AboutShorty Expertise ~my dad got mad and took away my internet. dont kno when ill have it back. sorry...~
I will answer all questions as best I can, and if I am unsure of the answer, I will be willing to do research. I can answer questions about tetras, especially neon tetras. I can also answer questions on common diseases and parasites and how to treat them, and tank setups, maintenance, and cleaning. I can provide info. on cichlids (including breeding), goldfish, raising and breeding fancy guppies, and feeding your fish. If I don’t know the answer to your question, I will research and tell you my findings.
Experience I am 16 years old, but I have owned at least one fish tank since I was in elementary school. I now have a tank dedicated to raising and breeding fancy guppies, with much success. I have another tank with goldfish, which I’ve had the longest, and a larger tank with convict cichlid cichlids, which I have successfully bred, jewel cichlids, and an oscar. I’ve also raised and bred other cichlids as well. I used to have two other tanks, one with angel fish, and the other with tetras, which I recently got rid of. I’ve raised other fish such as catfish and gouramis along the way too. Since I have had fish so long I know much about diseases, and parasites, and how to treat them.
At the time i am writing this now i have:
1 Oscar
2 Jewel Cichlids
1 betta
6 goldfish
1 Kuhli loach
1 Rainbow shark
1 pleco
25 guppies
6 adult convict cichlids
30 young convict cichlids
Organizations I am hoping to volunteer at Hawk Creek.
Education/Credentials im only 16.... but I've been on the honor role my whole life(averages in the mid 90's), and im taking college courses in highschool.
Expert: Shorty Date: 9/21/2007 Subject: Tank cleaning; Neon Tetras
Question Hello,
First I would like to find out how often I should clean my entire 5-gallon, filtered tank? I currently have one male Betta and change out 1/3 of the water every 2 wks. But I was wondering when/if I should empty the entire tank, rinse the gravel, etc.?
Also, I've read that Neon Tetras would make good tank-mates to a Betta. If this is true, would it be okay to add 5-6 Tetras to this size tank? It is heated and kept at a constant 78-degrees. Also, what kind of food would they require, and would my current tank maintenance be acceptable?
Thank you!
Vicki
Answer Hey Vicki! It sounds like your taking care of you fishies very well. For a 5 gallon tank doing a 1/3 water change every 2 weeks is fine, although you may want to make a 1/3 change every week when you add tetras. Male bettas do make good tank mates with tetras, especially if it is a crown betta. The current tank conditions would be fine, just make sure you don't over crowd the tank. Buying 5-6 neon tetras would be fine because they are smaller fish.
As for cleaning the tank, your not actually suppose to do a 100% water change unless its infested with certain parasites. This is because you tank creates its own ecosystem, and bacteria that digests waste grows on the gravel. To remove the waste your suppose to do the water changes while using a vacuum that sucks up the waste and water. You can buy these in any pet store or Walmart in the fish section. This will do a good job in keeping the tank and gravel clean.
Tetras aren't picky about food. What i find is the best is TetraMin tropical Flakes. I would also get food like blood worms to mix it up once in a while. If you need anything else let me know. Good Luck! ^_^
