just had a call from MA saying they have new stock in... they have a fire red agassizi pair which I'm going to try to nip in and see later. Busy weekend though so might not get to make it down there...  :vcross:

I made it... they are acclimating whilst have my tea!...  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 28, 2018, 06:30:04 PM
Excellent...!!!  Can't wait for the pics now...   :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 28, 2018, 07:02:16 PM
Exciting!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 28, 2018, 07:22:01 PM
I'll give them a little settling in time... they are slowly exploring the tank then having a little hide then exploring some more... they got quite stressed in the bag so it might not be till tomorrow when i do pictures.  They are also quite young so don't expect the best looking fish just yet!

Also turns out they are red flames rather than red fires... quick Google shows a more "regal" understated patternation. The dark lateral stripe is missing from this colour form. Female is a lovely deep orange.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 28, 2018, 07:47:59 PM
Oooh, more new arrivals. Great news.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 29, 2018, 09:41:02 PM
Voila   ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 29, 2018, 10:23:25 PM
Lovely.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on April 29, 2018, 10:53:09 PM
What a handsome young fella...!!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 30, 2018, 08:54:51 AM
Great looking fish.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 02, 2018, 07:53:08 PM
Hmmm - following finding an empty snail shell last week-ish, opened the tanklid this evening to feed dinner and there were 4 baby snails crawling over a plant near the surface... It's been several weeks since my last plant additions, so they've obviously been lurking around for a while.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 02, 2018, 11:13:55 PM
Im also suffering with baby snails @fcmf following addition of new plants... fortunately I have dwarf puffer ready to take on any amount of snails they change get their find on  ::)  good enough excuse for a second tank?

Picture of male and female Agassizi attached  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on May 03, 2018, 06:35:01 PM
Wikkid photo Matt...  Looking v.good...   :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: daveyng on May 03, 2018, 06:41:05 PM
Good looking pair of fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 03, 2018, 06:43:25 PM
Lovely photo. 8)

Hitch-hiker snail no.5 discovered crawling up the tank glass today - she was considerably larger than yesterday's 4. Meanwhile, my nerite lay fast asleep on the filter yet again, probably completely unaware that he's had 5 intruders (so far) in his tank.

As soon as I popped her into the temporary-but-at-risk-of-becoming-permanent container, another snail and her "joined up" and another pair "joined up" at precisely the same time, leaving the tiniest snail to nibble on a piece of plant leaf I'd popped in.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 04, 2018, 07:02:18 PM
Hitch-hikers no. 6 and 7 have been lifted out in today's water change. It seems to be 6 weeks since I last purchased plants, so I'm assuming there were eggs on/in one of them.

The large and top-heavy Echinodorus plant insists on floating despite attempting to weight it down; I've given up now, though, as the fish actually seem to like sheltering under it - forget tank aesthetics!  :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on May 04, 2018, 07:18:11 PM
Ah, I dunno if this might be helpful or not @fcmf but a little while ago, I got the E. Red Diamond sword and blow me, it simply would not stay in the spot that I had planned for it...!!!  Every time I'd try and plant it, the moment I'd let go it would simply float up again, no matter what I tried...  In frustration, I tried planting it in an entirely different spot and it "took" at the first attempt...  Would you Adam & Eve it...?  Really chuffed with where it is now anyways, but blimey it was several attempts that all floated off and failed in its original chosen location... 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 04, 2018, 08:12:44 PM
Thanks, TC/Pierre - I've tried that but the aren't many alternative locations for a plant which is about 1/6 the size of the aquarium.  :o

I've just had to rescue the nerite snail from another acrobatic incident falling off a plant. I gave him 5 minutes, then couldn't bear to see anymore of his innards stretch out in an effort to re-position himself.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on May 05, 2018, 12:02:10 AM
Which Echinodorus is if fcmf...?

My Black Helmet Nerite has vanished again now, the little blighter, and Lord knows when he'll be out in plain view again...  Still trying for the photo that @Matt requested...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 05, 2018, 12:06:42 PM
Which Echinodorus is if fcmf...?
It's an Echinodorus "fancy twist".
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 05, 2018, 10:21:32 PM
A "warts and all" tank photo, complete with scratch marks down the tank where an algae magnet scraped some sand grains down it, wilting plants, root tab debris on the leaves, a few catappa leaves strategically tucked in the anubias in an effort to keep some light off the worst of the BBA, the massive Echinodorus "Fancy Twist" contained in a fish feeding ring and unsuccessfully weighted down with 3 moss balls but still managing not to stay upright, and some hornwort strewn on the tank surface. Aesthetically an eyesore (but perhaps a confidence-booster for those feeling that their own tanks aren't great) but the fish seem content in it and the extra surface coverage.  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on May 05, 2018, 10:34:34 PM
To make your moss balls heavier, try squeezing them out. I found them to be pretty good at holding onto the gases that they produce.

And you need to stop putting yourself down. Your planted tank is looking great.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on May 05, 2018, 11:13:18 PM
I'm off to investigate E.Twist in a mo, but Helen is absolutely bang on, your tank does look great fcmf...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on May 05, 2018, 11:15:08 PM
Edit:  Pic removed...  Mrs Cookie used a daft app filter of some description and on reflection, the photo is pretty terrible really, so probably wiser to take it down... 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 06, 2018, 08:10:45 AM
Today is looking like it will be equally as nice... my evening was spent slowly gardening... we did climb Helvellyn earlier in the day! Fingers crossed for another nice evening.

@fcmf I agree with everyone else... stop putting yourself down... tank gets better and better every time I see it!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 06, 2018, 08:44:43 AM
I think your tank is fine too. The main thing is that your fish like it. My tank doesn't look anything like one a really good aquascaper would have.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 06, 2018, 12:17:58 PM
Wow - thanks for the kind comments, all. Maybe the camera didn't pick up the various defects in the way they're visible to the human eye.  ;D I've managed to remove the fish-feeding ring from around the E.twist and it's currently managing to remain suspended upright (with the 3 moss balls in it to weigh it down as best as poss), rather resembling a hot air balloon in the tank.

No snails found lurking around yesterday, so hopefully the 7 removed (and rehomed to another expanse of water) plus the empty shell found a week or two ago were the full complement of hitch-hikers.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 06, 2018, 07:15:37 PM
There's nothing quite like spending time outside on a nice evening.
I'm still moving stuff around in the garden, so it's been nice to have some sunshine.
@fcmf there is nothing wrong with your tank, it looks fine. Your plants are doing well, and your fish are comfortable with their environment. Most of my tanks have some scratches on the glass, these things happen.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on May 06, 2018, 09:37:48 PM
A little update on the lives and loves a pair of my fish.
I’m not sure if I have ever shared this but I bought two Firemouth Cichlids when I started my big tank tank up, they were just 2cm at the time but as they developed they never did look anything like firemouths.
They turned out to be a pair and have the same fantastic parenting approach to eggs and fry as firemouth but have no hint of red on them, about the right size 15cm - but they ranged between olive green and almost canary yellow depending on their mood. The penny finally dropped, they are Rainbow Cichlids but as they dont seem to be very popular or common (not sure which) I had never seen them in shops.
Anyhoo, as they were breeding and had one managed to rear three of the fry in the main tank I thought it would be nice to give them a proper chance at raising a full brood.
They prefer to lay eggs on vertical rock surfaces having spent a few days cleaning the surface and creating a no-fly zone around the rock. Fertilisation occurs after the egg is attached and they take turns at slowly and carefully swimming in lines across the surface. The eggs are allowed to develop for a few days and then each one is removed by mouth (there are 300-400 eggs) and transferred as ‘eggs with tails’ to a hole that they have dug in the substrate. The eggs gradually develop into fry over the next week and form a thick moving grey clump while the parents watch over like hawks. As the fry develop further small streams of them start branching out from the clump, initially the parents suck the adventurous ones into their mouth and the spit them back into the clump but they also occasionally they move the whole clump to another hole.
The fry get gradually more active and the clump opens out and they start moving around in a tight cloud of fry. At this point I guess they will have not have lost a single egg, then suddenly the babies decide its time to SCATTER and you can guess what happens next. The parents still guard them as best they can and will round them up returning them to a safe corner but in a tank they stand little chance until they get above mouth size. Hence 350 eggs = 3 fish.
So this time about a week after hatching I carefully vacuumed the clump out having first removed the parents (I was fed up of being bitten) and transferred them to a 200 litre bare bottomed tank with a cycled sponge filter. I left the parents in with them for about eight weeks but removed them once I noticed the fry clustering around the female and nibbling at her dorsal fin. This started back in mid December, all the fry have survived and are now 3cm long and starting to show some colour.
I had added a large internal filter once they were large enough to not be sucked in and have been aiming for a 5ppm Nitrate level so I am now up to 160litre daily water change from a conditioned water tank (I’m getting quite slick at water changes) so it is about time for them to move to the big tank and then to a LFS.
Its been very enjoyable process to watch but I will probably shut the tank down for a while, but I’m rather hoping the Geophagus get around to spawning....
I will add some pictures to this but as I normally struggle I want to get the text in place first.

Oh and hey @fcmf like the others said, no beating yourself up. No.1 is happy fish and you have that.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on May 06, 2018, 09:44:55 PM
Nope pictures still a struggle.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 06, 2018, 10:11:46 PM
@Andy The Minion such an awesome update.
It sounds like the breeding/hatching process has been fascinating
160L daily water change - I'll bet that tank is keeping you busy.  ;D

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 06, 2018, 10:57:10 PM
Wow- thoroughly enjoyed reading this fascinating update, both on what happened last time round and your project this time round. Congrats on your role and achievement in raising the fry on this occasion.  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 06, 2018, 11:09:28 PM
Am I reading this right.. that you have about 300 baby fish?  That's amazing! No wonder you are needing to do large water changes!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on May 06, 2018, 11:13:35 PM
What an adventure...!!!  Would love to see pics Andy...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 07, 2018, 10:03:18 AM
Thanks for sharing that Andy. It always great to hear about success like this.

Pity about the pics but I know how hard it is photographing fish  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on May 07, 2018, 02:27:47 PM
@Sue The fish were no problem, the little posers thought it was feeding time. Its posting them that is always the problem :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 07, 2018, 02:34:05 PM
Are the photos too big? There is a size limit per photo, and a total size limit per post. If the photos are over 3000 KB, just resize them. If the photos are smaller than that but they total over 6000 KB, just split them into several posts.


My problem is getting the fish to keep still  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on May 07, 2018, 10:43:13 PM
Are the photos too big? There is a size limit per photo, and a total size limit per post. If the photos are over 3000 KB, just resize them. If the photos are smaller than that but they total over 6000 KB, just split them into several posts.

@Andy The Minion   if you right click on a photo (assuming on PC) and select "open with", then select "Paint"...  You'll find a really easy to use re-size tool for photos...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on May 08, 2018, 09:09:03 PM
I usually crop my photos and that reduces them enough to be able to post.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on May 08, 2018, 10:13:41 PM
I will have another look at the pictures at the weekend. They were taken on a 'generic fruit-based device' (let's see who gets that reference) and the interface is just too slick to show anything as useful as a file size or allow you to resize them, though no doubt there is yet another app that will do it. I'll transfer them to the pc, my guess is they just exceed the 3M limit.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: daveyng on May 08, 2018, 10:44:21 PM
I too have a “generic fruit” based device. There is a way of resizing photo’s but it isn’t obvious. It appear that if you ‘share’ the photo and then ‘mail’ it to yourself there’s an ‘images’ option which allows you to change the size.
That is if I’m correct in my assumption that your ‘generic fruit’ device is the same as mine !!!.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 08, 2018, 11:31:51 PM
BlackBerry and Apple pie anyone?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 09, 2018, 06:37:41 PM
I was becoming concerned about my male honey gourami a few weeks ago. He was hiding in the top corner behind the heater with disintegrating tail fin and the back end of his dorsal fin becoming ragged. His colour was very washed out, and the female was chasing him every time he poked his nose out.
A few days ago, I noticed he was beginning to colour up and coming out more, so I've been watching him this afternoon. The female still chases him, but not as aggressively as before, and his fins are starting to regrow. Hopefully he is on the mend  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on May 09, 2018, 07:06:56 PM
Fingers crossed he makes a full recovery, and that she'll calm down a bit too...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 10, 2018, 06:12:58 AM
Best wishes to your little fella.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 11, 2018, 06:44:14 PM
Hope he's improving and being left in relative peace by the female, @Sue.

Snail #8 found on Wed; snail #9-12 found in today's water change, all attached to the back of the filter along with several patches of jelly-like substance and what I think were semi-hatched snails plus lots of black pieces (snail poo, I assume) on the filter floss. All wiped off as best as possible and snail #9-12 awaiting rehoming to pastures waters new. Hoping no more hitch-hikers lurking around!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 24, 2018, 07:49:01 PM
We have just got back from a trip away - the first time I've left my fish in 5 years. I know I always say that fish will be OK for a week or more, but I was very relieved to find them all fit and well.

My brother-in-law got married - again - yesterday in Cwmbran and my husband was best man. A very enjoyable day  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 24, 2018, 08:09:36 PM
I'm very glad that all's ok, Sue - I was actually getting concerned due to your (and others') uncharacteristic lack of apparition on the forum. Glad that the fish were well too and that your time in Wales was good.

My snail celebrated his first birthday yesterday (he's been doing this by spending all day, all week sleeping - but seems to move around during the night) and my harlies celebrate their third birthday tomorrow (brine shrimp banquet planned for them).  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on May 24, 2018, 11:52:37 PM
Welcome back Sue...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 26, 2018, 08:16:37 AM
How's your gourami @Sue?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 26, 2018, 12:27:14 PM
Both male and female are behaving as though there was never anything wrong with the male. Though I must admit I can't actually find the male at the moment. The hornwort is taking over again and I can't see any fish lurking in the top 3 inches of the tank  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 27, 2018, 02:16:18 PM
I think I jinxed things. I couldn't find the male gourami yesterday, when I fed the tank or when I cleaned it, and I can't find him again today. Yet he was behaving quite normally on Friday.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 27, 2018, 08:25:23 PM
Got my fingers crossed for you Sue...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 28, 2018, 09:30:53 AM
Any update on the gourami today @Sue

I've also been away for the first time in several years. Luckily I arranged for a friend to call in ever 3 days to feed the gang. All tanks were labelled with numbers, and a corresponding list of instructions (and emergency phone numbers) provided. They also attended "training sessions" prior to the holiday, to make sure they knew what to do, especially with feeding the axolotls. I am pleased to report that everyone has done well.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 28, 2018, 03:57:31 PM
We were only away 3 nights. I fed the fish on Monday before we went (I know they shouldn't be fed until an hour after the lights come on, but I didn't have much choice) and then again on Thursday afternoon as soon as we got home.


I still can't find the male gourami, and the female has been showing stress colouration as well. I wonder if it has anything to do with the peacock gudgeons. These supposedly bottom dwelling fish have been spending a lot of time swimming in the floating plants recently, and one of the males is quite large. Has he stressed the gouramis too much?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 28, 2018, 07:22:18 PM
You were missed, LF. Glad all worked out well with your friend feeding your gang every so many days - sounds a good plan to have trained them (ie your friend, not the gang) and to have arranged this all so meticulously so that all worked out well.

Hope the male gourami shows up, ideally alive, Sue - but this doesn't sound too good; will keep my fingers crossed, though.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 29, 2018, 07:05:28 PM
Yet another hitch-hiker snail found last night, speeding along the tank glass, despite siphoning deep into the substrate and being convinced I'd finally removed them all from every conceivable place. I think that large Echinodorus plant must have grown around a nest of snails' eggs and the snails must be constantly reproducing.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 02, 2018, 01:52:30 PM
Having used Seachem Prime for many years (maybe a decade although not certain), then tried Microbe-Lift-Extreme last time round, I'm now using API Tap Water Conditioner as my dechlorinator. So far, so good - no oil-like slick on the water surface (like the Microbe) and, even although I need to treat for chloramines and therefore require a higher dosage than otherwise, good value for £.  :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 02, 2018, 02:12:02 PM
I know that Prime contains a whole host of chemicals but Seachem won't say what.

Microbe Lift Extreme contains something to remove chlorine, something to bind metals, something to detoxify ammonia, something to detoxify nitrite, "a multi-part skin-slime replacer", "essential electrolytes" and something to "boost alkalinity" - in other words, it contains a lot of chemicals in addition to the chlorine remover and something to bind metals.
Looking at their SDS sheet, it contains
sodium hydroxymethanesulfonate (removes chlorine, breaks up chloramine and removes the ammonia from the chloramine)
sodium bicarbonate (the alkalinity booster)
sodium chloride - common salt (the essential electrolytes) which should not be added to freshwater tanks
edetate sodium - aka EDTA (to bind metals)
aloe vera (the skin slime replacer) which is known to cause problems with protein skimmers and clog fish's gills



API Tap Water Conditioner contains just 2 chemicals - thiosulphate to remove chlorine/split chloramine then remove the chlorine; and EDTA to bind metals.


It's those extra chemicals that can cause the 'oil slick'
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 02, 2018, 03:07:35 PM
I've had another one of those "accidents".
I went to the fish store this morning. Technically I didn't buy anything.
However, I did pay for/reserve some more annieae gobies for the river tank, and a very perky platinum/white betta with a transparent tail.
Time to set up some quarantine tanks.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 02, 2018, 03:31:29 PM
Including the QTs, how many tanks is that now?


I'm getting betta withdrawal symptoms. I want a new betta!
We didn't want the work moving the radiator done before we went away in case it developed a leak, and the plumber has been away this week. If the work isn't done soon, I won't be able to wait any longer!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 02, 2018, 03:50:10 PM
Oooh, I do love reading about your "accidents", Littlefish - it feels like "all is right with the world" when you're stocking up on more fish and tanks.  ;D

Hope you manage to get your new betta soon, Sue.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 02, 2018, 04:11:02 PM
I'm down to 14 tanks, including the empty ones.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 02, 2018, 05:32:06 PM
I'm down to 14 tanks, including the empty ones.
You're hilarious.  :rotfl:

Thanks, @Sue, for the list of ingredients in the Microbe product - let's hope my fish don't suffer withdrawal symptoms from the lack of chemicals!  :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 04, 2018, 10:40:30 AM
The plumber phoned an hour ago, he'll be here at 8 am tomorrow to do the radiators - 3, including relocating the kitchen one.

I have filled a bucket with water from the 26 litre tank, which is now on the dining room floor with the heater and filter running.
I have removed the sand and washed it with the remaining tank water, and a bucket of warm dechlorinated water, and put it in the bucket in the dining room.
I have cleaned and dried the tank.
I have attached a glass strip to one long side of the tank.
On Wednesday I will attach a second glass strip to the other long side.
On Friday, or maybe Saturday, I will put the sand and water from the bucket in the dining room back into the tank, and top up with new water.
And next week I can go a buy a new betta  ;D


The tank came with plastic 'things' which slot over the sides of the tank and have a flange on the inside to support the cover. The problem with air powered sponge filters is that they create spray which condenses on the underside of the cover, runs along the cover to the supports then capillary action takes the water under the bracket, over the edge of the glass and down the outside walls. I've panicked on a few occasions when I've found water under the tank, and it's just been escaped condensation.
My first tank had glass strips on each long side. When it finally started to leak, I removed the strips because "they could come in useful". I bought a glass cutter and trimmed them to size and these are what I'm siliconing to the betta's tank. My reasoning is that with strips 2 cm below the top of the glass, condensation will just sit on the glass strips and not run down the outside of the tank.

I hope.




And before anyone asks, I have been adding ammonia to the tank since the last betta died  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 04, 2018, 07:25:59 PM
By 6 this evening, the first glass strip was rock solid so I did the second one. In theory I can refill the tank on Wednesday evening, but I'll leave it till Friday morning then see if my husband will take me fish shopping  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 04, 2018, 08:52:26 PM
Friday could be new fish day.
This is exciting news.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 04, 2018, 09:58:41 PM
Looking forward to hearing LF's and Sue's imminent "new fish" news.
 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 04, 2018, 10:48:40 PM
Looking forward to hearing LF's and Sue's imminent "new fish" news.
 :fishy1:

Me too! Saw a lovely koi Betta today... was very tempted!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 04, 2018, 10:51:30 PM
Ditto on looking forward to the new fish news...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 04, 2018, 11:09:07 PM
OK full disclosure...I've got a 12 litre or tank on the cheap I'm trying to figure out what to do with... shrimp only and filterless or Betta tank...

More to come!... though I'm really liking the idea of growing some of the plants emerged so that will definately be a feature!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 05, 2018, 08:49:42 AM
Shrimps. It's a bit small for a betta. Absolute minimum is 2.5 US gallons = 9.5 litres but 5 US gallons (19 litres) is much better. I have never put a betta in anything smaller than 25 litres.

Though if you have plants growing out if the tank shrimps would climb up them and escape; and betta's can jump so they need a lid.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on June 05, 2018, 04:22:13 PM
What about growing your own live food?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 07, 2018, 12:32:09 PM
I filled the betta tank this morning, and we are going betta shopping this afternoon. Luckily I did it before I stabbed my finger with a Stanley knife  ::)

(We've ordered a new lounge carpet which means we have to paint the woodwork before it is fitted. This involves removing a 3 inch strip of carpet round the skirting board, and with the furniture we have this will take at least 4 days. We started yesterday on the easy bit, and after my husband painted the top coat on that bit while I set up the tank, we moved some furniture and I cut the carpet on that bit of wall. And stabbed myself  :-[  Husband will undercoat that bit before lunch, then we're off out!)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 07, 2018, 04:08:34 PM
Update:

He has a pale blue body fading to white towards the head, and bright red fins. He is young (= small) and may turn out to be a half moon, which is a betta where the tail edges are 180 apart.

Photos to follow once he's settled.


And I moved one of the small grey nerites from the main tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 07, 2018, 06:19:28 PM
Can't wait to see the photo Sue!

Happy to know you have a Betta once again  :))
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 07, 2018, 08:05:46 PM
Congratulations on your new arrival @Sue   :cheers:

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures when he has settled in.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on June 08, 2018, 08:26:40 AM
Looking forward to seeing him as i am thinking about getting one aswell  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 08, 2018, 09:35:33 AM
I bought this new betta from my nearest Maidenhead Aquatics. They keep them in one of those units where each fish has a small tank to itself, and the tanks are in rows where the water trickles into the top row, overflows into the 2nd row and so on down to the bottom, then I assume through a filter before being pumped back to the top row. They also have different bettas - I can't remember seeing a veiltail there, the bettas are either crowntails, superdeltas or half moons with the odd king betta (extra large palakats). I've even seen very expensive koi bettas there. Yesterday they were obviously awaiting a new delivery as they had only half a dozen bettas. They were mainly crowntails (which i don't like, but that's just me) and a couple of marble pattern which I know can change colour. There was one reserved fish that would have been very tempting - mid blue body with dark red fins. But the fish that stood out for me was the one I bought, and he was perky and flared at my finger which is always a good sign.

The new betta is the 4th I've bought from this branch of MA which hasn't been open as long as the others within driving distance. The blue marble delta tail which turned plain blue was the first, he lived 23 months; then the plain peach half moon which lived 291/2 months; then the 'neurotic' peach and pale blue which died in April 7 months after I got him; and my new pale blue and red betta.

However, the MA that burned down in the garden centre recently (my second nearest) kept bettas in tanks with other fish and they were virtually all red or dark blue veiltails.



For those of you wanting to buy a betta, I recommend looking at all the MAs you can get to. They do vary a lot in the bettas they stock. And the better ones do stock an amazing assortment of bettas.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on June 08, 2018, 10:25:37 AM
That's some good information sue as i will be looking to buy one sometime in the near future. My tank at the moment has 4 baby corys about 3 months old, but next week i am looking to put them in the main tank.

I will then break down the tank as i want to change the substrate and add some plants.I will then be looking for some kind betta filter and start from fresh. I can use the filter in the tank i have now to reseed the tank.

We have 2 MA's near me one down the road and one in cheddar both In garden centre's.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 08, 2018, 06:12:19 PM
Not that I want him unduly perturbed in any way by the "fish paparazzi" but the suspense of seeing Sue's betta pic is getting difficult to last much longer...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 08, 2018, 07:23:01 PM
Wait no longer  ;D

Sorry they are a bit blurry, but I wanted to take some straight away so I didn't get the tripod out.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 08, 2018, 07:57:17 PM
Drool - how incredibly handsome he is! I hope he settles in quickly and is happy in his new home. :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 08, 2018, 08:48:15 PM
Oh yes, he's a very handsome chap.  8)
Lovey colouring.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 08, 2018, 08:52:04 PM
I'll wait till he's more settled before I use a mirror to see how wide his tail is. I don't care whether he's a superdelta or half moon, it was his personality and colouring that made me buy him  :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on June 08, 2018, 10:11:39 PM
What a beautiful fish. :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 08, 2018, 10:15:52 PM
Blimey, what a looker...!!!  Mind you, he looks to have a grumpy expression, lol...   >:(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: daveyng on June 08, 2018, 11:02:14 PM
Lovely looking fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 09, 2018, 03:18:30 AM
That's one good looking fish  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on June 09, 2018, 05:25:18 AM
He's a handsome fella with great markings  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 09, 2018, 03:33:34 PM
I've just added some more photos to my old bettas thread, just to show off the kind of bettas stocked by some branches of Maidenhead Aquatics. https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/gallery-showcase/my-bettas/
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 16, 2018, 11:46:58 AM
Did you ever find your male honey gourami, @Sue?

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 16, 2018, 01:12:14 PM
No I didn't. At the last but one water change I moved every piece of wood to look underneath and nothing, not even a skeleton which I usually find traces of  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 16, 2018, 09:08:36 PM
Sorry to read of this.  :(

My whale (the remaining of what were two female tetras) is going to have to go on some form of starvation diet - see video attached and description #Invalid YouTube Link include https# . Video actually makes her look slimmer than she is as, from a distance, the light reflects off her which emphasises her massive size in comparison with her nine tankmates.

[Edited to add: Hmmm - not sure what's happening here. I can see the url when I go in to modify the message but it's not showing up on the thread. https:#//youtu.be/O21IiPzmtDI but remove the # sign.]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 16, 2018, 11:47:10 PM
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O21IiPzmtDI" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O21IiPzmtDI</a>

Just me seeing if it will work... 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Andy The Minion on June 17, 2018, 10:58:38 AM
@TopCookie Yep it's working!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 17, 2018, 12:03:29 PM
Thanks, @TopCookie . Just had a closer inspection and my inkling was true - the back, right flank actually protrudes into a point and her innards (bowel content) is coming out from there, while the anus is still separate but a few millimetres to the left of that.

Now to decide what to do... a few days' separation in a QT with her mate (the male tetra with the longstanding cloudy eye), with no food to give her a chance to slim down and possibly with some eSHa 2000 which might address his eye issue and might prevent an infection from sitting in on her right flank, or leave them be where they're clearly happy (but she's at risk of bursting)... Long-term, though, I think she needs some form of appetite suppressant as she's consistently been eating ?75% of the tank's food over the years as she has the most amazing knack of doing so.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 17, 2018, 12:07:45 PM
She actually sounds like a real character...   :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 17, 2018, 12:22:07 PM
She actually sounds like a real character...   :)
She most certainly is!

I'm actually thinking of moving her and her mate into a QT, possibly without the eSHa 2000 to begin with, but increasing the temp of the tank to see if that might help her to release some eggs in case she's (almost permanently) egg-bound. In the 3.5 years I've had her, there have frequently been "shenanigans" (formerly her plus all the males together :o but latterly just her and the cloudy-eyed male) but never any eggs released that I've witnessed - and they've been in my direct or peripheral view for the bulk part of most days. This would involve increasing the temp from 24'C to about 28'C (SF's recommendation for breeding); I'm unfamiliar with doing this but what would be a safe way of reaching that temp (ie an increase of how much over how many hours or days)?

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 17, 2018, 06:45:34 PM
She's a big lass that enjoys a party  :cheers:

I've had a look at some information about raising tank temperature. One says a maximum if 1C an hour, another says 4C over 10 hours, and pretty much everything in between. I think you might just have to have a go and see what happens. Perhaps start in the morning to you have all day to keep an eye on things.

Best of luck.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 19, 2018, 02:01:48 PM
I have just shown my new betta his reflection for the first time since I got him. This makes them flare their fins as they think it's another male betta invading their territory, and it gives us chance to see the full extent of the betta's fins. My new betta is definitely a half moon - the edges of his tail fin are 180o apart.

And the pennywort I bought just before I got him is doing well. So far. I've left it floating in the tank since the water sprite was a bit on the large side for a small tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 20, 2018, 06:04:05 PM
Is he ok after "the reflection experience", Sue, or has he developed a PTSD? Have you given him a name yet?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 20, 2018, 08:50:12 PM
It only took a couple of minutes to calm down again then he was back to gently pootling round the tank.

I don't actually name my bettas. This one is 'New Mr Fish' which will soon end up as just Mr Fish like all my previous bettas  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 21, 2018, 07:24:16 AM
I've been a bit absent the last few days.. but for good reason! I have some new additions to tell you about this weekend when I have a bit more time to do photos etc...!  :cheers:

There's a 12litre coldwater glass shrimp and snail tank, it's a bit of an experiment as it's no-tech... ie filterless relying on the plants and natural light. So far so good. Everyone has lasted nearly a month in there with weekly 50%water changes and I have seen plant growth (especially emergent)  so this weekend I will be finishing the 'scape' so I can show it to you all.

And a 500 litre pond... what an effort that was digging it into very hard clay! This will hopefully get filled tonight/ tomorrow and plants and fish (comets and goldfish) added this weekend. The electrics and filter are all set up. It will take me a few more weeks to get this to a point where it is landscaped properly which will inclide a cascade waterfall. I'll do a new thread showing progress photos starting with Saturday's trip to World Of Water Blackpool (new shop to me... I'll be going back!) and keep you updated from there!

I know I'm excited... I hope you are!
 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: daveyng on June 21, 2018, 07:52:30 AM
Looking forward to seeing pics of the cold water tank and your Pond Project Matt. The ‘go outdoors’ approach is catching on. Did you ever consider my ‘crazy’ logic and heat it as well ?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 21, 2018, 08:37:45 AM
You have been very busy @Matt
Looking forward to seeing pics.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 21, 2018, 09:21:20 AM
Exciting stuff for sure Matt....  Can't wait to start seeing the pics dude...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 21, 2018, 01:40:02 PM
While we wait for Matt's pics, here is one of the flower that has just opened on my Anubias hastifolia  :D

The blur is an Espe's rasbora and the plant behind the flower is part of the background not one of mine  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 21, 2018, 02:07:46 PM
Great pic Sue...  :)   Lovely to see an Anubias flowering like that, and I still have a huge soft spot for the Espei Raspberries...  just don't have any remaining tank space now...   :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 21, 2018, 02:15:29 PM
Lovely to see your anubias flowering @Sue

One of the ones in my axolotl tank is in flower. It's probably only a matter of time before one of the fellas crash lands on it though.

@TopCookie you know what the answer is to your lack of current tank space.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 21, 2018, 02:27:52 PM
Oh no....!!!  Don't encourage me, lol...  MTS could be on the horizon...   ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 21, 2018, 03:26:58 PM
Not as impressive as Sue's flower there, but do have four flower buds at the mo, on various Bucephalandra plants...  :) 

(https://imagez.to/i/gVhn38Yi.jpg)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 21, 2018, 06:10:53 PM
I'd been humming-and-hawing about whether to move my female tetra into the QT with her male partner (see post #1267). However, the decision was taken out of my hands today - she was completely on her side and really struggling to get upright and maintain buoyancy. She and cloudy-eyed partner have spent today in the QT with eSHa 2000. I don't have much hope for her as one pectoral fin looks inflamed/over-used from attempting to maintain buoyancy, a darkish line is running from the protruding part of the flank along her side/underside, and she shows the "delirious eyes" that dead fish sometimes have. Thus, I'm prepared for the worst, but do need to give her a chance with this treatment, and she looks reasonably content in there with her male partner chumming up to her and attempting to keep her upright, which is of some consolation. Meanwhile, the two remaining male tetras look like they don't know what to do with themselves - no female to compete for and thus all is uncharacteristically harmonious between them.

Therefore, I'm extra, extra delighted to read of the positive developments on here - Matt's two projects (the first is something I've been considering lately myself - a story for another time) and especially the pond one (given my massive soft spot for goldfish), and TC's beautiful flowering plants and lovely snails and fish.  :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 21, 2018, 07:11:57 PM
Fingers crossed she'll be ok @fcmf  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 21, 2018, 08:49:36 PM
Thinking of you & your fish @fcmf
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 22, 2018, 07:08:56 PM
Thanks, both. I don't think this is ultimately going to end positively but an update is here: https:#//youtu.be/u8y6mZ0b7JU [remove the # symbol].
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 22, 2018, 07:56:46 PM
Ah, Bless her.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 22, 2018, 10:31:08 PM
Thanks, both. I don't think this is ultimately going to end positively but an update is here:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8y6mZ0b7JU" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8y6mZ0b7JU</a>

She does look perky though...?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 22, 2018, 10:36:25 PM
At last she doesn't appear to be suffering?

Sending good vibes!  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 23, 2018, 01:21:32 PM
Yes, she's still perky/alert, doesn't appear to be suffering, and has chased down some garlic-infused brine shrimp this morning which I put in as a test for appetite (can't see her ever losing her appetite!). However, when she stops swimming in her circles, she topples onto her left side and then struggles to get back upright. From above, there's a slight sign of darkness/bulging around one eye, so I have a feeling the bloating may be spreading.

My gut feeling is to try her in a half-hour Epsom salt bath next but I'm presuming I'd need to wait a bit between eSHa 2000 treatment and doing those.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 25, 2018, 05:50:07 PM
The two fish are on Day 5 in the QT, still being dosed with eSHa 2000. I don't plan to extend the dosage any further. I'm minded just to keep them in the QT for a few more days (+/- Epsom salt bath for the obese female) as it doesn't seem to be adversely affecting them and they seem very perky. However, if I were to return them to the main tank, I expect that she'd gorb - so it's giving the others an opportunity to eat and her an opportunity not to.

On a separate note, everything in the household seems to be breaking down of late. Mr FCMF was not amused at my suggestion of this as a replacement for the current piece of bathroom equipment https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3374909/Fish-tank-toilet-will-cut-water-use.html
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on June 25, 2018, 11:00:19 PM
Possibly better for boys than girls!

Though it could lead to some odd conversations when people wonder why the children spend so much time in the toilet!  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 27, 2018, 01:41:38 PM
Both tetras returned to main tank, following 5 days' treatment with eSHa 2000 and an extra day of diluting the water and replenishing it with main tank water prior to their return to main tank in the evening.

No sooner had this been done than:
* the male tetra got into a spat with another male tetra, resulting in two having a cloudy eye each.  ::)
* the female seemed to lose buoyancy in the greater water volume but all 3 males set off in hot pursuit of her almost immediately and it seems as though an all-night orgy took place (I went in at dawn to check if she was still alive, only to witness this behaviour) which continues - female gets the occasional opportunity to rest from her clockwise-direction swimming/pursuit by the males by tilting completely over on one side a couple of inches above the sand but doesn't seem to be unduly perturbed by this continued inability to be upright when not swimming.



