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About David St
(Top Expert on this page)

Experience
I have been in the hobby for over three years. I am currently setting up an online business to sell aquatic plants. I have raised and bred guppies, cichlids and goldfish. I currently keep over 200 differnt kinds of fish and over 100 different kinds of aquatic plants. I also have been part of a fish rescue group that take in fish people no longer want. I currently have 16 tanks at home plus two hosptital tanks, 1 snail tank, and a nursery for plants. I work in an aquarium so I have some experience in other areas that I do not feel I am an expert in. The most important piece of information that I would like to convey here is the fact that I love fish and have for many years been rewarded by keeping fish. I would like to be able to help people share the same kind of satisfaction that I have had from keeping fish.

Education/Credentials
BS Business with emphasis in science.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Freshwater Aquarium

Questions Answered By Expert David St
In Category Freshwater Aquarium

Subject	Date Asked

Pacu Color Change	8/30/2008
Q: Can Pacu fish change color? ie from red sides to black A: .. Yes they can change color. A lot of color change has to do with diet or aggression and somewhat ...
cichlid compatibilty	8/29/2008
Q: i have a 200+litre tank with 2 small albino oscars and 2 firemouth cichlids right now but in a few ... A: not a whole lot... a lot is hindered by your tank... though it is large what you have to realize is ...
beta tank	8/29/2008
Q: I recently purchased a 1 gallon fish tank and 1 male beta assuming that it will need to be cleaned ... A: If it is a cloud it is probably beneficial bacteria reproducing. I would watch the water chemistry ...
discus fish	8/28/2008
Q: heya, i bought 2 discus, around.. 4 inches across at a guess, 6 months ago. 2 months ago, i ... A: Discus are good in sets of one or three or more... because of the very situation that you described. ...
betta fish keep dying	8/28/2008
Q: On Monday, my roommate and I purchased 2 female betta fish from Petco and were told by the "fish ... A: Is it possible that something like a household toxin such as fly spray or something like that could ...
fish problem	8/27/2008
Q: my goldfish(silk) has been acting wierd lately, she has been pooping extremely much for the past 5 ... A: Poop such as Silk's is usually indicative of internal parasites or sometimes is caused because the ...
Angel fish	8/27/2008
Q: I have a 30 gallon tank with one fairly large angel fish. I intially had 6, but over the years, ... A: It is hard to say with angelfish. The larger ones seem to be more aggressive then the smaller ones. ...
Malaysian Trumpet Snails	8/27/2008
Q: I have a 29 gallon freshwater tank, that I have had without incident for many many years. About a ... A: I would suspect that one of two things are going on... something in the tank water is irritating ...
Red Devil head problem	8/26/2008
Q: In the past few days its head looked unusally red. It's not eating and looks very tired. Do you ... A: There are a couple of reasons why fish change color... Fear of something or aggression and spawning ...
Organda Gold Fish	8/26/2008
Q: you were helpful when I had a few questions in June. So I was hoping you could help me again. I ... A: He may have been full of gas but please tell your husband that while meaning well... he could have ...
How important is cycling?	8/26/2008
Q: I have a very inquisitive nature and experimenting with actions and reactions is always fascinating. ... A: Cycling is not a myth and it is very important. The story appears in between your water changes. ...
More progress	8/25/2008
Q: I have got another question for you...thanks again for all your help. After I last emailed you, the ... A: I think that the NO3 is about done spiking. If the NO2 is going to remain solid and the ammonia is ...
Oranda missing a fin.	8/25/2008
Q: I have had an Oranda (1.5in) and a Black Moor (2in) in a 50 litre tank for about 6 months, but for ... A: Which fin is missing. He will be ok without a filter but you will need to change the water about ...
algae lumps	8/25/2008
Q: I have a 75 liter aquarium. We gravel vacuum, and change the water every month. But there is lumps ... A: How much light does the tank get???? Algae issues are almost always caused by too much light. ...
thanks for your help	8/25/2008
Q: i added the new gravel, but what i did was i got an extra smaller tank and then i put my fish in ... A: .. Golden gourami are labyrinth fish... like the betta they can breath atmospheric air and also take ...
my tropical fish look these are having seizures	8/25/2008
Q: I have a 27 gallon freshwater aquarium that has community fish in it, every time I add new fish it ... A: I would compare the pH of your tank with the pH of the tanks you are buying fish from. If there is ...
