AboutBrit Brit Expertise I can answer your questions about Bettas, most Freshwater Tropical Fish, compatibility between tropical freshwater fish, tips on how to set up a new aquarium, what fish to add, what temperature your tank should be at, etc.
I can answer questions about goldfish, and I know a bit about aquarium plants.
I can't answer questions concerning anything marine, and I know next to nothing about ponds, and even less about Cichlid breeding. So please don't ask.
If I am not sure about something, I will try to research it for you and get back to you very quickly.
I cannot magically cure your fish over the web, unfortunately, so please remember your fish's health depends solely on you.
Also, don't expect a detailed answer if I have not been given a detailed question. I can only do so much!
Details, details, details!!
(It does state what I need on the Ask A Question Page)
Experience I take care of over 3000 fish daily. I worked at Petsmart for a few years, and have had training in many areas, including aquaria and all the basics to keep fish happy and healthy. I met quite a few experts in the hobby and have learned a lot from them, and they have learned a lot from me :)
Also, I have done a lot of research and studying on my own time about not just fish but a lot of different house pets because I like to help people and help their pets. <BR><BR><B>Education/Credentials</B><BR>Petsmart training
Adult Diploma
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Expert: Brit Brit Date: 3/20/2008 Subject: Tetra Question
Question I've had many freshwater fish tanks over the years. I've become somewhat knowledgable about it. Fought an awful case of ick once and saved all the fish. YAY! Anyway, I recently bought my little sister a fish tank and I saw the oddest behavior. In this particular tank, I've had a horrible problem with algae. I've had to change the water very frequently. Eventually I went for help and found out having the tank in direct light wasn't such a good idea. I closed the blinds to the surrounding windows, cleaned the water again, replaced the filter and turned off the light for several days. My sister feeds the fish but I've been checking periodically on the water and all has been well. I finally beat the problem. About a week after cleaning it out, I went to take a closer look at the fish. They looked horrible! All her tetras were sickly and pale. Some were even begin to show the signs of leaning to their side. They had no energy and refused to eat. Some wouldn't leave the bottom. There was very little movement from any of them. I was sure they had caught something and we were going to lose them all. ...I don't know what inspired me to leave the light on but it was the only thing I had changed in the past week (that didn't have to do with improving the water), so leave it on I did, thinking maybe they needed it and depriving them had somehow hurt them. I checked on them about two hours later and what a change! Their color was back. They were full of energy. I even put a little more food in the tank and they eagerly ate. I've never seen such a quick turn around. The tank and the fish are fine; I'm just kind of curious as to what happened. I don't know if it was the light or something else. I've tried researching on the web about it but I haven't found a similar case. Have you ever heard of anything like this and, if so, do you have an explanation?
Answer Hello Amanda,
As far as I can tell it simply has to do with a fish's natural biorhythm. They need a night and day cycle just like we do, and for a fish that is used to bright sunny waters during the day, all of a sudden having no light whatsoever can be just as big a shock as say a sudden temperature change.
There is also the possibility that their bodies were switched onto "hibernation" mode and their metabolism and slowed way down, making them lose their appetite and eventually become or at least seem sickly and pale.
Make sure their water is warm (75-85 degrees F) and their metabolism's should be back up to par.