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 27, 2018, 04:17:28 PM
Males  ::)
Either fighting or won't leave the females alone.  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 29, 2018, 09:47:03 PM
I am heartbroken  :'( My new betta is dead  :yikes:

He was fine till a few days ago, swimming round his tank, dashing over whenever he saw a human, dancing round at the sight of his food tub. Then at the beginning of the week I noticed his body was slightly swollen. He ate lunch happily yesterday, then didn't want to know at dinner time and spent the evening lying on the bottom of the tank under a piece of wood or suspended in the pennywort. He was the same all day today and I've just gone into the kitchen to find him dead.
I've been treating the tank with eSHa 2000 for a couple of days but I think his body just couldn't cope with whatever it was. I am now beginning to wonder if there is a reason there were hardly any bettas in the LFS in the rank of tanks that all share the same water.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Lynne W on June 29, 2018, 09:57:24 PM
oh Sue I'm so sorry, he was a lovely wee guy. I'm imagine no matter how long a fish keeper you are every death still hurts.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 29, 2018, 10:04:01 PM
Oh, Sue, what dreadfully sad news.  :'(  He was lovely and seemed so promising a new acquisition. All I can say is that at least his very short life seemed to be very happy in his new home (so well done on that), and you administered treatment promptly on seeing his slightly swollen body (so at least that may be of consolation ie no regrets on that front), but it seems that whatever was wrong was completely outside your control in the vein you're suggesting. My sincere condolences.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 29, 2018, 10:24:31 PM
Oh, Sue, that's awful news. He was such a lovely fella, and I'm sorry for your loss.

Perhaps you are right to wonder why there weren't many bettas at the LFS. Though unintentionally purchasing from a dodgy batch is little consolation in these sad circumstances.

My thoughts are with you.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on June 29, 2018, 11:32:22 PM
Sorry to hear your news Sue... 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 30, 2018, 08:50:41 AM
Thank you all. It just came out of the blue. When I discovered the body I checked for dropsy, and not a single scale was out of place. I had become concerned a few days ago that the swelling was a yellowy colour, so I knew something was not right with him. But the end just came so fast.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on June 30, 2018, 11:10:37 AM
What sad news sue, sorry for your loss.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: daveyng on June 30, 2018, 12:46:43 PM
Sorry for your loss Sue. He was a lovely looking fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 30, 2018, 04:36:22 PM
Just got back from an aquascaping demo with Filipe Oliveira at Aquarium Gardens.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/AquariumGardens/videos/?ref=page_internal
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 30, 2018, 10:44:55 PM
Very sorry to hear your news @Sue. At least a quick demise minimises any potential for extended suffering... My condolences.

@Littlefish I'll be watching that later! I wish I was nearnearer aquarium gardens or any true aquascaping shop for that matter...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 01, 2018, 05:49:26 AM
@Matt I consider myself very lucky to live within a short/reasonable driving distance to several great shops.  :)

The demonstration lasted longer than I expected. I will admit that my favourite part was when the tank was far from finished, and someone mentioned that there was football on that afternoon. Someone else asked if anyone knew who was playing, people started to look around, and it wasn't until it became obvious that nobody knew the answer that the phrase "that's what google is for" was heard.
Aquascaping 1 - football 0   :raspberries
For those who are not keen on football, I would recommend spending the hottest part of the day in a perfectly air conditioned shop (where they were serving free tea, coffee, and bottled water), and watching someone create a stunning tank.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on July 01, 2018, 07:43:44 AM
So sorry to hear of your loss @Sue

I guess that's one of the things we hope experience can help us avoid. It goes to show that sometimes there's nothing we can do.  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 01, 2018, 09:37:24 AM
Mr FCMF has been using the Vax carpet cleaner in the bedrooms this morning and has just commented on how much sand was picked up - can only have come from one place ie trodden from the fishtank room!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on July 01, 2018, 10:22:19 AM
 :o oops!

About 6 years ago we replaced the laminate in our lounge for carpet. Except around the fishtank! The room is L shaped and the tank is in the short bit, so it was relatively easy to put down a rectangle and leave a decent space around the tank that is slightly more water resistant.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 01, 2018, 11:38:00 AM
We had a new lounge carpet a couple of weeks ago. The first 60 litre tank, then the 125 litre tank were both on the old carpet and I was very surprised that there were no water stains on the underlay. I do remember dropping a bucket of old water next to the 125 litre tank but no stain.
For the last few years I have used an old curtain in front of the tank during a water change. It is one of those with a thermal backing, which is like a sort of rubber bonded to the fabric and works very well to contain any spillages, and bits dropped on the floor. I just pick it up by the corners and shake any spillages into the garden.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 02, 2018, 03:29:16 PM
I read something over the weekend that makes me think I may have killed my betta  :'(
Blood worms apparently have a large head, one reason why we should not feed them very often. The abdominal swelling started a couple of days after I fed him bloodworm. He was a young betta, and quite small. Did the bloodworms cause a blockage?


eSHa 2000 is a 3 day treatment, with a large dose added on day 1, followed by 2 days at half this dose. So I've been adding the day 1 dose every day since he died. This morning I did a 100% water change, and washed the filter sponge, sand and decor in dechlorinated water. Then we went to my favourite shop and bought a standard blue veiltail, with red undertones.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 02, 2018, 06:03:17 PM
Compared to a betta my dwarf puffers are much smaller, and their diet is mainly bloodworms.
Should the mood take you, have a close look and you'll see that the head isn't that large compared to the rest of the worm.
I also find it quite difficult to believe that a carnivore doesn't have the appropriate mouth parts to deal with a bloodworm, let alone once it gets to the stomach.
My plakat betta loves bloodworms, and always has.
@Sue I really do think that you were very unlucky with your recent bettas health. Please don't blame yourself.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 02, 2018, 07:14:27 PM
I'll try not to  :)

Bettas are such pigs and the one that just died crammed every worm he could find into his mouth at once. I was trying to drop them in one at a time but lost control of the pipette  :-[

I'll stick to daphnia and brine shrimp with my newest betta until he grows a bit bigger.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 02, 2018, 07:23:48 PM
I use forceps to feed a worm or two to that betta, and he takes them from the forceps. Much easier to control than a pipette for food. They are pigs, and he goes crazy if I try to give worms to any of the other fish or assassin snails in the tank, swimming around trying to get all of them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 02, 2018, 07:37:48 PM
Glad to read that you have a new betta, Sue. I know only too well how easy it is to keep questioning recent actions and wondering what it may have been which led to the fish's demise, then berating oneself repeatedly. I can't really add to Littlefish's excellent advice other than to testify how easy it is for fish to go bonkers in the presence of bloodworm. My remaining female tetra has all sorts of antics to reach and devour ~80% of the fishtank food, which explains the size she is and the health problems she now has, but I suspect at the end of the day, it comes down to the fish's constitution as to whether they can cope with it or not - or, very possibly in the case of your betta, the cause of death may be completely unrelated.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 02, 2018, 07:52:47 PM
So far so good with the new betta. He finally found the 2 pellets I put in at dinner time. He could obviously smell/taste them in the water and was swimming round looking for them. They were stuck at the edge so I just tapped on the tank next to them till he found them.

I felt really sorry for the chap at the shop. He is really the reptile person, but Monday is Mark's day off and the owner was due back from holiday yesterday so they hadn't arranged for anyone else to go in. She didn't arrive this morning so the reptile chap was on his own.
I went into the fish room to find no ceiling lights, and only a few tank lights on. The betta tanks were in darkness - I couldn't even see if there were any fish in the tanks. After he finished with the previous customer, I asked him about bettas and he said 'but I turned the lights on', went to look and came back muttering about fuses. A couple of minutes later, all the lights came on but I didn't want to buy a fish that had only just woken up. So I let him serve the next few customers while I watched the bettas. Very quickly the betta I bought and the one in the next tank started flaring at each other so I knew it was now OK to take him out of his tank.
This shop has a rank of small tanks, maybe 10 to 15 litres. Each one has an air powered sponge filter. They keep the bettas, shrimps, snails and very tiny fish in these tanks (one species per tank). I had no idea rabbit snails grew so big. They were bigger than the bettas  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 03, 2018, 08:26:02 PM
Plants not doing at all well recently, disintegrating, melting, thinning and dying, despite ensuring they weren't in the shadow of others and despite adding fertiliser more frequently and replenishing the root tabs. As the tank was looking rather sparse and I can't keep spending a fortune on plants, I resurrected some silk plants this evening which has given the tank quite a boost - beginning to think I might just stick to anubias, java fern, moss balls and hornwort, in conjunction with silk plants, from now on.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 03, 2018, 08:30:55 PM
That sounds like my aquatic green fingers, which is why I stick to the same plants. Though I do seem to be able to manage Bolbitis as well.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on July 03, 2018, 11:29:51 PM
They can be a real enigma some of these plants, eh...  My abject failure with one of the supposedly easy-peasy, lemon squeezy plants (H.Costata) is proof enough of that for me, lol...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 03, 2018, 11:34:51 PM
It might be worth us revisiting if some plants tend to do better in hard or soft water...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 04, 2018, 07:22:31 AM
@TopCookie I have managed to kill several java ferns over the past couple of years, so I think I can trump you on killing easy plants.  ::)

@Matt did you have a look at that Filipe Oliviera demo? The sound quality wasn't great, there was quite a lot of background noise because the shop was still open to customers that day. I found Filipe to be a fascinating chap and he put together a lovely tank. I'm trying to hold off going back to buy plants for a few weeks so I can see the tank a bit more grown out.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 04, 2018, 09:33:18 AM
I've killed duckweed in the past  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on July 04, 2018, 10:40:43 AM
I've killed duckweed in the past  :o

 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 04, 2018, 06:46:08 PM
I watched bits... its 5 hours long!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 04, 2018, 07:24:12 PM
Yes, things did go on for a bit longer than I expected.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on July 04, 2018, 09:27:58 PM
My experience and research suggests that faster growing plants, particularly stem plants, need calcium as well as lots of nitrogen.

That might also correlate with why the nymphoid is quite so fragile. It is a slower growing stem plant, that's found in softwater areas, so perhaps has less calcium in its structure. It makes sense to me that calcium adds strength.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 06, 2018, 09:30:13 AM
After taking 50+ photos of a betta that wouldn't keep still, these are the best I could manage of my new betta. Sorry they're a bit on the blurry side  ;D

As I said a few posts ago, this one is a standard veiltail, a 'typical pet shop betta'. After the last two very fancy, probably highly in bred bettas not living long, I decided I'd go for personality rather than looks. Not that the last two didn't have quirky personalities but it was their looks that was the deciding factor.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: daveyng on July 06, 2018, 10:07:01 AM
Lovely looking fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 06, 2018, 12:25:31 PM
Great colouring.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 06, 2018, 05:23:06 PM
I've got Betta jealousy!  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 06, 2018, 06:57:25 PM
Oooh, lovely.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 08, 2018, 10:09:51 AM
Currently procrastinating rather than doing a water change on the mudskipper tanks.
Due to the set up it is more complicated than maintenance on any other tank, and an experience that the 'skippers are not overly keen on.  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 08, 2018, 01:12:02 PM
Just cleaned the filter on the 220litre... that achieved a 10% water change in the process. Dry weather is a great excuse not to do more than that!...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 08, 2018, 01:49:16 PM
I completed the maintenance on both mudskipper tanks, so now settling down in front of the tv to watch the F1.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 08, 2018, 05:57:15 PM
The eco-system is functioning well today. Snail has found his way onto what's left of the giant echinodorus plant which floats in the tank and has been hang-gliding from it for most of the day. A few harlies are watching, as though goading him to jump or going to have a laugh at his expense when he falls, while the remaining fish are (purposefully, I suspect) positioned underneath, catching and eating his poo as it drops - a welcome extra food source for them. 
:sick:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 08, 2018, 07:52:01 PM
Entertaining and slightly gross.  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 09, 2018, 08:19:11 AM
I thought I'd make an early start on tank cleaning, so I could get something done before the day gets too hot for anything but hunting for shade and a breeze.
I was syphoning one of the South American tanks, when I noticed something odd on one of the branches of wood. It was a patch that looked dark with small, pale patches, and I thought perhaps it could be algae. I decided to try to gently syphon it off into the bucket without it breaking up, then get the forceps to pick it out and put it onto a piece of tissue for a closer look. I guessed that if I couldn't identify it I could at least take a picture and see if you guys had seen anything like it, or could identify it. As I was trying to syphon it the end seemed to be lifting, but I just couldn't get it to shift.
It turns out I was attempting to syphon up Hari the bristlenose plecs tail while she was resting up-side-down in the tangle of wood.  :-[
Not my proudest moment, and it has left me wondering how I manage to get up and dress myself each morning, without the help of a responsible adult.  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 09, 2018, 07:26:02 PM
Lol this tickled me... it won't look more daft than the time I tried to catch a goby... then tried again the next day... then again the next day... and so on!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 09, 2018, 08:14:14 PM
it has left me wondering how I manage to get up and dress myself each morning, without the help of a responsible adult.  ???
Hmmm - I know that feeling only too well and, if I had the number of tanks you had, I'd almost certainly have done something like this long before now! ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 11, 2018, 05:16:57 PM
Is it terribly bad of me that, when on an outing with Mr FCMF today, I accidentally-on-purpose googled the postcode of an MA I'd identified in the area and just happened to plug it into the satnav so that we ended up on a detour..?! Worth the journey, though - saw all sorts of interesting fish I don't normally see in my LFS eg scarlet badis, loreto tetras, reed tetras, blackfin cories, corydoras duplicareus, corydoras punctatus... Drool.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 11, 2018, 07:03:05 PM
It's not bad of you @fcmf , it seems very sensible to combine an outing with a trip to a fish store.
Whenever I go on a relatively long drive I have a look to see if there are any fish store en route, you know, just in case I need to stop and stretch my legs for a bit during the drive.  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fishbeard on July 11, 2018, 09:28:12 PM
It's a fine old plan!

My only concern would be going to an independent fish shop, miles away, and finding something incredible there, with no sensible way of getting it home!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 12, 2018, 08:06:51 AM
It's a fine old plan!

My only concern would be going to an independent fish shop, miles away, and finding something incredible there, with no sensible way of getting it home!

There are 4 (probably more) ways to respond in this situation:-
1) "That is an amazing fish, but there is no way I can get it home safely from here. I guess that's just fate" - feels a bit sad for a while, then possibly gets home and realises that the amazing fish wouldn't work well with the fish already in the tank/doesn't have a tank suitable for the fish, and is comforted by the thought that the impulse purchase could have harmed the fish and left the fishkeeper in an emergency situation of trying to create a suitable environment for a new fish at short notice.

2) "That is an amazing fish, but there is no way I can get it home safely from here right now" -
feels interested in finding out more, takes pic of fish with label containing latin name, goes home and researches the requirements of the fish. Spends a couple of weeks on the research, decides they they can't keep the fish in a current community/can't buy a new tank/can't keep the fish correctly...(remaining actions follow those of option 1)

3) "That is an amazing fish, but there is no way I can get it home safely from here right now" -
feels interested in finding out more, takes pic of fish with label containing latin name, goes home and researches the requirements of the fish. Spends a couple of weeks on the research, decides they they can set up a suitable environment. Goes to LFS with information and asks if they can order it. Or decides to order the fish online for delivery.


4) "That is an amazing fish, but there is no way I can get it home safely from here right now" -
feels interested in finding out more, takes pic of fish with label containing latin name, goes home and researches the requirements of the fish. Spends a couple of weeks on the research, decides they they can set up a suitable environment, and that they do want the fish. Several weeks/months are spent doing further research and setting up a suitable environment prior to a long trip back to the store, with a fishy travel kit (battery operated air pump with some mature filter media in a small amount of tank water, polybox large enough to contain the fish in a bag, and anything else that could help). Travels back to the shop, gets the fish, returns home with everyone doing well, acclimatises new fish to new set up, everyone lives happily ever after.

Hope that helps - the general message is "don't buy fish from a distant store you've never visited before on the spur of the moment, as it results in the sort of chaos that we can all do without".  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 12, 2018, 10:12:23 PM
Mine was a combo of 2 and 1, with 3 likely to happen in the future ie took the pics and pics of labels containing the name and Latin name, did the research quite quickly (ie checked against SF), then slotted in what could/would go where in the general algorithms in my mind re the various scenarios which might play out as time evolves.

Today turned into quite an amazing day - went on an outing and, by sheer luck and completely unbeknown to us, it turned out that there was a public aquarium at the site of our outing! En route home, the SatNav (untouched by me - honestly) took us a different, more rural route; just as we came over the brow of a hill, I recognised some colours in a row of buildings in a business park and a massive smile broke out on my face... yep, it was a well-known pet shop chain, this branch of which I just happened to have to check out "for quality assurance / research purposes".  ;D

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 13, 2018, 07:07:04 AM
A public aquarium and visiting a fish shop, sounds like a great day @fcmf
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 13, 2018, 01:41:45 PM
What a mixed week fish-wise. Actually been away for a few days, hence the outings and fish shop discoveries. Left on Tues morn and everyone was in great form, including the very obese female tetra who seemed to have learned how to swim despite the lopsidedness caused by her obesity - one side swollen/large, the other side with what looked like an internal protrusion as though a piece of cardboard were wedged in her side, as well as the anal opening being unusually forced round to that side with what had become a distorted body shape. Just arrived home to the discovery of her very decomposed body, so I suspect she died on the day we left. :'( Absolutely not entirely unexpected but, where I'd suspected she might live on for between a few weeks and a few months, I was fairly confident on Tues morn that it might be for a few months as she seemed to be in such great form, colouring, chasing down food, and there seemed to be a lot of mating-like behaviour between her and her male partner. Snail under water so ammonia levels can't be too high yet - but obviously I'll check, and plan to do the scheduled water change today anyway.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 13, 2018, 02:08:39 PM
I'm sorry to hear that. Even though it is expected, it is always sad to lose a fish.

They can go from seeming to cope to at death's door in less than a day.
One of my rice fish (a female) developed a very swollen abdomen though with no pine coning, so I left her alone. Like your tetra she had trouble swimming (with her body vertical, tail upwards) but fed quite happily and bred - with rice fish the eggs hang from the vent till they get knocked off so it's obvious when they spawn. Then one day she was suddenly floating upside down at the surface so I decided the time had come to put her down.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on July 13, 2018, 02:49:14 PM
Sorry the old girl didn't make it fcmf... 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 13, 2018, 03:17:33 PM
Sorry to hear the sad news about your tetra.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fishbeard on July 13, 2018, 05:17:25 PM
Sorry to hear about your tetra's passing, fcmf.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 13, 2018, 07:01:01 PM
Sorry to hear this fcmf
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 13, 2018, 07:46:47 PM
Thanks, all, for your kind words. Ammonia and nitrite were still at 0 and nitrates perhaps just a little higher than usual. I think I thought the state of decomposition was further than it was because one eye seemed very badly affected - but I realise that that was due to her being caught in the hornwort under the hottest part of the light and obviously lying on her side. Any plants near the water surface get and smell singed, while I've been burnt from the light while undertaking tank maintenance and inadvertently touched the light. For that reason, I think her eye gave the impression she'd died several days ago, when it might not necessarily have been the case.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 13, 2018, 10:01:40 PM
Tank in a bit of a sorry state. Now with the gang's numbers depleting, and possibly having gained a sense of life/death, the 9 are looking a bit sorry for themselves and have been gathered together in one quarter of the tank all afternoon and evening, as though wondering who's next. Not helped by the demise of the live plants either! Definitely time for some new life to be breathed into the aquarium...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 18, 2018, 10:05:29 AM
It's took me 4 hours yesterday and an hour this morning to finally get a Fluval 206 filter attached to the chiller unit for the axolotl tank, and the whole system fully functioning.
A couple of thoughts have popped into my mind over the past hour:-
1) Perhaps I'm not cut out for this fish & amphibian keeping malarky
2) I really should have read the filter instructions more thoroughly, both before I started, and I was setting everything up.  ::).
Still, I can now continue with replacing the decor and adding more plants, then perhaps I can return them all to their main tank this evening.
Hopefully this will be the last time I do a full rework of their tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 18, 2018, 10:09:24 AM
When I worked in the hospital lab back in the 1970s there was a notice on the wall.
"If all else fails, read the manual"
 ;D



Hmmm, come to think of it, that hospital was in Cambridge. Is not reading manuals a Cambridge problem  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 18, 2018, 11:14:31 AM

Hmmm, come to think of it, that hospital was in Cambridge. Is not reading manuals a Cambridge problem  ;D

 :rotfl:
Possibly, though for me it could be "read the manual properly, rather than just skimming through it and looking at the pictures.
 ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 20, 2018, 08:25:55 PM
A red nerite snail was ordered, and two turned up, to my pleasant surprise - one middle-sized one with a couple of scrapes on her shell and a perfectly formed tiny one with rich colouring. I've placed each on the anubias, in the hope that they might tackle it. The former is definitely female as she's left two white, thread-like strips on the leaf; if my year-old orange snail actually decides to wake up today for more than just a few minutes, he might be in for a surprise when he wanders around and discovers them!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on July 23, 2018, 08:04:18 AM
Two espei's rasbora were successfully transferred from the hospital tank back to the main tank (on friday) after a course of treatment with myxazin. Pretty sure it's the first time I've actually managed to nurse a fish back to health.

(One of the espei's had several spots of white fluff on it, one on the caudal pedunckle causing the tail to look bent. Second espei's hitched a ride in the net, so I let him thinking that the poorly fish might be less stressed with some company.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 23, 2018, 01:21:06 PM
Glad to hear that your rasbora have been returned to the main tank. Congratulations on returning your little one to full health.  :cheers:

I've accidentally flooded the spare room. The axolotl that had a cut on his leg was in the spare tank for treatment. I returned him to the main tank last night, and turned off the filters & chiller, thinking I'd empty the tank today. Just went into the room, the hose coming out of the chiller unit had fallen out of the tank and leaked approximately 50L onto the carpet. Oops.  :-[

On the bright side, it's 31C here today, so it shouldn't take long to dry out.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on July 23, 2018, 07:57:58 PM
Oh no.

As long as it's not humid as well, like it is up here.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 23, 2018, 08:52:35 PM
It is quite humid here, but I've used towels to mop up the worst of the spill, so I might have to put a fan in the room tomorrow to help.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 23, 2018, 10:25:34 PM
Glad to read that the rasbora is on the mend, @Helen.

Oh, @Littlefish - you sound just like I am, and I'm actually rather impressed at just how few incidents you've had given the number of tanks you possess!

I've spent a good part of the past few days absolutely fascinated by my 3 snails and their antics - it's lovely seeing 3 colourful and attractive blobs working away in the tank. I'm very much looking forward to my new fish additions, once they are ultimately decided upon and arrive too, which ought to give the tank even more life about it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 25, 2018, 06:28:46 PM
I've now decided that the larger of my two new snails may not necessarily be female after all. I noticed that the third of the white, thread-like strips (which I thought were eggs) was brown at one end, then investigated the jaycloth that they'd arrived wrapped in - as it transpired, a hole had been munched in it, so I think the snail was poo-ing out the remnants of that! No such white strips have been seen since. However, the snails are now known as Mr (my original orange one), Mrs (the larger of the two red ones) and Baby (the smaller of the two red ones). It's fascinating watching them. Today Mr has spent the entire time eating and burying himself under the Snail Stixx, Mrs has been munching algae on the wood and poo-ing non-stop, while Baby started off munching the algae on the tank glass but has been sleeping since.

The fish are now shoaling together as a group of 9, taking turns to swim in twos (single and mixed-species pairs) into and get buffeted in the current from the filter outlet, which must make them feel as though they are swimming upstream, before returning to the back of the queue and awaiting their next turn after everyone else.
:fishy1:


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 25, 2018, 06:45:50 PM
Nerite eggs are unmistakable. They look as though someone has stuck sesame seeds all over the decor, the glass, other snails.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 26, 2018, 05:22:55 PM
I have just done a water change on both tanks. I had been thinking for a week or two that the hornwort was taking over, so this afternoon I removed all of it except the one or two stems still weighted down, and it filled a 12 litre bucker higher than the rim. I've thrown away (compost bin) all the bits of stem with virtually no leaves left, and was ruthless with some of the not too bad stems, then put the decent stuff back. I can now see the water sprite  :) I use hornwort as a floating plants and now the layer is just one stem thick instead of a tangle 6 inches thick.

The water felt very cold so I retrieved the thermometer from the pre-sorted thicket of hornwort and the tank temp was only 24.5 deg C. I did notice this morning that the heater in the betta's tank was on - I keep that at 26 deg. So I checked the kitchen thermometer and that was 24 deg. My husband's strategy for keeping the house cool seems to be working. The cavity insulation and K glass double gazing keep the heat out as well as in and we leave all the south facing curtains with thick thermal linings closed till mid afternoon, when they are opened and the north facing curtains are closed.

The Met Office is predicting thunderstorms for us between 5 and 8 am despite the national yellow warning for 2 pm to midnight tomorrow. Then the temp should fall after that, thank goodness.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 26, 2018, 07:38:15 PM
For a reliable weather forecast, use yr.no
A Norwegian site, you can put it into English. Then always go for the graph view... best way to view the weather and their predictions are more accurate than most.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on July 26, 2018, 10:23:27 PM
Need to get ruthless with some of my stem plants too at the mo...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 28, 2018, 11:13:30 AM
Slightly disconcertingly, I've been increasingly fascinated by my 3 nerites this week - unsure how much time has been spent watching their antics!

Mr (orange, 14 mths old) & Mrs (new, red) met one another on a piece of wood a few days ago. He slithered around her on contact, then departed. Mrs spent the following day indulging compulsively in Snail Stixx food, not moving more than 1cm from the bowl that I now feed this in; Mr came and joined in during the evening and there were soon pieces of Snail Stixx food being thrown up a few cms as a consequence of the rummaging, and which one of the harlequins availed of. Mr then moved up tightly alongside Mrs, both went motionless for a minute or so, before they resumed eating. Yesterday, I got rid of the Snail Stixx to allow them to earn their living by eating algae in the tank - Mrs seems to be enjoying working away on the two pieces of bogwood which I'm grateful for as Mr had never really touched them; at one stage, Mr (whose tentacles are now ~4cm in comparison with Mrs' <0.5cm) set off at speed and with purpose, then did a u-turn, stretched and hoisted himself up onto the branch and pushed himself up against Mrs for a minute or so, before departing the scene. Whether or not he's being territorial in what has been exclusively his tank from a snail point of view, or whether this is mating behaviour (as unclear which sex either is), I don't know. This morning, he has been perching majestically on top of the filter outlet at the water surface, as though surveying his territory - like a scene from The Lion King.

As for Baby, Mr located him a few days ago, pushed him up against the glass, then continued on his merry way. Unfortunately, I've had to rescue Baby twice in the past 12 hrs as he was found lying on his back, clearly having no idea what to do as his tentacles and innards are too small to be able to rectify his position. I had been considering corydoras habrosus as a possibility for the new fish but I would worry about them or indeed any bottom feeders inadvertently poking Baby if he were vulnerable on his back and so this has almost cemented my final decision as either microdevario kubotai (most likely) or ember tetra (second choice).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 28, 2018, 12:48:19 PM
Interesting... I have always taken the opposite view, in that something like cories (not known for eating snails) help get the snails the right way up again...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 28, 2018, 01:39:44 PM
Oooooh - I assumed they'd just clamber over the top of him, poke him to try to eat him, but cause more problems than good. If, however, they might actually help him, then that's an entirely different matter and they might go firing to the top of my "contenders" list. Anyone else have any experience of such situations?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 28, 2018, 06:55:39 PM
One of my betta tanks also contains panda cories and assassin snails. No problems between them at all.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 29, 2018, 07:26:44 AM
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly and how much fish will eat.
With the sunny weather I've had containers on the windowsill to grow algae on rocks. I will admit that I'd kind of forgotten about them, and the rocks had grown a thick coat of algae, along with some fairly large clumps of longer, fluffy algae. I put the rocks in the river tank yesterday evening, and they were very quickly located by the gobies, who ate until they looked as if they were fit to burst. The panda garras then had a go, quickly followed by the hillstream loaches and bulldog plecs. Within less than an hour I could see the original colour of the rocks in patches.
Came downstairs this morning to find both large rocks completely clean. Less than 12 hours to eat several weeks worth of algae...good job I've put more containers of rocks onto the windowsill.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 29, 2018, 11:56:13 AM
Wow - your river tank inhabitants have been busy, LF!

Sadly, I think Baby Snail is dead. :'( Yet again this morning, he was on his back. He was perfectly fine on Friday, clinging to the underside of a leaf throughout the weekly water change. However, he did fall off later for the first time that I'd noticed and was on his back. In hindsight, I realise that, on the several occasions I've seen him upside down since and have tried to rectify his position, he's been getting buffeted around in the water current rather than gripping to the ground - it's as though his innards are at least partially if not fully retracted inside. He has moved a few inches each day but only that, including onto the tank glass and onto the side of a stone, but has fallen off on each occasion. He was upside down again this morning and I've moved him into a separate container, the right way up, but he hasn't moved and he's not gripping onto the bottom. I've done the "sniff test" that I've read about but there is no smell - yet. I'll leave him in this separate container for now but I'm not hopeful of any Lazarus-type event.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 29, 2018, 12:24:06 PM
My snail that died recently didn't smell either. Like you I found it on its back and turned him over, then it didn't move for several days. I also put it in a separate container - at this point if I pulled the trapdoor with a finger nail it was pulled back in slightly. But after a few days of no movement in the tub, I tried the trapdoor again and it just stayed pulled out. But still no smell, which is most unusual.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 30, 2018, 10:14:07 PM
Thanks, Sue - that's very useful to know. Still no movement from the snail (despite putting in an algae wafer), still no resistance/gripping against the bottom of the container, and still no smell yet. I took him out of the water altogether to take a photo of his "undercarriage" but no sign of any life and the photo wasn't very focused - have attached the clearest one (taken yesterday). I'm 99.99% sure he's dead. If he doesn't actually develop a smell, I'd be tempted to keep him as his shell is so beautiful...

I'm wondering if there's any possibility one of the fish or even one of the snails has somehow poked him (causing him to retract irreparably) or sucked out his innards - would that be possible?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 31, 2018, 09:48:09 AM
I have no idea on your last question  :-[

I know that it is said that the way a shop handles the snail can affect it. If a snail is ripped off the side of the tank that can damage it. When I take a snail off the glass I gently slide it up and down till it lets go. Though if you got this snail from somewhere like Proshrimp, they should know how to handle snails.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 31, 2018, 02:46:32 PM
Contacted P-S; apparently snails can retract into their shells for prolonged periods so it's altogether possible he may resurrect himself in due course (but, personally, I can't see this happening). I did, however, put him / his remains (whichever is applicable) into nicer surroundings and manage to capture a pic of his beauty, though.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 31, 2018, 02:50:37 PM
Since you've reminded me, I've just looked at snails on ProShrimp, and then shrimps. It it usual for them to be out of stock of everything except assassin snails and snowball shrimps?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 31, 2018, 05:11:24 PM
Not sure about shrimps but, from recollection, ordinarily, about 5 or 6 of the 8 snail products are usually in stock including the orange, zebra and mixed nerites.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on July 31, 2018, 05:16:35 PM
Maybe it's just someone who usually gets the stock in is on holiday  :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on August 02, 2018, 11:20:21 AM
One of my Rabbit snails did this fcmf...  Stopped moving completely, but no smell...  After a fairly lengthy period, I took him out and popped him in a holding bucket - did the same thing and popped an algae wafer in there for him on the off chance he might spring back to life etc, but no such luck...  A further week passed and still nothing...  At this point, I had a closer look and his operculum fell off, but still no smell...  That sealed the deal and he was then disposed of.  Gutted though, as he was the only one from my collection of Rabbit snails that was yellow fleshed...  Having said that, he was a voracious eater and routinely had a go at live plants, often uprooting younger/more delicate plants...

On the Pro-Shrimp stocking thing, I can say that I monitor their stock a lot, especially the snails, with being interested in the more unusual varieties etc...  It is very typical that they get a batch of new stock in and that it flies out super fast - with the more unusual and/or desirable ones being the first to sell out...  This is the first time in a while though that I have seen the Black Helmet Nerites out of stock - and you might guess that this has happened just as I have been considering adding another one to the Cookie Crew...  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 02, 2018, 11:21:08 AM
A notice has just come through the door from the water company. They will be cleaning pipes between 7 August and 22 August.

I'll definitely do a water change on Monday 6th, but I can only hope that the following one on ~ 16 August isn't affected by cloudy water  :o I don't have enough buckets to run 85 litres water before I start removing the old water.

(Yes I know that's 10 days apart but my husband won't help me do them every week for the next 4 weeks, just every 10 days)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on August 02, 2018, 11:28:29 AM
I, personally, would be tempted to simply omit the water change on the 16th Sue... 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 02, 2018, 01:53:09 PM
Agreed, just do 6th and 23rd. I've not done water changes for 2 weeks multiple times now and there's never been any noticeable effect as a result.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 02, 2018, 02:21:17 PM
One of my Rabbit snails did this fcmf...  Stopped moving completely, but no smell...  After a fairly lengthy period, I took him out and popped him in a holding bucket - did the same thing and popped an algae wafer in there for him on the off chance he might spring back to life etc, but no such luck...  A further week passed and still nothing...  At this point, I had a closer look and his operculum fell off, but still no smell...  That sealed the deal and he was then disposed of.
That does indeed sound exactly what's happening here. Actually, early this morning (96 hours after I thought he had probably died), I lifted him to about 1-2" from my nose - this time, there was a smell, similar but nowhere near as powerful as the smell of mussels which Mr FCMF eats occasionally and which cause the entire household to stink. Whether this is a normal smell from a living snail or not, I'm not sure. However, I'm going to get Mr FCMF to do this "sniff test" this evening. I did also touch what little bit of flesh / partial operculum there is but no reaction at all.

On another note, I've been to visit my newbies :fishy1: who go on sale tomorrow - quite excited now.  ;D

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 02, 2018, 02:24:25 PM
On another note, I've been to visit my newbies :fishy1: who go on sale tomorrow - quite excited now.  ;D


Newbies?? Is there something you've not been telling us? Or have i just missed it....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 02, 2018, 02:33:40 PM
If previous 'pipe cleaning' is anything to go by, we won't have any dirty water at any point, though just because it's not happened before doesn't mean it won't this time as they could clean a different section of piping. It is being done
Quote
...to remove any natural deposits which may have built up. These deposits are not harmful to health
They do give some advice on the back of the card such as running the tap for 30 mins if the water turns orange black or brown (and to use that water for garden plants)
The real danger is that they could add extra chlorine.


I can't really leave the main tank without a water change for 17 days without a water change because it is somewhat overstocked. I think I'll do one over the weekend 18/19 August as they don't usually work weekends.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 02, 2018, 02:43:44 PM
On another note, I've been to visit my newbies :fishy1: who go on sale tomorrow - quite excited now.  ;D

Newbies?? Is there something you've not been telling us? Or have i just missed it....

Absolutely not - check out post #1350 in this thread plus https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/general-fishkeeping-advice/restocking-54-litre-tank-now-that-numbers-are-depleting/msg41354/#msg41354 . I more-or-less made up my mind a few weeks ago, asked for them and another species to be on the order list to give me an option, checked out the state-of-play today and the ones which had become the top of my list were looking good (while the other species hadn't come in). There was a slight waver between them and another "almost top of the list" choice which is now no long a waver following a chat with LFS employee, so my mind is made up. All will be revealed in due course, if you haven't already guessed. [Strong clue: I woke up during the night, having had a bad dream that they were larger than they were and that my tank would have been at 114% stocking (which is correct if they had been the size in my dream), but I've since checked this out and all's ok. ;D]
:fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 02, 2018, 03:19:29 PM
I do remember you talking about more fish, and the possible options but not what you'd decided on  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 02, 2018, 03:27:29 PM
Posting on another thread about cycling with low KH has just reminded me why I don't like leaving a long period between water changes.