Angle Fish in a 55 Gallon Tank	8/24/2008
Q: I have 1 Large Angle fish in my tank, I would like to add a small Oscar is this possible? I am in ... A: While the angelfish and the Oscar are both cichlids I would not mix them at all. The Oscar will ...
platy eye infection?	8/23/2008
Q: I have a 5 gallon tank with a betta, pleco and three half-platy, half-swordtail fish (i don't really ... A: It is good news that you are making progress. The orange color is from the medication. You will ...
Alage Eater has Worms	8/22/2008
Q: I'm very impressed with your web site. It seems to be the best resource out there. Excellent Job! ... A: I would treat the tank for internal parasites. Jungle makes a good medication for internal ...
convict fry	8/22/2008
Q: how do i take care of my fry? when do i remove parents? can you please help? thy have been put in a ... A: The best thing to do is to make sure they have food. Food is important to fry. Feed them micro ...
fan tail goldfish compatability	8/21/2008
Q: could you please tell me what fish are compatable with fantail goldfish as i am am setting up an ... A: Only cold water fish not tropical. White cloud minnows, plecostomus, and other goldfish, weather ...
Fish pellets	8/21/2008
Q: Dave, Are fish pellets, fish waste or are they from the dead fish. I did a 25% water change this ... A: Water changes should be weekly with light gravel vacuum during that time. I would do a light gravel ...
Fish pellets	8/21/2008
Q: Dave, Are fish pellets, fish waste or are they from the dead fish. I did a 25% water change this ... A: Fish pellets are food, etc. Well... I wouldn't use baking soda... I would just do water changes. ...
I have 2 questions about 2 tanks	8/21/2008
Q: My name is Kim we have a 10 gallon tank that has been up and running for about 6 months or more. We ... A: White/blue water is caused by one of two things... not enough oxygen or not enough light. The white ...
Plants!	8/21/2008
Q: Hey David! Its me again (I had Lucy the Mystery snail, and the peacock eel/betta that killed my ... A: I would do jungle vals, or acorus as the tall plants in the tank, mid ground I would do anubia ...
New fish	8/20/2008
Q: I think I talked to you about my goldfish. I got new fish, now long do you have to let them float in ... A: If the stripes are saying that your water is ok... then it may be. You can go to any aquarium shop ...
New fish	8/20/2008
Q: I think I talked to you about my goldfish. I got new fish, now long do you have to let them float in ... A: Fish should float in the bag about 15 minutes or so... the goal is to allow the two water bodies ...
fish	8/20/2008
Q: i have a male angel fish and 2 goldfish. can i put them in the same tank? The tank is pretty tall ... A: I have seen goldfish and angels mixed successfully... but it is not something I recommend. The ...
I think my fish has flukes	8/20/2008
Q: I had about 130 fry, all new-born & a couple days apart from each other, from various ... A: Its probably not gill flukes at all... it is probably an elevated water chemistry issue. I would ...
Sick fish	8/19/2008
Q: I'm hoping you may have some advice. Our golden comet has been ill for possibly about a week. At ... A: It sounds like he may have an intestinal blockage. I would feed him a bunch of brine shrimp as their ...
worms	8/19/2008
Q: i have a 47 gallon aquarium tank. ihave noticed some white worms on the glasses and swiming in the ... A: Those are more then likely Planaria... they are harmless to your fish. They are a sign that your ...
red stuff	8/18/2008
Q: i am fairl new to all this....i got a tank from a friend that didnt want the responsibility ... A: whomever gave you advice gave you very bad advice. When the ammonia and nitrates began to rise... ...
Blackmoor diesease	8/18/2008
Q: I have 2, 2.5 inches blackmoor today i noticed that my twotail (blackmoor) has cloudy eyes, not very ... A: I would medicate him with general cure to help him clear up his eyes. Make sure the tank is clean ...
dragonfish & cichlids	8/18/2008
Q: can dragonfish and lake malawi peacocks/zebras be kept in the same tank? happily? also i was ... A: If the cichlids are small the dragon fish may eat them if he is too big... I would not recommend ...
