AboutNathan Expertise I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out.
I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!
Experience I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible.
What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!
Education/Credentials I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.
Question Hi Nathan;
Evere since I had to change a lighting unit in my tank, the balance has change... lot's of algae, etc. I have recently noted a hatch of hundreds of tiny snail-like creatures, that come out more at night. Also, there are hundreds of tiny hopping light brown critters on the top of the tank - I've never seen this before, and I have bee at this for quite a few years.
Any Suggests... anything would be helpful.
Jamie MacFarlane
Burlington, Ontario.
Answer Hi James,
An excess of light causes algae, and this is the most probable reason. The small snails were in your tank before, and after more algae grew due to the more powerful light, they multiplied in number because of the abundance of a food source - algae.
Here's how to solve this:
-Change 10% of the water daily to reduce the amount of nutrients
-Turn on lights for only 10 hours a day
-Feed the fish only once per day, to reduce wasted nutrients
you can take a lettuce leaf and drop it into the tank, weighing it down if necessary. Do this at night, and the next morning, lots of snails will be covering the leaf. Then, you can dispose of the leaf. Multiple pieces of leaf can be used for large infestations.
You can remove the small brown things manually by wiping htem off. They are also in your tank because of the abundance of nutrients - the 10% changes will help that. They are harmless to your fish.