I have low KH and at least once I have lost fish to a pH crash through not doing frequent enough water changes. Around 12 years ago I posted on the old Thinkfish forum in a panic because my pH had dropped off the bottom of the scale, and the then advisor told me is was because of my low KH. Since then I've done weekly water changes - the longest gap has been 10 days - and my pH has been stable.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 03, 2018, 05:22:30 PM
I'm grinning from ear to ear, like a proud new mum - 8 little microdevario kubotai are swimming round in a quarantine tank following acclimatisation.
:fishy1:
 :fishy1:
:fishy1:
Can already see individual personalities among the group, with some bolder than others. Fingers crossed, after a long and traumatic journey from the Far East, they make it through this quarantine phase and then into the main tank. I've transferred quite a few "home comforts" across to make their interim environment as pleasant as possible.






Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 03, 2018, 05:29:33 PM
They sound lovely  :) And they'll complement nicely the colours of your other fish.


Of course, photos once they've settled  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 03, 2018, 06:22:05 PM
They have coloured-up in the past couple of hours but this isn't at all evident from the video: #Invalid YouTube Link include https# [edited to state that this is showing up as invalid, so I'll try again - https:#//youtu.be/UIyOizgl43c but the #sign needs to be removed from the url]. However, I think a video is probably better than attempting to take a photo just now.

Apologies for the silk plants, reflections, and for the banging of pots and pans in the background as Mr FCMF was about to start preparing dinner!

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 03, 2018, 08:04:58 PM
They are so cute!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 03, 2018, 09:52:07 PM
@fcmf your new fish are adorable and very perky  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 03, 2018, 11:21:22 PM
Congrats fcmf!  You've wanted some new fish in your tank for as long as I can remember  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on August 04, 2018, 12:58:37 AM
Ditto on the gratz...  :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 04, 2018, 09:33:56 AM
Thanks, all.

8 have become 7 :'(

Yesterday evening, one of the fish spent more time away from the shoal; I did wonder if he might be poorly or simply preferring to be on his own. About half an hour after going to bed last night, I woke up with a jolt, dreaming that one of the new fish was upside down and floating on the surface. Although I refrained from going in to check, my "premonition dream" was correct when I went in to check first thing after getting up - but he was upside down on the bottom, breathing rapidly. I removed him into a separate tub, thinking I might have to "bite the bullet" and euthanise as death was inevitable. After breakfast, it became clear that I would have to take this course of action. However, by the time I'd quadruple-read the instructions, wrapped the container into which he'd be placed in a dark towel to minimise distress, shaken the clove oil / water mix container for the umpteenth time, composed myself from the tears running and down my cheeks and having a bit of a "wobbly" about what would happen if he didn't fall asleep (all of which probably only took 5mins), went in to retrieve him, he had died naturally. I've never been able to do this before but at least I've done a "dummy run" now, should I need to do so in future.

The other 7 are, so far, as full of life as they were yesterday evening - touchwood.


 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 04, 2018, 09:37:11 AM
I'm sorry to hear that  :( Unfortunately it is quite common to lose one or even two of a lot of different species within a few days of purchase.

Fingers crossed for the rest.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 04, 2018, 09:40:59 AM
Thanks, Sue - I recall reading that before, although I'd always been fortunate in that respect. I suspect the fact that they only arrived in the country on Tues probably doesn't help - perhaps I ought to have given them more "settling-in time" before purchase rather than purchasing on the first day of sale.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 04, 2018, 09:58:54 AM
Sorry to hear about your fish @fcmf
Although this is not unusual, it is still quite distressing and upsetting.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fishbeard on August 04, 2018, 10:24:45 AM
I'm late to the thread, so I'll start by offering my sympathies... and then offer my congratulations on the other seven. I hope that they continue to do well.

Both tanks have been cleaned now. I've got two narrow leaf java swords in the main tank and a couple of the leaves were turning brown and shrivelling, so I removed them this morning and chucked them. I see no harm in doing this, but would there have been benefit to leaving them behind? They showed no sign of being nibbled at, but would my japonica shrimp have taken care of the dead/dying leaves for me?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 06, 2018, 02:31:05 PM
Thanks, @Fishbeard. It looked as though 7 were going to become 6 yesterday afternoon as one fish was hanging around on one side of the tank, breathing faster and occasionally throwing kamikaze-like fits against the tank glass; however, I dosed a small amount of Easylife Voogle, after which the situation seems to have rectified itself (touchwood!).

As for the answer to your question, I suspect they might feed off dead/dying plant leaves but I think @Matt or @Littlefish might be your best bets on helping with this.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 06, 2018, 02:50:31 PM
There are many reasons not to keep dying plant leaves. Including the fact that they cannot repair themselves, they will worsen water quality, they look unattractive etc etc.
There are fewer reasons to keep them. Perhaps the shrimp might gain some sustinance from eating the leaves but you may also get more algae in the tank from the nutrients released into the water columns as the leaf rots.
Overall my vote would be to remove them. Leave your shrimp to focus on anybody's and algae etc.

@fcmf sorry about your unfortunate turn of events. Fingers crossed the rest of your crew will do well in your excellent care.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 06, 2018, 03:40:55 PM
I agree with removing the leaves for the reasons that Matt has listed.
Also, shrimp are not miracle workers, and it would take them such a long time to eat a large dead leaf.
I think that their efforts are best spent pottering around, looking adorable, and munching on any uneaten food or algae in the tank.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 06, 2018, 04:44:00 PM
I have just done a water change on both tanks with the help of my husband to carry the buckets. The only complaint was that the old water buckets were too full, and he'd rather carry more buckets with less water in each. He also had chance to water all his garden plants with tank water  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fishbeard on August 06, 2018, 09:57:42 PM
Thanks for that, guys. My shrimp aren't miracel workers, but they're hungry little guys. I've seen them zoom in and snatch food from the Corys before now...

I have just done a water change on both tanks with the help of my husband to carry the buckets. The only complaint was that the old water buckets were too full, and he'd rather carry more buckets with less water in each. He also had chance to water all his garden plants with tank water  ;D

On that note, there's something I've wondered occasionally - is tank water better for the garden, or are the quantities of nitrate (along with fish waste and uneaten food) in tank water not nearly substantial enough to offer any significant improvement over ordinary tap water?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 06, 2018, 10:07:15 PM
At the moment, it's a matter of water conservation to pour the old tank water over the garden plants, particularly in areas with a hosepipe ban. In winter our garden is usually too water logged to add more.

There is also a school of thought that says we shouldn't pour tank water down the drain because any pathogens in our tanks will end up in the rivers. In the UK, that shouldn't be much of a risk unless we pour it down a surface water drain. The drain that sink and toilet water go down should be thoroughly disinfected at sewage treatment works.


And yes, there will some nitrate in tank water together with any plants fertiliser we add that the plants don't get. Not to mention potassium and phosphate from fish food.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 07, 2018, 07:21:48 AM
Thanks for that, guys. My shrimp aren't miracel workers, but they're hungry little guys. I've seen them zoom in and snatch food from the Corys before now...

Mine often zoom in a take mini wafers, then carry then off to the top of a piece of wood to eat them in peace. They are amazing little creatures.

On that note, there's something I've wondered occasionally - is tank water better for the garden, or are the quantities of nitrate (along with fish waste and uneaten food) in tank water not nearly substantial enough to offer any significant improvement over ordinary tap water?

I've been using tank water in my garden. I've got a long hose that I attach to the port on the FX external filters that makes emptying the larger tanks so much easier, and perfect for watering containers and raised beds. As for being better than tap water, I don't know, but the cucumbers I've been growing have done really well on nothing but tank water, and I use the cucumbers (with a few algae wafers stuck in them) to feed the river tank inhabitants, and the plecs in the other tanks.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fishbeard on August 07, 2018, 07:35:40 AM
I've been using tank water in my garden. I've got a long hose that I attach to the port on the FX external filters that makes emptying the larger tanks so much easier, and perfect for watering containers and raised beds. As for being better than tap water, I don't know, but the cucumbers I've been growing have done really well on nothing but tank water, and I use the cucumbers (with a few algae wafers stuck in them) to feed the river tank inhabitants, and the plecs in the other tanks.  :)

Very "circle of life" that!

Our hosepipe ban in the north was cancelled, but that's no excuse for wasting water, so the tank water's been going out in the garden anyway. I just wondered if it was that much better - we're all striving to keep nitrate low, so even 40ppm, which is considered high within the fishkeeping community, is relatively low as a pure number. Glad to hear it's doing wonders for others though!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 10, 2018, 03:59:59 PM
Yesterday I went to a local branch of MA to pick up some silicone to attach the last "anubias shelf" in the axolotl tank. Obviously I had a quick look around as well.  ::)
They had young grass carp in the corner pond tank with the glass walls. I was smitten with them, especially the one who was yawning, it was adorable.
Luckily, as they are pond fish that grow to be quite huge, I can't consider them.
The adults look very different to the juvenilles, and aren't quite so cute. So , all things considered, I'm quite glad I can't have them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 10, 2018, 04:55:41 PM
 :yikes: Littlefish didn't buy any fish!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 10, 2018, 09:15:25 PM
 :rotfl:
I will have to go back to see them again, give them a feed, and just enjoy looking at them in the shop.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 17, 2018, 08:45:54 PM
I've been to Cardiff this week, and also took the opportunity for a few day trips.
One day trip was to Bristol Aquarium. The soundtrack to the day was Denise saying "no, you can't have a tank that size".  :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 18, 2018, 01:03:44 AM
that's a great ray photo!

I have a similar trip in the making... an old work colleague is going to start working at sea life shortly and has promised me a behind the scenes tour!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 18, 2018, 07:04:56 AM
That ray is called Ravioli, and he was very persistent at feeding time.

All displays were great, and the marine tank was huge.

The sea horse tank was fascinating, especially at feeding time..
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 18, 2018, 11:07:05 AM
Absolutely love these photos, @Littlefish!

Sounds like a great outing in the offing, @Matt!

 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 18, 2018, 11:13:23 AM
And I just get to Beamish - coal mines etc. Not a fish in sight  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 18, 2018, 06:31:03 PM
Very occasionally, the fish all huddle up together. I thought perhaps one of the nerites was hang-gliding off a floating plant above. However, and linked with another current thread on the issue, I suspect they can smell / detect the sea bass that's being cooked for Mr FCMF's dinner. While cooking is underway in the kitchen, I'm attempting to settle the nerves (or whatever it is) of my gang in the fishtank in the living-room.
 ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fishbeard on August 19, 2018, 02:26:45 PM
Very occasionally, the fish all huddle up together. I thought perhaps one of the nerites was hang-gliding off a floating plant above. However, and linked with another current thread on the issue, I suspect they can smell / detect the sea bass that's being cooked for Mr FCMF's dinner. While cooking is underway in the kitchen, I'm attempting to settle the nerves (or whatever it is) of my gang in the fishtank in the living-room.
 ::)

That's an interesting thought. My main tank's in the kitchen and there's plenty of fish prepared and eaten in it, but I've never seen any of the fish reacting to it. The main surface where I do chopping etc. is at the back of the fish tank, and I've filleted a whole salmon on there before, so there was a strong fishy smell all through the room. Maybe we just read into these things our own opinion and place it on the fish? Given how excited they all get for bloodworms, daphnia and the like, I'm sure they would have been just as interested in a bit of salmon had it been offered!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 19, 2018, 02:31:30 PM
Very possible, @Fishbeard - and the huddling recurred today after the lights came on. Good grief re filleting a whole salmon in full view of the fish!  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Fishbeard on August 19, 2018, 02:39:21 PM
I'm not sure how good the eyes of a gourami or cory are (especially to see out through the tank), but I'm also not sure they'd recognise something about 10 times their size as being so similar.

That's my justification, anyway. Whatever happened to "Nature, red in tooth and claw"?  :isay:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 20, 2018, 04:01:44 AM
I've just got back from my hols... eveyone is ok except my harlequins. I had 3 old harlequins (3 of the first fish I ever bought) and 2 new ones. I now have just 2 old ones looking quite lonely.  I suspect the new harlequins were part of a bad batch as I lost others quite quickly when i first introduced them to various ailments the other tank inhabitants never picked up and their colouring never seemed quite right and hey didnt grow much so I suspect they were inbred or something. The old guy I'm pretty confident died of old age as he was floating on my return  :-\. No sign if the younger ones... suspect my clean up crew has been at work!..

I hope there isn't something more sinister going on. I can't believe there would be for the hardest fish to die off first. Fingers crossed anyways.

Not sure what to do with the 2 remaining harlequins now. They don't seem comfortable in such small numbers but I suspect they don't have long either... im torn between restocking them as i really like their different body shape and colouring etc. or keeping the number of species in the tank down and increasing numbers of existing fish...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 20, 2018, 07:32:58 AM
Sorry to hear about your harlies @Matt
Deciding what to do with a depleted shoal can be quite difficult, especially if you don't feel confident about how long the others are going to keep going.
I hope that you had a good holiday.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on August 20, 2018, 07:39:24 AM
Sorry to hear about the harlequins matt.I must admit i love these fish i think it's the way they school together tightly backwards and forwards that makes me like them so much.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 20, 2018, 08:10:16 AM
In that case you should try rummynose tetra... they are even better for this!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 20, 2018, 09:32:23 AM
I don't know what it is about rummynose tetras, but I've always had a bit of a soft spot for them. Even though they seem to have quite understated markings, I think that they are very pretty.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on August 20, 2018, 09:58:54 AM
I'm not sure my water parameters are right for them.I have a ph 7.5 and it says they need 7.0 and i think my water is a bit hard at 10 dgh. I do like the look of them tho.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 20, 2018, 10:16:46 AM
Both real rummy noses http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/hemigrammus-rhodostomus/ and false rummy noses http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/hemigrammus-bleheri (the species most likely to be sold as rummies) are fine up to GH 15. Though Seriously Fish does comment their colours are a bit faded at pH above 7.0.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on August 20, 2018, 11:58:40 AM
Sorry to hear about your harlies @Matt

Ditto that...  Lovely little fish indeed... :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 20, 2018, 12:24:53 PM
Not sure what to do with the 2 remaining harlequins now. They don't seem comfortable in such small numbers but I suspect they don't have long either... im torn between restocking them as i really like their different body shape and colouring etc. or keeping the number of species in the tank down and increasing numbers of existing fish...
Very sorry to read the news about your harlequins, @Matt. :'(

As to the course of action to take, I'd probably wait to see how the situation pans out over the next few weeks. My x-ray tetras are now down to 3 in number but, following the initial week or two after the most recent death, seem to be integrating well with the 6 harlequins and not showing any signs of distress. Obviously, I wouldn't advocate keeping such a small number if they were younger but they seem quite content/relaxed in the company of the harlequins, as though they're all part of the same gang, possibly because they've all been in one another's company for 3+ years and thus are used to it. Most fish are dotted around singly, in pairs or small groups at various locations around the tank at various times of the day, and sometimes this can be 2-3 harlequins or a 'pairing' of an x-ray and a harlequin or 2 harlequins plus an x-ray, etc. It's only when lights go off that they tend to congregate in species-specific shoals and even that changes after the first half hour or so. Hope that might provide some reassurance. [It will be interesting to see the dynamics when the microdevario kubotais move into the main tank - I'm inclined to think that this new gang may hang around together, while the old gang remain together, rather than the two rasbora shoals intermingling and leaving the 3 x-rays out 'in the cold'.] If, however, your harlequins show signs of distress (eg hiding, not eating) due to being in such small numbers, then perhaps it is worth increasing their shoal numbers.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 20, 2018, 06:22:32 PM
Well there's certainly no signs of stress showing yet.... ill keep an eye out. I think it is more me thinking that two not swimming together looks odd than they are necessarily 'unhappy'.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 23, 2018, 04:33:32 AM
The 2 remaining Harlies seem just fine. They are 2 males though as they are disply fighting. They spend a lot of time apart as well though so i think they are happy enough.


I went to the LFS yesterday evening for a little aquascaping project ive been doing... and i saw dwarf pencil fish... they might have made my mind up for me. I think im going to be replacing the harlequins ive lost with a group of them! From what I saw in store the dwarf pencilfish were all at the surface, which would be great as im missing something in this area currently. The rocket killifish id previously considered were distributed more evenly around the tank (as they have been when I've seen them previously in other stores). The internet is not helping confirm if this will be the norm or not...

I had a proper kid in a sweet shop moment,  they also had golden eye dwarf cichlids which id not seen before and Im going to have to get before I never see them again. I went in thinking about increasing the number of Rams I have - I might leave this till after I see how the golden eyes do. If not ill get another pair only (believe me I had a tank full of them in my sweetie shop head yesterday!). The ones they had were labelled as Czech rams which had me excited, but this looks to just be where they were bred, no other difference form my research.

I can't decide if I prefer ember tetras or chilli rasboras. I do want a smaller species in the tank again after the loss of my galaxy rasboras a while back.

Oh dear...

I already spent quite enough on the aquascaping project stuff!...



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 23, 2018, 09:40:54 AM
Oh dear......I wonder if anyone ever "grows out" of the "kiddie in a sweet shop" feeling, or if it's just a matter of keeping it under control, or running out of space.
Just had a quick look at SF to check out dwarf pencil fish - nice markings. I should imagine that a group of them would look amazing.
Sounds like you'll be doing a big shop at your LFS very soon.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 23, 2018, 11:56:31 AM
I've had dwarf pencilfish before. They do stay in the upper half of the tank and tend to hover a lot which makes them an unusual addition to the tank. I have read people say they can be aggressive but I never found this.

The cichlids - Nannacara anomala? Just to warn you it is not a good idea to have more than one species of cichlid in a tank.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 23, 2018, 07:05:44 PM
I know that "child in a sweet shop" sensation - my salivary glands actually go into overdrive in such circumstances in a LFS, especially when I've allowed the metaphorical door to open re buying fish as per recently after several years of not being able to add to the tank.

I can't decide if I prefer ember tetras or chilli rasboras.
Both are really lovely. A couple of thoughts based on my own recent experience and thoughts:
* ember tetras seem more readily available, so could always be a future fish, whereas maybe the opportunity should be taken while the chilli rasboras are available;
* is there any possibility that the smaller stature of the chilli rasboras might pose a problem (eg: could they fit in the mouths of the existing fish; could they become trapped in the side of the filters if you have any internals and where it might not be conducive to stuffing filter wool)?

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 23, 2018, 08:34:18 PM
Both lovely fish, that's a tough choice.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 23, 2018, 10:23:21 PM
@Sue thanks for the tip 're pencil fish being decent surface dwellers. Im going to reserve some timrrow to be sure i can still get them on Sunday. I am currently mixing apistogrammas and migrogeophagus... I too have see the advice about mixing cichlids, I've also seen a lot of people doing it successfully... mine dont exactually swim around together like happy families, but they are not 'physical' with each other - more 'im the boss remember' than 'im going to beat you up'. Do you have any experience  with mixing particular species?

My research told me that different cichlids communicate with each other through behaviour and coloration. The same species of fish caught in different locations apparently can have different languages to each other and get confused and aggressive. The same principle applies to different species as well of course though their languages are so different they simply don't understand each other. I only mention this because I think it is absolutely fascinating! I have no idea if it's right or wrong!

@fcmf shouldn't be anything that would put chilli raabora at risk in the tank. My LFS didn't actually have the chilli raabora in but I know that aqualife Leyland does. It would depend if they had enough for quite a large shoal as I'd like to get at least 12. I'll have to make a trip down there (always worth a visit anyway) and try be be focussed on them and not all the other fish back in sweetie shop mode! (No chance - I want to look at their filters anyways!...)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 24, 2018, 07:43:29 AM
I'm looking forward to seeing pics of your pencil fish when you get them into your tank.  :)

A large shoal of chilli rasbora will also look amazing. Obviously you will need to post loads of pics of them when they settle in. Please.

I'm not sure I get the kiddie in a sweet shop feeling when I go to a shop. I think I get more a sort of Maria in the Sound of Music, running in with arms outstretched, but instead of "the hills are alive...", I'm more "mine, all mine, I want them all", while twirling around. Good job it's just a feeling, and not an actual physical display.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 24, 2018, 09:24:13 AM
@Matt The main 'language' problems are with cichlids from different continents, but I can also see that there would be slight differences between cichlids from different parts of the same continent.
It is a definite problem mixing fish from Africa and America (assuming they liked the same type of water)
and I know that fish from the Rift Lakes should be kept only with cichlids from the same lake. But I have no idea how much of a problem it would be keeping fish from different rives in, say, south America. The usual reason for not keeping more than one species of S American cichlids is territorial - tanks tend to too small for 2 species. I will admit to having kept Bolivian rams and cockatoo cichlids in a 125 litre tank years ago, but your tank is double that  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 24, 2018, 12:29:19 PM
I'm not sure I get the kiddie in a sweet shop feeling when I go to a shop. I think I get more a sort of Maria in the Sound of Music, running in with arms outstretched, but instead of "the hills are alive...", I'm more "mine, all mine, I want them all", while twirling around. Good job it's just a feeling, and not an actual physical display.  ;D
:rotfl: This made me chuckle so much that I inhaled my morning coffee! Perhaps we could create "Thinkfish - the musical" and write some songs to illustrate fishkeepers' experiences of the hobby...


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 24, 2018, 01:37:08 PM
@Matt The main 'language' problems are with cichlids from different continents, but I can also see that there would be slight differences between cichlids from different parts of the same continent.
It is a definite problem mixing fish from Africa and America (assuming they liked the same type of water)
and I know that fish from the Rift Lakes should be kept only with cichlids from the same lake. But I have no idea how much of a problem it would be keeping fish from different rives in, say, south America. The usual reason for not keeping more than one species of S American cichlids is territorial - tanks tend to too small for 2 species. I will admit to having kept Bolivian rams and cockatoo cichlids in a 125 litre tank years ago, but your tank is double that  :)

Thanks @Sue that's really interesting and possibly explains why my agassizi and rams are doing ok - they do understand each other! (as my observations also indicated now I think about it).  Ive just looked up the N. anomala which are also from South America so I'm still planning to give this a go... I have seen an MA big display tank full of various species of dwarf cichlid (very possibly all south American but my memory isn't good enough - I cant even remember which store it was) which they were running without problem - again the fish had a hierarchy sorted out and would display to each other, make aggressive movements, but no damage done.  I am wondering though what stress levels this would put the fish under though so I definitely don't think that I should go for more than the three species.

@Littlefish - I love the hills are alive thing  -its probably a more accurate description of my visit actually!!!  I bought hardscape, ferts, plants and reserved fish... if only I'd have bought a tank a could have gone the 'whole hog'!!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on August 24, 2018, 02:18:52 PM
Matt, if you do decide to try the Nannacara and you want a pair, try to buy two that have paired up  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 24, 2018, 02:40:48 PM
Will do... it didn't take me long to spot quite a few pairs in the LFS.  My research has also said they are quite easy to breed... so fingers crossed once they net goes in the pairs don't all mix up and become impossible to find again!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 24, 2018, 02:56:39 PM
Always good to hear about a successful trip to an LFS.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 24, 2018, 03:05:29 PM
Always good to hear about a successful trip to an LFS.  :cheers:
Indeed - I thought I ought to pay another visit some time soon to check up on the welfare of my under-quarantine fish's "siblings", purely for research purposes of course, in case it might affect the duration of quarantine time required. Any excuse to have another look at what else is there, for future reference...  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 25, 2018, 12:39:11 PM
I ought to pay another visit some time soon
Recipe for fish broodiness and MTS symptoms striking yet again...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 25, 2018, 03:55:15 PM
Just found a microdevario kubotai on the carpet, dead. :'( All remaining 7 had definitely been in there an hour or so ago as I'd been examining them closely (and noticed a couple had signs of missing portions of their caudal fins). So this poor little one was a healthy one which must have leapt through the cable holes.  :'(  :'(  :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 25, 2018, 05:18:05 PM
Oh no @fcmf how awful to find a fish on the floor.
So sorry for your loss.  :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 25, 2018, 08:15:56 PM
I have conincidentally had a similar experience today which has put off my plans for new fish slightly... my agassizi male is no more  :'(

He was a bit of a star of the show so to speak and his loss has actually upset me quite a bit... I'm normally relatively unaffected by the loss of a fish (I don't want to make that sound like I don't care... I do... but I guess normally I can rationalise it) but it was not nice to see what had happened to this guy and I am totally responsible for what happened. 

I'll hopefully explain more soon... but in summary I spent the day emailing fish shops to try and source a new partner for the female.

So I share you're pain @fcmf and hope that we both have better news soon.  Did you find out how the others in the store are doing?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 25, 2018, 08:41:10 PM
Oh @Matt he was quite a star, so sorry to hear about your loss.  :'(
Each fish loss is always a bit of a blow, but when it's one that you know as an individual it can be worse.
I hope that you manage to get a new partner for the female.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 25, 2018, 08:59:15 PM
No male quite yet... I have a store getting one in for me in a few weeks.

I hope you have good news on Seb for us soon too Donna. I am quite hopeful given your recent posts.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 25, 2018, 09:12:53 PM
Me too. He seems to be a bit stronger today.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 25, 2018, 09:38:01 PM
Oh, @Matt - I'm so sorry to read about your agassizi male; how horrible for you. :'(

Did you find out how the others in the store are doing?
There have been some fatalities, a few at a time dotted over the course of the past few weeks, but generally nothing unusual and no definite signs of illness that have required them to be taken off sale. The few that remain looked active and healthy. (Having said that, it was only later on when I re-examined each of my own fish in detail that I noticed the missing portions of tails in two of them, something I hadn't considered checking on those in store.)

Similarly to you, I'm beginning to wonder whether I'm responsible not only for today's event but also for the missing portions of tails. I thought we still had an old glass tank, stowed away, as a temporary back-up tank for the main tank in the event of an unspeakable crisis and also for the purpose of quarantining; it was only a couple of days beforehand that I discovered we no longer had it (I must have given permission, perhaps while otherwise distracted, for it to be disposed of) and realised that I'd have to dual-purpose the hospital tank as the quarantine tank. This tank is only 17 litres and a bow-shaped front - basically, just like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Disney-Frozen-Aquarium-Kit-Boxed-Tested-Trusted-Ebay-Shop-/272840145831 - which I thought would probably be alright for the short-term duration of quarantining. Now, however, I'm beginning to think this was a mistake - the fish have been extremely and almost constantly active (like Duracell bunnies) and perhaps this hasn't been fair keeping them in such a small environment. I'm wondering if some chasing I've seen in the past week has led to the missing portions of fins on two of the fish, while today's bid for freedom (or whatever it was) was a consequence of this...  Needless to say, I've since been doing some initial research into a new quarantine/back-up tank.

I'm still trying to establish how the fish did escape. The tank lid was not removed between the time I had been examining them in detail and this little fish met its end on the carpet. Therefore, either it catapulted/kamikazed out of the rear cable holes (potentially hitting the wall behind the tank and then bouncing or plummeting forward onto and off the chest of drawers on which the tank was located to ultimately land on the floor in front of the tank) or else it kamikazed out through the 0.5x1.0cm hole in the fish auto-feeder which I'd been experimenting with the past couple of days and which was located towards the front (I'd removed the flap and set the auto-feeder on top of this where it had fitted perfectly with no gaps but had had to keep the lid of the auto-feeder open as the flakes were clogging up). The latter seems more likely as this would more likely explain how the fish ended up on the floor in front of the tank. Whether it was making a bid for freedom because it found its environment too small, got a fright (although I don't think that can have been possible during the timeframe it occurred in), was attempting to retrieve the clogged-up food from the auto-feeder (plausible as some of these new fish have almost been leaping out of the water before the food hits it when I've  been feeding them), or had some sort of epileptic seizure / heart attack / stroke and just happened to fly out through the hole, I'll never know.

Separately from this, in the main tank, the newer of my two nerites seems to have developed an obsession with pushing itself behind the main filter and causing it to float out from the wall. I can see this potentially causing a problem with some tank inhabitants ending up behind there if this isn't sorted ASAP, and so I definitely won't be moving the newbies into the main tank until this is resolved. Filter wool isn't an option - the downside of a corner filter perhaps, that it floats out at an angle - but I need something to help the bottom of this corner filter attach itself to the wall of the tank better, so I'm exploring the possibility of magnets inside the filter and on the back of the tank wall to enable this (although this is turning out to be a minefield).

Exhausted - just hope I sleep tonight and have no fish-themed nightmares!

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 25, 2018, 09:39:57 PM
I hope you have good news on Seb for us soon too Donna. I am quite hopeful given your recent posts.
Me too. He seems to be a bit stronger today.
Also keeping fingers crossed for you and Seb.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 25, 2018, 10:16:38 PM
@fcmf you had quite the acrobat there. It sounds like the all of them are fairly accomplished at going through some acrobatics to get at food.
When you consider how fish are kept at shops, the numbers in each tank, I wouldn't have thought that they found your quarantine tank overcrowded. Perhaps a larger tank for quarantine in the future would be useful though.
The only time I've had a fish try to jump out of a tank under normal circumstances was with a WCMM. It didn't manage to get out of the tank, but I witnessed it trying. Turned out it was unwell, and even with moving it to a quarantine tank, it passed within a couple of days. Perhaps your fish was also already unwell, especially as the shop has also had some losses.
You may have to chalk this one up as an unfortunate incident.
You've had quite  an eventful day. I hope that you sleep well and don't have any nightmares. I seem to have had a few recently where I appear to be working in a small fish shop, and struggling with large numbers of fish being kept in tanks that are too small for them. Luckily none of the species appear to be fish that I keep, so at least I'm not having nightmares about my actual fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on August 26, 2018, 07:26:47 AM
Sorry for your losses @ fcmf & Matt. 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 26, 2018, 08:17:42 PM
Thanks, @Rustle .

I think I may have got to the bottom of the mystery. I'm still testing out the auto-feeder's function and so it's still in situ on the QT - but with the lid closed on it in case a fish decides to launch itself up through it. At dinnertime this evening, I put some food through the slot and hastily closed the lid on it. There was a definite odd sound on the lid of the auto-feeder that I'd never heard before and could only be explained by one thing - it seems as though the fish in the QT are such voracious feeders that they leap out of the water and one must have hit the inside of the auto-feeder lid but luckily was prevented from diving right out because I'd closed it just in time.

This isn't negating my lessons learned from yesterday :vcross: which are still valid - mentioned here and furthermore in another thread - but I now think I have a plausible explanation for how and when the fish escaped the tank. I'll certainly not be using an auto-feeder at any stage with its lid open to prevent clogging of food, where these particular fish are concerned!


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 26, 2018, 09:55:53 PM
Thanks also for the kind words.

@fcmf that sounds like some very over enthusiastic eating!! I suppose if a fish jumps in nature it really doesn't make much difference because it is almost guaranteed to land back in the water a few inches away. Whatsmore if as a fish you rushed towards your prey at the surface you probably have a much better chance of catching it than if you slow down as you reach the surface... a possible explanation anyway. The only other time I've had fish jumps is when I first started in the hobby and was going through a fish in cycle.  The toxins in the water bath the time made them jump. I know better now of course!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 28, 2018, 10:09:13 AM
After all the sad news we've had recently, I thought I'd post a change of direction.

First of all, I've just checked, and Seb is still with us.

Second is the massive reorganisation of the tanks in the Littlefish household. This is always ongoing, but as part of a big sort out in the house I've also uncovered a massive amount of hardscaping materials that I've accumulated over the past couple of years. My aquascaping skills leave a lot to be desired, with my general approach being "throw everything in the tank and see if the fish like it". In an attempt to recycle the accumulated materials in a more aesthetically pleasing manner I have asked @Matt to help, which he has kindly agreed to do.

Bless you Matt, you have no idea how much stuff I've got, or how awful I am at placing stuff in a tank. Or, in fact, how indecisive I can be about which fish will end up in which tank. I hope that you have massive reserves of patience.

Anyway, most of the stuff will be posted on his site http://www.scapeeasy.co.uk/index.htm but we will give regular updates on the forum too.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 28, 2018, 06:17:51 PM
Exciting times!  :fishy1:

It will be a good test of what I've set out to do with ScapeEasy which is ultimately about making this scary aquascaping thing a lot easier!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 28, 2018, 07:50:42 PM
Wow - this all sounds very exciting indeed; looking forward to seeing "before and after" type pics. I'll be embarrassed to post any pics of my own tank from now on, though, for fear that Matt recoils in horror (especially as I'm now about 60% silk, 40% real plants - thank goodness the fish quite like the extra coverage provided by the silk ones).

My QT filter has almost "given up the ghost" - ground to a halt, got fiddled with and seemed to resurrect itself, then has been grinding gradually to another halt - so a new one has been ordered and ought to arrive tomorrow. Meanwhile, the newer of the two nerites continues to cause problems with the main filter in the established tank due to pushing herself behind it - the gap is not going to bode well for the newbies once moved across from the QT, so I'm weighing up the pros/cons of what to do (on the case with enquiring about magnets to hold the filter to the aquarium wall but realising that this may impede the motor) or somehow finding/making some space to squeeze an aquascaping-practice tank which can simultaneously house the nerites and possibly a few shrimp (but the nerites may not be too happy to find their space considerably reduced)...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 28, 2018, 08:20:36 PM
Wow - this all sounds very exciting indeed; looking forward to seeing "before and after" type pics. I'll be embarrassed to post any pics of my own tank from now on, though, for fear that Matt recoils in horror (especially as I'm now about 60% silk, 40% real plants - thank goodness the fish quite like the extra coverage provided by the silk ones).

Nothing wrong with silk plants. I had them for years in my goldfish tanks. Don't be afraid to post your photos @fcmf  I am often jealous of the fishkeeping skills i see on this forum, they far exceed mine. I don't see half the things you see your fish do so I don't catch things soon enough to treat them. My tank is a bit more "circle of life" than some might like - i only found 1 of the three harlies I just lost for example... and about 4 of the 12 galaxy rasboras I had when it was first set up (they are all gone now).

By the way how are your rasboras doing?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 28, 2018, 08:55:00 PM
By the way how are your rasboras doing?
The original harlequins in the main/established tank seem to (touchwood) be doing fine - so much so that I'm slightly getting cold feet about moving the new green ones across for fear of upsetting the equilibrium (but know I have to as the QT is too small for them).
The 6/8 surviving neon greens vary in size from 1-3cm (minus tail), so quite a bit of variation. It looks as though I might have 4 females and 2 males. They spend all their time at the surface, above the silk plants. They seem to be doing fine although one has missing forked parts of its tail, one has missing upper forked part of its tail, and one is very skinny; the first and third of these behave quite nervously although the third one seems to be the one with the largest appetite. The aforementioned first and third ones are quite nervous when the tank lid opens (eg to remove water for water testing, do a partial water change to retrieve fallen food, to remove the ailing filter for fixing) - in fact, after the weekend's incident, I'm actually not sure whether they or I are shaking more with nerves in such instances. Just hoping the new filter, when it arrives, isn't too powerful for them or creates any unforeseen problems.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 29, 2018, 07:18:34 AM
Best of luck with your new filter, I hope the fish like it.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 29, 2018, 02:36:52 PM
Filter delivered and successfully installed (Eheim Pick-up 45), and media transferred into it, with no-one leaping out in the process. My heart rate has risen, though, for fear that someone might!