Brown algea	8/18/2008
Q: I've got a five sided tall, 55 gallon tank. Its seems to be growing brown algae on surfaces, plants, ... A: algae is directly related to the amount of light that your tank is getting... if you have doubled ...
Help! NITRITES!	8/17/2008
Q: Let me explain my setup. On July 5th and 8th I started up two 55 Gallon and one 10 gallon tank. ... A: I would do a 30 percent water change ... it sounds like you had an ammonia issue in the last week or ...
platys	8/16/2008
Q: How do you tell if a platy is pregnant and how long does it take till they have the fry. Cheers ... A: Platys usually give birth (live) about six weeks after fertilization. You can tell if they are ...
Goldfish & Koi	8/16/2008
Q: Two weeks ago I put two new young koi in the tank, and within 48 hours two young goldfish were dead, ... A: What you have described is a toxic tank... not specifically a disease. Fish will flash and scratch ...
Is my fish sick?	8/16/2008
Q: I have just returned from vacation and realized some strange behavior of my male platy fish. He is ... A: I never recommend mixing goldfish with tropical fish such as platy's. Goldfish are cold water fish ...
Final question about cycling process	8/15/2008
Q: I have been using Cycle, and it is working great. Over the 2 weeks since I started adding it after ... A: Let the water chemistry and the bacteria find their own levels now without adding anything else to ...
irredecent sharks	8/14/2008
Q: my shark must be sick or something because it was fine last nite today is thursday so wensday it was ... A: It sound like your shark has "pop eye". I would start with a 25% water change and see if that helps ...
Is my fish sick?	8/14/2008
Q: I have just returned from vacation and realized some strange behavior of my male platy fish. He is ... A: I would move the babies to the 20 gallon...They will grow much quicker and in a more healthy way in ...
Sacs in my aquaria	8/13/2008
Q: I have some guppies, mystery snails, and various live plants in a few tanks that I brought home from ... A: Those clear gelatinous sacs are probably snail eggs. The guppie was probably trying to eat the ...
sick pacu	8/13/2008
Q: i have a sick fish that got injured when trying to take her out to change aquarium stand. I talked ... A: I would try to feed her with the turkey bastor or whatever other method will get food into her. She ...
HELP MY BABIES	8/13/2008
Q: I got my fiance a 40 Gallon tank this past december. We have 2 Oscars that were small...now their ... A: the sex of the fish is not the issue... its the size... an Oscar needs a minimum of 55 gallons just ...
Something's in the tank with my baby cichlids	8/12/2008
Q: I have 21 baby cichlids in my 10 gallon fish tank. They've been in the tank since about June 23rd. ... A: They are probably planaria... a harmless little white worm that comes when there is too much debris ...
HELP MY BABIES	8/12/2008
Q: I got my fiance a 40 Gallon tank this past december. We have 2 Oscars that were small...now their ... A: Six inches for an Oscar is not huge... it is medium sized... they grow up to about 14 inches in ...
saving telescope goldfish with whitespot in tank that is cycling	8/12/2008
Q: I am 7 days into cycling a 90 litre fishtank with two telescope goldfish. I have been using aqua ... A: well his advice is correct if you goal is to cycle your tank... if your goal is to save your fish ...
saving telescope goldfish with whitespot in tank that is cycling	8/12/2008
Q: I am 7 days into cycling a 90 litre fishtank with two telescope goldfish. I have been using aqua ... A: Start with a 40% water change. I would buy aquarium salt because I do not know if the sea salt has ...
saving telescope goldfish with whitespot in tank that is cycling	8/12/2008
Q: I am 7 days into cycling a 90 litre fishtank with two telescope goldfish. I have been using aqua ... A: The trick to dealing with white spot or ICH is to raise the temperature. The ICH parasite has a 9 ...
Platies	8/12/2008
Q: I have 5 platy fry in a floating breeder box in a 10g tank. The fry are about 2 months old but they ... A: They should be growing by now... usually at 2 months they should be half grown or larger. The ...
HELP ME IM WORRIED ABOU MY MOLLY	8/11/2008
Q: ok heres my question ive got this molly shes a bright yellow colour and shes well,quite fat and the ... A: The molly may have an intestinal blockage... is she pooping? eating? I would offer them all brine ...
stocking	8/11/2008
Q: I have a 55 gallon tank in my apartment that has been up and running for a year, and it is currently ... A: well... the goldfish will probably eat the frogs. The crabs are going to eat pieces of everyone else ...
cycling/white fins	8/11/2008
Q: I actually have 2 questions: 1 about not properly cycling the tank and how to avoid/lessen the ... A: With new tanks I do not recommend gravel vacuuming.... there is so very little in the gravel of a ...
