Help Me Name My Fish!!! *Img Hvy*

[Chirpy]

Around here Craigslist always has great deals on fish tanks, usually with all the trimmings. (filter, etc.) You could probably find a much larger tank for under $50. I can get a 30 gln. tank with everything (often including a stand) for that money almost any week on Craigslist.

Really read through what silkiechicken said ... the cycling of a tank is critical. If done correctly you won't lose any fish because you do it before adding fish to the tank.

Since you already have fish in your tank I would suggest taking them back to the store (letting them know that you were sold fish without proper information) and then cycle your tank. Then, get fish that are appropriate to your size tank. And, actually, a 10 gln. is perfect for a betta. You could add a few small tetras with him and have a nice little set up.

If you can't take them back then read about cycling with fish and follow the instructions and hope your fish make it.

Believe me fish keeping can become as addictive as keeping chickens. If I can't be outside watching my chickens and goats ... I sit inside and watch my fish. They are fascinating when put together in a well rounded community.

 

[Malbri]

Definetly if you dont see anything on craigslist, post a wanted ad. When I realized my tank was too small for my fish, I posted a wanted ad and a nice couple emailed me saying they had a 40 gallon corner tank, sent me a picture, it was beautiful! It came with the tank, lights, a filter, heater, stand, and a few accesories. I went and got it for $50, less then a third of what I think it was worth. Some people dont post ad's for the things taking up their basement space, but if they see someone who will use it well they will give it to you for a really good deal.

 

[Wildsky]

I use the rule 1inch of fish = 1 gallon

I have a 10 gallon tank, but only two fish!

 

[arlee453]

Hey Thief...Too bad your NC stands for Northern Cali and not North Carolina... just posted a 55 gal aqu for FREE over in the 'other BST' category... Coulda helped ya out...

 

[Malbri]

Quote:
That rule really isnt valid for most fish. A 1 inch goldish is gonna produce alot more mess than a 1 inch tetra

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Here are some pictures of Bruce, an oranda. He's a little bigger than average, but they still get quite large, with bodies the size of your hand, if well cared for.

At 2 years old.
http://www.petfish.net/forum/index.php/topic,53356.0.html

You have to scroll down a bit for this one, but it's lovely.
http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t66253.html

My two ryukins are in a 50 gallon. My others are in ponds. As babies, we over wintered our first pondies in a kiddie pool in the living room. The next year we put a 150 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank in the basement.

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
That rule really isnt valid for most fish. A 1 inch goldish is gonna produce alot more mess than a 1 inch tetra

This is also very true but a place to start similar to the chicken 4 sq ft in and 10 sq feet out (which to many is too small per bird). For the 14 or so inches of gold fish in my 30 gal... I have a 50 gal filter on it and it can barely keep up!! Goldfish are like the cornish of the fish world. LOL.

Pleco: http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_Common_Plecos_Hypostomus_Liposarcus.php

CAE: http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_Gyrinocheilus_aymonieri.php

Oto: http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_oto.php (you want these for small tanks)

 

[texasreb]

I am so sorry that you were mis-informed by the pet shop. Remember they are in business to sell you fish and products. If your fish get sick and die, they hope you'll come in to buy "medicine" for them, and then more fish and chemicals....

I am so happy that you have realized your mistake and are willing to work on it. Kudos for that. I think your fish will be fine in a kiddie pool for a short while, with filter. I think a better option would be a rubbermaid tub.

Do you have a test kit? If not you really, really, really need one--NOW! Your fish could be living in a toxic soup that looks perfectly clear.

Please buy one right away--a liquid reagent kit---NOT the dip strips...and post your values for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates and pH right away.

I bet your ammonia is sky high and your nitrates and nitrates are near 0, which means your fish are in trouble!!

Ammonia and nitrites should ALWAYS be zero and nitrates should ALWAYS be below 20. Ammonia and nitrites at any level are deadly.

If you don't have a test kit, take a sample of your water immediately to the pet store where you bought your fish, they should test it for free. Have them give you the exact numbers not some vague description such as, 'it's fine' or 'its a little high'

Post the numbers here and we'll see what we can do to help.
Don't buy any chemicals the pet store tries to sell you. The only thing you are going to need is an ammonia detoxifer and some ordinary table salt...and the bigger tub.

 

[ChicknThief]

Tomorrow I will go buy one of those enormous Rubbermaid tubs and a filter for them, only, wouldn't I have to let the tub cycle too? Or is that only tanks?

I am pretty sure I have already added an ammonia detoxifier. I have API Stress Coat, API Pimafix (my black one developed some white stuff on his nose shortly after coming home and they sold me this to fix it), and API Melafix.

About how much will this liquid reagent kit cost? And the filter? I just want to know how much of a dent this will make as my check was pretty small this week. (

) I will take some water in to be tested in the meantime and post the numbers on here for all y'all's evaluation.

Silkie Chicken: Thanks for the links! I am totally relieved that what I have is NOT a CAE!! Havent figured out what it IS, but still, just happy it wont get to be as big as me.

WoodlandWoman: I officially want an Oranda. Like, really badly.

I may just give away the fish I have and get a bigger tank just for one of those! Kidding of course, but still. Too cool! So, is it possible for the kind I have to get that big? Assuming of course that they are in the proper sized tank.

 

[conny63malies]

if you still meed to cycle the tank you can buy a instant cycle product. I think its called "bio..." something, its in the refridghttp://www.aquariumplants.com/Bio_Spira_instant_tank_cycler_Freshwater_p/biosp01.htmerator of the fishstore.

ha found the link