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 29, 2018, 02:39:40 PM
So far so good @fcmf.  ;D
Fingers crossed that your little ones learn not to be quite so acrobatic.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on August 29, 2018, 04:04:40 PM
Yep, everyone seems quite content - phew.
:fishy1:  :fishy1:  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 31, 2018, 08:34:39 AM
Morning all.  :)

We seem to have had quite a bit of bad news over the past few weeks, so let's hope that everyone is ok, and that all fishy friends are doing well.

It's a new day, and there's lots to do. The hospital tank had a thorough clean yesterday, so today it will be put back into use to grow algae on rocks on the windowsill. I've emptied some other tanks, so now have buckets of wet sand everywhere (one day the house will be tidy, but probably only for that one day). I've moved a few empty tanks around, and had a serious think about what should go where during the reorganisation - it will include building some new cabinets, which I hope I'll get right this time.

I'll also have to set up several more quarantine tanks. I've had 3 annaieae gobies reserved at one of the MA's for a couple of months, so I need to get them soon. I'd also paid for them to order another 3, but last week one of the guys at the other MA said he was closing down one of his tanks, had 4 annieae gobies, and did I want them. Can anyone guess how I reacted to that question?  ;D

I also squealed when I saw a tank full of young figure 8 puffers, and went over to have a chat with them. Yes, I have no shame, and will say things like "hello gorgeous" to a tank of fish, in front of the staff. I think they're used to it now (staff and fish). I would just like to point out that I didn't buy a puffer, just in case anyone was wondering.

So, lots of tank cleaning to do today, and lots of planning for future set ups. It's also time to give @Matt a shout and start giving him some idea of said plans.  :)

Wishing everyone a good day.  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on August 31, 2018, 08:59:01 AM
I can't wait to see the pictures of your soon to be aquascape' this aquascaping has really caught my attention and i really have a thing for the IWAGUMI  style aquascaping. I think i just love mountain type scenery  :)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on August 31, 2018, 01:38:49 PM
In that case - look up diorama aquascapes!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 01, 2018, 08:30:59 AM
I collected the 3 gobies yesterday, they are tiny. They are settling in to their quarantine tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 01, 2018, 08:38:19 AM
So, lots of tank cleaning to do today, and lots of planning for future set ups. It's also time to give @Matt a shout and start giving him some idea of said plans.  :)

Well we're off to a good start hopefully!
See www.scapeeasy.co.uk/advice.htm (http://www.scapeeasy.co.uk/advice.htm)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on September 02, 2018, 02:00:39 AM
Just back from a lovely holiday that included a trip to the Oceanarium in Lisbon. The temporary exhibition was Forests Underwater by Takashi Amano . I was gutted that I didn't get to go in (I only had a ticket for the permanent exhibition - which was amazing anyway). I'm even more gutted now I've looked up the promo!

https://www.oceanario.pt/en/exhibitions/temporary-exhibition/
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 02, 2018, 06:29:30 AM
I'm gutted for you too!!  :vcross:

I hope you had a fantastic break. Are all of your aquatic family members ok?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 02, 2018, 07:30:51 AM
OMG! Even just looking at the pictures makes me feel so calm and relaxed.

I'm glad to hear that the permanent exhibition was amazing. I hope the rest of the trip was just as good.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on September 02, 2018, 09:41:58 AM
The rest of the trip was fabulous too, thank you. Included a tourist submarine (yellow!) dive. Which although couldn't possibly compare to scuba diving, was a great way to show my kids non captive fish.

As far as I can tell all my fish are fine. I'm not particularly good at counting them, so I can never be 100% sure, but there are no glaring omissions.

Having more or less unpacked, I'm hoping to get some tank maintenance done today. Now I don't have a 2 week absence in my calendar, I would like to get some more kuhlis and m. Kubotai. The latter I plan to keep in the hospital / quarantine tank for at least a month so that they're not so tiny when they go in my main tank. I'm hoping that (and a piece of sponge in my filter inlet) will mean that they don't all mysteriously disappear.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 03, 2018, 06:49:05 PM
My main tank is in the dining room and whilst eating dinner this evening I noticed a very dark fish. I do not have any dark fish  ??? Looking closer, I realised that two male ricefish had become darker and their anal and tail fins were almost black instead of pale blue. They were also rather tattered.
I did a water change this afternoon, then fed them daphnia. I know these fish spawn all the time as shown by the eggs hanging from the females, but did the water change spark some sort of dominance issue with the males? Did one want all the girls for himself?

An hour later, their colour is slowly returning to pale blue, which may be influenced by the first of the two lights having turned off.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 03, 2018, 08:12:59 PM
Wow, it certainly sounds as if your boys have had a bit of an incident. I hope things have settled down now.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 03, 2018, 09:49:55 PM
Glad you had a successful trip, @Helen - oh, to live in a mansion and have a tank like that temporary exhibition one installed in one of the rooms...

Goodness, @Sue, that's quite a difference from pale blue to almost dark. Two of my three male x-ray tetras seem to be almost constantly sparring - one has a cloudy eye and one has a blind/transparent eye on a permanent basis now - but this seems relatively minor by comparison to your ricefish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on September 05, 2018, 07:02:36 PM
In that case - look up diorama
aquascapes!               

    thanks Matt they look amazing'' I been following your blog and it looks as if Donna is doing a really good job.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 05, 2018, 07:39:53 PM
Thanks @Rustle

--> @Littlefish see above!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 05, 2018, 07:44:56 PM
Thanks guys.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 07, 2018, 03:07:40 PM
Home after some time away and pleased to report that all inhabitants of the main and quarantine tanks are alive and looking exactly as I left them.  ;D

5 weeks' quarantine of the neon green rasboras is now complete. Now to work out the logistics of transferring these QT inhabitants into the main tank without adversely impacting on occupants of either... It's 3.25+ years since the addition of any new fish to the main tank and this article's https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/about/faqs/do-i-need-to-quarantine-my-new-fish-and-if-so-how-do-i-do-it 3rd para is making me somewhat nervous:
If you have had a tank established without addition of livestock for an extended period of time (years or more), then it is definitely a good idea to quarantine any new animals. Your tank will have been isolated from many pathogens and your pets' immunity will have been shaped by the tank conditions. The addition of new fish brings new microbial challenges and your native initial population could suffer.
I'm wondering if I may have to acclimatise each tank to the presence of the other by swapping some water from each over the course of a week or so before actually physically moving the QT fish into the main tank.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 07, 2018, 03:43:56 PM
As far as water goes, if you do regular large weekly water changes on both tanks there will be little difference in the water - unless you do something in one tank to change the water such as adding calcareous rocks to one of the tanks. In this case, then yes, add some main tank water to the QT for a few days.
But as far as 'bugs' are concerned, swapping water will do the same as moving the new fish over without doing that.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 07, 2018, 05:04:42 PM
Thanks, @Sue - that's very helpful. I have limestone rock pieces in each tank. The only differences are wood and live plants in the main tank, while the QT has no wood and only silk plants. On that basis, could I transfer them straight across? Edited to add: it occurred to me that the QT fish have not experienced aquarium lights since being in the LFS, so I think it may be best to transfer them in the morning so that they have several hours to get used to their new tank before having to get used to lights too. In the interim, a water change has been done on both tanks, with the new water in the QT being 50% new dechlorinated water, 50% main tank water (which will have some plant fertiliser in it).

Hmmm - just realised I'll have to add the QT filter to the main tank, so it'll have 3 filters on the go as each is jampacked with filter media!

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 07, 2018, 07:25:32 PM
Good to hear that your gang were all fine during your absence.
I hope that your rasboras acclimatise quickly tomorrow morning, and enjoy the main tank.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 07, 2018, 07:35:54 PM
@fcmf how much are you increasing you stocking % by?  From stocking up my 220litre I know that I could add a third extra stocking to my tank without any bother..
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 07, 2018, 07:48:47 PM
Thanks, @Littlefish.

@Matt, if I work out my stocking based on eye judgement on size, I have:
* 3 tetras at 4cm each = 12cm
* 6 harlequins, 4 at 4cm each, 2 at 3cm each = 22cm
* 6 neon greens, 4 at 3cm each, 2 at 2cm each = 16cm
Therefore, I'm increasing my stocking by 47% (or less, if we count the snails, one of which poos its weight daily due to spending its time grazing on the bogwood).

I am keeping my eye on the two smallest neon greens - although all came to greet me and all eat, one seems to be spending a lot of time on the bottom rather than swimming with the other 5, and the other small neon green occasionally drifts off to spend time on its own at the side. There's also the cloudy-eyed male tetra whose cloudy eye looks as though it may benefit from treatment. Depending on what the situation is in the morning, It might be that I keep some media in the QT and treat 2 or 3 of these 3.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 08, 2018, 09:26:55 AM
The Move from QT to established tank, plus that of the 3rd filter, has taken place. Suffice to say that there's been a lot of bickering going on for the past half hour since it happened - harlies pecking at neon greens in the top of the tank. This has put a stop to the 4-5 neon greens' non-stop swimming as they're being pulled into line by the harlies, while the 1-2 others are doing their own thing elsewhere in the tank. Aside from a momentary pause to observe what was happening, the x-rays are going about their usual business in the bottom half of the tank which they have all to themselves. I would take a pic/video footage but one of the silk plants is a rather bright colour and I wouldn't want anyone to wince at the sight!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 08, 2018, 05:16:25 PM
Now down to just 1 of the harlies harassing the green neons - Alpha Harley seems to have spent the entire day chasing one after the other of the green neons (except for no.6 who has spent the entire day down on the substrate - not convinced about the welfare of this little one, and the one with the missing portions of caudal fin who was understandably hiding in plants but seems to have vanished altogether).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 08, 2018, 05:32:28 PM
This all sounds like normal "getting used to each oher" type stuff to me.

Number 6 may well be improved in the morning.  He/she has been through a lot today! Fingers crossed :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 08, 2018, 05:59:46 PM
I like watching a tank when different species are getting used to each other.
I hope that the neons are settling, and that the ones that are hiding come out tomorrow.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 09, 2018, 12:21:30 PM
The two rasbora species are tolerating one another more now, although the usual shuffling/re-positioning at "lights off" went on for about 3x as long as usual yesterday evening! There's more bickering going on between the neon greens than between the two rasbora species - just the occasional "showing who's / which species is boss" from Alpha Harley.

No.5 neon green with missing upper and lower caudal fin sections spends half her time cocooned in hornwort and quivering, and the other half swimming around with the others, especially when food appears! No.6 remains on the substrate, quivering; I don't have much hopes for him as his belly is concave and he's not eating, even when food does drop down near him, but there's no clear sign of anything specifically wrong as such.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 09, 2018, 12:36:36 PM
Hopefully number 5 will gain some confidence, and spend more time out in the open with the others.
Things don't seem so positive with number 6 though, which is a massive shame.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 09, 2018, 02:25:36 PM
...and then there were 5. :'(  For his sake, I think it's for the best.  As for no.5, she got herself entangled between the filter cable and the wall, and had to be released, so I'm not convinced that her constitution is that strong either.  Now can't get the song "Ten Green Bottles" out of my head, albeit I did start with 8 (rather than 10).

Not convinced about replacing the 3 that have died - thoughts welcome, though.

As for the filter, I'm assuming that I'll just remove a portion on a weekly basis (starting with the portion of media that's the newest and was installed only ten days ago into the QT filter upgrade), while ongoing monitoring of water quality, until filter no.3 can be removed from the main tank. Again, views welcome; thanks.





Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 09, 2018, 02:32:10 PM
I agree with your filter process. I would do a third or half of the media at a time, and wait for a week of positive test results.

To be honest I would replace them from a numbers point of view, but I also wouldn't add them in after the others get settled because they would have to establish hierarchies all over again. If it was me I would add more now without quarantine... especially given you know they have been ok in the shop, but I understand you/others may be more hesitant to do this than me...  :yikes:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 09, 2018, 03:05:50 PM
Hmmm - there's just no way that I could take a risk on my longstanding stock... I'd probably be up all night doing vigils for at least a month, shining the torch in to ensure that there wasn't an outbreak of import whitespot which required treating ASAP.  I would feel awful about moving the neon greens back out and into their QT, though, but think this would be preferable for my own peace of mind for the month or so that the new neon greens would require quarantining for.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 09, 2018, 03:58:21 PM
That wasn't pleasant. Went to retrieve the fish from the bottom of the tank - he started moving slightly but willingly went into the net. Breathing was rapid and he was lying on his side while in a small container.  Having almost done the deed before nature took its course while I was plucking up the courage last month, I did it this time for the first time in my life. He moved slightly with the first few drops of emulsified clove oil, then death was instantaneous with the next few drops. Vodka has been administered to complete the process once certain that he was well-and-truly gone. Quite shaken, really, but at least it avoided any more of a prolonged suffering for him.
 :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 09, 2018, 04:23:52 PM
It's never nice but you must take comfort that you have done the right thing...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 09, 2018, 04:48:34 PM
There are times when it is more cruel to let a fish live in obvious pain. You did the right thing.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 09, 2018, 06:55:32 PM
Sorry to hear that the day has been so awful, with a neon passing and having to euthanise the other one.
Dealing with a fish like that is always a traumatic experience, but I think it was the right thing to do under the circumstances.
You might be needing to drink some of that vodka yourself.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 09, 2018, 07:46:06 PM
Sorry to hear that the day has been so awful, with a neon passing and having to euthanise the other one.
Thankfully, the day is not quite so bad as that - the one I thought had passed away of its own accord, as it was lying motionless and semi-on-its-side and semi-upside-down, turned out not to be dead when I tried to lift it out with a net, so it's actually the same fish that was euthanised. Currently, there are still 5 of the neon greens, but for how much longer, I'm not sure.

Cloudy-eyed tetra's entire eye is completely covered in white now and it's quite prominent. Then I noticed something I've never noticed before in my x-rays - a torn caudal fin. Therefore, I decided it was time for a course of eSHa 2000 and I planned to transfer him to the QT. I'd been a bit hasty about the QT's filter's demise and the purchase of a new one - I hadn't realised the filter flow had a turn-down option and it was on the lowest setting :-[ so now have it purely for use as a QT filter and ideal for just a small number of fish. Anyway, suffice to say that those tetras are impossible to catch in the net. I had volunteers from both rasboras species but the tetras are too clever at escaping. So, if he hasn't succumbed by the next water change at the end of the week, I'll make another attempt to catch him then for treatment when there's no decor in the way.

It feels like I could do with a period of calm in the fishtank... No-one would ever believe that my water quality is 0,0,20 consistently!

You might be needing to drink some of that vodka yourself.
Indeed - I might just do that! I also plan not to look into the fishtank again this evening, for fear of what else I might discover.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 09, 2018, 08:00:21 PM
Sorry for the misunderstanding. Still an unpleasant day for you, though one fish rather than two.

It seems like your tetra doesn't lack for energy when you're trying to catch him. I usually have to remove as much water as possible, as well as shift decor, when trying to catch fish. Yesterday I moved the dwarf puffers to a temporary tank so I could access some rocks in their tank, and those little puffers had me run ragged.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 09, 2018, 08:17:26 PM
For me a torn fin is not an excuse for quaranteen... interested to get views on this. I just do extra water changes for a period to ensure  best possible water quality.

I'm starting to wonder if my approach is a bit old school...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 09, 2018, 08:44:56 PM
My rice fish often have bits missing from their tail fins. I just leave them in the tank without medication. I am pretty sure it's caused by sparring in the males, and being chased by males in the females' tails. None of the other species are affected so it's not a disease.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 09, 2018, 09:39:45 PM
For me a torn fin is not an excuse for quaranteen... interested to get views on this.
It's more the fact that the entire eye is cloudy now and protruding considerably, while the torn fin (caused presumably by the almost incessant male sparring with the blind-eyed tetra) was "the final straw". Years ago, my goldfish developed a white covering over his eye which started protruding towards the end, among other problems - my biggest regret still is not having used the Waterlife Myxazin which had been underneath the tank as I think it had developed into a secondary bacterial infection but didn't know enough back then. I was assuming the same might be happening in the case of the x-ray tetra. The tetras are behaving as though constitutionally well, though, so if best not to bother quarantining, happy with that - it may well be that, following treating the fish in quarantine, the cloudy eye would just recur immediately on the first spat with the blind-eyed tetra in which case it would be relatively pointless (as was the case back in ?May and the cloudy eye has been present ever since).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 10, 2018, 01:36:55 PM
All looking much more settled/established in the tank today - phew.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 10, 2018, 04:13:24 PM
Glad to hear that  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 10, 2018, 07:18:34 PM
Good news :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 10, 2018, 08:20:51 PM
Now I just need me to settle down too - I think my heart skips a beat every time I glance into the tank and see a piece of green plant/foliage against the filter intake, then I let out a sigh of relief when I realise it's not a neon green rasbora!

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 10, 2018, 08:31:10 PM
That sort of mild panic takes a while to wear off.
Great to hear that your tank is settling down.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 11, 2018, 04:40:27 PM
I have had a surprise.

I have done a water change today, and decided to lift the wood with Bolbitis attached, which I don't usually do because the plant is so big and floppy. Underneath the wood was a pygmy cory  :o I thought they had all died, but no, I still have one left  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 11, 2018, 04:49:59 PM
Good grief, @Sue - how old might the pygmy cory be? Is it not years ago since you had them ie it may be that this one's been alive in there for several years without you knowing?! (...or is my ailing memory getting confused with timescales...?)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 11, 2018, 05:01:17 PM
Consulting my book, I moved 7 cories from the 50 litre tank on 20 September 2016. These comprised 2 remaining from a group bought 21 September 2015 and 5 bought 27 August 2016. I can't remember now but presumably the two bought in 2015 were a lot bigger than the ones I'd bought only 3 to 4 weeks earlier.

Since they were moved into the main tank I have found a total of 3 bodies and one skeleton. The last body found was 16 July this year and I had assumed that was the last one. There are still 2 unaccounted for, which I've always assumed died and were consumed, and the skeletons fell apart so I didn't recognise what they were during a water change.
The trouble is I have so much wood in this tank that bottom dwellers are impossible to see.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 11, 2018, 05:09:15 PM
That's amazing @Sue and such a lovely surprise.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 11, 2018, 06:26:36 PM
Great news!!!  :fishy1:

Any plans afoot to restock with them?  :raspberries
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 11, 2018, 06:47:52 PM
I don't intend to get any more cories. When I restocked the 180 litre a few years ago I got fish from Asia, and I intended to stick to that area. When I closed the 50 litre I only moved the south American fish -  Boraras (2 maculatus and 4 briggitae/urophthalmoides, never sure which) and the cories - into the 180 litre because they had nowhere else to go. At least the cherry shrimp, which were also in the 50 litre, fit in with the Asian theme.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 11, 2018, 07:04:18 PM
I think the bororas also fit in with the Asian theme.  ;)

In my tank today, the neon greens have finally realised that chopped pea is food. I tried it in the QT a couple of times but only one seemed to realise what it was and the rest were too slow before it fell to the substrate, which they don't eat from.  Today, however, I fed it for dinner as I noticed 3/5 neon greens were constipated - whether that had anything to do with it or not (ie they instinctively knew it would cure their condition), they seemed to know immediately what to do when the chopped pea fell in and there was much excitement all round. The harlies normally get excited by it but, goodness, this neon greens' behaviour was on a whole new level.



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 11, 2018, 07:12:52 PM
You are quite right  :-[ B. maculatus is from Malaysia, B brigittae from Borneo, and B. urophthalmoides from Thailand. I don't feel nearly as bad about them being in there now  ;D I have no idea why I thought they were south American  ???


Maybe the green neons saw the harlies starting to eat the peas and then they realised it was food  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 11, 2018, 07:24:52 PM
I have no idea why I thought they were south American  ???
I think it's very easy to see fish of similar size/stature as naturally compatible in a tank and consequently the fact that they're from different regions blurs into a less important characteristic - that's my theory on it, anyway.  :)

The neon greens have assumed the uppermost strata of the tank, relegating the harlies to the strata immediately below that, and the x-rays much lower down. Therefore, the neon greens get first pecking order at the food. On this occasion, I don't think it was learned behaviour from the harlies, unless the harlies got excited on hearing the chopping sound (which is altogether very possible) which pre-alerted the neon greens to food-time, or possibly more likely the neon greens have learned what lid-opening usually means and were going to eat whatever dropped in, whether it was edible or not.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 11, 2018, 07:29:59 PM
I had them under the Cory banner in my head... this has surprised me too... seems so obvious now!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on September 12, 2018, 07:38:57 PM
Just looking at boraras on seriously fish and quite enjoyed this comment under etymology:

"Boraras: anagram of the generic name Rasbora, in reference to the reversed ratio of abdominal and caudal vertebrae in this genus."

The Microdevario Kubotai haven't done well in my tank, so I don't think I'll be getting any more. Shame, I really liked them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 15, 2018, 06:46:41 PM
Loving watching the added dynamic in the tank of the lively green neons. As all the fish did when they were younger, they're loving swimming into the filter outflow and getting buffeted backwards, then repeating this over and over.

The smallest harley (Wee Harley), admittedly always my fave fish although I ought not to have a favourite, is currently hovering protectively above the snail food, which she dives down to peck every now and again when she thinks no-one's watching. The smallest green neon is swimming much lower down than usual and seems to have taken a liking for it or its smell too but, every time he gets close, Wee Harley keeps chasing him away.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 15, 2018, 07:28:01 PM
Sounds like everyone has settled in nicely.  :)
Any chance of some pictures?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 15, 2018, 07:59:47 PM
I'm a bit embarrassed about an extremely bright/garish silk plant in the tank, so I'll need to pluck up the courage to do this!

Edited to add: the newbies are scarcely visible in this one; will try another.
Re-edited to add: only seem to be able to see one newbie in this one.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 15, 2018, 09:31:26 PM
Great to see your gang.   :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 15, 2018, 09:50:53 PM
I think your tank looks fine  :) It doesn't matter if the plants are brightly coloured as long as the fish are happy to have somewhere to run and hide if that predator comes along. But they don't look as bright as you gave us the impression they were  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on September 16, 2018, 12:07:04 AM
I think your tank looks lovely too. I'm not sure which plant you mean being garishly pink. None of the plants in your tank seem any brighter than some of mine which are natural. (I'm thinking mainly of my lotus)

I'm also very jealous of your Microdevario Kubotai.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 16, 2018, 02:11:04 PM
Thanks for the kind comments, folks.

I think a video probably is best for viewing the fish: https#://youtu.be/E89fAnhF6O0 [remove the # to watch]
Edited to add a second video, this time with some of the reflection removed: https#://youtu.be/QfDSy0LXE8c [remove the # to watch]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 16, 2018, 02:30:19 PM
@fcmf I had to watch the clip several times to have a good look at all of your gang.
Your fish certainly look very perky. 
Great stuff ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 16, 2018, 02:50:28 PM
Thanks, LF; second video now added as per link above, so should be easier to make the various gang members out.

Ah - to be able to add a shoal of cories to fill the bottom of the tank... but that would absolutely require an upgrade of tank size!

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 16, 2018, 03:32:00 PM
Sounds like the perfect excuse for a bigger tank to me!  :raspberries
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 16, 2018, 04:58:17 PM
I agree.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on September 17, 2018, 09:57:46 AM
My fish have got very brave. I pruned the plants in the tank and at one point had both hands in up past my elbows. I'm fairly sure it was the rasboras, but I must have had half a dozen little fish "pecking" at my arm.

I have a jam jar for when I feed the fish with frozen food. I scoop up about an inch of tank water and drop the cube in, then when it's melted I pour the whole lot back in the tank. This morning, I scooped up water and put the jar down on the top of the tank to prod the cattapa leaf to sink, and then realised that someone was looking out of the jar at me! I think it was one of the female rainbows, but I was more intent on getting it back into the tank than confirming which of my fish was trying to hitch a lift!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 17, 2018, 11:47:33 AM
Sometimes inquisitive fish can make tank maintenance slightly more difficult, but it's quite nice to have them giving little nibbles when you put your hands in the tank.  ;D

As for the jam jar incident, that's hilarious.   :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 17, 2018, 01:27:04 PM
In my experience, rasboras are very inquisitive, so I wouldn't be in the least surprised if they were pecking at your arm. Despite half the tank being emptied at a time during water changes so that the fish have the other half to hide in, my harlies love coming out to have a look at the half being cleaned and pecking at the siphon tube. During their QT time, the neon greens shoaled up tight; when in the main tank, they overtook/replaced the harlies in the inquisitive stakes during their first water change. The x-rays stay away at all costs!

Isn't it just adorable when a little fish face is looking at you, whether from the jar (as in your case in this instance), when in the bag from the LFS (when all fish faces are watching), or when unfortunately in a hospital tank? Exactly the same look as "puppy dog eyes".


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 17, 2018, 02:05:03 PM
A word of caution about neon green rasboras and water changes. I accidentally sucked one up. When I netted it out of the bucket it must have been in a state of panic because it jumped out of the net. So I picked it up carefully with wet hands (I was in the garden so didn't have time to run in the house to get a paper towel). Amazingly, it was none the worse for its experience.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on September 17, 2018, 05:16:12 PM
The neon green rasboras are definitely experts at looking like foliage. Think that's why it took until I did some major pruning to confirm that I have none left.  :(

Looking at their preferred water conditions I can only guess that it is because my tank and other fish inhabitants are more or less blackwater fish, wereas the m. Kubotai prefer the faster flowing parts of the same waterways. (All the basic parameters suggest that they'd thrive in my tank). I would love to get more, but don't think it's fair. So I'll enjoy reading about @fcmf 's shoal with envy.  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 17, 2018, 05:48:46 PM
Oh @Helen sorry to hear about your neon green rasboras.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 17, 2018, 06:22:50 PM
@Helen, I haven't exactly had much luck so far with mine either, despite also having water parameters in line with their requirements, optimum water quality, careful acclimitisation into QT and mature media in the QT filter. Sometimes there are factors outside our control, which can be very frustrating.

If you look back earlier in this thread, you'll see that I lost one following its first night in the QT, one ended up on the carpet (for reasons I'm still scratching my head over), and one died the day after moving into the main tank, so I only have 5 out of the original 8. So many losses so early on is the worst experience I've had in my tropical fishkeeping. Hopefully the remaining 5 will do ok but one has a very straggly caudal fin and one has no caudal fin beyond its caudal peduncle, so I'm not confident how the situation will pan out. [I've had helpful advice here about replenishing the shoal but taking into account my strong reluctance to introduce newbies without quarantining, not wanting any more bickering if the existing 5 subsequently acquire 3 more tankmates, not wanting to cause any more upheaval by re-quarantining these 5 with 3 newbies and then re-integrating them into the main tank, not being confident based on my experience so far that the 3 newbies would remain 3, seeing how crowded the upper echelon of the tank is now, I'm going to leave it at 5 for at least the foreseeable future.]

So you're very welcome to share my neon green rasboras by proxy fishkeeping, in much the same way as I enjoy your lovely big tank, but I certainly can't promise that it will be smooth.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 17, 2018, 07:21:40 PM
Dear All,
Please remember that we can't "control" nature.
We try our best to provide the best environments for our fishy friends, but we don't know what they have been through previously, or what state their general health is in.
We try our best, and it is still completely gutting when we have a loss.
I'm sure that many of us have been put off re-stocking certain species of fish due to problems, especially when we have done our research and our water parameters are smack bang in the middle of what is suggested by trusted sites and information.
We hear about people keeping fish for years in environments we thought were unsuitable, water parameters outside those we thought were ideal, and possibly even in tanks and/or environments very diferent to those we'd expect, or with other species we thought would be a problem.
Nature is a weird and wonderful thing, and even when we think we've done the right thing, there are problems. Sometimes we facepalm and learn from our mistakes, sometimes we can't get to the bottom of a problem, and keep beating ourselves up over what we could have done better.
Fish are awesome, and nature can be a bit of a bugger.
Big hugs to all having issues, and many thanks to those who have seen all of us through the ups and downs of being a newbie in the world of aquatics.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 17, 2018, 08:40:12 PM
Aw, what a lovely post, @Littlefish - and so true. It should be pinned somewhere on the forum or even turned into a poem!

On a brighter note, I thought I'd post a video of my newer nerite bulldozing its way through the snail food today:
https#://youtu.be/fHFMbOvYS24 [remove # to watch]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on September 17, 2018, 09:10:28 PM
 :rotfl: definitely bulldozing!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 18, 2018, 07:15:14 PM
Bloodworm for dinner. Neon greens hadn't had this before but were, as usual, already pecking at the surface before the food even fell in. They paused for a moment to see if it was indeed food, then followed the x-rays' excited behaviour and devouring of the food. Something very cute about them swimming off with a bloodworm hanging out of their mouths almost the same length as themselves.
 :fishy1:

The neon green that enjoys surfing / swimming head-on into the filter outlet flow seems to have developed the art of doing pirouettes, perhaps as a consequence. He's the skinniest but has the most voracious appetite and has learnt how to grab food, then spin to change direction/course to avoid being chased by those who had hoped to get to it before him. Currently he and Wee Harley are hovering over the nerites' food dish in turns.

For those fortunate enough to have the space (and £), some good aquarium bargains here https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/products/aquarium/aquariums?brands=109  I'm almost salivating looking at the 240!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 18, 2018, 08:26:22 PM
I've mentioned the cloudy-eyed x-ray tetra before and specifically in posts #1500-1504 of this thread. Here is a quick video clip of the eye which has evolved from a basic cloudiness to a thick white covering: https:#//youtu.be/74g7hiMg2uo [remove # to watch clip]. He's still behaving and eating normally, tail is growing back in quickly albeit that particular bit is no longer red, and he's likely to re-injure it as he and one of the other two males (who seems to be blind/injured in one eye) seem to be constantly sparring. On that basis, are views still that there's no need to treat other than through water changes to keep water in optimum condition?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 20, 2018, 03:07:12 PM
Pro Shrimp has a lot of snails for sale again. Guess what I'm about to do......



Order placed for 2 x Clithon sowerbyana and 1 x Vittina waigiensis  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 20, 2018, 05:25:15 PM
Lovely.  :)
Please post pics when you get them.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 20, 2018, 08:57:35 PM
Great; looking forward to seeing them.  :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 21, 2018, 07:06:33 AM
I've mentioned the cloudy-eyed x-ray tetra before and specifically in posts #1500-1504 of this thread. Here is a quick video clip of the eye which has evolved from a basic cloudiness to a thick white covering: https:#//youtu.be/74g7hiMg2uo [remove # to watch clip]. He's still behaving and eating normally, tail is growing back in quickly albeit that particular bit is no longer red, and he's likely to re-injure it as he and one of the other two males (who seems to be blind/injured in one eye) seem to be constantly sparring. On that basis, are views still that there's no need to treat other than through water changes to keep water in optimum condition?

No I don't think treatment is required here @fcmf basically because I don't think the problem can be treated... I don't know for sure but I have always seen stuff like this as the fish equivalent of cataracts.... don't know if I'm right with this though? If the tail is growing back ok then also no treatment required here  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 22, 2018, 10:53:21 AM
Thanks, @Matt, although human cataracts can be treated, so perhaps there's a fish-equivalent treatment. I'll monitor the situation as I think it's a case of treatment might well help (but it's erring on the too-late-to-solve territory now) .v. not wanting to upset the equilibrium in the tank by removing this fish for treatment and potentially it recurring if re-engaged in another of the daily battles with his shoal-mate.

The two snails have been sleeping side-by-side for much of this week. During the water change, I noticed that the wood has got lots of what I thought were the white grains of the Tana sand (mix of beige and white grains) but which I'm questioning now and wondering if they're snail eggs - like sesame seeds and difficult to remove as they're embedded in the wood but not unsightly. The newer nerite spends her algae-eating time on the wood which would account for those if they are snail eggs, while the older nerite spends his algae-eating time on the glass and filters.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 22, 2018, 11:16:11 AM
Those sesame seed like things are nerite eggs. I have a lot of them on the wood in my tank.


Human cataracts are caused by degeneration of the lens inside the eye and the only 'cure' is to remove the natural lens and replace it with a plastic one. Having recently had this operation, I have read up a lot about the condition. The same can happen to a fish's eye, and unless we perform the same operation there is no cure. I doubt whether it is even possible to operate on a fish's eye.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 23, 2018, 11:14:07 AM
Interesting how a slight change of decor arrangement can affect the dynamics in a tank. The anubias on the piece of wood has a lot of leaves with algae on it. I decided to turn it back to front so that the anubias could be hidden under the silk plant leaves at the back of the tank rather than exposed to the light at the front of the tank. Consequently, the tank now has the decor in more of a smooth, tapered fashion height-wise from back down to front (as is often recommended in aquascaping ::) ). This has had the positive consequence of the entire length of the tank at the front having uninterrupted swimming space for the first time, much reduced bickering and pushing between fish over which territory is whose, and a much calmer ambience.
 :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 23, 2018, 11:31:11 AM
Amazing outcome to such a small change.
Great to hear that your gang are now much calmer in their redesigned tank.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on September 25, 2018, 03:16:08 AM
Pro Shrimp has a lot of snails for sale again. Guess what I'm about to do......

Order placed for 2 x Clithon sowerbyana and 1 x Vittina waigiensis  :)

Looking forward to seeing the pics @Sue  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 25, 2018, 08:19:07 AM
The snails were dispatched yesterday so they should come today or tomorrow. I bought them late on Thursday even though I was pretty sure they wouldn't be dispatched till after the weekend, but I didn't want to risk them selling out if I waited till Monday to buy them  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 25, 2018, 09:38:41 AM
@Sue good job you did order them last week - looking at the site today and the Vittina waigiensis are already out of stock.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 25, 2018, 09:40:36 AM
That was quick  :o Either they are very popular (very understandable) or they didn't have many to start with.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 26, 2018, 11:08:47 AM
Dear tiger barbs,
You have a lot of character for your size. You're brave and very sociable.
It's great that you are not phased by tank maintenance.
It is adorable that you are so inquisitive whenever the syphon is put into the tank.
Adorable, but not excessively helpful.  ::)   :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 26, 2018, 02:15:55 PM
I hope they like their new tank too Donna  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 26, 2018, 02:50:49 PM
The snails arrived late this morning. Poor quality photo here https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/gallery-showcase/snail-photos/msg42576/#msg42576
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 26, 2018, 03:36:34 PM
I hope they like their new tank too Donna  :cheers:

I haven't shown then their new tank yet. We have that excitement to come.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 29, 2018, 04:01:12 PM
Hmmm - I keep looking at my tank, thinking it looks great in terms of activity now but a bit top-heavy and that it could do with a bit of life at the bottom to complete the "family", ideally a creature which might eat the pellets which fall. Stocking capacity won't allow much more, so a shoal of tiny cories and a BN plec (ok on SF, apparently too small from our Fish Profiles and I'd tend to agree) aren't an option. That leaves me with shrimp or... any suggestions? Anything tiny that can be kept singly or in a pair would be ideal. Any small gobies or loaches that would fit the bill and very soft water? [Updated: Hmmm, rosy loach looks perfect but is a shoaling fish...]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 29, 2018, 05:41:39 PM
Kuhli loach could fit the bill?  Though worth noteing that the CC doesn't really represent them accurately for me.  Yes they are long, but they are very very thin as well in comparison to other fish...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on September 29, 2018, 06:18:06 PM
I would definitely second kuhli loaches. And I agree that they have a much smaller bioload than their 8cm length. Though how you would calculate if they'd cause your tank to be overstocked, I'm not sure.

I would recommend a minimum number of 5, but even 2 (as I have) would probably be ok. But basically get as many as you think would be comfortable in your tank. The more you have, the more active and intereating they are.