Cycling my new tank?	8/11/2008
Q: I just set up my new 46 gallon bow front tank. It has been running for about a day now. ... A: It would depends on what the other readings have been. If the ammonia has been zero... then your ...
re: dusty water	8/11/2008
Q: ok the fluval is off. one other thing i'm not sure if i mentioned... the gravel seems to have ... A: Algae can be brown and many other colors too... That is probably what is making your water dusty... ...
Cycling my new tank?	8/10/2008
Q: I just set up my new 46 gallon bow front tank. It has been running for about a day now. ... A: A better way is to go to the aquarium store and ask them for "dirty Water" which is pretty much the ...
water change= dead cichlids	8/10/2008
Q: I have a 100 gallon tank (has been set up over 2 years now). A water change was done yesterday, and ... A: I would start with a water test to see what the tank water chemistry is compared to the tap water ...
betta fish	8/9/2008
Q: when i change the water every 2 days for my betta's 11 gallon container i usually take my betta fish ... A: Goldfish take time to adjust to new environments. Science has recently proven that goldfish have ...
Red cap Goldfish	8/9/2008
Q: Yesterday I noticed that my oxygen wasn't working. One of my fish died. I have a 6" goldfish that ... A: It sounds like he is only functioning on the unconscious processes and that perhaps the lack of ...
re: dusty water	8/8/2008
Q: I haven't really checked the Fluval hoses but I get good pressure coming out, and it doesn't seem ... A: So we talked your tank over for a while today at work today... One suggestion was that: Perhaps the ...
betta fish	8/8/2008
Q: when i change the water every 2 days for my betta's 11 gallon container i usually take my betta fish ... A: Yes... because as you pour the water out he does not know where he is going... just use a net to ...
Red cap Goldfish	8/8/2008
Q: Yesterday I noticed that my oxygen wasn't working. One of my fish died. I have a 6" goldfish that ... A: I would do a partial water change... maybe 25 percent and see if he perks up.... he is probably ...
fish shape??? (continued again)	8/7/2008
Q: it again made me start a new post! Well I've gotten them a different brand of tropical flakes, ... A: I guess a lot of that would depend on how long you have to keep them in the bucket.... but the more ...
Placostumus	8/7/2008
Q: I have 2 of these fish in my outdoor pond. I purchased a couple of baby koi fish(twice)but they ... A: Plecostomus are scavengers and as such if your baby koi are already dead they will eat them. I have ...
sick betta fish, please help!	8/7/2008
Q: I have a very sick betta fish. I recently treated him for Ich with CopperSafe and aquarium salt. It ... A: I would treat him by doing frequent water changes either daily or every other day and increasing his ...
fish shape??? (continued)	8/7/2008
Q: it made me start a new question. said there were to many follow ups..i've been telling you about my ... A: I would definitely change the filter media on a monthly basis. Active carbon stops absorbing after ...
disease in Male Beta	8/7/2008
Q: My fish tank is 18 gallons in size and it contains a total of 10 tropical fish. The PH is at ... A: He may have an intestinal blockage, internal parasites or a disease called dropsy. Dropsy is ...
Rescued a sick Betta and trying to save him	8/7/2008
Q: My ex-roommate moved out a few weeks ago, but left several of her things here. She shut her door, ... A: That is good news! They are resilient creatures... I have one I rescued for about 2 months now... ...
re: dusty water	8/7/2008
Q: Hey Dave... The entire tank setup is only from the beginning of May. I bought everything brand new ... A: The only suggestion I have is to try a different water clarifier... maybe one made by KENT. If the ...
re: dusty water	8/7/2008
Q: Hey Dave... The entire tank setup is only from the beginning of May. I bought everything brand new ... A: If you had an algae problem then you'd know it. The smell concerns me...because sometimes something ...
Help with Ram cichlid - different symptoms	8/6/2008
Q: I am at a total loss on this one. Bolivian Ram - about 1 1/2" - have had for 7 months. Tank kept ... A: I would do another small water change and definitely try to bring down the pH slowly. I would offer ...
