Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Fishnet

If you have a fish pond, fish tank or are seeking advice about keeping tropical fish, you can find advice on our Fish forum.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Flip

1 2

Original poster

I can't cope or understand this pet fish thing

44 replies

notactuallyme · 02/09/2012 19:26

So, ds is quite sensitive and after a little mate (starting jnrs, scared of things with claws) and dh has bought a starter fish tank. Aaaaaargh! Sat here as you have to set it up before you can buy fish and its too difficult! In the pet centre (you have to take a water sample in before you can buy a fish) they said top up with water and this stuff once a month, I think. Now the instructions say weekly and there's a filter and two types of solution.
I can't do this!

OP posts:

Marne · 02/09/2012 22:07

Be careful if you buy a castle, dont buy anything with too many holes (windows etc) as fish will swim in and get stuck (has happened to me before, a fish has vanished and have found it stuck and dead). Just wash it off with warm water before placing it in the tank (the same with plastic plants).

EauRouge · 02/09/2012 22:17

What antibac stuff? Do you mean the dechlorinator? That kills off chlorine, not bacteria- you don't want any anti-bacterial stuff anywhere near the tank, fishkeeping is all about the bacteria If you read that link I posted about fishless cycling, it explains what the bacteria do.

Yep, castles and plants are fine at any point as long as you follow what Marne said about gaps and look out for sharp edges etc. Silk plants might be better if you're going to get fish with long fins because they don't have any pointy bits on- or you could go for real plants if you have lighting.

Be careful about putting rocks in the tank, if they are inert they are OK but some rocks can raise the pH of the water. If in doubt, stick to stuff you can buy at an aquatic store.

Original poster

notactuallyme · 02/09/2012 22:44

Hi - the tank (which I've packed up ready to return for a huuuuuge one ) came with de chlorinator and some other thing to promote bacteria? Aquarinse and aquaxxx?

OP posts:

Original poster

notactuallyme · 02/09/2012 22:44

Ooops don't mean antibac do I?

OP posts:

EauRouge · 02/09/2012 22:48

Ah yes, it's the dechlorinator then. You will defo need some of that. The bacteria booster stuff I wouldn't bother with, although if it comes free with whatever tank you buy then you may as well use it. Sometimes the instructions say to use it at every water change but you don't have to- they just want your money.

The instructions on some filters say to replace the sponges every few months but you don't have to replace them until they stop holding their shape, usually about a year. Buying aquatic equipment is a blinking minefield but you're OK if you have reliable geeks to point out what you need and what you don't

Original poster

notactuallyme · 02/09/2012 23:26

eau I think I may have earmarked you for that job....

OP posts:

Lancelottie · 03/09/2012 09:40

I'm not sure what killed them, Eau. One had a slightly swollen belly but looked otherwise perky, and I was googling worm treatments (but hadn't tried any) when I found it had popped its clogs. The other two (months apart) grew gradually less glossy, thinner and slower before they died -- latest one three weeks back.

Remaining four are darting around as nippily as ever. What counts as old age in a zebra danio, do you think? Internet suggests anything from 2 to 5 years? This lot are all coming up for three years.

Lancelottie · 03/09/2012 09:42

Ah, yes, following up what someone said about them getting stuck in castles etc -- one of our first batch died after getting stuck behind the tank filter, as there was a small gap where it was suckered onto the tank wall.

EauRouge · 03/09/2012 10:01

Getting thinner and slower sounds like it could be bacterial. Maybe it's age related, their immune system slow down a bit as they get older. I'd keep an eye for a couple of weeks and then maybe add some more if all is OK.

You face the dilemma of keeping shoaling fish though. If the others did die of old age then you can expect the others to go in the near future. If you do buy more then they'll be a lot younger and you'll be left with a small group again. How long do you want to keep zebra danios for?

notactuallyme Happy to be of service

Lancelottie · 03/09/2012 10:06

Hmm, they're officially DD's fish rather than mine. I'll see what she thinks.

Original poster

notactuallyme · 03/09/2012 10:19

I am really worried about fish getting shredded now. And confused by the water stuff: dechlorinating (understood) but do I add this bacterial thing or not? And should I get a heater? What's the hardiest most docile non other fish eating fish?

OP posts:

EauRouge · 03/09/2012 10:46

If it was a freebie then you can add the bacteria stuff if you like, it probably won't do anything. I wouldn't go spending money on it though.

If you get a heater you will have a lot more choice of fish, but there are some lovely coldwater fish around- how big a tank will you be getting?

I would have a look round at the aquatic store and see if there are any species that catch your eye. Write down the scientific names and then you can read up about them (or ask us) once you get home.

The good thing about a cycle taking 4-6 weeks is that you've got loads of time to decide what you want to put in there. Sometimes it's still not long enough though!

HeadfirstOverTheHighJump · 03/09/2012 12:33

You only need a heater if getting tropical fish, not for goldfish. You can get lovely cold water and tropical fish, just have a good look around and see which you prefer.

If you are getting tropical fish you are best having a community tank. This just means a tank with friendly, easy-going fish in that won't fight. Ask in the fish shop which are the easy to keep community fish and they will show you a variety of species. Beware, some shops say that Angel fish are community fish, they are generally friendly but they will chase and nip at anything that has long pretty tails (like guppies www.keepingtropicalfish.co.uk/?page_id=197 ) I learned the hard way, but ended up getting another tank (4 ft) to house the angels and added to it, so it wasn't all bad

Original poster

notactuallyme · 03/09/2012 13:30

Yes, definiely no fighting. I want ones he can talk to! And also
Fish place happy to swap tank, and gave lotts of helpful advice. I think I will avoid a heater to start with, and avoid castles as you all said. Will point him to something not scratchy. Bacteria stuff seems a bit pointless.
Last question! Snail?

OP posts:

EauRouge · 03/09/2012 13:43

Snails are pretty much inevitable. You can buy snails to put in if you want.

Apple snails are messy buggers and will poo for Britain.

Nerites are pretty and good at eating algae but they lay eggs everywhere (they don't hatch out but they look messy).

Malaysian trumpet snails are good at keeping the gravel/sand turned over but they will breed like crazy if you overfeed the fish.

What helpful advice did the fish shop give you? As Headfirst said, some of them give duff advice so best to double check everything!

honeydragon · 03/09/2012 13:53

Our Zebra snail was lovely, really pretty.

EauRouge · 03/09/2012 14:27

I had some zebra nerites, they are brilliant little snails. I really want some horned ones, I might get a couple for my tank

honeydragon · 03/09/2012 14:31

Original poster

notactuallyme · 03/09/2012 21:50

Well helpful in that it reflected what you guys said! Ie bacteria ok as a freebie; no need to keep buying it, didn't try to sell me loads of crap! Told me same stuff about fins and castles! Going to get a snail but don't fancy laying egg ones, will write that list out.
I'm now thinking ooh could have a lovely tank in the sitting room....

OP posts:

Flip

1 2