I also think they would help a bit with your pest snails.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 29, 2018, 06:39:29 PM
Thanks, both; will have a think, although any further suggestions welcome. (Incidentally, I haven't had any pest snails for some time since I stopped buying live plants - the ~10ish that came off a large Echinodorus were removed one by one and that plant is long gone.)

Brine shrimp for dinner (for the fish, not me) - those little neon greens have vociferous appetites and try to cram several in their tiny mouths at once, causing their throats/necks to expand due to their greed!
 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 29, 2018, 09:55:32 PM
hey! long time no post  :yikes:

Im finally getting a marine aquarium and my dad is sharing his 190L so i can have more species like my 3 new debauwi cats!

good to hear from you all again!
Apache
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 29, 2018, 10:19:20 PM
Good to hear from you, @apache6467 - I had been wondering about you recently, so that's great to hear your update. Debauwi catfish look interesting, and that's exciting news about a marine aquarium too.
 :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 29, 2018, 10:22:42 PM
yeah, ive just been busy with college and holidays over the summer. My tanks are upgrading so my khuli loaches and glass cats have more room, and recently restarted my shrimpery, still no breeding :(. if you got any questions, feel free to ask!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on September 29, 2018, 11:27:42 PM
Hi @fcmf , I've just thought, where is your tank at with plant (real or not) cover of the substrate? I've realised that I see a lot more of my kuhlis since I've had more plant cover. In my case it is crypts and bolbitus where the leaves provide cover about 10cm above the substrate. So that might be something else to consider if you do decide to go for kuhlis. 

(My bolbitus leaves green shadows on the sand substrate, so I think the leaves can be almost translucent. It took me a lot of prodding and scraping to realise it wasn't patches of algae!.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 30, 2018, 07:42:35 AM
Kuhli loaches have very cute faces @fcmf   :)

Hi @apache6467 great to hear from you. I hope that college is going well, and that you will be posting some pics of your tanks & fish here soon. What are you considering for the marine aquarium?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 30, 2018, 08:38:12 AM
@Littlefish i will be if my phone camera decides to work! The marine is not totally finalised, we have a payment plan for it (£2,200!) but should be a nice addition. Stocking would be mostly corals and im hoping for a gobi!
However to get this tank i had to rearrange my tanks. Yesterday, after heading to Shirley Aquatics (they have a shark tank  :o ) to look at marine tanks, we decided to give it a go. The larger, more boisterous and plant eating fish in the 190L were taken to a new lfs that has tons of corals and a very nice flowerhorn. If only i had the tank, id have my own Frank! 6 Buenos Aries tetras, a female krib and a large angel were traded for money off 3 Debawi Cats!! To catch the tetras was a challenge, so we drained the tank and also removed all the fish to a temporary bucket. Then I got 45KG of playsand at argos for £10! and rescaped the tank. as my 55L is bing upgraded to the 190L, i used wood from there to provide a greter scape and an archway, much to my khuli loaches annoyance. @fcmf khilis are cute, but need a large group and dither fish to show themselves a lot and dont go for snails, as they sift through the sand.

Currently, i have all the stocking for the 190L in my 55L* as i didnt want to leave them in the bucket overnight with no filtration or heating, whilst the 190L clears and heats ready for fish. Once they are moved into the 190L, then my shrimps get an upgrade :D

*I know I know, its currently overstocked but fish should be released today

Current stocking for 190L
**Probably will change**
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 30, 2018, 08:47:29 AM
Wow, you've been very busy.  :)

Marine tanks are not cheap, but as you say, it's a nice addition. I look forward to hearing more about your progress.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 30, 2018, 08:54:55 AM
@Littlefish I forgot to mention that i still have my 3 whiptails and they are going in the 190 too!  :vcross:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 30, 2018, 09:45:12 AM
Awesome.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on September 30, 2018, 03:02:48 PM
the fish have been released!  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 30, 2018, 03:18:37 PM
I hope that they all settle quickly.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 02, 2018, 09:47:24 AM
I have created a Flickr album so I can use my phone camera! Pics are here!
https://www.flickr.com/gp/167234617@N06/7q49iV
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 02, 2018, 10:50:02 AM
Great to see your fish @apache6467   8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 02, 2018, 01:11:03 PM
Very nice, @apache6467
 :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on October 02, 2018, 07:01:14 PM
I really like the black and white steipped fish - what are they? I was going to ask if they're penguin tetras, but that species doesn't seem to be on your stocking list above.

Your tank is generally lovely.  :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 02, 2018, 07:09:34 PM
Thanks!  ;D tho I have a dilema. I have 1 Pearl Gourami. I dont know the sex as im not good enough to identify it. It does seem lonely but i dont know if getting another one is the best idea. If it two males it may lead to fights but i dont know. Id like your opinions before i make a mistake please since i dont want to put either fish or my other community members at risk.

Also any of you stocking geniouses, is my tank overstocked? Juwel rio 190 with fluval 306 filter

Thanks,
Apache
 :fishy1: :fishy1:



@Helen they are African Glass Catfish, more active than the asian glass cats.
https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/pareutropius-buffei/
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 02, 2018, 08:46:44 PM
If you use the community creator on this site and just input fish of the right length rather than necessarily all the right species you will get a view on whether you are overstocked. Let us know the percentage stocked you get given on the internal filter option and we can advise from there.

I personally have kept gourami singly in the past they are not naturally schoaling or schooling (yes there is a difference!) so they are not believed to be required to be kept in groups.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 04, 2018, 06:19:12 PM
I've had a lot on my mind and, by the time I remembered to put the nerite snails' food in their food dish yesterday, lights were off and the fish had assumed their sleeping positions, so I didn't disturb them.

This morning, my orange nerite snail was in the food dish, rather than his usual sleeping quarters that can be one of four locations. I thought something was awry as his innards were protruding in a similar fashion to when he's upside down and attempting to rectify his position. However, I realised he was actually peering up at me, as though quite indignant that he hadn't been fed! Within a minute or so of dropping food into his feeding dish, he was all over it and has remained in situ for the remainder of the day as I have replenished his food supply twice in an effort to acquit myself for having not fed him yesterday.

Updated to add: This evening, both snails are enjoying time together on a leaf, as can be seen from the photo.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 05, 2018, 07:08:59 AM
Snails having a nap after stuffing themselves on extra snacks they managed to guilt trip out of you @fcmf
 ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 05, 2018, 04:49:20 PM
They do enjoy an active "nap", with flesh stuck to flesh, or with one pushed up against the other.   :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 06, 2018, 03:21:49 PM
We have just been to the garden centre which used to house Maidenhead Aquatics' Stokesley branch, the one that was destroyed by fire 6 or 7 months ago. MA's store locator on their website still says "closed until further notice".
But things are happening at the garden centre. The site of the old building is now completely levelled, with earth moving equipment still on site. The outdoor section, which survived unscathed, is still where it always was. The area to the side of the garden centre, which used to be a sub-let area selling sheds and other outbuildings, is now covered with a temporary looking building housing almost everything that used to be in the destroyed building, including autumn lawn feed which was always cheaper here than anywhere else.

The garden centre website says "We will operate out of our temporary facility whilst work begins on rebuilding the garden centre following the devastating fire in April".
The question is, does MA intend reopening there? They still have Stokesley on their website. And what of the staff - surely they can't be sitting at home unemployed for all this time? It is usually the staff that make the difference between awful, average and good fish shops, so will this MA be as good if/when it reopens?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 06, 2018, 03:34:41 PM
Sounds to me like it might be being rebuilt... it will be an insurance job anyways I would think?...

I doubt it will be the same staff when it reopens or rather they will have had to find other work... they might come back the minute it reopens of course as we fishkeepers are a passionate bunch!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 06, 2018, 03:58:03 PM
The Thinkfish member who helped me over my shrimp problem a few years ago lived quite a bit further north than me. Her local MA had the same manager as the one just a couple of miles from us, and she refused to use any branch managed by this chap. She preferred to drive all the way to Stokesley as the manager who was there was so much better. But he will doubtless have moved elsewhere by now  :(

I also have problems with the MA a couple of miles away. It is a lot smaller, which means fewer tanks so a smaller selection of fish. And it used to be owned by the garden centre which was taken over by Wyevale, who turned the fish section over to MA. The old fish section did not have a good reputation, and even though it is now run by MA with all new staff I still can't bring myself to trust it  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 06, 2018, 04:16:12 PM
It amazes me how much the first impressions, look and feel of a shop, and the knowledgeableness/friendliness of the staff away my thinking on a shop.  There is a world of water and an MA near my work, the MA I don't like, the wow I do but the shop is very 'open plan' and whilst the staff are nice it just feels uncomfortable in there...

There is quite a small MA and a large MA nearer home (I travel 100miles a day to work and back!) They have the magic three! Great first impression that has maintained to this day, truely amazing staff and a comfortable browsing environment to the shops.  The managers are different but you can't tell...

That reminds me... I've yet to go to Preston Dobbies MA (the garden centre one). It's just on the wrong side of town a bit too much for my liking and too hard to get to... that's another important factor come to think of it!  Especially when fish transport time is considered... I try and limit it to 30mins.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 06, 2018, 04:39:48 PM
For me, the staff do influence me quite a bit. I used to like one shop in a garden centre near Darlington. Mark was the knowledgable chap there, and nothing was too much trouble for him. Then all the staff suddenly changed, and the fish section went downhill. My then hairdresser who has a pond (and this shop sold pond fish) told me that the owner and his wife divorced and the garden centre sold as part of the settlement. the new owner sacked all the staff and brought in new.
A short while later I went into a shop in Billingham, and there was Mark. He remembered me and we had quite a chat. This shop is not in an area we usually visit, and they specialised in marine fish, so I never went back.
Fast forward a couple of years and we called in a shop just south of Northallerton, which is almost on the way home from York. The shop looked a lot different, then I saw why. Mark is now a partner at this shop! This is now my go-to fish shop. To give you an idea about Mark, he keeps his own fish tanks, and regularly visits fish shows all over the country. He also asked me for details about fishless cycling  ;D Even before he went there, the woman who used to be sole owner gave very good advice. I was in there once listening while she served another customer. No, I'm afraid you can have that fish, your other fish will eat them. No you can't have this other fish, they are also too small to go with your other fish. Which fish will go? Well, how about this, and this, and this....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 07, 2018, 07:07:19 AM
Let's hope that the MA gets rebuilt. Perhaps, with it being new and shiney, it will attract the good staff to return.

I find it quite interesting to eavesdrop on advice being given. There is certainly a big difference in the approach by those who care about the fish, and those who are looking for sales. 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 09, 2018, 09:34:45 PM
~~Apaches Weekly Update 9/10/18~~

:fishy1:New Additions :fishy1:
The 190 has had some interesting inhabitants, that are used for (pest)snail control. Before you all comment; not another clown loach! they arn't, they are another, smaller and I dare say prettier member of the botia family. 2 Zebra, or as I like to call them, Candy Stripe Loaches! Inspired from the latest issue of PFK (With the flowerhrorn on the front!).
Another new species was also added to the 190L was a trio of Blue Rams! They are stunning little fish and we have a male and two females that were in the shop for around 2 weeks as a trio and ate as soon as I released them into the aquarium after 'drip' acclimation using a syringe. I have also applied to do work expirience at the LFS and fingers crossed, a part time job, but who knows!

:fishy1:190L Community Spotlight :fishy1:
The first spotlight goes to the oldest inhabitants and my personal favourite when I was young, the Bronze Corydoras AKA Corydoras Aeneus. I have 4 of them. 3 males and a female, Big Bertha. I remember going to the LFS and asking my dad for some bronze catfish, and that sparked my interest for Corydoras, and catfish on the whole. They have successfully laid eggs in the past but none were fertile  :-\ but they wouldn't have lasted in the community tank, as the fry would be lunch!
They often appear out of nowhere when food is dropped in and they will eat just about everything. A real beginner friendly fish and a catfish that doesn't hide until you poke it!

Shrimpery Update
Not much has been going on with the shrimp at the moment but they always come out for feeding time. No shrimplets yet, but fingers crossed! The embers are getting along nicely, and one has only one eye! It manages to compete for food surprisingly well.

Thats it for this weeks update, and the first time writing in this style, so constructive feedback is much appreciated!

Thanks for reading,
 :fishy1: Apache :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on October 09, 2018, 09:41:23 PM
If you plan on doing an update every week, why don't you set up thread for them - perhaps on the gallery board. That way we can read your updates together instead on them getting lost in the 'Daily News.

Your style is a bit different, but I don't dislike it. And it'll be nice to be able to easily find your updates if I miss one.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 09, 2018, 09:54:33 PM
If you plan on doing an update every week, why don't you set up thread for them - perhaps on the gallery board. That way we can read your updates together instead on them getting lost in the 'Daily News.

Your style is a bit different, but I don't dislike it. And it'll be nice to be able to easily find your updates if I miss one.

Shall do! Only problem is I tend to loose my thread after a while! Ill port the post over now.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 09, 2018, 10:00:42 PM
It's easy to find your thread if you lose it. Click on Profile -> summary, then click on show posts under your avatar.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 09, 2018, 10:13:55 PM
Thanks Sue! I have created the new thread, and it has some more information as a bonus, that I totally didnt forget to add to the original post! Happy Reading!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 11, 2018, 09:01:26 PM
The marine tank is no longer going ahead due to costs, and a deal on at out local lfs. For £220, you get a 1.2 metre long 240L tank, internal and canister filter with uv light, heater, LED lights and CO2 diffuser. The substrate, plants and wood are included. We have also purchased 2 electric blue rams for the tank, but they will stay at the lfs for now, as I dont want to mix them with my regular rams.

As for stocking ideas....

Peppered, Sterbai and Panda Corydoras
Coral red pencilfish
Emperor Tetras
Electric Blue Rams
Marbeled Hatchets
Possibly 2 pairs of  appistograma, different species (LFS expert said it would be possible due to the long tank)

Thoughts and critisisms welcome!
Apache
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 11, 2018, 09:07:24 PM
Sounds good, with one exception. Either the rams plus one pair of apistos, or two pairs of apistos and no rams. Don't forget to take everything an LFS says with a pinch of salt till you've researched it for yourself.

Don't forget that some species of apisto are harem breeders so if you chose one of those you could do 1 male and 3 females plus the rams in that size tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 11, 2018, 09:09:33 PM
One pair of apistos it is then, as the rams are an appeasement gift!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 11, 2018, 09:15:23 PM
Or a male and a harem of 3 females with a harem type apisto  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 11, 2018, 09:17:08 PM
Or a male and a harem of 3 females with a harem type apisto  ;)

What apisto do you reccomend then @Sue ? Harem sounds very interesting but the tail of the male must be a centrepeice!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 11, 2018, 09:31:11 PM
Cockatoo apistos (Apistogramma cacatuoides) is a harem breeder, and one of the more commonly available species. There are several colour forms of the male with all females being yellow with black markings. For example, one shop quite near to me has its stock on-line and is currently selling double red, orange and gold. The photos on http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/apistogramma-cacatuoides/ include a few different varieties.
Another easily available harem breeder is A. agassizii, and again there are various colour strains.

Have a look round see if you can find a few different colour varieties in shops to help you decide.


Apistos are cave breeders so you'll need one cave for each female plus one extra to give them some choice. Keep them at the other end of the tank from where the rams choose, but have at least 30cm between caves.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 11, 2018, 09:40:32 PM
I liked the looks of the Agassizii in the LFS so ill go with them, ill try and get some caves too, Thanks Sue!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on October 11, 2018, 11:11:38 PM
I have found that the cheapest (but by no means the easiest) way to buy caves is to buy a coconut from the supermarket. You will also need a decent hacksaw.  :yikes: 2 caves cost me 80p. It took quite a long time before the caves were useable, though.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 12, 2018, 06:45:21 AM
Have a look at the different colour forms of agassizi. Here is a flame red for example... the female is a gorgeous orange.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 12, 2018, 09:36:32 AM
Stunning Matt, definitely having some. I was also thinking maybe adding some synodintis nigreventis but worried if they will eat the pencil fish or emperor tetras. I'm still undecided on the species of pencil fish so ideas are welcome :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 12, 2018, 09:48:53 AM
Last night I was in a rush to turn my laptop off, and I've looked again at your fish list.

One species of cory is fine, but be aware that if either rams or apistos breed the cories could take a bit of beating. They have no concept of territory and will never learn to stay away from eggs or fry. The cichlids could well attack them for coming too close.

Emperor tetras are quite big and active. I had some for a while, and in the end traded them for pencilfish. Emperors could stress out the cichlids which are sedate fish. Are there any smaller, more sedate mid water fish that you like?

Pencilfish and hatchets share the same region of the tank. If the coral red pencilfish are Nannostomus mortenthaleri, they are very expensive! The similar but less colourful N. marginatus is cheaper. Both should be OK with hatchets, though the top of the water could look quite crowded.
The most easily available pencilfish is the golden or Beckford's pencilfish https://www.thinkfish.co.uk/fish/golden-pencilfish.html, though I have read comments that they do not get on with any other fish that live at the water surface such as hatchets.


Emperors are probably too big for a synodontis to eat but the smaller pencilfish and hatchets might make a snack. They are more confident kept in groups of 3 or 4.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 12, 2018, 06:42:19 PM
Not a weekly update but warrants an update of its own, will probably recover this in my other thread on wednesday.
After discovering one of my cherries was finally berried! I drained the tank and moved it to its new location to make room for the new 240L. As i refilled it, water was leaking! I rushed to get my shut down 55L restarted in case of a crack. Turns out i had overfilled the 37L  :vcross:
I was planning to upgrade my shrimpery to the 55L to give the shrimps more space to hide, the embers more swimming room and to eventually get some more dwarf corydoras species. I have now set up my 55L and transferred the shrimp with a shot glass to not damage them, or any potential eggs in a net. I have 2 berried cherry shrimp and a berried tiger shrimp.
The latter shocked me since I only have a femlae tiger and no male. However, i did pick up a mystery shrimp which i thought was a male cherry, turns out it was a male red tiger!!!

My year of trying to breed shrimp is paying off! I just need a source of Cholla wood for the shrimp and shrimplets to hide in. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 13, 2018, 06:18:54 AM
Oh dear, I can imagine the panic when you saw the water leaking... :vcross:

Your two species of chimp can interbreed @apache6467
There are some useful tables online showing which species can interbreed and which can't. It's a bit if a lottery what you will end up with as adult shrimp too...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 13, 2018, 08:04:46 AM
@Matt  they cannot, as Tiger Shrimp are Caridina cantonensis and RCS are neocaridina davidi, two different genus. Ive done my reasearch! ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 13, 2018, 08:19:39 AM
Quite right... I misread the chart!  :isay:

Congrats on the little ones in that case!a  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 13, 2018, 08:32:39 AM
Thanks Matt!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 13, 2018, 09:46:12 AM
Congratulations @apache6467   :cheers:

I'm looking forward to seeing lots of pictures as things progress.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 13, 2018, 07:59:00 PM
Having a bit of a snail crisis in my shrimp tank, as i forgot to clean the substrate as i was panicking due to a false alarm!
 what do you reccommend, since assassins arnt doing a good job
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 13, 2018, 10:19:52 PM
Addressing the root cause will bring their numbers down... less waste food/dead plant matter etc in the tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on October 13, 2018, 10:49:59 PM
Im just letting my shrimp feed off the bio film on the sponge filter and snail poo, and feeding one crushed up flake for the embers.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 15, 2018, 04:01:30 PM
I have mentioned in the past that peacock gudgeons/gobies like to spawn in tight spaces. This afternoon I noticed that the big male was in his cave - a length of plastic pipe, internal diameter 1.5 cm, weighted down with a piece of slate. When he went on a swim round, I had a good look, and yes the top and sides of the cave are covered with eggs.

I took a couple of photos. The first is a blurry pic of the male in question. He's the biggest fish in the tank. The second is him back inside the cave. How did a female get in there as well  ???
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 15, 2018, 06:30:24 PM
Congratulations on the eggs @Sue   :cheers:

It must have been a very tight squeeze in that pipe, but where there's will there's a way. They were obviously quite determined to get the business done.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 15, 2018, 06:35:53 PM
I don't expect anything to come out of this spawning as the fry will be eaten very quickly.

With peacock gudgeons it's the male who guards the eggs. I had these fish years ago in a smaller tank where I could watch them better. The eggs are attached to the inside of the cave with a sort of neck. The male keeps the eggs clean by sucking each egg in turn, until one day as he sucks the fry emerges. He then spits the fry outside the cave to fend for itself where, in a community tank, it promptly gets eaten.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 16, 2018, 09:12:43 AM
I have a natural tendency to accumulate junk. A lot of my spare fish stuff was in 2 lidded boxes approx 50 x 30 x 20 cm in the greenhouse which is more of a glass shed than a greenhouse. Yesterday evening I wanted something out of the bottom box. The top one fell apart as I lifted it off, and the bottom one fell apart as I lifted it forwards from under the shelf. So I have just been sorting out the contents. I have thrown about half of the stuff away, the rest has gone into one of the two 25 litre tanks on top of the shelf.
Why did I keep old plastic plants that were falling apart, several bits and pieces that I'd tried as decor but didn't look right, countless plastic tubs, pieces of drainpipe (how many do I need anyway, surely just 2 is enough).
I probably need to sort again through what I've kept - and then there are the old lidless kitchen waste bins and handleless buckets full of stuff as well.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 16, 2018, 09:53:50 AM
Theres nothing like a good clear out when your in the mood  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 19, 2018, 07:47:11 PM
Why did I keep old plastic plants that were falling apart,
As someone who doesn't like throwing things out as I always think there may be, and indeed often is, a future use for them, I think plastic plants have a tendency to distintegrate and look awful when they've not actually been in the tank. When they're in the tank water, they're fine, but, after a period of being in box, they tend to dry out to such an extent that they look unsightly. Having said that, the ones which haven't disintegrated entirely in that time tend to resurrect themselves when put back in again.

I've noticed my x-rays (almost 4) and harlequins (3.5) have begun to show signs of ageing recently.
The one x-ray who tends not to get interlocked in battle with the others, each of whom have eye injuries, has shown a slight struggle to maintain buoyancy this week - not floating as such but having to wade vigorously to maintain being upright.
The 4 large harlequins could scarcely be distinguished from one another; however, in the past few weeks, one has become very thin with a flat / almost concave underside which makes his face/eyes look disproportionately large, while another developed a gash which evolved into a round and deep ulcer, almost identical to the one experienced by one of the female x-rays.
In view of these, plus the ongoing raggedly tails of a couple of the neon green rasboras, I dosed some Easylife Voogle this week. That resulted in the same as happened to the female x-ray tetra in that the ulcer developed a sprout of fungus out of it. That fell off and the wound/ulcer seems to be healing, for now at least.
Water quality all normal, so it must just be signs of ageing.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 24, 2018, 02:31:33 PM
The fish were about to be given a treat of brine shrimp for lunch to celebrate 4 years' tropical fishkeeping / arrival of the x-ray tetras. However, I noticed that one (neon green rasbora) fish had vanished since the morning count. Everything was removed from the tank, and out she floated from behind the filter once it was removed as a final resort. She had actually decomposed quite markedly since just 5 hours beforehand when enjoying breakfast as usual.

Really rather annoyed about this as I'd purchased watersafe magnets which were doing a fantastic job at keeping the filter tight against the glass and preventing the snails from pushing their way in there, so how on earth this fish ended up behind the filter when there seemed to be no gap anywhere nearly large enough to allow this to happen, I cannot fathom!
 :vcross:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 24, 2018, 04:52:13 PM
Sorry to hear about your rasbora.
I can't imagine how she managed to get behind the filter.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 26, 2018, 08:43:33 AM
Sorry to hear this... I suppose it might have got pulled into that space after it passed??... still not good news  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 26, 2018, 07:04:55 PM
Still struggling to fathom how the fish ended up there but can only assume it was through being chased by another and/or a possible fright reaction - I've noticed that, in the mornings, the fish's shadows look extra large against that filter and my own shadow too. In fact, it's the same in the evening - my orange nerite fell off the glass when my shadow passed the tank yesterday evening and this isn't the first time this self-defence mechanism has occurred.

Anyway:
* I have now squeezed filter wool along the edges of the filter which will hopefully prevent a recurrence;
* after some deliberation over this, I have decided to top up the shoal of neon greens and will do so tomorrow, so fingers crossed...


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 27, 2018, 02:39:17 PM
In LFS. Argh- the temptation... 4 replacement microdevarios (sensible choice) or habrosus cories which I've been wanting for ages (but NB overstocking). Aaargh. A male betta is also very seriously tempting me... I'm going to end up "doing a Littlefish" and buying a new tank despite nowhere to put it...

Edited to add: Have had to come home, empty-handed, for a cold showerplay on the CC. Too much temptation in the LFS!

So, stocking-wise, to add: 6 habrosus = 104%; 4 microdevarios = 95%. Why do the heart and the head cause so much conflict in fishkeeping..?!

Meanwhile, due to my indecision, the filter media transferred into the QT filter is going to go dormant.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 27, 2018, 04:51:17 PM
The microdevario are the best option. You already have some so getting more will make them 'happier'. All dwarf cories need at least 10, and that would be pushing it.
You'd need another tank for a betta as well  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 27, 2018, 05:37:55 PM
Thanks, Sue. My existing fish are messing with my mind, so I'm currently "feeding" fish food to the QT to keep the filter bacteria alive, while I decide whether or not to add the additional microdevarios. What you say makes perfect sense in theory although we do know that I have rather quirky fish that are a law unto themselves.

The harlequins have been shoaled up on one side of the tank for the past month or two. I've been wondering if it's because the juvenile microdevarios are too active by comparison and taking up most of the tank, and in the harlies' space at the top, so the harlies are seeking refuge and peace to the side and the x-rays at the bottom. Typical today that, possibly because we're now down to 4 very active fish, everyone's decided to come out a bit more and intermingle. Either that, or they've sussed from me moving equipment back and forth, that I'm setting up the QT in the spare room and they're trying to demonstrate that there's no need for any more fish as they're perfectly fine as they are!  ::)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 27, 2018, 06:24:13 PM
Goby decided to bury himself in the sand at the front of the tank tonight!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 27, 2018, 06:35:53 PM
How cute is that little head peeking up! He looks like he's "swimming" through it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 27, 2018, 07:50:48 PM
I know I shouldn't have gobies (water flow not really high enough for them) but they are so adorable I can't help myself. Your photo is a good example of this adorableness  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 28, 2018, 04:58:25 PM
A couple of videos today:

Main tank - https://#youtu.be/LA0FHwt6d6c [remove # to watch] - fish now intermingling, much to my delight, rather than the active green ones taking over and resulting in everyone else at the sidelines.
Aware of a couple of problems ie cloudy-eyed tetra as previously mentioned (due to frequent sparring with shoal-mates) and skinny harlequin (attempting to feed through a pipette containing a mix of fishfood, crushed garlic and tank water but with little success).

QT - https://#youtu.be/XYTooqwlEc0 [remove # to watch] - some new additions, arrived today and settling in nicely for their month's quarantine.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 29, 2018, 02:23:47 PM
I've been keeping a very close eye on the newbies. All was well until mid-morning, when I suddenly only noticed 3. All eventualities have been covered with cable holes blocked with filter wool, etc, so checked the water surface, substrate, plants, etc, to no avail - then decided worth checking behind the filter even although it's absolutely tiny and the suction cups so flat against the tank wall that the gap created by them is no more than 1-2 mm. With no wallpaper on the side walls of the tank, it was easy to see - one of the microdevarios had wedged itself in there since I'd last looked in the tank not long beforehand. Thankfully, I managed to dislodge it without any adverse consequences. If this can happen with such a tiny filter, then it's no wonder one got lodged last week in the main tank near the larger suction cups which create a wider gap of maybe double that at 3-4mm. Argh - why do they like forcing themselves into small gaps?! I reckon I'm going to be up almost constantly during the night, checking the situation by torchlight...

All I can say is that, if this doesn't work out this time round, I think I'll have to stick to larger sized fish from now on where such scenarios are less likely to occur.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 29, 2018, 08:19:31 PM
Could you bring the filter away from the glass a bit so the gap is a bit bigger and they can't get wedged in?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 29, 2018, 09:30:42 PM
Your fish are looking very perky @fcmf   :)

I think Matt may have a good point about the filter.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 30, 2018, 07:33:59 PM
Thanks; I think I have 3 girls and 1 boy - same as the 4 microdevarios in the main tank. I can't stop doting on them.

I've tried experimenting with filter wool but am struggling to expand the gap - any other suggestions for keeping the filter attached to the wall but perhaps by some other means besides suction cups or magnets? I have given everyone a stern talking-to, though, and pleased to report that no such antics took place overnight or today so far.

Updated to add: Having had another episode of a fish lodging itself behind the QT filter yesterday evening, I made a concerted attempt to avoid this happening again. Filter wool was too malleable to do the trick but I found some sturdier foam and have managed to create a barrier. So far, so good - but I expect the filter will ultimately dislodge from the wall; however, better that than a fatality.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 01, 2018, 05:22:10 PM
These new microdevarios have a lovely nature - all active but very harmonious so far, with no one character having taken control and sent others scattering. Tempting to keep them in the QT and have it set up as a permanent feature for well-behaved fish, potentially moving a few of similar nature across from the main tank. Not quite sure this suggestion of the QT as a permanent installation would go down very well with Mr FCMF, though.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 01, 2018, 07:18:26 PM
Great to hear that your fish are doing well. Your microdevarios are very cute.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: apache6467 on November 02, 2018, 05:53:50 PM
Hello!
News update
I have now got several more debaui cats for the 240, some peppered corydoras, golden and red pencilfish and some double red apistos! 11 pearl danios complete the setup!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 02, 2018, 08:33:06 PM
Sounds great - please post some pics when everyone has settled in.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 08, 2018, 08:51:39 PM
Have been to the local MA twice this week, and to the one near Aquarium Gardens (seemed rude not to have a look in while I was there), and I've managed not to buy any fish. I may need to mark this event on a calendar.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 14, 2018, 09:49:23 PM
Veggie kebab in the river tank. The baby sweetcorn is more popular than expected, though they've also given the carrots a go.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 15, 2018, 07:43:37 PM
The gobies in the river tank have put on quite a display over the past couple of evenings. Three males have been vying for the attention of one female. I swear that one of the males was twerking for her - which was both disturbing and hilarious.  :rotfl:

[Moved from 'Kribensis' to 'Think Fish Keepers Daily News' where I assume it belonged.  C:-) FCMF.]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 16, 2018, 04:13:00 PM
The hornwort was taking over again. There was a layer 6 inches thick floating on top of the tank. This is probably why the Windelov Java fern and bolbitis were beginning to look a bit sad.
During this afternoon's water change I removed all the floating hornwort. It bulged over the top of a B & Q 12 litre builders bucket. I left the stems which were weighted down with terracotta plant weights. Then I sorted through it, picking off the bits of water sprite and Brazilian pennywort. I saved some stems and used extra plant weights from the cupboard, then threw the rest in the compost bin.

One thing I overlooked. Terracotta pants weights are quite light when dry. I now have three of them floating half way down the tank. Hopefully they'll sink when they get waterlogged  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 17, 2018, 02:33:38 PM
I tested for ammonia and nitrite this morning, and found the ammonia colour was between the zero and 0.25 shades. I was a bit worried that removing so many plants would result in this. But there were no Malaysian trumpet snails crawling up the glass, the nerites were not trying to escape and the shrimps were pottering about as usual so I didn't panic.
After lunch I tested again and got zero ammonia. But I still did a small water change (1 bucket instead of 7.5) because of the bits of hornwort leaf all over the sand.


I can see my fish now, they aren't lurking in a barely lit tank under all that foliage. I am quite surprised that the rasboras are still out and about as I expected them to panic with less cover over them.
The rice fish are responding to the combination of water change followed by food - the males have darkened and are chasing the females. Maybe they like a brighter tank  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 22, 2018, 04:22:30 PM
I had a nice trip to the local MA this morning to buy marbled hatchets and some bits & pieces.
It turned out to be a far more productive trip than usual....I was looking at their display of Dr. Bassleer biofish food, I haven't tried it before, but I quite like to give my gang a bit of a change occasionally.
The store manager asked if I'd like some samples........oooh, yes please.  :) 
He said that they get 3g sample packs with each delivery, and gave me a bag with some sachets.
I didn't have a good look in the bag until just now, and have just realised quite how many samples I have. More than enough to share, so if anyone would like to try a few samples please let me know.
This is what I have available (most are granular size "M" = 0.5mm) :-
Regular
Garlic
Aloe
Chlorella
Matrine
Forte
Herbal
Here is the link to say what is in each one https://www.bassleer.com/vissen/biofish-food/

Also, if anyone has any experience with this food, please let me know what you think, before I start throwing it into my fish tanks. :)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 22, 2018, 05:04:55 PM
Ooooh - new fish - exciting... and overdue by your standards!  ;) :fishy1:
Glad your faithful patronage of your local MA has paid off with some well-deserved samples, and also very kind of you to offer to share some of them. Skinny Harley (RIP) might have benefited from some of these as I see some mention for loss of appetite.  :'(

In my own tank, the spare filter or its cable was causing a lot of vibration yesterday evening, to the extent that I removed it under plea from Mr FCMF, moving the filter media into the tank so as not to lose all the beneficial bacteria. What a difference its removal has made - the tank seems so much roomier, much more aesthetically interesting as the main filter and heater are hidden at the back, and the fish are intermingling so much more rather than in separate territories / station points according to whether they like/dislike the filter outflow.

Current positioning is the green neons lively at the very top, more sedate harlies on the strata immediately below, and x-rays on the bottom.  :fishy1:

Edited to add video: https://#youtu.be/fWevvPEwIpY [remove # to watch], with apologies for scratches on tank due to algae magnet use some time ago, silk plants in lieu of former real plants plus the need for some general scrubbing of them as BBA has set in on them and food debris have landed on them.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on November 22, 2018, 11:24:38 PM
Interesting to hear that the removal of the spare filter made such a difference to you fish behaviours @fcmf . And it's lovely to see them all 'doing their thing'

Btw, your tank looks great with all the silk plants. And I can't see the BBA.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: TopCookie on November 23, 2018, 02:58:42 AM
Love the video fcmf...   :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 23, 2018, 09:12:25 PM
There is something very adorable about watching tiny fish (eg neon green rasboras / MDK) chomping on a large brineshrimp or savouring a piece of bloodworm.
 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 23, 2018, 09:49:12 PM
There is something very adorable about watching tiny fish (eg neon green rasboras / MDK) chomping on a large brineshrimp or savouring a piece of bloodworm.
 :fishy1:

I agree.
I also like seeing my amano shrimp run off with a whole algae wafer.

I'm quite small, but completely certain I am far from adorable when tackling a large meal.  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 24, 2018, 09:35:26 AM
Reading about Littlefish's Maidenhead Aquatics in another thread prompted me to look at their store locator.

I'm now very happy  ;D

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/store/stokesley




The place was totally destroyed, just a tangle of metal roof lying on top of incinerated garden centre. Just a couple of months ago we went there to get some autumn lawn feed and there was nothing, they were still clearing the last of the debris, and operating from a temporary building adjacent to the site. The garden centre website says they are still operating from this temporary building, so where exactly is this MA that's about to re-open? The temp building is too small for them as well. I'll keep an eye on the MA site, then I'll have to persuade my husband to take a trip.......