Rescued a sick Betta and trying to save him	8/6/2008
Q: My ex-roommate moved out a few weeks ago, but left several of her things here. She shut her door, ... A: well... you are doing all that you or anyone else could do... it is good that he is getting his ...
when do goldfish breed?	8/6/2008
Q: When do goldfish breed? I have a 1,400 gal pond with about 35 goldfish. Most are about 2 years old ... A: Goldfish breed/spawn whenever they feel as though the conditions will support young... Usually ...
the wires	8/5/2008
Q: i recently bought a tropical fish tank but not from a shop, i was given about 20 fish with it, all ... A: I use a background on the back of the tank and then run the wires down behind the tank where you ...
dusty looking water.	8/5/2008
Q: and I can't for the life of me get rid of it. Its a 60 gallon tank, running a Fluval 305 and ... A: no... I wouldn't move the intake valve... hmmmm how old is the gravel? and what color is it? do ...
Rescued a sick Betta and trying to save him	8/5/2008
Q: My ex-roommate moved out a few weeks ago, but left several of her things here. She shut her door, ... A: Put a lamp close to his water to keep it warm. What medication did you add? There is a chance he ...
fish shape??? (continued)	8/5/2008
Q: it made me start a new question. said there were to many follow ups..i've been telling you about my ... A: I don't know why the computer system here does that to people... It happens a lot. At this point I ...
Amonia and algae growth in rocks?	8/5/2008
Q: Sorry I did not know how to link this to my original question. We decided to get new rock and a new ... A: I would not have added any fish at all. Fish are both a biological and chemical contribution to ...
fish shape???	8/5/2008
Q: Background Info I have 5 glow-lite tetras, two male guppies, as well as a few snails (that ... A: There are a few reasons why fish would have curved spines... everyone seems to think that neon tetra ...
bugs in freshwater tank	8/5/2008
Q: I have a 100g. aquarium with 2 large Jewel African cichlids, 1 large Electric Yellow African ... A: We get thse bugs in the store from time to time with the feeder fish that are just like you ...
freshwater sand	8/5/2008
Q: im setting up a 75 gal freshwater stingray tank, i was told i can use silica sand. is this true? or ... A: You could use silica sand... though it is likely to raise your pH somewhat. It is what I use in all ...
dusty looking water.	8/4/2008
Q: and I can't for the life of me get rid of it. Its a 60 gallon tank, running a Fluval 305 and ... A: That is a lot of filtration that you have going on there... and what I suspect is happening is that ...
bugs in freshwater tank	8/4/2008
Q: I have a 100g. aquarium with 2 large Jewel African cichlids, 1 large Electric Yellow African ... A: I wonder if they are water fleas/beetle... do they look like a beetle or are they more worm like???? ...
Ph levels in a tropical community tank	8/4/2008
Q: we have a 30 gal show tank which we have had for years. Never had a problem controlling our pH and ... A: The ratio is one pound of coral gravel per ten gallons of water... but you should apply it in 1 cup ...
coldwater fish options	8/4/2008
Q: I have a new 30 gallon hexagon tank. I have a good filter and proper light. Currently I have nothing ... A: coldwater pretty much refers to water that drops below about 70 degrees or so... and tropical for ...
Concerned about my betta	8/4/2008
Q: Im not sure you can help with bettas but I thought I'd try. My bettas name is Bubbles and Ive had ... A: Betta are the weirdest fish... I love mine to pieces... He may be sick from the nasty water... so I ...
can you help me identify a fish?	8/4/2008
Q: i recently bought a tropical fish tank but not from a shop, i was given about 20 fish with it, all ... A: They might be danio, barbs, or even a raspbora. I would try danio first... or a gold barb... dave ...
low alkalinity/pH in 15 gallon tank	8/4/2008
Q: I have a few gulp ok a lot of questions for you. Little background--I used to have a 55gallon ... A: You can add about 1/2 pound of coral gravel to the tank and the pH will come up. Add it in 1/4 cup ...
New chiclid	8/4/2008
Q: I just rescued an orange chiclid. He's about six inches long, and seems happy and healthy. I need ... A: In a 20 gallon tank you can safely house just your cichlid. They are extremely territorial and very ...
New chiclid	8/4/2008
Q: I just rescued an orange chiclid. He's about six inches long, and seems happy and healthy. I need ... A: Picking up gravel and moving it around is his way of making a home. They like to build pits to live ...
Pink lumps/growths on fins	8/3/2008
Q: I have a large indoor tank, with a variety of coldwater fish: goldfish, koi, ghost koi etc. All ... A: Are the lumps symmetrical??? I have to confess but Koi are one of the few fish that I have never ...
Wood and stones	8/3/2008
Q: I have picked up some lovely driftwood and stones from a lake that is near my house. I plan to put ... A: Guess I kinda know Jack now... Driftwood has to be cured before it can go in your tank. It either ...
Please help...My fish are slowly going to heaven!!	8/3/2008
Q: My name is Kristal, and I have a 75 gallon tank (5 Tanks in all). I will start by telling you about ... A: Putting a fish down is very hard to do... I like to use a product called finquil which is ...
sick Balloon Molly	8/3/2008
Q: I found my balloon molly yesterday struggling in the tank. It's like she's trying to keep herself ... A: well... you need to clean the tank and keep up on water changes. Fish tanks are not natural ...
betta flaring	8/3/2008
Q: hey there, every time i put my finger in the water then he usually swims around my finger and runs ... A: it means he doesn't want you to put your finger in his space. Betta are ferocious little fish with ...
Please help...My fish are slowly going to heaven!!	8/3/2008
Q: My name is Kristal, and I have a 75 gallon tank (5 Tanks in all). I will start by telling you about ... A: I would do a 20-30 percent water change. The rams sounds as though they are having a pH issue... or ...
Zebra Danio became bloated	8/3/2008
Q: I had just completed a water change and saw one of my Danios was floating on the surface. He was ... A: It could be a number of things. Was the fish ok prior to the water change? did you use chemicals ...
fish shape???	8/3/2008
Q: Background Info I have 5 glow-lite tetras, two male guppies, as well as a few snails (that ... A: If you have brown spots on the leaves... then you may have a chemistry issue... either pH or ...
fish	8/2/2008
Q: I got some questions. 1. I got 2 silver mollys, one male and one female, is it okay if I just keep ... A: If the pair of mollys is ok together and the male is not harassing the female then yes you can just ...
PH too high	8/2/2008
Q: I wrote to you about week ago about setting up a new tank.After about a month of cycling the tank I ... A: 7.4 is not too high for pH. what kind of fish are you keeping? as long as the difference in pH is ...
albino corys	8/2/2008
Q: i just got 3 albino corys,they are the only fish in the tank and i put them in a small tank not very ... A: I would do a 30% water change and see if that helps them. It sounds like your tank chemistry may be ...
fish	8/2/2008
Q: Hey, I just got 2 mollies and a 10 gallon water tank with filter heater and light. Is it okay if I ... A: I am not sure what INK water is... but you do not need to use salt water. Just regular tap water ...
african dwarf frog disease	8/1/2008
Q: my african dwarf frog has a cotton looking fungus on his back. do you know how this happened and ... A: It may just be a scrape. Frogs do not respond well to traditional treatments. I would increase his ...
HELP!! My fish are sick	7/31/2008
Q: Okay this is all new to me, I'm taking care of my brothers fish while he is away and the fish seem ... A: With Ich you have to raise the water temperature to between 80-84 degrees and add oxygen to the ...
fish shape???	7/31/2008
Q: Background Info I have 5 glow-lite tetras, two male guppies, as well as a few snails (that ... A: You could treat the tetra for internal parasites and maybe offer them brine shrimp... which will ...
Plecostomus	7/31/2008
Q: My Plecostomus had died couple days ago and I am just wondering if my temperature is to warm I have ... A: The angelfish should live fine at a temperature range between 78-84. Most tropical fish like water ...
white spots	7/31/2008
Q: I have a tank of 5 feet length by 1.5 feet breath by 2.5 feet height in which i have silver sharks, ... A: You can medicate the tank with super ich cure or another top brand of ICH medication. The tetras ...
Fantail goldfish and african dwarf frog	7/31/2008
Q: So I just bought my second aquarium today [10 gallon], and it houses 3 fantail goldfish, an Oranda, ... A: I would be more concerned with what your water chemistry is going to do. You got the new tank today ...