[For those readers who don't know what I'm talking about, see post #1093 on page 44 of this thread]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 24, 2018, 10:05:46 AM
Great news Sue.  :cheers:
Please keep us updated on the progress of your local MA.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 24, 2018, 01:45:55 PM
That is good. I'll never forget this as it really upset me, thinking about what those poor fish might have gone through - and hoping sincerely that it was swift. I've had a look at their Facebook page and the precise location is not clear - I got the impression it might be in the temporary building - but most of the staff have been working in the Stockton-on-Tees branch and will be returning to this branch.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 24, 2018, 01:58:35 PM
Good to know that they kept the staff on!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 24, 2018, 02:06:50 PM
I have not been in the Stockton branch recently to recognise any of the Stokesley staff, even if Stockton is a lot nearer. Stockton is the smallest MA I've ever been in so they don't stock as much as the other branches. It's in a Wyevale garden centre and we tend to avoid those - their dry good are expensive and their plants are arranged by climate type not alphabetically so we can never find anything. Strikes at Stokesley not only is a better garden centre is also used to house a bigger MA, and hopefully soon will again.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 25, 2018, 03:35:19 PM
A flurry of activity in the tank today. X-rays are sedate at the bottom, enjoying the peace and shade of a silk plant. Harlies are sedately over to one side. Greenies are playing in the filter outlet flow, in a sort-of restructuring of the hierarchy as to who gets first rights to ride the flow - so far, two of the slightly older and bigger (3cm) ones seem to be at the top of the hierarchy but one newer and smaller (1.5cm) one is challenging one of the older ones, while the remaining 3 smaller ones are playing tig a little lower down in the tank, possibly sorting out who's next in the ranking order.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 26, 2018, 08:37:04 AM
Good to hear that your gang are settling in the tank @fcmf
Fingers crossed for a long period of peace, harmony, and good health for all.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 26, 2018, 06:03:56 PM
Thanks, @Littlefish

I've noticed today that the new fish haven't quite got used to human habits. For example, if I'm sitting by the tank and lift a hand to move a hair away from my face, they scatter, causing the entire tankload of fish to follow suit. Later on at lunchtime, I was sitting eating my sandwich by the tank and wondered if they'd notice that I was actually eating and start begging for their own lunch but, instead, they scattered every time I lifted the sandwich to my mouth. Needless to say, I felt bad about eating in front of them and instilling panic, so followed this up with fishfood (for them, not me).

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 06, 2018, 01:50:27 PM
It's that time of year again with the darker days, which I think we discussed last year, when the fishtank light makes the tank brighter than the room it's in. My fish have been very pre-occupied with their own reflections and vigorously swimming alongside these reflections for the past few days.
 :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 06, 2018, 01:59:09 PM
My betta is in a tank with a perspex lid. The tank light comes on mid afternoon. It was so dim at lunchtime today that I had to turn the kitchen light on so he could find his food  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 08, 2018, 12:13:11 PM
Went to MA this morning to get some RO water., and I've had another accident... ::)
I swore I'd never get another betta after the recent loss of both Kimi and Seb, but as soon as I saw this little fella I fell for him, so meet Spot.
He's been reserved, and is still at the store until I get a tank set up for him.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 08, 2018, 01:59:49 PM
Oooh, he's pretty  :)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 08, 2018, 03:35:19 PM
Ooooh, I love reading about your ":fishy1: accidents" - if anything, it perturbs me if some time has passed without one occurring as it seems as though the world is out-of-sorts.

He is indeed lovely. Looking forward to seeing him in his new home in due course.



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 08, 2018, 04:17:00 PM
 ::)  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 08, 2018, 07:08:56 PM
That is the store that has been having a bit of a refurbishment, and got the extra plant tanks recently. They also seem to be getting some really nice looking fish in over the past couple of months, and I think I'm going to have to start going to that store wearing blinkers because there is far too much temptation.  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 09, 2018, 09:37:18 AM
The MA website still says Stokesley is re-opening end November, but I haven't been to investigate yet. Garden centres are so busy at this time of year, and in the small temporary building it would probably take me half an hour to reach the MA through the crowds  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 09, 2018, 05:16:23 PM
The MA website still says Stokesley is re-opening end November, but I haven't been to investigate yet. Garden centres are so busy at this time of year, and in the small temporary building it would probably take me half an hour to reach the MA through the crowds  ;D
According to its Facebook page (https://en-gb.facebook.com/MAStokesley/), and an update yesterday, there is no livestock in just yet.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 09, 2018, 06:32:48 PM
In that case it's a good thing we haven't braved the Christmas crush  ;D I don't use Facebook, I just go by MA's website. Presumably they do have dry goods?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 10, 2018, 08:43:02 PM
In that case it's a good thing we haven't braved the Christmas crush  ;D I don't use Facebook, I just go by MA's website. Presumably they do have dry goods?
Yes, according to a comment on that page.  :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 10, 2018, 09:22:57 PM
Actually that makes a lot of sense if they are in a corner of the temporary building. It will be easy enough to move shelves of decor, food, filter media etc once the new building is finally built, but setting up a lot of tanks and the filtration system isn't something to be done quickly, nor would it be easy to move.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 20, 2018, 12:34:09 PM
There is so much "activity" going on in the tank that I'm having to avert my eyes. Suffice to say that the elderly harlequins, even Bent Spine/Tail Harley who I thought had only a matter of days/weeks to live, have somehow mustered up sufficient energy to spend ages frolicking with one another. This seemed to put ideas in the minds of the young neon green rasboras who were frolicking in the hornwort this morning. Just glanced in again and "activity" is rife!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 20, 2018, 01:22:59 PM
Glad to hear that your fish are so "active" @fcmf even if you have to avert your eyes from the frolicking.
Perhaps they are having their Christmas party....... ;D

I've just got back from MA. I went to collect Spot, but unfortunately he had recently passed away from dropsy. It's a shame, but at least it didn't happen after I got him, as that really would have been the last straw as far as any future bettas would have been concerned.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 20, 2018, 04:23:36 PM
Oh, what terrible news about Spot, @Littlefish :'( - really sorry to learn of that but, as you say, better to have happened before he came home with you than afterwards.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 24, 2018, 05:18:43 PM
Well, well, well. - after several decades of watching Mary Poppins at this time of year, I've only just discovered that there's a Bi-Orb containing several goldfish in it during the opening scenes. Severely over-stocked but knowledge on suitable tank requirements wasn't as widely available in those days.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 24, 2018, 05:24:34 PM
Or was it just a goldfish bowl? I haven't seen the film in years.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 24, 2018, 06:07:53 PM
Definitely a Bi-Orb style with the vase-/neck-like bit on top - a 60-litre, I'd say. There was a brief reappearance a little later although I'm not convinced the fish were in it during that scene. Keeping my eyes peeled for it but it seems to have disappeared...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 06, 2019, 09:43:17 PM
I won myself a Tropica Award Box!  ;D

Quite a nice little surprise! I entered a competition on Instagram (I'm @ScapeEasy if anyone wants to look me up) to advertise the inspiration pages on the Tropica website. Below was my entry.

From what I can tell the award box includes a Tropica towel, some root tabs, some plant fertiliser, along with a load of stickers/leaflets etc etc.

Very happy indeed :D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 07, 2019, 02:42:19 PM
Ooooh, congratulations!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 07, 2019, 07:06:13 PM
Thanks @fcmf it arrived today actually... rubbish photo on a cold dark blow night alert...

The little note in the lid is cute and I really like the towel... a 'can't buy in the shops' exclusive apparently!

The co2 diffuser is a bit of a new one on me. My site and style is all about easy, low maintnenace and low tech aquascaping, but!... I do suppose I can't really claim to know my trade until I've tried it... maybe I can rig something up with the co2 canisters I have for bike wheels that I got on the cheap some time back and use this in the 12litre nano tank... I'll see what I can do with the bits I've got this weekend... if I can't get everything attached properly, this may have to go unused though!... shame really...

Anyway I picked the package up from a neighbour who was very interested with a parcel from Norway relating to aquariums which he kept years ago and has passed onto his son (really nice guy who we see around quite a bit) so I think I'm going t get a visit from the son soon... I got the life story a little bit but it was quite nice to know there are local people into aquariums... they might be getting asked to fish sit next time we are away little do they know lol...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 10, 2019, 10:28:18 AM
My betta died yesterday - I found him last evening  :'(

He had not been well for a few weeks. He started by not eating, then hiding under decor and just wasted away. The really upsetting thing for me was that he became ill at the same time that my mother also became ill, so the betta was my second priority. Now that he has died I feel guilty I didn't try to treat whatever it was.
My mother died 4 weeks ago which is why I've not been on the forum as much as usual. I had no idea there was so much to do afterwards, and with so many bank holidays in the way I still haven't come to the end!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 10, 2019, 01:44:59 PM
Oh @Sue I'm so sorry to hear about both your mother and your betta.
Try not to feel guilty, you had a lot on your plate and your mother would obviously be the priority.
You have sadness heaped on top of sadness, and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on January 10, 2019, 04:08:24 PM
@Sue  I am so sorry to hear about your mother and your betta. My thoughts are with you.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 10, 2019, 04:14:59 PM
Thank you both.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 10, 2019, 07:12:25 PM
Really sorry to hear of the series of unfortunate events here @Sue

This may provide no comfort at all, but treating your betta would not have come with a guarantee of a different outcome and I'm sure we would all have had the same set of priorities as you.

There certainly is a lot to do at a time like this so please do take what time you need to get straight. And if I may... please remember to take time to look after yourself too  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 10, 2019, 07:25:11 PM
Thanks Matt. There are times when our fish do need to take second place. I did water changes but little else I'm afraid - though I do find water changes to be quite relaxing in a funny sort of way. They make us spend time doing something that takes very little thought, and make us stop rushing round doing other things.

Things are finally slowing down, just a couple of things left to do, and then I have to wait while government agencies do their bit which will no doubt take some time. At least it'll give me time to relax a bit  :)








However, I did take time out to get a new betta this afternoon, though I can't decide what colour he is with the lights off. He's either cream, pale pink or pale peach. I'll have to wait till lights-on tomorrow......
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 10, 2019, 08:00:21 PM
I had just sent Sue a PM in connection with her post earlier today, when I realised I'd forgotten to feed my fish - these dark mornings make me delay it as they're usually not moving about much. On checking the tank, I noticed that my first snail (the tiger nerite) was lying on his back in his food pot, with his innards out and twisted-looking, with no sign of attempting to rectify himself. I tried to turn him over with an aquascaping tool but he rolled back again. Thankfully, I succeeded on the 3rd attempt. He's spent the entire afternoon and early evening sleeping rather than cleaning the front pane of glass which more-or-less confirms that he'd fallen on his back overnight and had been lying awake, awaiting rescue. :-[ I have no valid reason for not having checked the tank occupants earlier in the day.

How nice to read that you have a new betta Sue - I think fish-browsing/buying can be very therapeutic at sad times like this.

PS. If you were still doing water changes, Sue, then you have absolutely no need to beat yourself up about your betta; it seems as though there was a weakness there, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 11, 2019, 08:23:58 AM
Please post pics of your new betta when you get some time Sue.
I'm sure he'll be a little ray of sunshine during these difficult times.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 11, 2019, 09:35:02 AM
The new betta seems quite happy this morning so I'll take a photo when the tank lights come on.
By the time we got back with him yesterday it was getting dim so we had to turn the house lights on. The betta tank is in the kitchen under fluorescent lights which do distort the colour of things slightly which is why I wasn't sure what colour he is. Coupled with the fact that I don't see colours properly - the eye with the cataract op sees colour normally but the other eye is still waiting for an appointment and sees yellow. In the dim morning light using one eye, I think he's pale pink  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 11, 2019, 04:34:35 PM
I have tried to photograph the new betta. He won't keep still so the best of the photos are still blurry. But you can get the idea of what he looks like. Now that the tank lights are on, he looks a slightly pinkish cream. He's definitely not white.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 11, 2019, 05:28:34 PM
He's stunning, with such lovely, flowing fins.  :afro

A very handsome chap.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 11, 2019, 06:39:29 PM
He is indeed beautiful.  8)

I see what you mean about colour not being clear - in the first photo, I'd describe him as a peach/cream colour, whereas I'd describe him as pink/cream from the second photo. It may depend on the light, angle, own eyes' (or separate own eyes') perception, etc. Whatever his colouring, he is lovely.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 11, 2019, 06:49:45 PM
He was the stand-out fish in the shop. There were not many bettas at this time of year with two full rows of the betta display system being empty. The next door fish was a stunner too - a blue and white marble pattern plakat, but knowing how the marble gene can cause the fish to change colour, I didn't want another blue and white fish that turned solid blue within a month. And there was a dark red and dark grey butterfly patterned betta but he would not have stood out against the (silk) plants in the tank.

The display system that this branch of MA uses has 4 rows of small tanks one above the other with water constantly tricking down from above, and out through a hole near the top of each container. The 'tanks' are open topped. There was only one chap on duty and he was rushed off his feet. He hadn't noticed until I pointed it out that one of the fish on the second row had jumped into his neighbours 'tank' and they were both laying on the bottom quite exhausted. Hopefully he separated them after we'd paid and left.....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 11, 2019, 07:48:11 PM
He's a stunner for sure Sue

I'm never sure how I feel about those little Betta tanks in the shop's. I'm also unsure about them in tanks with other fish to be honest which is how a few of the stores round me do it. They always look so lethargic in smaller tanks, but I don't know if they are stressed out surrounded by other fish?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 11, 2019, 08:01:09 PM
They do flare at the next door fish, and as I saw yesterday they can also jump into next door's tank to attack the fish in there.
However, male bettas have been kept in tiny jars ever since they were old enough to say they were males, so in one sense you could say they've never known anything else. And most of the bettas yesterday responded to me placing a pointed finger on the glass - apparently it looks like another male betta. (The exceptions were the two in the same tank) At least these display ranks do have filtered water. I've seen bettas for sale in half filled plastic pint beer glasses, kept warm by placing them on the cover glasses of the big tanks  >:(

The fish I feel sorry for are the ones put in large tanks with other fish, especially the ones sharing a tank with fin nippers. I've seen exhausted, finless fish sucked against the filter in big tanks in a lot of shops.


All my bettas over the years have given the impression of being amazed at having a lot of space and spend the first few days exploring their new boundaries.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 19, 2019, 09:30:31 PM
Minor panic when I realised that the heater had broken in one of my mudskipper tanks.
So glad I sorted through my box of spare equipment recently, and could locate a replacement very quickly.
I was worried that the pair of fish had gotten cold, as the temperature had dropped to <20C, but once things had warmed up a bit they emerged from their tunnels to investigate their food bowls. I was so relieved to see that they were ok.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 19, 2019, 09:39:02 PM
Glad to hear they are OK. It's always a worry if the heater breaks at this time of year.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 20, 2019, 09:01:23 AM
No kidding. I was so happy to see that they were ok.
I'm also glad that all newer filters have covers, because the mudskippers will sit on anything, including the heaters, so I have to make sure they can't hurt themselves.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 24, 2019, 07:25:21 PM
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 24, 2019, 07:57:07 PM
That reflection of an aquarist's thoughts is sooooooooooo true!  :rotfl:  :rotfl:  :rotfl:
When looking at an item of furniture, an aquarist (or certainly I and no doubt Littlefish) thinks "What dimensions of a fishtank might that hold on it?"
I'm sure there are countless other examples of aquarists' thoughts too.

I'm just about to have a dig in the "Danger - Keep out - fish euthanasia equipment" box for my clove oil to put on an aggravated impacted wisdom tooth. I used to keep clove oil in the medicine cabinet for such eventualities, then realised that it was likely to be put to more use with my aging population. I'll just need to be very careful, post-application, not to absent-mindedly have a tinker with the fishtank later on!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on January 24, 2019, 09:31:38 PM
I just showed this to Mrs Matt, a mathematician, who has informed me that the glass is in fact full its just half water and half air...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 24, 2019, 10:02:00 PM
I just showed this to Mrs Matt, a mathematician, who has informed me that the glass is in fact full its just half water and half air...
...although, strictly speaking, with it not being a straight up-and-down glass but getting wider towards the top, it's possibly more air than water.  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 24, 2019, 10:35:48 PM
I just showed this to Mrs Matt, a mathematician, who has informed me that the glass is in fact full its just half water and half air...

Nice. I like that.

The other way of looking at it is that the glass is half full if it was in the process of being filled....if the glass was full and a drink has been taken/water has been removed, it is half empty....if in doubt, check your parameters & do a water change.  :P
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Helen on January 24, 2019, 10:57:11 PM
In my profession the glass is described as being twice as big as it needs to be (ie 100% redundancy)! Though we build in redundancy in case of failure, which would be more like @Littlefish getting "just one more tank"!  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 25, 2019, 08:15:58 AM
@Helen thanks for making me laugh, what a great way to start "nearly the weekend" (aka Friday).  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: jaypeecee on January 25, 2019, 11:21:31 AM
I just showed this to Mrs Matt, a mathematician, who has informed me that the glass is in fact full its just half water and half air...

Hi Matt,

I guess that there is a link or something that I'm not seeing in your post. What you see above is exactly how your post displays on my PC. Am I missing a trick?

JPC
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on January 25, 2019, 12:17:28 PM
Matt's post was a reply to the "3 glasses" image in Littlefish's post on the previous page  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: jaypeecee on January 25, 2019, 01:17:15 PM
Matt's post was a reply to the "3 glasses" image in Littlefish's post on the previous page  ;)

Thanks, Sue.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on January 26, 2019, 05:45:14 PM
I thought I'd run a cotton bud along the inside rim of the fishtank, where the hood closes down and sits, as I thought I saw a spec of green. What a surprise I got - a cotton bud wasn't sufficient to cope with what was there, so I used some filter wool in addition. Suffice to say that there was enough algae that it looked like almost a teaspoonful's worth!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on January 26, 2019, 06:12:44 PM
Slightly gross, but a great indication of to need to have a deep clean of a tank occassionally.  :sick:  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 01, 2019, 09:07:06 AM
Just a reminder to use the community creator and check compatibility.
Nobody likes a pushy tank-mate that invades your personal space.  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 08, 2019, 08:45:20 PM
I had a day trip to Wharf Aquatics today.
I'd seen it in PFK, reported during a road trip, and as the runner up for Oddball Store of the Year 2018.
The drive took just over 2 hours, and my head is still spinning from the quantity and diversity of stock.
Before the panic starts, I didn't buy anything...though possibly because I was so overwhelmed with choices  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 09, 2019, 02:41:22 PM
Fantastic - you seem to be "on form" (4-hour roundtrips specifically to visit a fish/aquatic shop) although I'm somewhat surprised and at least mildly disappointed that you didn't buy anything.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 09, 2019, 05:50:19 PM
I made sure that I left my polystyrene box (for fish transport) at home, which meant that I had a very good, practical reason not to buy any fish, just in case my will power wavered.  ;)
As it was the shop has so much stock that I probably couldn't have made a decision anyway.  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on February 13, 2019, 03:52:58 PM
We have been out this afternoon on a trip to the three garden centres very close together. One of them is the garden centre that burned down last year, along with Maidenhead Aquatics.
As we pulled into the car park we could see that the site of the old garden centre is stripped completely; there is a very large new building to one side and in front of that was a new one storey building with Maidenhead Aquatics signs all over it. So I had to go and look.
It's not as big as the old one, but there were 4 ranks of tanks, 2 were empty and 2 had fish in though there were empty tanks even in these two. Mainly bread and butter fish, but hopefully as they restock they'll be getting more unusual fish like they had before.

Since the 4 ranks of tanks formed a U shape, I wonder if they'll all be fresh water. The old MA had a marine section separated from the freshwater section by the plants, baskets of rock and baskets of wood. Though there was something in the middle of the shop that I presume is going to be a pond of some sort. Either that or a hot tub for the staff  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 13, 2019, 05:30:17 PM
Great to hear that the MA is back after what happened.
I hope it doesn't take long for them to re-stock all of their tanks (and the "hot tub").  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 26, 2019, 03:39:32 PM
What a strange day, in a good way.
I went to the LFS this morning to get some frozen bloodworms and a black background for a tank. Got chatting about stuff to the staff, and had a bit of a look around.
Another customer came in with some fish, plants, & wood from his tank. We got talking and he showed me pictures of his tank before he'd removed the plants, fish etc. - it was jam packed with massive, healthy plants. Tim (LFS staff) took the drift wood out of the bin liner it had been brought in, and my little face lit up.  ;D
The customer who had brought the stuff in gave me a bag of crypts (the bunch on the left of the tank in the picture), and Tim sold me the wood and attached crypts for £25.
To give you some idea of the size, they are in a Fluval Roma 200.
The wood may end up in the river tank, or perhaps in Bertie the BN's tank, and I'm sure we can find somewhere for the crypts in one of the tanks @Matt , but I couldn't leave without them.  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on February 27, 2019, 07:11:55 AM
I'm sure we can!... those are some healthy looking plants! And lots of them!

Having looked at the photo of the left hand bunch there are a lot of white eggs of some kind on the leaves... are you going to treat the plants /quaranteen like this for a while? Do you know what they might be?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 27, 2019, 07:47:34 AM
Yes, they will be quarantined like this before use. One of the good things about my total tank chaos is always having a spare tank.  :)
They've got a heater, filters, plenty of water, ferts, and light, so I'll be interested to see what happens over the next few weeks.
The chap who had the plants used CO2, and had quite a fancy set up, so I can't imagine that the plants will continue to look like this with my low tech approach. Still, crypts have always done quite well for me, so we'll see.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on February 27, 2019, 05:50:08 PM
Plants look great, Littlefish - you struck lucky there with your timing, etc!  :cheers:

I must have spent an hour yesterday intrigued by some behaviour in the fishtank which has started up again late this afternoon. One of my harlequins (Wee Harley) has a penchant for the snail food and likes to station herself above it, often alongside the other small harlequin (Little Harley); often they jostle for "food rights" and prime position immediately above the food pot. Occasionally, a neon green will try to station itself nearby but gets shooed out of the way. Yesterday, though, an x-ray stationed himself above the snail foodpot, with Wee Harley immediately above. All remained very calm and accepting between them both, with neither shooing the other out of the way.

What seemed to happen every ~10 minutes or so was that the x-ray started swooping and swerving over the snail food, then Wee Harley dived down underneath him, pecked the food and the x-ray avails of the debris she spills when chomping on it. Far, far more fascinating to watch than TV. This is rather similar to what the x-rays used to do with the pygmy cories - they learned to swim immediately behind them and avail of any food debris being dug up (although often took a bite out of their tails in their eagerness). Whoever would have thought the antics in a fishtank could be so engaging for so long!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on February 28, 2019, 08:37:28 AM
I couldn't believe how lucky I was at the LFS.  :)

Your fish antics sounds fascinating. I've seen some of my tetras follow behind corys when they are rummaging through the sand, but I've not seen fish do what your x-ray and harlie were spotted doing. That's genius.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 02, 2019, 05:14:02 PM
Spring appears to have sprung in the fishtank. I've had to avert my eyes several times as the microdevario kubotai, which I still consider my babies, seem to have "come of age" and are behaving in a certain manner which leaves no question as to what they're up to. It seems to be infectious, as it's now got the harlequins in the same frame of mind. In the absence of any females now, even two male tetras seemed to be behaving in a similar manner among the plants.

Meanwhile, the female snail has taken command of the foodpot and the poor male snail has tried in vain on several occasions to access it but has done a u-turn on seeing her in it each time.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 07, 2019, 09:32:45 AM
Glad to hear that your gang are enjoying the season.

On a similar topic, I saw this and couldn't resist sharing it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 15, 2019, 05:53:22 PM
Weekly water change performed 2.5-3.5 hrs ago. Been doing other things since.  Went back in to view the fish; 1 neon green rasbora missing.

Whole tank gets dismantled in a hunt for it, to no avail. Mr FCMF looks under fishtank cabinet, and there it is at the very back - one very dead neon green rasbora.  :'(  :'(  :'( I do a head count every morning (and at various stages during the day) and, unless I miscalculated, all were present and correct this morning. I have heard intermittent splashing recently and witnessed a neon green at the surface and responsible for this so I can only assume it was this one, whether during the water change or not. It seemed to dry out very quickly, though!  ???

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 15, 2019, 06:35:18 PM
Sorry to hear about your rasbora @fcmf   :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 16, 2019, 04:22:37 PM
Sorry to hear this. Please try not to blame yourself. Doesn't sound like there is much you could have done differently here... fish do jump sometimes unfortunately. Even in nature they can jump out of pools and streams... I've seen fish startle themselves by swimming backwards into things!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 17, 2019, 05:18:35 PM
Thanks, both. I've replayed it over and over in my mind and think I am to blame, though - normally, I "forewarn" everyone and calmly chat to them that I'm about to undertake their water change, whereas I was a bit distracted on Fri and a bit too methodical and efficient - whisking out the hornwort and java fern, then realising I'd a couple of cuts on my fingers which were stinging from the water and grabbing a towel, then experimenting with the spray bar which ended up sending the water upwards towards the rear/back of the tank. If the fish had inadvertently accompanied the plants out of the tank, then lifting the neighbouring towel might have sent it skidding under the fishtank cabinet or it may have leapt out of the plants and under the fishtank cabinet while I was rinsing my cuts under the tap before putting on gloves. The fish transpired to be the one which enjoyed surfing the water current and swimming vertically in it along the opposite side of the tank - gutted to have lost the quirky one of that shoal ::) - so it's possible it may have availed of the several seconds' experimentation with the spray bar and ended up catapulting back the couple of inches straight through the slat.
:'(  :vcross:
As you say, though, and given how dry it was when discovered, this surfing fish which had taken to splashing at the water surface and in the hornwort may actually have escaped out pre- water change.

Separately, I have the harlequin with the intermittent lesion on its side currently under eSHa 2000 treatment in the hospital tank - it looks like a recurrent injury but may be a bacterial infection (no sign of parasites) albeit not as deep as the ulcer-like hole one of the female x-rays had. I may have mentioned before that his spine is twisted slightly in an S shape when viewed from above. Post- water change, he was shoaled up with the others rather than in his usual quiet spot near the top on his own, and I noticed how pale he was in comparison with them. I hadn't treated him before now but thought this was the opportunity to do so while he is constitutionally still strong and eating but does seem to be declining somewhat. The treatment may not help but I thought it worth a try before too late and to avoid any regrets.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 18, 2019, 08:16:12 PM
Power cut here... tanks all wrapped up nice and toasty! Not too concerned just yet, will be if it doesn't come back on before bed time. Been an hour so far!  Most concerned about the female Goldeneye in the hospital tank. She may have to go back in the main tank tonight if there is no electric, she is just in a plastic tote temporary tank thing.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 18, 2019, 08:23:24 PM
Second bit of advice online!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 18, 2019, 09:28:17 PM
Back up and running :) phew!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 18, 2019, 09:32:18 PM
Glad to hear that you have power again.
I'll bet that was a bit tense for a while.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 23, 2019, 04:32:03 PM
Just completed a spring clean of the pond, all set up for summer now :)
Hoping to get a couple of replacement comet goldfish soon to bring the numbers back up to 6. 2 of each colour variant.

Female Goldeneye is also a lot more active recently. Next weekend I do the final dosage for her, treat the main tank, and then hopefully things will be back to normal!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Rustle on March 24, 2019, 11:57:12 AM
Good to hear the female goldeneye is on the mend matt. I've put some sponges from a filter i brought to seed in my main tank today to help when i break the tank down in 6 to 8 weeks. I'm really enjoying planning all this at the moment and on tuesday i'm off to Aqua Essentials in devon to have a look around, I'm also going to buy a JBL pro flora c02 system.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on March 30, 2019, 02:20:50 PM
Sad news. One of my two smaller harlequins, Little Harley, has died.  :'(

He had been in optimum health until yesterday when I noticed he was swimming slightly nose up but nothing otherwise untoward - I just assumed his swimbladder wasn't functioning just as well as usual given his advancing years (3yrs, 10mths) or that he'd maybe overdosed on food. I noticed the same this morning, and, as he was reaching for food, I did wonder if his belly was slightly paler underneath, but didn't think much more of it. Then, just after lunch, I went to sit by the fishtank and couldn't see him. After nudging a few plants, I noticed him lying upside down on the bottom and gasping. It was clear the situation had suddenly deteriorated in the space of less than 24 hrs to the point of no return and therefore I had to perform euthanasia to spare him any further suffering.  :'(

Having said that, and despite the tears while performing the above, it's so much easier when it's natural causes than a fatal accident (and, in this case, there hadn't even been the situation of dilemmas over whether to medicate or not as there had been no indication for that). Ironically, his shoalmate with the ulcer-like injuries to his flank, the accompanying bent spine, overall darker colouration, and who spends most of his time floating just under the water surface, lives on.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on March 30, 2019, 02:28:22 PM
I'm sorry to hear that  :'( 

As you say, he was getting on a bit, and it is definitely much easier when it's natural causes.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on March 30, 2019, 03:07:25 PM
Sorry to hear this sad news. At least we can be comforted in that he had a happy and healthy life.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on March 30, 2019, 07:23:57 PM
So sorry to hear that Little Harley has passed.
It is sad and unexpected news.  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: jaypeecee on April 02, 2019, 09:49:38 AM
On a similar topic, I saw this and couldn't resist sharing it.




Great picture. They don't look 'damned' to me. 'Raring to go' is how I see them.

JPC
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: jaypeecee on April 02, 2019, 10:02:21 AM
Hi Folks,

Took this piccie yesterday of a spawning pair of our eight-month old GBRs. This is our sixth pair of GBRs to spawn in the last week!

JPC
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 02, 2019, 11:31:28 AM
Hi Folks,

Took this piccie yesterday of a spawning pair of our eight-month old GBRs. This is our sixth pair of GBRs to spawn in the last week!

JPC


Awesome pic, and congratulations! I am hoping to get a few GBRs this weekend... I miss having them so much... can decide whether to get Bolivian Rams instead as they are a bit hardier though... what is your water hardness and nitrate levels?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: jaypeecee on April 02, 2019, 03:27:39 PM
Awesome pic, and congratulations! I am hoping to get a few GBRs this weekend... I miss having them so much... can decide whether to get Bolivian Rams instead as they are a bit hardier though... what is your water hardness and nitrate levels?

Hi Matt,

Thanks for the kind words. Water hardness in this tank is 8dGH and TDS is approximately 300ppm. I normally keep hardness a tad lower at 6dGH and TDS around the 250ppm mark. Nitrate is 15ppm. It's often thought that pH has to be 'low' for GBRs but the pH in this tank is around 7.70 (measured using a recently-calibrated Extech PH100 meter). Tank temperature is 26.0 - 26.5C. I should add that I use RO water as my starting point to which I add Tropic Marin Re-Mineral Tropic electrolytes.

JPC
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 02, 2019, 07:38:50 PM
Thanks that's reassuring, mine will be very similar for them.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on April 09, 2019, 08:12:15 PM
9 POSTS AT THIS POINT IN THE THREAD HAVE BEEN MOVED TO https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/fish-health/fish-health-in-my-tank/ POSTS 52-60, AS THEY SAT MORE APPROPRIATELY THERE.  C:-)  I HADN'T MERGED TOPICS FOR A WHILE AND, IN MY CONFUSION/PANIC, REALISE I FORGOT TO POST AN OFFICIAL 'RE-DIRECTION' TOPIC - APOLOGIES.   :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on April 11, 2019, 08:08:09 AM
That awful moment when you have a power cut, and realise that you're not prepared for it.  :yikes:

Luckily, the power cut lasted for less than 5 minutes, but it makes you think about what could happen.

Also very grateful that I wasn't in the shower at the time.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 11, 2019, 10:18:35 AM
The only long power outage we've had was 8 hours - but we knew about it a couple of weeks in advance so I was able to prepare. It was planned work on the substation.
A couple of years ago we had another letter saying we'd be without power for a few hours on this date, but things went awry with that one - the planned repair turned into an emergency repair without notice a few days earlier than planned. The power was off for about 3 hours, and everyone survived despite me not being able to arrange things in advance. (At least we were not in the houses that lost their power in the middle of the night and spent the following day on generators while NEDL repaired whatever it was)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on April 15, 2019, 04:04:28 PM
A water change with a difference!

I had my second cataract operation a week and a half ago and I'm not allowed to lift buckets of water for 4 weeks. I promised my fish-hating husband I'd do water changes every weeks and a half so he only had to help me with 2 instead of 4. We have just done a joint water change - I filled the buckets with old water and he carried them into the garden and poured them over the dry plants (no rain for quite a while) but as he's had a bad back I could only fill them two thirds the usual amount so more trips outside. Then he carried the new water to the tank for me.
Because he was standing round waiting to carry the new water I didn't go and do something else while the kettle boiled, then forget to fill the bucket, so it was actually quite a bit quicker  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on April 15, 2019, 07:46:36 PM
Mrs Matt found a cherry shrimp in the office today. The little guy had somehow got out of the tank in the sitting room, across the hall carpet and on into the study... quite impressed though equally sad at the same time. I guess it will have been from the final round of esha ndx I gave the tank to deal with any last camallanus worms. The shrimp went to the surface and out of their normal cover when I dosed it.

I moved the Amano shrimp out before dosing but have only managed to find 2 in the puffer tank to move back in so far... might take me a few days to spot them all...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 04, 2019, 09:53:48 AM
Hmmm. There seems to be a pool of water around the tank occurring too frequently for my liking. This morning's was mopped up pre-breakfast, with the old towel deliberately squeezing into the foam underlay around the base to release any excess moisture there. More water had pooled post-breakfast. A couple of hours later, and there's more... 

This may require a swift purchase of a new tank...  How big can I get away with?  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 04, 2019, 10:26:12 AM
What's the biggest he won't notice  ;D



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 05, 2019, 07:02:56 AM
 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 05, 2019, 11:13:53 AM
I've been cleaning tanks this morning, and it hasn't gone well.

I'm only 4 tanks in and I've already decided to take a break.

So far this morning I've flooded the carpet in front of the forest tank because I didn't close the drain port completely, and I've just syphoned Brianne (largest female dwarf puffer) out of the tank by accident. I mean, completely out of the tank, through the tube, and into the waste bucket. She's back in the tank now, and doesn't seem to have suffered any injuries. She also doesn't seem to be particularly bothered by her brief adventure, and is currently pottering around the roots of the frogbit. I am still shaking and feel sick.

I hope that she continues to be ok.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 05, 2019, 11:18:35 AM
I have done that before. Fish that fit through the tube without getting stuck will be OK. But puffers release a toxin when stressed. That can kill all the fish in the tank. Put some carbon in the tank asap - either in the tank's filter or a separate one. Better safe than sorry.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 05, 2019, 11:36:03 AM
I've just put some carbon in.
Thanks Sue, that was a great suggestion, and I hadn't even thought about it.
The pic is a bit blurry, but I just wanted to prove that she was still alive.

What is the equivalent to carbon for humans? I feel as if I'm releasing quite a few toxins due to stress myself!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 05, 2019, 11:48:02 AM
I have sucked up Microdevarios and rescued them from the bucket more than once. I've sucked up pygmy cories - and freed some that got wedged in the tube. They were all fine once back in the tank.
Not to mention countless shrimps that have made the trip.

Caution - people of a nervous disposition should stop reading now.








I use a wine making siphon tube with a narrow rigid plastic tube on the tank end, and the only disaster was the apisto that got stuck in the tube opening and was severely wounded, so badly I stopped doing the water change to put him down.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 05, 2019, 12:05:38 PM
That is quite comforting to know that you have had this issue and that the fish were fine when they were back in the tank.