White crust in lips of Platy	7/31/2008
Q: I have a 30 gal tank that has been up and running for about a month maybe a bit more. I use some ... A: I would start with a 25% water change and then I would add aquarium salt. You could treat them with ...
Sick Platy?	7/30/2008
Q: I have a platy that I think is sick. She keeps shaking her head back and forth really fast which I ... A: there is a disease that is called shakes... where the fish tries to swim but doesn't really get ...
maintaining proper pH	7/30/2008
Q: We currently have a 30 gallon tank set up for about 3 months with 2 3" Discus, an Angelfish, and 5 ... A: aquarium water over time tends to drop in pH. Because the water volume that is changed is not 100% ...
African Dwarf Frog	7/30/2008
Q: my frog appears to be weak and gets tired from swimming very quickly and ends up lying on its back. ... A: They have teeth... parrots are crossed with red devil and gold sevrum fish... they have teeth.... ...
betta fish	7/29/2008
Q: I have had my betta for about one year. He was purchased from Pet Smart as a gift. He is in a ... A: I would stop treating him for ICH... Offer him live brine shrimp and medicate him with an antibiotic ...
Tank cycling	7/29/2008
Q: I have a question about tank cycling. I started up my 56 gallon tank on 7/8/08. I have decided to ... A: I would change the carbon filter and add beneficial bacteria. The cloud is an indication that your ...
injured goldfish	7/28/2008
Q: I have a large goldfish (about the size of a nerf football) that has a gauze like covering on the ... A: I would take it off malafix as well as doing a 50% water change. Add aquarium salt to the water and ...
clown loaches	7/28/2008
Q: I read that clown loaches would eat snails. I have a planted 55 gallon tank with 1 discus, 6 ... A: The clown loaches may eat your plants too... you might consider instead a pair of the very tiny ...
Goldfish Problem	7/28/2008
Q: Approximately 1200 gal outdoor pond (3 goldfish old), located in SW Ohio and occupied by 12 goldfish ... A: It could be any number of things that are affecting your goldfish. If you can isolate her for a ...
New tank:	7/28/2008
Q: I'am new to keeping fish and thinkin about buying a 60Litre Biorb (smart pack)for my refurbished ... A: Rope fish are kewl! They are very community oriented so I always recommend a group of them three ...
How to remove ich in cycling tank?	7/27/2008
Q: my tank is 55 gal set up three weeks ago. I bought the tank used with a few fish. It was full of ... A: you have to raise the temperature of the tank to about 82 degrees for freshwater fish and 78 for ...
Angel fish	7/27/2008
Q: I have a Angel fish that has been by himself for a year or so, I went on line and found out that he ... A: If you get another angelfish for him I would get one that is about the same size as him... but I ...
Goldfish with Ich	7/27/2008
Q: What would be the proper way to treat my goldfish that has ich and do you think he can survive? I ... A: Ich has a nine day life cycle... by this I mean that the parasite that is Ich lives for only nine ...
discus fish	7/27/2008
Q: i have a 3feet/2feet/2feet planted aquarium.it is presently housing 3, 2inch red pigeons and 1,1 ... A: You might be able to find it frozen... or even frozen krill. Some discus take weeks to acclimate to ...
African Dwarf Frog	7/27/2008
Q: my frog appears to be weak and gets tired from swimming very quickly and ends up lying on its back. ... A: He should be in a tank with parrots... they will eat him. He needs to eat tubiworms and brine ...
beta fish	7/27/2008
Q: um...i have 2 females and one male beta fish you know the ones..that have long fins.and R ... A: I would check your water chemistry... what you have described in your larger fry is malformed spine ...
Adding more fish to a small tank	7/27/2008
Q: I added some aquarium salt to the tank earlier today & as of tonight Orange is eating & coming out a ... A: I would always add new fish to the smaller tank and let them get acclimated to being moved. I would ...
freshwater tank problem	7/27/2008
Q: I have a 55gl freshwater tank. Set it up about 6 months ago. Two weeks after I introduced fish in to ... A: I would feed them twice per day what they will eat in 3 minutes of time. I would also do a 30% ...
Parrott	7/26/2008
Q: I have two parrots, in a 14 gallon tank, that I've had since last feb and the smaller of the two is ... A: is the parrot fish pooping? what is he eating? what are the values of the water chemistry???? I ...