This is the first time I've completely syphoned something into the waste bucket. Most of my fish are relatively large (compared to the tube), and up until recently I've only had amano shrimp.

The next tank I'd normally clean is the one with the salt & pepper corys, as well as the tiny crystal bee shrimp. I think I might leave that until later, and move on to cleaning a tank with larger fish, just to be on the safe side. 

 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 05, 2019, 02:58:35 PM
I've just finished cleaning the tank with the tiny corys & shrimp.
Although I didn't notice when I sucked up a shrimp, at least I could see it in the orange waste bucket.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 05, 2019, 09:59:22 PM
I did something silly today. We went out to my son's this afternoon, and I fed the fish just before we left. The food is in the kitchen next to the betta's tank. I measured out the betta's pellets and put them in his tank, followed by the tiny pinch of crushed algae wafers for the shrimps. Then I measured out the food for the main tank - sinking pellets, flake and crushed algae wafers - into a small pot. And then emptied the pot into the betta's tank  :yikes:

I scooped as much out as I could with a fine mesh net, but we were already running late so had to leave the rest. I did a water change as soon as we got back, there was a lot of uneaten food in the bucket so at least it didn't have chance to decompose to ammonia.

And the betta didn't get his meal this evening, just in case he'd been stuffing himself while we were out.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 06, 2019, 09:55:00 AM
Well, it sounds as I wasn't the only one having an off day yesterday @Sue   :)

I'm guessing that your betta managed to grab a bit of food while you were out, even though you scooped a lot out with the net. Saying that, if he didn't recognise it as his food, he may have ignored most of it.

I felt very  :yikes: with the puffer incident yesterday, but I'm pleased to report that they are all ok this morning. Many thanks for suggesting I put carbon in the tank. I'd have been gutted if Brianne had survived her trip into the waste bucket, but then everyone had been wiped out by stress toxins. I'm sure all the dwarf puffers are also very grateful to you.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on May 06, 2019, 10:23:59 AM
I recently read a thread on another forum where someone was asking if it was OK to keep Amazon puffers in this tank with these fish. The thread goes on for a few pages with the original chap coming up with all sorts of different combinations and the two forum experts telling they won't work (tank too small, incompatible water requirements, incompatible fish species etc) There was a comment in the thread from one of the experts about puffer toxins wiping out a whole tank, and that carbon should be used full time in a puffer tank. The chap also commented that puffers should be in species only tanks to reduce stress from other fish, and that even poor water quality can stress puffers enough to produce the toxin. (I know that your puffers have excellent water quality from all the water changes you do  :) )

I have the sort of brain that remembers all sorts of tiny bits of info but forgets big things like turning the oven on to cook dinner  ;D And your post about the puffer and her fairground ride brought the comments to mind.





Bettas are well known for stuffing themselves till they make themselves ill. I knew he would eat the flake which is why I scooped as much as I could out. If we hadn't been half way out of the door when I fed them I'd have cleaned the tank immediately. We went out just before 2 and I did the water change as soon as we got home at 4.30. The betta is swimming around as usual this morning and the shrimps are all fine, so I got the food out in time.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on May 06, 2019, 09:08:41 PM
Glad to hear that your betta & shrimp are all doing well.  :)

I'll make sure that I always have carbon in the dwarf puffer tank now. You never know, Brianne might release toxins at the sight of the syphon tube after her recent adventure.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 08, 2019, 06:18:36 PM
"Enjoyed" reading these last few posts - thought it was just me like this. Glad all inhabitants seemed to be unscathed.  :cheers:

I did something silly today. Then I measured out the food for the main tank - sinking pellets, flake and crushed algae wafers - into a small pot. And then emptied the pot into the betta's tank  :yikes:
These things always happen when in a rush too.

I have the sort of brain that remembers all sorts of tiny bits of info but forgets big things like turning the oven on to cook dinner
Ditto!

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 20, 2019, 08:25:14 PM
Well after 4 years and nearly 4 months, the last of my 4 Harlequin rasboras (first fish I ever bought) are soon to pass. The last one has developed an ulcer wound thing which also has a secondary fungus growth. The fish also has fungus growth elsewhere on its body.  It was swimming upside down for short periods after eating earlier too... so I have taken the call that things are too far gone to stress the fish with further treatment and so it's time looks unfortunately like it is nearly up... as soon as the point comes when the fish no longer evades capture, I will do the humane thing.

Sad but I am happy the fish has had a good life and taught me a lot about being a good fishkeeper too. It went through fish-in cycling unfortunately along with its long deceased friends, but after that point it's life has been good.

Feels like the end of an era... I look forward to what the next period might bring.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 20, 2019, 09:14:27 PM
I do empathise with you, @Matt - your harlequins are the same age as my own and my x-ray tetras, give or take a few months on either side, so a similar stage in life.  The ulcer wound with secondary fungus growth is something that one of my female x-ray tetras had and one of my harlequins has intermittently, but, in your case, it's more widespread/extensive and the fish has additional difficulties post-eating. All the very best for when the inevitable happens, whether that's through nature taking its course or you providing a helping hand when the time dictates.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on May 25, 2019, 11:02:52 PM
It's taken until now, but the inevitable has finally happened... end of an era. :'(

 But as these things often go.... it is also the start of something new!. The Goldeneye Dwarf cichlids are breeding.  :) This is the pair with the female I treated a few months back for Camallanus worms (then traded the whole tank of course). She is displaying full breeding colours (almost black) and has a swollen abdomen, this time it's eggs, not worms!  The pair have bred before but I believe they gave up on their young after a stressful tank maintenance session so I'll be on "water only" changes as I call then for the new few weeks... no scrubbing the glass, no rearranging plants, mininimal substrate vacuuming.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on May 30, 2019, 06:52:57 PM
Sorry to read about the end of the era. Good luck with the breeding pair and non-invasive water changes.

The big, bold neon green rasbora that intermittently terrorises the tank and has ended up in brawls (bodies inter-twisted!) with a harlequin and an x-ray, was fighting ferociously with her own reflection this morning - not playing but almost going berserk with anger as though someone were challenging her.  I had only opened one window blind, and was awaiting assistance with the other, but this must have created a bigger reflection than usual.  Once both blinds were open, the fish calmed down immediately but then kept zooming back in a menacing manner to ensure that her rival was staying away.  Quite amusing to witness.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 08, 2019, 07:56:10 PM
Sorry to hear that your harlequins have passed @Matt and I hope that your dwarf cichlids are doing well.



I've had a similar situation within the past few days, and my last v. platy passed a few days ago. She was the offspring of my first platies. I now only have 1 zebra danio left from my first ever group of 6 fish purchased from P@H. As you have mentioned, this is the start of something new. I knew that the old, bent platy wouldn't be able to swim in a string current, but now that she's passed I took the opportunity to move all the remaining fish from my temperate tank into the larger river tank. The move took place yesterday, and so far all is well. The zebra & leopard danios, and WCMM seem to be enjoying the extra space, and are getting along well with the rainbow shiners mid-water. I'm keeping an eye on the pepper cories because they can be quite boisterous, so I wasn't sure how they get on with the panda garras (similar in nature), or the small gobies. Some of the cories and garras have bumbled into each other, but without incident, and the rest of the fish don't seem remotely bothered.

@fcmf your big neon green rasbora sounds like quite a character. Glad to hear that she's keeping any "intruders" away from the tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 11, 2019, 01:25:15 PM
I would love to know what goes on in the mind of a nerite snail.

Generally, they do their own thing, the male being much more purposeful (laps of the tank, grazing away on the glass with seeming intention/direction, deserving the food from the foodpot as a reward) than the female (occasional grazing, mainly on the wood, but otherwise a lot of time consuming the food in the foodpot).

If one snail has occupied the foodpot for hours on end, then eventually decides to climb out for pastures new, it does a u-turn back into the foodpot only if it spots the other snail heading in the foodpot's direction - otherwise, it continues merrily on its way. Also, if one snail is heading in the direction of the foodpot, spots/detects the other snail in it, it will generally lie in wait nearby until the foodpot eventually becomes unoccupied, then makes a beeline for it.

Occasionally, they do occupy the foodpot together, which is generally a messy affair, with each covered in snailfood. Last week, both were lying upside down with their innards completely out - after numerous attempts to get them upright only for them to topple upside down, this only became achievable by emptying them onto the sand. I've no idea what caused/causes his, unless they had 'sucked' each others' insides to the extent that these couldn't be retracted.  :o

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 13, 2019, 06:37:56 PM
Occasionally, they do occupy the foodpot together, which is generally a messy affair, with each covered in snailfood. Last week, both were lying upside down with their innards completely out - after numerous attempts to get them upright only for them to topple upside down, this only became achievable by emptying them onto the sand. I've no idea what caused/causes his, unless they had 'sucked' each others' insides to the extent that these couldn't be retracted.  :o
The snails were treated to a new foodpot yesterday, made from bamboo. They both spent the duration of yesterday evening in it, enjoying a banquet and manoeuvring all over one another, cleaning one another's shells with fervour and twisting and turning repeatedly in the process, to ensure that nothing was left unconsumed (or should that be unconsummated?!). I thought this was innocent behaviour, including them getting stuck to one another by accident, but an online video suggests that this is nerite snail mating behaviour - can any nerite owners confirm for me if this is correct? I had understood that it was just a case of the male snail gliding over the female's deposited eggs, not the type of behaviour I've described!  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 13, 2019, 06:58:25 PM
I've not seen that type of behaviour, but then I usually have only one snail of any species at any given time. I did once have two of the same species and the tank was covered in eggs - the glass, filter, wood etc - but they must have mated where I couldn't see them. Once I discovered all those eggs, I separated them, one in the main tank and one in the betta's tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 14, 2019, 08:05:01 AM
I've not seen it with my nerite snails.
However, in the small tank I use for breeding pest snails (for dwarf puffers & assassin snails) that is exactly the sort of behaviour that is seen on a regular basis. In fact, sometimes there are multiple snails involved, and it seems to be quite an active event.  :o
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 14, 2019, 02:17:32 PM
Looking back through previous posts, it seems that I got the female nerite in July 2018 and first noticed and became aware (thanks to Sue clarifying this) two months later that the sesame seeds which had been appearing over the wood, filter, stones and glass were not the white grains of sand which had coincidentally got stuck in numerous locations but were in fact snail eggs.

I'm beginning to think that, with all this activity going on, I might as well move some of the egg-covered stones into a container with some salt and see if I can have a go at breeding some mini nerites which will be an interesting mix of orang tiger and red vittina waigiensis. I wonder how much salt to put in...  ???

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 14, 2019, 04:09:00 PM
There is very little info out there on breeding nerites. Try googling amano shrimps, there's more info on them and since they breed in a similar way I would imagine the salt concentration would be the same for both.




I been getting fed up with the betta's tank. The plants in there were really struggling. I resorted to silk plants as the live ones were visibly shrinking. I think I know the problem.
The plants were fine with the light that came with the tank (an Aqua One Aqua Space) but I had to replace the light when the plug/transformer came apart when I tried to unplug it. I think the problem was the replacement light. I have since learned about spectrum, and the fact that plants need blue and red light with some green. The replacement light has white and blue LEDs, with the option to have both on or just the blue on. I now know that this is not the correct spectrum for plants and these lights are more suited to marine tanks.
Today I received a parcel containing a new light. This one gave the spectrum - peaks in red and blue with a broad hump in green and yellow. It is now on the tank. I'll report on this new light when the remaining plants have had chance to grow (or not!)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 17, 2019, 08:26:55 PM
Water change day - and the betta's tank water felt cold. The thermometer said 22 deg C when it should be 26. The heater light was on but when I carefully felt the bottom of the heater (after unplugging it) it was not even warm. Luckily I have a spare heater in the cupboard - a 125w heater from when I had the 125 litre tank. It's enormous, it won't fit vertically, but at least it works while the replacement is in the post.

I'd wondered why the betta was behaving sluggishly.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 17, 2019, 08:41:58 PM
:yikes: - but, of some consolation, at least this happened in summer rather than in winter.

My thermometer suction cap isn't strong enough so it goes clinking around the tank water surface any time I attempt to attach it, and I never considered the stick-on strips accurate. Heater failure has never occurred to me, although I've read plenty of it happening. Think I ought to invest in some sort of alternative thermometer...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 17, 2019, 08:53:25 PM
Because this tank has an air powered sponge filter the water flow is from the middle outwards. The sucker on the thermometer stopped working ages ago so it floats freely and the water flow pushes it into a corner. Unfortunately, this time it ended up in the back corner with the scale facing the wall so i couldn't see it even if I'd thought to look at it. I currently have it wedged with a plant leaf so it's facing outwards to make sure that the heater is set right for such a small tank.


You could always try a digital thermometer, but I have no idea how the probe attaches to the inside of the tank. if it's with suckers, the same problem would arise after a while....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 18, 2019, 01:17:47 AM
I've heard you can revitalise suction cups by soaking in boiling water. You can also buy big bags of them e.g. on the rainforest related shopping site   :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 18, 2019, 08:09:28 AM
Probes for digital thermometers also have suction cups. Some of the suckers on mine don't work well, but at least they stay in the water, even when they come unstuck. Sometimes I just push them under/into the leaves of plants.
I'm going to try boiling water, as Matt has suggested.

I hope that your betta has perked up now that he has some warm water @Sue 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 18, 2019, 10:30:43 AM
He is much more active this morning, thank goodness. The water temp has stabilised at 25 deg, but I won't try to turn it up to get 26 - I don't want to overshoot and boil him!


On the subject of boiling things, I had not heard of that before @Matt. I have a box full of rigid suckers so I'll have to try it.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 18, 2019, 03:06:36 PM
A word of caution over the boiling water option, @Sue and @Littlefish - I tried that with the suckers on my filter a while back, and found that it distorted their shape and caused a peeling sensation as though part of the rubber was coming off / could be scraped off with a fingernail. I actually found that cleaning the walls' surface and the suckers with a toothbrush was more effective.

Glad that your betta has perked up, Sue.
 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 18, 2019, 03:26:35 PM
I find that when they get old, my suckers go rigid and no amount of cleaning the sucker or the glass will make them stick. New suckers are readily available for Eheim heaters and filters but not for other makes. The worst ones are the small filters which do not have removable suckers so even if I could find new ones I couldn't take the old ones out.

I have a whole load of heater brackets with rigid suckers. I did once try to get replacements but they wouldn't fit. These heater bracket suckers are the ones I would experiment with - I can't use them anyway so damaging them further won't make much difference  :)


I have a tendency to hang on to rubbish, just in case  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 18, 2019, 06:05:13 PM
I'm in the process of going through all the old equipment I've "saved" in boxed under the spare bed, testing stuff, and getting rid of it if it's broken, or unsuitable for current tanks.

As for using boiling water on stuff, I usually have a bucket of hot/boiling water that I put tank maintenance equipment in before use. I don't always think this through completely, and now have a small shrimp net that isn't as straight as it used to be.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 23, 2019, 04:47:54 PM
I've been doing a lot of tank maintenance this weekend, and was a bit surprised when I spotted a baby panda cory in their tank. I hadn't noticed the adults participating in any mating behaviour, but they must have managed it at some point.  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 23, 2019, 04:57:35 PM
I managed to get a picture of the little panda cory. It's so tiny I've circled it to help.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 23, 2019, 06:14:01 PM
Congrats on your new 'grandfish'.  :cheers:

How do you find the panda .v. the habrosus on various factors eg robustness, cuteness, variety of antics, etc?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 23, 2019, 07:14:36 PM
Thanks @fcmf

I've had the pandas quite a while, and they've produced offspring previously. They are a bit bigger than the habrosus, but not as big as my peppered cories. Their antics are quite similar, and I find the "diving up to the eyeballs into the substrate" hilarious.
I've not had the habrosus very long, so I can't say if there is any chance that they could breed.
I've had the peppered cories the longest, and I don't know if it's anything to do with size (the females are massive), but the habrosus seem quite civilised, whereas the peppered cories will bumble around the tank, bumping into and swimming over any other fish, with (what appears to be) complete disregard. The pandas seem to be more towards the mid-spectrum/slightly more civilised.
The pandas are more outgoing that the peru gold stripe cories in another tank.
I'd say that the pandas must be fairly hardy as they've been moved to several different tanks. They were previously in one of the South American tanks, then they moved in with a betta, now they are back in a SA tank.

I've just realised that I have cories in each community tank. I admit that I like them.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 26, 2019, 11:24:36 AM
Ive just added some rocket panchax to my community aquarium... they are true surface dwellers and beautiful peaceful fish, rarely leaving the surface and properly skimming it constantly... jot just being near the top as such. They've settled in well over the last 2 weeks and they definately add something to the top of the tank.  I'm not a fan of hatchet fish so these are a great alternative!

I'll try and get a better photo later...

Also has a slight rearrange in the dwarf puffer tank but impossible to get a shot without reflections... I'll keep you waiting for that one which I'll put in the gallery section for that tank.

Anyone else want to do a gallery journal for their tank?? It's been great to look back on as I've just been doing :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on June 26, 2019, 05:03:49 PM
That's a gorgeous fish  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: jaypeecee on June 26, 2019, 07:41:28 PM
Hi Matt,

Wow! What a stunning fish. Never seen one before. Would you care to let us know where you got them from? MA? Looks like another fish to research and consider.

JPC
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 26, 2019, 07:44:51 PM
Hi Matt,

Wow! What a stunning fish. Never seen one before. Would you care to let us know where you got them from? MA? Looks like another fish to research and consider.

JPC

Yep just got them from my local MA in Preston. Seen them in a few MAs including the Wigan store too... thoh I can see you are in Berkshire... so that's not much use sorry!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: jaypeecee on June 26, 2019, 07:57:29 PM
Hi Matt,

Wow! What a stunning fish. Never seen one before. Would you care to let us know where you got them from? MA? Looks like another fish to research and consider.

JPC

Yep just got them from my local MA in Preston. Seen them in a few MAs including the Wigan store too... thoh I can see you are in Berkshire... so that's not much use sorry!

Hi Matt,

Just did a quick check on Seriously Fish to find out a bit more. They would appear to like acidic/neutral water with pH from 4.0 - 7.0. More info here:

http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/epiplatys-annulatus/

JPC
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 26, 2019, 08:06:51 PM
Consistency in pH is more important than the actual value. Provided you are not miles out of course. My water is about 7.5pH.  Hardness is the more important value to be concerned about.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 26, 2019, 08:35:33 PM
I've seen them in my LFS/MA a while back - they are/were absolutely tiny, so thanks for this photo as they're much easier to see from it and more beautiful than I had recalled.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on June 26, 2019, 09:27:08 PM
Neighbour with fishtank 4x the volume/capacity of mine is moving out and unsure what to do with their tank. Mr FCMF is away for a few days... Soooo tempting to "replace" the existing tank with the neighbour's, the only difficulty being that the cabinet which ours is on is already at its maximum load with the existing tank and there is absolutely no scope for moving furniture around in our small abode.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on June 27, 2019, 05:41:04 AM
I would certainly be taking the tank off your neighbours hands... you can have the conversation with a Mr FCMF when he returns and explore options then... Worst comes to the worst, you have quite tank to sell/dispose of. Assuming this isn't a big deal... dont leave yourself having the conversation about what could have been!!!

You could also presumably use the glass to build a custom tank to exactly fit the space you have, but that is perhaps a step to far into unknown territory??

Excited forward you!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 27, 2019, 01:13:03 PM
Beautiful fish @Matt
I have a bit of a thing for surface fish, and panchax. If it wasn't for the fact that my water is completely unsuitable for them they would already be part of the Littlefish crew. Stunning colours & markings.  :afro
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on June 27, 2019, 01:15:11 PM
@fcmf  I think @Matt has suggested an great way forward with the issue of the neighbours tank.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 01, 2019, 07:27:14 PM
Thanks for your suggestions, both - I'm afraid there genuinely isn't even the space in our tiny abode for the aforementioned tank stored upright, as we struggle to manoeuvre past everything as it is!

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 02, 2019, 07:36:45 AM
 :(  That's a shame.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 04, 2019, 05:21:34 PM
Yesterday PFK magazine was delivered, so I had a quick flick through after cleaning the axolotl tank. I was interested to see that they'd done a local roadtrip, including Aquarium Gardens, MA Huntingdon, and the Water Zoo, all of which I've previously visited. The other shop featured was MA @ Peterborough Dobbies, and I was immediately smacked in the face by a picture of their mudskipper tank.  :o

To refresh memories, a couple of years ago my local MA had an unexpected delivery that they hadn't ordered, but when they contacted the suppliers they were told to keep it. It included mudskippers. I happened to visit the store that day, and fell for the goofy little fish immediately. During the following 6 months I visited those mudskippers regularly, did my research, and set up a tank. Collecting them and transporting them home was nerve-wracking, but everyone survived, and they are all still with me.

As they had not been ordered by my local store, there wasn't any information on the exact species. All I knew was that they were asian mudskippers. I've always been a bit nervous about how large they were going to grow, and have always kept my fingers crossed that they weren't the largest ones. After seeing the article in PFK I wondered if that was the shop that had originally ordered the mudskippers now residing at chez Littlefish, and decided that a trip to Peterborough was an absolute must.

This morning I headed to Peterborough. Like a total doofus I went to the wrong MA first, but luckily the guy I spoke to runs both, and was heading over to the other store, so I met him over there. I spent an hour at the correct store, gawping at their display, being entertained by the antics of their fish (they had 20 in the tank), and getting lots of useful information. The amazingly helpful chap even went through the records to find out what they'd ordered previously, and it turns out that I have Periothalmus septemradiatus, commonly known as the dwarf indian mudskipper. I cannot even begin to explain how totally chuffed I am to finally know exactly what my gang are, and also that they are now fully grown ;D . The chap also explained how to sex mudskippers, and we had a long discussion on options for their set ups during the tank rearrangements here.

I eventually tore myself away from the store display, drove through some lovely scenery in the sunshine, went to Aquarium Gardens to get some anubias for the axolotl & mudskipper tanks, then home via my local MA to get some RO water.

Sometimes days just don't get any better than this.  ;D



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 04, 2019, 06:05:10 PM
Aw, this is a fantastic story, @Littlefish - how exciting for both you and the chap at MA Peterborough to find out the intended origin and ultimate destination & progress respectively of your mudskippers!  You have indeed had a great and productive day.  :cheers:

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 04, 2019, 08:20:24 PM
I'm over-the-moon to have found out more about my gang. Obviously I also have lots of ideas about what to do with their tanks, and one of those ideas now includes bringing the Aqua Oak in the spare room into the living room, and putting all the mudskippers back together in this larger tank. That one tank would be put in the space that previously had 4 tanks, so it will even help me to reduce the number of tanks I use.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 05, 2019, 07:48:25 PM
I confess to having gone back to the Peterborough Dobbies MA today, for another chat about mudskippers. When I got to the counter it was the same 2 guys that had been there the day before, so I opened with "Hi, I promise I'm not a stalker". The one guy runs both MA stores in Peterborough, the other guy was the one that built and maintains the mudskipper display. I was there for another hour, discussing tanks, set up, and mudskippers. They explained their set up, which was reworked from a coral tray that was previously at the store, as they had to work with what they had. They also had some suggestions as to what they would do if they were starting from scratch. I explained what tanks, filters, and equipment I had available now, we discussed the pros and cons, and have decided that the Fluval Roma 240 is the tank for the mudskippers, and keeping the Aqua Oak 150 for the river fish. We had a long chat about getting some female mudskippers, using their quarantine time to set up the new tank, then introducing all mudskippers to the new set up n the same day.
They showed me some parts on their set up, and how they've created the waterfalls, etc. All very interesting and helpful.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on July 06, 2019, 06:53:34 AM
That sounds like another great fishy day Donna  :fishy1: any photos?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 06, 2019, 09:17:43 AM
Yes, I did ask them if I could take some pictures, though for the first time ever, I was more focused on the technicalities of the set up rather than the fish.  :o

So I've taken a pic of the PFK article to give people an idea of what it looks like, for those who don't get the magazine. I'll also include some of the pics I took.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 06, 2019, 09:20:33 AM
The display tank contains mollies in the water, and they've had babies. Very cute, though I'm sticking with just the mudskippers in my tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 13, 2019, 08:46:22 AM
Lots of tank work yesterday, lifting heavy rocks, and moving large containers of water.
So much of me is aching today.  :-[
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on July 14, 2019, 07:58:17 AM
Just as relevant for freshwater, especially the second one.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on July 14, 2019, 02:39:56 PM
My male nerite has been falling upside down, usually dropping off the glass or the wood, several times a day in recent weeks/months. Yesterday, when the lights came on, he was lying upside down, desperately trying to rectify his position, but to no avail. Unfortunately, one of the x-ray tetras was overly interested in the situation and kept poking him while I was trying to turn him upright - sadly, it looks as though the tetra succeeded in biting off one of his tentacles. The female nerite's tentacles are very short - about 0.5cm, whereas the male's are an impressive 3cm long ordinarily, but now he has one long one and one 0.5cm stump which he kept manoeuvring yesterday as though it were longer but which he's since realised no longer carries out its previous function. I do hope it grows back in time...

I had been tempted to get a lone dwarf cichlid a few months back but their teeth is precisely the reason I didn't - and as I'd read elsewhere of someone having difficulty keeping nerites with dwarf cichlids. I'll have to keep a close eye on my nerite and the x-rays...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 11, 2019, 09:52:23 AM
I went to the local MA yesterday to get some RO and have a look around.
They have had a young mbu puffer there for a few weeks, and he is in a tank on his own after being pestered by some other fish in another tank. The staff were saying that he was a bit off his food since the move, and would only eat snails, which they couldn't find enough off in the rest of their system to keep him fed properly. Apparently he's not overly impressed with bloodworms (I was amazed), and had also stopped eating mussels.
I have 3 pest snail breeding tanks in the spare room, so I popped home to harvest some for "Mr Mbu" (yes, they've named him and put his name on his tank label). I watched as the staff fed him, and it was an absolute joy to see him eating so well. He even had a slightly tubby aspect to his tummy by the time he'd finished.  :)
We had a chat about ways to encourage him to feed, and I hope we see a much happier puffer on my next visit.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on August 18, 2019, 01:41:34 PM
I saw Mr Mbu the puffer when I went to get RO. The staff are feeding him on river shrimp, as he only shows interest in live food at the moment, though he does look quite pleased with himself about this.

I thought I'd take a break after cleaning the river tank. I moved a rock and a piece of wood during cleaning. The dominant bulldog plec in none too please with this, as it is in the main part of his territory. Looks like I'll have to adjust things so they are back in exactly the same place as before.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 01, 2019, 04:23:14 PM
I have finally bought a new tank for my betta. I've been looking for ages, then last week I was in my favourite shop and glanced at the tanks. Sitting on top of some boxed tank was the thing I've been looking for! A cube, 30 cm per side, with cover glasses.
The filter that was inside was a different make, and the price of £59 was for the tank and filter. I said I didn't need a filter or heater as I already have them so they put the filter back on the shelf and charged me £29 for the tank alone. It has an Aqua One sticker on it but as it does not have a sectioned off bit for the heater and filter it isn't an Aqua Nano.

Unfortunately we were almost home when I remembered I needed a base mat. That is due from Ebay early next week but I can't swap tanks till it arrives  :-\
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 01, 2019, 05:08:11 PM
That's amazing value Sue  ;D can't wait to see it!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 01, 2019, 05:49:57 PM
I'll take some photos once I have it all set up.

The thing I didn't like about the current tank (an Aqua One AquaSpace) is that the cover glass only covered half the tank with a big gap at the front and back. This meant that evaporation was a problem, and bettas can jump - my current betta jumps half out of the water when i feed him. I got round that by siliconing some glass strips from an old tank just below the rim and using some perspex as a lid. But perspex gets old looking (scratched, discoloured etc) so it looked a bit of a mess. But it will do as a QT.

I forgot to mention that I don't need a light either as I already have a clip-on light  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 01, 2019, 07:52:35 PM
My Betta also jumps when feeding but has never been seen to do it at any other time... might be like a trampoline in there when I'm not looking... who knows!

Wouldn't mind seeing a photo of your main tank too if you don't mind sharing @Sue. I know you have them set up super low maintnenace and I'd like to see if I can steal some tips from you!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 01, 2019, 07:56:44 PM
I'll get the camera out tomorrow - or at least I will if I get chance to do the water change. The trouble with having a retired husband is that he keeps wanting to go out on water change day  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 04, 2019, 11:34:14 AM
The base mat arrived yesterday just before we went out for the afternoon. I have spent the morning swapping tanks. The worst bit was trying to catch the shrimps. 21 of them. I had no idea there were that many in there.

The tank is a couple of litres smaller than the old one, but it is still plenty big enough for a betta. I measured 23 litres of water in, but the sand was wet from when I washed it (with dechlorinated water) so there's a tiny bit more from there.

I've charged the camera batteries but photos will have to wait till the tank clears.



Photos of the main tank will also have to wait a bit - I should have done a water change on Monday afternoon, but we went out. We went out again yesterday afternoon. I hope I'll be able to do it today, but you never know, he's muttering about going out again  >:(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 04, 2019, 10:35:30 PM
My Betta and shrimps do not get on unfortunately, great you have having success with them and some breeding action going on.  Photos on your own time Sue no worries, though they are eagerly anticipated!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 05, 2019, 10:24:24 AM
https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/gallery-showcase/sue's-tanks-september-2019/




The shrimps were an experiment with my last betta. He was very laid back so I tried 3 shrimps (1 m 2 f) and he ignored them. I was continually hoovering up baby shrimps so they all went back into the main tank at each water change, though obviously I missed some as the shrimp numbers increased.
When he died and I got my current betta, he ate the baby shrimps - I did not hoover up any more babies. But some must have got passed him as there were many more shrimps than I had realised when I swapped tanks, and a lot were only half grown. Maybe he isn't as interested as he's grown older.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 06, 2019, 10:10:18 AM
Great to read and see these updates, @Sue.

Life is certainly a lottery. My two elderly shoals (x-rays aged almost 5; harlies aged 4.25) and the neon greens which haven't fared very well (aged 1) have been looking rather like any one of them could potentially pass on at any time. The 3 x-rays all have eye problems, 3 of the 4 harlies just look old and one is developing eye problems, and the 3 of the 4 neon greens look weak. This left only two fish I felt fairly confident about as they seemed comparatively robust, although one seemingly robust harley had a sudden death a while back so I am aware of what can happen. At some stage in the past 2-3 hours, the big robust female neon green who had a strong personality and commandeered most of the tank must have experienced a catastrophic health event - she's lying dead in the rocks, not wedged in, but as though she experienced a sudden death and ended up there. In view of her young age, the fish I would have least expected! [Edited to add: removal of her body showed no signs whatsoever of anything untoward. Of one consolation was that she had been perfectly fine at breakfast time, so the demise but have been swift.]
 :'(   :'(   :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: sharpandroid on September 06, 2019, 02:30:59 PM
Took the Fluval U1 back to MA in Poppleton today because it was noisy, they plugged it in and dropped irt into the plant tank, "i can't hear anything" he said, I said " it's noisy in here you wont be able to hear it" the reply "you have a long guarantee with it so if it does it again bring it back".

Not the response I was after.
I realise that just because they work in a particular job doesn't mean people have an interest in it, this could be the case in MA Poppleton, some of the advice given when I first started has meant I'm stuck with something less than ideal regarding the fish and water parameters in this area.

I then bought a couple of the aqua care test pots, just the strips, Ammonia and the 5 in 1, should have gone somewhere else.... 
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 06, 2019, 05:05:10 PM
It's a few years since I asked the staff anything at Poppleton, and back then they were about average - in other words, not very knowledgable. Even in the best shops, no-one can know everything about every fish, and most of them don't believe in cycling a tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 06, 2019, 11:38:35 PM
Oh dear @fcmf you don't seem to be having much luck with those neon greens... bad batch perhaps... we know your fish husbandry (is there a female equivalent of this word??) is top notch... my sympathies...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 08, 2019, 10:58:35 AM
@fcmf  so sorry to hear about your fish.  :(
You do seem to have been unlucky with these.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 08, 2019, 11:09:51 AM
With starting a new job at the end of July, and having to work away from home several days a week, I don't have as much time with my gang as I'd like. This week I also had a quick trip to Cardiff as my father had knee surgery, which all went well. The early morning starts, driving, and sleeping in different hotels on a regular basis has all been quite tiring, so when I got home yesterday I spent the evening catching up on my sleep.
Luckily, the automatic feeders on the community tanks are doing their job, and although my gang aren't getting the attention or variety of diet that they are used to, we all seem to be coping at the moment.
It's not leaving me a lot of time to spend on the forum either, but I'm sure things will settle down eventually.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 08, 2019, 06:47:42 PM
Thanks, @Matt and @Littlefish
The one consolation, and I'm sure it won't last for long, is that there is now no dominant fish and so everyone is getting to position themselves wherever they like in different locations throughout the tank and not finding they're being relentlessly chased out of the way by someone who refuses to let anyone else in/near their territory.

Sounds like all is very busy for you, LF, and hope it becomes calmer soon.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 10, 2019, 01:20:22 PM
Sigh... the last remaining female neon green rasbora died at some stage between breakfast time this morning and mid-morning, in an almost identical repeat of Fri morn (i.e. healthiest of the NGRs still in the tank, perfectly fine at breakfast time, lying dead down by the filter by mid-morn).  Ironically, that now leaves me with what has always looked like the two weakest NGRs (both males) - one from each of the two batches bought last year.  I know fish always fare well if in larger groups but, given how poorly they've fared, I haven't been keen to replenish them, and certainly won't be getting them again.

Ironically, I had been almost certain of finding a dead harlequin rasbora this morning.  Two have curved spines when viewed from above, evident for most of this year.  Both like to hang immediately below the water surface.  One was looking particularly pale yesterday and a strange shape - hunchbacked/emaciated with his rear half almost drooping - and kept getting agitated and almost obsessed with his reflection.  I took quite a bit of video footage yesterday but it doesn't really do the situation justice.  Definitely not at the point for euthanasia as appetite still fine.  I would expect him to be next to go but, currently, it's the healthier-looking fish who seem to be doing so...

As ever, water quality (ammonia, nitrite, nitrates) is optimum at 0, 0, 20 consistently, although I have no live plants these days except for some anubias. Water is very soft but there has never been a PH crash (helped presumably by whatever is added to the water by the water company to increase its PH). Water changes are 50% weekly, with thorough siphoning of the substrate (perhaps overly so, as absolutely all decor is removed for the purposes of removing snail poo).  If any of this, or any other potential factor, might be contributory, grateful for any comments. [Edited to add: after seeing others' photos recently of their luscious plants, I do wonder if the lack of live plants in my tank means it's a sub-standard environment for them...]

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 10, 2019, 03:51:58 PM
I'm sorry to hear about the fish. It is always difficult to know why without obvious physical symptoms  :(

Live plants, or the lack of them, won't have caused substantial stress for the fish provided there are fake plants of some sort. It's the lack of hiding places that stresses fish.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 10, 2019, 04:25:37 PM
Thanks, Sue - there are certainly plenty of fake plants and hiding places in the tank.

Somewhat embarrassingly :-[, I've discovered since putting on the light that I've been mourning the wrong fish - I got the confusion/fright of my life after the lights came on to realise that the fish I thought had died is actually doing very well, but the fish that did die is actually the weakest one of the neon greens i.e. the last of the original batch who had a forked tail and whose eyes seemed quite large in proportion to his tiny body and who I never thought would survive as long as he has. When I removed him from the tank and put him in the container, he's been upside down, hence why I didn't realise who he was and had ID'd him through looking at the two remaining fish in the dark. Doh! Looking back at yesterday's video footage which I was trying to take of the deformed harlequin, I can see that this particular neon green was extremely tiny and therefore it's of no surprise that he's passed away, although his appetite and activity levels were always good. Although of some consolation that it wasn't a seemingly healthy fish that had died, I feel a bit daft, having mistaken which fish had actually died.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 12, 2019, 03:47:32 PM
Everyone looking quite relaxed and content with this morning's present which arrived in the mail - floating Amazonian frogbit. Now just have to see if I can surpass my 'personal best' of it lasting a couple of months.  ::) How I do envy those who actually have plant growth and actually experience trimming their plants or have so much floating plant growth that they have excess... not something I'm ever likely to achieve!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 13, 2019, 09:17:58 AM
Sorry to hear about your fish @fcmf   :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 13, 2019, 04:51:31 PM
After some deliberation in recent months about potential future stocking, and some sad occurrences recently creating space, I currently have 6 little cardinal tetras floating in their bag in the QT, acclimatising to its temperature.  They look somewhat nervous after their journey home, so fingers crossed for them...

 :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:

Edited to add: Phew - 5 minutes later and they're colouring-up a bit...

These were purchased from a chain pet store rather than my usual chain aquatics store.  I'll have to say that, having investigated the tanks in this place previously, and again during today's visit prior to purchase, and having chatted to the member of staff, I'm most impressed with the system in place for fish care in these stores, and for customers, (plus their level of knowledge and personal experience). Let's hope these fish fare ok.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 13, 2019, 07:07:56 PM
Best of luck to your new arrivals @fcmf   
I hope that they settle in quickly and complete their quarantine without incident.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 14, 2019, 09:54:33 AM
Great news! Keep us in the loop!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 14, 2019, 01:39:25 PM
I'll be starting a new thread on my tank soon but, in the meantime, thought I'd show a photo of the new arrivals.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 14, 2019, 07:59:31 PM
Great colours.  8)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: LeakysLab on September 15, 2019, 10:22:39 AM
 :wave: I hope your cardinals are doing well! I’ve always been a fan of Tetras primarily due to their colours. It was my birthday recently and my kind mother has given me a 60L tank to get back into the hobby after 15 year break  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 15, 2019, 11:36:20 AM
It was my birthday recently and my kind mother has given me a 60L tank to get back into the hobby after 15 year break  :fishy1:

Exciting!!

I know this isn't especially fishy news but I just fixed my dishwasher and have cancelled the repair man. Amazing what a bit of YouTube can do... and the fish siphon hose came in very hand too (now thoroughly cleaned of course).  Very happy to have saved minimum £85!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 15, 2019, 03:06:23 PM
:wave: I hope your cardinals are doing well! I’ve always been a fan of Tetras primarily due to their colours. It was my birthday recently and my kind mother has given me a 60L tank to get back into the hobby after 15 year break  :fishy1:
Thanks.  Excellent that you're revitalising your hobby - looking forward to reading of your developments.

I know this isn't especially fishy news but I just fixed my dishwasher and have cancelled the repair man. Amazing what a bit of YouTube can do... and the fish siphon hose came in very hand too (now thoroughly cleaned of course).  Very happy to have saved minimum £85!
Well done, Matt.  Sometimes I find I can get a bit impatient watching YouTube videos, and would rather read a list of instructions, but your example today definitely shows how it can be worth it!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: LeakysLab on September 15, 2019, 03:54:18 PM
well done on fixing your dishwasher! interestingly I am a plumber by trade  :afro no excuses for any leaks on my system  :yikes:

I am looking forward to re entering the hobby, I am just not rushing in to anything yet.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 15, 2019, 04:29:37 PM
I like that attitude  :) So many people rush into things then find they aren't working as they expected.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 17, 2019, 07:30:24 PM
An active day in the main tank today. Somehow, the water level today is such that the filter outflow pipe is creating bubbles on and below the surface, resulting in the neon green rasboras (plus some of the others, to a lesser extent) surfing for most of the day in their 'jacuzzi'. Everyone seems to be in good form, even those elderly ones who occasionally look like they may not make it through the day. Both snails emerged from a small clay plot this morning, round the side of a moss ball which was partially covering it - the newly-appeared white dots inside the clay pot and over the moss ball reveal what they'd been up to overnight!

Meanwhile, in the quarantine tank, the ever-so-polite cardinals are very calm and sedate, and queue up in very orderly fashion to take turns to feed, only venturing up once the previous one has descended with its mouthful. Their colours are stunning, with the blue line appearing as blue or green, dependent on positioning. I think I have 2 females and 4 males, with the 2 females being first and second in line for first pickings of the food, almost after everyone huddles together and acknowledges that food has arrived and if collective permission is obtained to proceed with dining. This is the most genteel group of fish I've had so far, and there's no frantic swimming up and down the glass or hierarchy-development spats - wonder how long this will last, though.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 17, 2019, 07:44:56 PM
I suspect it will last and last if mine are anything to go by!

Mine are a bit keener on their food but this will come with time to yours I'm sure. I often see them struggling to swim a little after feeding time as they have stuffed their bellies too full.  They are not aggressive in any way though...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 23, 2019, 06:11:26 PM
I think my greedy fish from each shoal (two female x-ray tetras plus the healthy female neon green rasbora) have been reincarnated as two of the six cardinal tetras - two of them seem to eat all the food and have at least tripled in size (body mass), while the other four look as though they no longer have permission/rights to any food despite me tempting them with garlic pellets.  ::)

Updated a few days later to add:
Aha - finally I've found a method that works... I need to actually feed the fish via a pair of tongs so that the food gets released underwater rather than requiring them swimming up to the top. Now everyone's getting fed.
Also decided to do a water change prematurely as I could see a lot of fungused food on the bottom where pellets had sunk before realisation that they were food. Everyone coped with it far better than the first one, possibly because they recalled having survived last week's one, I talked to them in a calming/reassuring manner throughout, and/or they seem to be becoming much less shy and scared in my presence over the past few days.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 27, 2019, 06:51:49 PM
Good to hear that everyone is feeding and settling in.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 28, 2019, 07:29:14 PM
So, Donna, with the thoughts of possibly having to relocate within the next 12 months, how's it going with cutting down on tanks & not buying any new fish?

Um, well, not too bad, but probably could do better.  :-[

 :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on September 29, 2019, 06:34:04 AM
Not exactly "in accordance with the plan" Donna... what a stunner though!!!  :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on September 29, 2019, 08:15:50 AM
I only went to get some RO & salt for the mudskippers.
The plans went out of the window.
Ooops.  ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on September 29, 2019, 09:10:25 AM
Oooooh, gorgeous!

I oughtn't to be encouraging you but I do love reading of these "mishaps" / "unforeseen acquisitions".  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on September 29, 2019, 10:12:03 AM
He is a lovely betta, I wouldn't have been able to resist either  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: LeakysLab on September 29, 2019, 04:04:57 PM
I must agree with everyone else he is a beauty  ;) I couldn’t of passed the opportunity up as I am terrible with going for one thing and leaving with other bits but not what I needed  :rotfl:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 05, 2019, 07:58:42 AM
Sad news, I'm afraid.
I got home at around 7pm last night and did my usual round of tank checks & feeding. Since taking the new job, and having to spend time away from home, things have been ok, but the same can't be said for last night. I've lost a few fish, the main one being the new betta. I'm gutted, and having to seriously think about whether this situation is fair on the fish & axolotls.
I'll look at a few options this weekend to make sure that the welfare of the fish is the priority.
I shouldn't have bought the betta until I was in a position to be at home every day, and I'm feeling awful about getting carried away with that impulsive purchase.
Lots to think about.  :-[  :'(

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 05, 2019, 08:58:54 AM
I'm sorry to hear this  :(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 05, 2019, 11:40:34 AM
I too need to think about downsizing my fish/aquascape collection... sad new Donna, if you want to discuss any thoughts/plans, let us know!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 05, 2019, 12:29:42 PM
Oh, what terribly sad news, both about the betta and the other fish (and that this is now resulting in the need to review the situation)  :'(.  All the best with the consideration of various options this weekend. Likewise, happy to help lend a helping hand with / objective view of the relatives merits or otherwise of any such options or suggest any alternatives that might be worth exploring.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 05, 2019, 05:46:17 PM
After going through a spell of only keeping silk plants, I've had some floating plants in the tank for the past month or so - not bad by my records. I then decided to reward myself / the fish with an Echinodorus Amazonicus which arrived today after the postal system took 5 days to deliver it - whether or not it survives that lengthy delivery time, with the seeming sudden transition to winter in the interim, is another matter. However, I'm enjoying the more natural look in the aquarium with the addition of this one live plant at substrate level. In my head, I have ideas for other low-maintenance plants which ought to "fit the bill" - but I'm not even going to go there unless this plant survives beyond a month.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 05, 2019, 07:28:30 PM
A root tab will help it along nicely @fcmf if you have one?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 05, 2019, 09:23:55 PM
Thanks, @Matt - I was going to give it a miss as it has a tendency to cloud the tank red (it's red-coloured) when disturbed but have now popped it in to give the plant the best chance.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 06, 2019, 02:47:32 AM
Great, they are heavy root feeders so that should be a useful addition. Do also don't gravel vac too close to the roots for a bit so it can get established  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 06, 2019, 10:13:28 AM
I hope that your plant does well @fcmf   :)

I've spent some time considering options after the disaster on Friday, and I think I've made the decision to move.

My original plan was to stay in here until I found a house to buy & relocate for work. They were paying for me to stay in hotels during the week, but I find that this doesn't suit me because it doesn't feel very homely. The past few weeks I've been renting a little Airbnb place, which is much better. Although the allowance from work doesn't cover all of the cost, at least I don't have to keep packing and unpacking, which makes me feel more settled.

I've not slept well, so I've spent the past 2 nights looking at rental properties that would be large enough for the fish tanks, and have found some that may be suitable. It will be a massive upheaval, and I'll be renting rather than buying, but at least I can have the fish with me, and can still save some money towards a deposit to buy in the future, though it might take a bit longer than I'd originally planned.

Luckily I checked the water parameters in the new area before I even accepted the job, and it's very similar to what I have here. Also, moving before the end of the year will allow me to take advantage of the relocation package that work provides, so that will help too.

It's a big decision, but would have had to be done sooner or later, and although I'm very concerned about moving the fish, at least I'll have them with me again.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 06, 2019, 02:42:25 PM
That sounds like a plan. You'll have to move the fish at some point whether it is to buy or rent. And having your own place is much better than living out of a suitcase.

Fingers crossed you find somewhere soon  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 06, 2019, 02:46:05 PM
I agree - that definitely sounds like a sensible plan in the circumstances.
 :)

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 06, 2019, 03:20:28 PM
Great, they are heavy root feeders so that should be a useful addition. Do also don't gravel vac too close to the roots for a bit so it can get established  :cheers:
I have a feeling this "keeping live plants" is going to be short-lived. These are meant to be kept in partial shade which I'm doing but already they look like they're heading towards liquified state...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 06, 2019, 05:44:11 PM
I went to MA to get some RO water this morning, a trip I knew would be difficult after the death of the betta.
Sure enough, as the water containers were being filled I had "how's the tanks? how's the betta?" and had to explain the situation. We had a chat about what could have caused the problem, but didn't come to any conclusions. I was asked if there was any other livestock in the tank with him, and I said no.
I planned to head home, strip that tank down, then get on with cleaning the river tank.
Whilst driving home I suddenly realised that I'd bought some blue shrimp and a pale rabbit snail with the betta, so when I got home I looked into the tank to see if I could find them.
Couldn't see anything, so decided to syphon the water out of the tank to start the strip down.
I eventually found most of the shrimp in with the pump, and found the snail under a catappa leaf, and as the water level dropped in the tank a few more shrimp came out of the plants  ::)
I've used filter foam to stop the shrimp from being sucked into the heater/filter/pump area, and they have all been put back into the main part of that tank.
That's some consolation, at least.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 06, 2019, 06:16:46 PM
Glad there is some small element of consolation in your sad tale.  :cheers:

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 07, 2019, 03:06:44 AM
Great that you have the shrimp and snail still @Littlefish

@fcmf I wouldn't worry too much about the partial shade thing... in fact I'd probably ignore it altogether... the plant is shedding its leaves which are adapted for growing out of the water and will replace them with leaves more readily adapted for growing underwater. Provided the roots are healthy and have access to some nutrients you just need to remove and damaged or dieing leaves and wait for more ones to emerge from the crown :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 07, 2019, 03:48:02 PM
Thanks, @Matt - that's really helpful to know... I'd probably have discarded the plant as yet another failure, unaware that this was the process. As I've mentioned before, I tend to remove absolutely everything from the tank in order to do a thorough clean, and certainly needed to do a thorough clean post- snail "poo fest"(!), but I forced myself to leave the plant in situ during that time.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 07, 2019, 05:27:44 PM
I'll convert you into an expert plant keeper yet!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 07, 2019, 07:41:50 PM
Thanks, and good luck!  :)

Hmmm - looks like this pair are in for another evening/night of "activity". At least they've made it to the foodpot before the fish - I waited until they were close by, then popped in the food. Usually these days, regardless of time I pop in the food, the fish swoop down and demolish it before the snails get a chance.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 07, 2019, 07:51:42 PM
Building up their energy.  ;)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 12, 2019, 10:08:18 AM
It's an exciting day in the Littlefish household - changing to Seachem Prime water conditioner.
I'm starting with the axolotl tank this morning, then probably moving on to the river tank, and will be converting other tanks depending on how "sensitive" the inhabitants are. The sturdiest fish will continue to have the AquaCare conditioner, as I still have a massive container of that which is still around half full.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 14, 2019, 06:39:59 PM
The cardinals have moved from QT into main tank.  :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:  A full update will follow at https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/fish-tanks-and-equipment/filter-tinkering-musing/msg46113/?topicseen#new
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 15, 2019, 03:31:26 PM
I can't stop admiring my tank, beaming proudly at its inhabitants. :-*  I really ought to pull myself together. ::)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 19, 2019, 08:02:20 AM
Nothing wrong with spending time admiring your tank, especially after the addition of new fish post-quarantine.
 ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 24, 2019, 01:26:02 PM
5th anniversary since the first inhabitants (the x-ray tetras) arrived in the tank, so a few little edible treats have been added into the tank by way of celebration.
 :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 25, 2019, 09:35:09 AM
Happy anniversary, and I hope that your gang enjoy their treats.  :cheers:

I got home from work last night to find several clusters of peppered cory eggs in the river tank. I had thought that the 2 largest females were looking extra chunky and attracting a lot of attraction last weekend. I can't imagine that the eggs will last due to the panda garras and bulldog plecs, but that's the way it goes.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 27, 2019, 07:16:19 PM
Fed my betta at lunchtime, he gobbled his food as usual.

Younger son, who is living with us while his house purchase goes through, got home from a weekend away about 5 o'clock and said "You've got a dead fish in the tank".

My betta was dead  :yikes:

Not a mark on him, he was fine at lunchtime  :'(
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 27, 2019, 07:23:31 PM
Oh dear! Sorry to hear this @Sue. Someone told me (it might have been you!) that fish are masters of hiding their ailments so as to not appear weakened to predators. Odd that he was eating fine just a few hours prior though... I'm sure if there was something to spot you would have done so.

Im worried for mine now which is swimming a bit iffy tonight but eating fine...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on October 27, 2019, 07:44:48 PM
Sorry to hear about your betta @Sue   :(
It must have been such a shock to find that he had passed only a few hours after having eaten normally.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 28, 2019, 07:55:08 AM
What sad news, @Sue - always a shock when a seemingly in-perfect-health/behaviour fish is found dead on the next occasion you look in the tank.  :'(

[Hope yours is ok this morning, @Matt.]
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on October 28, 2019, 11:59:50 AM
Thank you all.

I think bettas are getting weaker these days. And he was big when I got him so he may have been older than usual.

My husband asked did I do anything silly at the last water change. It is a point to consider, but all the shrimps are still thriving and they'd go first if there was something wrong with the water.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on October 29, 2019, 07:32:35 PM
With the popularity of bettas it wouldnt surprise me if their genetics has got weaker recently. Mine is still eating ok but she is swimming more and more 'vertical' ie. head up.

Any ideas?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on October 31, 2019, 03:51:46 PM
It does seem, reading from everyone's experiences in recent years, that bettas are indeed getting weaker.

As for the increasingly vertical swimming, I can't advise for bettas but I have noticed other fish altering their swimming position and find that it does catch up with them in time. I had a go-to, graded list for goldfish with swimbladder difficulties - chopped pea and live/frozen food to induce any intestinal clearout, salt (if the previous didn't work after a week or so), anti-bacterial medication (if the previous didn't work after a week or so) - but this doesn't seem to work or is necessarily appropriate for my tropicals.

I've had another fatality this afternoon of a neon green rasbora - that leaves me with only one of the 12 I had.  It wasn't entirely unexpected - his spine was ever-so-slightly curved at the outset but became increasingly so over time (perhaps due to enjoying swimming into the current), and I'd been noticing just a day or two how much the back half of his spine was downward-pointing and how thin he had become, plus the difficulties he had securing food and almost toppling over himself in an effort to retrieve it.  Like the couple of NGRs who died in Sept, he was fine earlier in the day but was missing during my 4th headcount/roll-call of the day and was found lifeless behind a stone. His curved spine is particularly obvious now that he's out of the water.  The final NGR looks perfectly healthy, as did the first of the two which died in Sept, but I have an inkling she'll also experience a sudden demise before the year is out.



Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 01, 2019, 04:40:11 AM
Thanks @fcmf im going to give frozen food a second try today and if no improcement, start salt dosing tomorrow. Ive got a dosage rate of 1/2 teaspoon per 4 litres... does that sound right??
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 01, 2019, 06:37:27 PM
Sorry to hear that you've had another fatality @fcmf   :(

I hope Greta is ok @Matt

I have found that my eyesight isn't what it used to be, even with glasses, so the peppered cory fry are quite difficult to see. They are from the eggs I found in the river tank last weekend, which I moved into a smaller tank with an internal filter. A few fatalities were found in the filter sponge, but the live ones were collected from the waste bucket and returned to the tank. I'll probably end up taking these to the shop as I don't want to encourage in-breeding in the tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 01, 2019, 07:00:18 PM
I think Gretta has an internal blockage as her belly does appear swollen (thought it did yesterday but I wasn't sure). Thanks for the good news Donna in amongst all the bad news recently!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 01, 2019, 07:29:26 PM
@Matt - ah, if there's bloating (an internal blockage), then you'd be better doing a salt bath with Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) as opposed to aquarium salt (sodium chloride). Sue has a good explanation on here somewhere about what each is used for.

Thanks, @Littlefish.  Your teeny-weeny peppered cory fry are just gorgeous - congratulations!  :cheers:  [With you not around to keep them entertained / in check, they're clearly taking advantage of that situation and entertaining themselves in other ways.  ;)]

Re eyesight, one thing I've definitely noticed with having been short-sighted but also becoming long-sighted is that looking at fish in a LFS is impossible - neither set of glasses, nor plain eyesight, seems adequate. At least with everything else, there is a suitable option (either set of glasses or no glasses at all) but there needs to be a bespoke set of glasses specifically for looking at fish in a LFS!

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 01, 2019, 07:42:14 PM
The basic difference is that sodium chloride is a mild antiseptic while magnesium sulphate (that should be sulfate nowadays but the older spelling is too ingrained) is used for drawing fluid from tissues.
While sodium chloride can be added to a tank, magnesium sulphate should always be used as a bath in a separate container.



I found varifocals great for several years, until my cataracts got bad and my prescription changed every couple of months. Though not everyone can use varifocals. My husband and my mother both hated them, but my aunt and I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 01, 2019, 07:44:10 PM
I have a new betta  :) He's tiny, white with pink fins, and very energetic, making photos tricky. He also killed a shrimp today. I think I need to remove them to the relative safety of the main tank.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 01, 2019, 08:10:38 PM
That's more good new Sue.  :cheers: (Not for the shrimp admittedly... Gretta is a shrimp killer too...)

I'll get some magnesium sulphate tomorrow if she is no better, thanks.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 01, 2019, 08:16:39 PM
The dose rate is 1 teaspoon per gallon (or 1 x 5 ml spoonful per 3.75 litres) of tank water. Leave the fish in for up to 30 minutes twice a day, but remove the fish immediately if it shows any signs of stress.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 01, 2019, 10:09:04 PM
Congratulations on your new betta @Sue
I hope he stops darting around and eating shrimp long enough for you to get a pic for us.  :)
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 01, 2019, 10:38:26 PM
What an evening. I must do about ten headcounts a day. One of the new cardinals, present at the 18:30 headcount, was missing at 20:10. I opened and shut the lid - no result - so, at this stage, I was looking for a body. I used a pair of plant tongs and gave each plant a prod, to no avail. Next, I used it to give each rock a prod, again to no avail. The leaves were lifted in turn, the wood too. Still no apparition. Out came every piece of decor, piece by piece. Mr FCMF checked the floor - no sign of anything. Given previous experiences, the filter is attached to the tank walls with ultra-strong magnets, and filter wool also tucked in. By this point, I began to wonder if cannibalism had taken place. Only when the final piece - a large plant pot which I keep some spare filter media in and which is kept under the filter was removed did a very washed-out but living cardinal appear.  ::) I wonder if this is the same cardinal who hid inside a leaf during the first water change of the QT, resulting in similar feelings of :yikes:, or whether he'd somehow got wedged in by accident. I must have aged by about 5 years in the space of a couple of hours!

Anyway, what a lovely antidote to all that to read of @Sue's lovely news. Looking forward to seeing a photo of the new betta soon!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 02, 2019, 04:27:32 AM
The dose rate is 1 teaspoon per gallon (or 1 x 5 ml spoonful per 3.75 litres) of tank water. Leave the fish in for up to 30 minutes twice a day, but remove the fish immediately if it shows any signs of stress.
Thanks @Sue
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 02, 2019, 12:37:37 PM
Dear nerite snails,

Seriously, what do you use to attach your eggs to surfaces? I couldn't get them off a piece of wood with a tooth brush or a nail brish.  ::)
Even the shrimp and bristlenose don't seem to be able to shift the eggs.
Eventually I gave up and decided that spotty wood was perfectly acceptable.

Kind regards,

Donna
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 02, 2019, 02:26:43 PM
Ah - I discovered something last week in my "fish accoutrements" box which worked, not on wood but on the glass. I think it was sold as an algae scraper but it's perfect for this job - it's a little like a razor blade but with a plastic bit to hold it from. I'll take a photo and attached it here later.  ;D I've seen my cardinals attempt to eat the nerite eggs but they don't succeed in dislodging them.


Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 02, 2019, 03:02:22 PM
Even those plastic plant labels stuck in the pots at the garden centre will get nerite eggs off glass. Plastic decor needs a bit more work, but wood is impossible as they are stuck so hard the wood underneath the egg comes away before the egg comes off the wood. I have given up trying and have put up with spotty wood for years  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 02, 2019, 03:29:16 PM
I've got a scraper for the glass, and I thought a stiff brush would deal with the wood, but no.
Spotty wood it is then.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 03, 2019, 07:15:55 PM
Apparently the panda cories and assassin snail have all been "busy" while I've been away.
I've only found a couple of panda fry so far, and am having to go through the waste buckets to double check.  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 19, 2019, 06:55:09 PM
I have a new betta  :) He's tiny, white with pink fins, and very energetic, making photos tricky. He also killed a shrimp today. I think I need to remove them to the relative safety of the main tank.

How is your Betta @Sue ? Mine is still suffering with swim bladder... in the end I decided to get a swim bladder treatment rather than the Epsom salts... possibly a mistake. She's still eating well though I've not been feeding much, just done the cooked shelled chopped up peas thing to see if that helps, but I was under the impression she had passed whatever was causing the problem so if this doesn't work I'm planning on picking up those salts this Friday (and going to a new fish shop on the way back from work...  good excuse and all that).  I get the impression Betta's are quite susceptible to swim bladder so I'm not sure if genetics has a part to play here... anyway... after any good suggestions if anything else people think might be worth trying?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 19, 2019, 08:08:41 PM
You don't feed anything like dried bloodworms straight from the pack do you? I know bettas have trouble with these as they soak up water inside the fish and swell up causing problems for the fish.

Daphnia (live or defrosted frozen) is another good 'treatment' for constipation.



My new betta has calmed down a bit and seems to ignoring the shrimps for now. He did split his tail on something, so I'm waiting till it's completely healed before attempting a photo. He must have caught it on something as it was just a straight tear down between the rays. These tears do heal completely and there's just a tiny bit to go.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on November 19, 2019, 08:53:04 PM
You don't feed anything like dried bloodworms straight from the pack do you? I know bettas have trouble with these as they soak up water inside the fish and swell up causing problems for the fish.

Daphnia (live or defrosted frozen) is another good 'treatment' for constipation.

No fortunately not, I found that out a couple of years back AFTER I bought some freeze dried bloodworm! I used it very sparingly over a long period of time in my community tank. I've been feeding flake and frozen bloodworm alternatively recently.

Was it daphnia not bloodworm that's good for constipation?
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 21, 2019, 04:54:27 PM
Yes, it's daphnia for constipation.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 21, 2019, 05:03:30 PM
I have added a photo of my new betta to this thread https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/gallery-showcase/my-bettas/10/
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 21, 2019, 06:41:44 PM
Was it daphnia not bloodworm that's good for constipation?
Bloodworm is/was advocated for relieving constipation in goldfish, which is possibly where you and I have that in mind. I don't think I'd heard of daphnia in my goldfish-keeping days. Checking out a 'bona fide' website, I see that both it and daphnia are now suggested for goldfish.

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 21, 2019, 06:43:24 PM
I have read somewhere that the problem with bloodworm is that they have hard heads and if a fish stuffs themselves the heads can cause a blockage. How true that is, I can't say.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 21, 2019, 06:46:53 PM
I would imagine that might account for why they're (still) advocated for goldfish but aren't advocated for tropicals (or at least fish smaller than goldfish). From recollection, there's also an issue with bloodworm being quite fattening and less nutritious than daphnia... but please correct me if I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: jaypeecee on November 21, 2019, 06:54:46 PM
I've got a scraper for the glass, and I thought a stiff brush would deal with the wood, but no.
Spotty wood it is then.  ;D

Hi @Littlefish & Everyone,

Even a wire brush is ineffective with Nerite eggs on bogwood. But, I've just had a thought. If these eggs hatch in salty water, I wonder if they would soften enough by moving the wood into salty water to help remove them? The bogwood would then need to be thoroughly rinsed before being returned to its original home.

JPC
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on November 23, 2019, 11:54:01 AM
Ah, good idea @jaypeecee I might try putting one of the smaller pieces of spotty wood in my brackish tank with the mudskippers and see what happens.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on November 23, 2019, 01:20:17 PM
From recollection, there's also an issue with bloodworm being quite fattening and less nutritious than daphnia...

Yes, bloodworm is quite fatty. And feeding any live food exclusively won't provide a balanced diet. If we ate nothing but burgers, we'd suffer as well  ;D
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on November 24, 2019, 02:11:24 PM
Exciting times - the cardinals have eventually shown an interest in eating chopped pea! It's as though they had a meeting about it earlier in the week, the chief female (whose lead the others follow) reported that she'd noticed the benefit to the others' digestive systems (i.e. no sign of constipation after eating it) and then gave them all permission to tuck in. Ordinarily, I put it in, and the cardinals completely ignore it, yet, in contrast to a few days ago, they've now all immediately tucked into it.  ???

Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 01, 2019, 12:27:53 PM
The cardinals are doing a good job at seeking out left-overs on the bottom of the tank which was what I was hoping for. One of the two females, though, is a bit too keen - she's become so large from all her eating that her horizontal stripe is distorted... think it's the obese female x-ray tetra reincarnated!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 01, 2019, 03:41:43 PM
They do seem to have eyes bigger than their bellies... don't know when to stop!!
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 02, 2019, 04:11:22 PM
I was intending to do an overdue water change this afternoon. We went out shopping the morning and got back just before midday to the sound of burglar alarms going off round us. Went in to find no power. Judging by the mechanical timer on the betta's tank, it had been off for about 15 mins. It came back on 20 minutes ago. So no water changes as I couldn't boil a kettle to warm the new water.

So we've been sitting in the lounge for 4 hours as that room has a gas fire so we could keep warm. Even our son's cat abandoned his usual places (on son's bed, on a dining room chair) and came in with us to keep warm. There is talk about banning new properties from being connected to the gas mains - if we had not had a gas fire we'd have been in bed all afternoon (with a cat, he's taken to sleeping on our bed at night as it is).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 02, 2019, 08:21:07 PM
We used to have much more frequent and lwngtht power cuts when I was a kid. We seemed particularly prone to them where I grew up in rural Devon. They were just part of life though then, you got a torch and carried on. Now I have a more electronically based life it seems with gadgets, Wi-Fi etc which means that a power cut is a huge inconvenience... that said i do seem to recall a time when my mum lost a big chest freezer full of home cooked meals due to an extended power cut which was gutting.

I had not heard about not connecting new homes to the gas network... it seems strange when the electricity network is at such stress in peak times that we are encouraging electric cars and stopping people using gas. I've no idea which is more environmentally damaging, gas or electric... some googling to follow...

Don't get me wrong... any effort to reduce greenhouse emission is an absolute must, every time I think about the world I am bringing my son into I am deeply concerned... but not connecting people to gas sound to me like one of those sounds good things that reality means is more complex. Look at whats happened with diesel vs petrol recently... and that was seemingly unexpected by many... anyway I'm off to do some googling!...
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Sue on December 02, 2019, 08:29:06 PM
The freezer was my main concern but it was cold enough in the kitchen that the red light didn't come on when the power came back on. I'd been using the tumble drier till just as we went out, and since my husband refuses to have a hole knocked in the wall  >:(  I have to put the tube out of an open window, so the kitchen was cold before the power cut.


The item I read was that with new build homes after a certain date all built in hobs would have to be induction, and that heating would be by heat exchange units rather than central heating as we know it now.
Your reaction is the same as mine when I read it - the electric supply is stressed enough now, if there is to be a bigger demand, there'll just be more power cuts.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 02, 2019, 08:41:40 PM
There's loads of other factors... just heat the room with electric, not the pipes in the walls, better for cooking too as heat transfered to the pan more efficiently... I won't go on for fear of boring you...

The answer is less complex when you consider... electric can be vastly less impactfull IF a renewable source is used.  This seems to be the principle. Gas cant be renewable in the future in the way electric can.

In fact I have switched to green electricity myself recently (and was quite proud to have done so - especially when I found I saved money overall on my old tariff) but didn't even think about the gas.

To add to this... I wonder how many people out there think that a condensing boiler just emits steam and not co2... this brings up another line of thought around our behaviours around energy, misinformation etc etc... I did a masters on a similar topic so I will definately stop ranting now and leave you all in peace...

We just need to have 100% renewable electricity in the UK (so sunny and windy weather then we run out if water.....)  this time I'm really stopping....
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 09, 2019, 05:48:02 PM
I'm finally comfortable to say that my Betta Gretta is better...!

It seems to have taken an age for her to improve with multiple treatments of swim bladder medication. I am wondering two things...
1) possibly only first dose of treatment truly effective as upon reflection I believe I may have failed to shake the bottle before administering subsequent doses (though it doesn't actually say you need to)
2) Far more likely!.. I have change the food we are giving her and she also now gets a greater variety of foods. The flake food I believe may have been contributing to intestinal upset impacting of her swim bladder.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 09, 2019, 09:55:37 PM
Great news, Matt. Having frequently treated fantail goldfish in the past for this, (2) definitely made a difference. As for (1), did you use Interpet's treatment? I have used it before and also found that an anti-bacterial infection medication was helpful too - my vague recollection was that the ingredients were similar but the latter's ingredients stronger... may be completely incorrect, though.

Two of my harlies are definitely becoming increasingly S-shaped; I can't see them reaching their 5th birthdays in 5 months' time. Also, the x-ray with the bent/curving-up tail is unlikely to reach his 5.5th birthday in 4 months' time.  At least they've had a good life even if looking very elderly now.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Littlefish on December 10, 2019, 03:33:35 PM
Glad to hear that Greta is much better now.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 14, 2019, 07:37:52 PM
Key piece of equipment for a fishkeeper, in the event of potential illness in a small fish and needing a better view of the extent of the situation, is a magnifying glass. I know Sue uses one but I have learned today just how crucial and helpful that would be. I thought I had one but can't find it anywhere.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 29, 2019, 05:53:35 PM
Ten days ago, with 3 poorly fish (two elderly and one juvenile), I had my mind set on having no more fish as the stress was outweighing the pleasure. Ten days later, and with these 3 having sadly passed on and the tank looking a bit 'quiet', the QT has somehow set itself up (minus the established filter media - to be transferred in when the time is right) in preparation for the likely addition of 4 cardinal tetras to boost numbers of that shoal. It seems that the only way to console oneself over fish deaths is to purchase more fish.
 :fishy1: :fishy1: :fishy1:
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: fcmf on December 30, 2019, 08:12:58 PM
Aw - thanks so much for those kind words, @fishtales .

Now that the older gang who were fond of the filter outflow have sadly departed and therefore it's no longer being hogged, the cardinals have had the opportunity to discover it. It is so adorable watching them swim up in a collective group of 5 and then "ride the current". I've also had the opportunity to examine them closer - it seems that, rather than 1 remaining female plus 4 males, I have 2 females plus 2 males (either that or two of them are fonder of their food).
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News.
Post by: Matt on December 30, 2019, 08:46:33 PM
It's one of the things that's great about the hobby, that provided the fiah are lost for the right reasons, the opportunity therefore presents itself to add new fish. I always feel a bit guilty looking forward to new fish like this but as I say, provided the reasons for the loss are valid (age, genetics etc) then it brings a nice outcome to a negative time. I have never managed to successfully hatch egss and rear fry, I can only.imagine how amazing this might feel.
Title: Re: Think Fish Keepers Daily News. [2016-2019.]
Post by: fcmf on December 30, 2019, 09:29:36 PM
Indeed. Admittedly, I would feel guiltier if I were to go out and buy new harlequins (somehow seems unfaithful, and hence why I couldn't buy a new shoal of longstanding fish I've had as I want to remember the ones I had for their individual personalities) or even a new species altogether such as ember tetras (my likely next shoal in a two-species, larger-shoals tank, if I can get plant growth in the interim, although not ruled out sparkling gourami). However, I feel less guilty going out and buying additional cardinals as that has been the longstanding intention to have a larger shoal when tank capacity permitted (and, although one did die as a juvenile, the others are - touchwood- showing no signs of anything untoward).

Another factor is the filter media - the beneficial bacteria required to support the fish numbers I had have probably cut back a little, but, if I re-stock in a few days' time, hopefully some mature media from the main tank's filter plus a few drops of Tetra Safestart ought to be sufficient to support the new additions and not adversely affect the main tank occupants, and, if all goes well, then that mature media can be added back into the main tank's filter at the conclusion of the quarantine tank process.

The only problem is that it will likely involve a month of  instructions to tread carefully and whisper in the vicinity of the QT plus sleepless nights and worry that I might awake to a fatality during the quarantine phase.  ::)

I agree - must be an amazing feeling to breed fish successfully.

[This thread was fit to burst at 193 pages of posts, so have split the topic and created a new thread denoting the year 2020, opening with Sue's post of 3 March 2020. Moderator FCMF. C:-)]