Sick tuxedo swordtail	7/26/2008
Q: I Have A Beautiful Orange Tuxedo Swordtail And A Yellow, White, & Black Stripped One. Both Are Male ... A: lol.. I had a $4.99 rat... named raTical and she cost me about $1400 in vet bills... and I would ...
new aquarium	7/26/2008
Q: We have just recently bought an aquarium for our 10 year old daughter. I do not know very much about ... A: Based on the water chemistry I would say that your tank is still cycling... Balancing is a better ...
sick Flowerhorn	7/25/2008
Q: We would appreciate your opinion. Our large flowerhorn seemed fine this morning but when we came ... A: You could add aquarium salt... The swim bladder in fish is a gaseous pair of sacs that inflate and ...
sick betta fish	7/25/2008
Q: I got a betta fish (Bob) at a wedding (he was a centerpiece in a bowl) I dont know why people use ... A: You were a good parent... a one gallon tank is great for those fish. Aquarium salt is a version of ...
discus fish	7/25/2008
Q: i have a 3feet/2feet/2feet planted aquarium.it is presently housing 3, 2inch red pigeons and 1,1 ... A: try to bribe him with live brine shrimp... The biggest obstacle now is to get him to eat. I would ...
Is this natural?	7/25/2008
Q: Ever since i got my redbellied pacu she has been eating rocks.She usually spits them out But I've ... A: cause she is hungry. Feed her four to five times per day what she will eat in one - two minutes of ...
Gold inca	7/25/2008
Q: My inca apparently laid eggs. But the weird thing is that she did it on the outside of the tank. I ... A: Some aquatic snails lay eggs on dry land. I would guess that is is a defense mechanism so that the ...
partial paralysis in guppy	7/25/2008
Q: I read with interest your response to a question about a partially paralysed koi (18.05.08) where ... A: With such a small water volume you will need to change 10-20% of the water weekly. Guppies are ...
chinese algae eater	7/25/2008
Q: i have 2 chinese algae eaters who live in a 3 gallon aquarium (temporary) and one of them are an ... A: You can take a sample of water to the local aquarium store. Most stores will test it for you at no ...
sick Flowerhorn	7/25/2008
Q: We would appreciate your opinion. Our large flowerhorn seemed fine this morning but when we came ... A: An airborne toxin may have gotten in the tank with your flowerhorn. household chemicals, pest ...
Water Sprite	7/24/2008
Q: I have what I'm almost positively sure of is watersprite in quite a few of my aquariums. I started ... A: you could consider an algaecide solution such as algaefix. You could also get a chinese or siamese ...
Water Sprite	7/24/2008
Q: I have what I'm almost positively sure of is watersprite in quite a few of my aquariums. I started ... A: If you do have algae growing on the plant leaves the leaves will die much as you have described. ...
10 gal tank	7/24/2008
Q: I have a 10 gallon tank with two guppies and two zebra danios. I read that the danios do better in ... A: The one inch per gallon rule is a guideline. If you stack the tank by levels...bottom, mid, top ...
10 gal tank	7/24/2008
Q: I have a 10 gallon tank with two guppies and two zebra danios. I read that the danios do better in ... A: I would layer your tank in the following way: 1-2 cory cat fish ( bottom dwellers) 6-8 danios or ...
Lid Repair	7/23/2008
Q: I have a 46 gal, bow front, fresh water tank. The plastic or rubber (I'm not sure) "hinge" on the ... A: You would need to determine who made your tank... I know you can order through most aquarium stores ...
bettas dying	7/23/2008
Q: So i hava sixteen gallon tank which had 5 female bettas in. They seemed to havebeen living together ... A: ... I see this very situation a lot at work. One day the female betta,a are good the next they all ...
Sick tuxedo swordtail	7/23/2008
Q: I Have A Beautiful Orange Tuxedo Swordtail And A Yellow, White, & Black Stripped One. Both Are Male ... A: how is the sick swordtail???? You can add more decorations to the tank so the wearer swordtail can ...
Infested!	7/22/2008
Q: I have a 29 gallon tank, and have had it running for about 2-3 months. It houses 4 fish. A common ... A: The trick with ICH is to raise the water temperature to about 78 degrees... I would say to raise it ...
Amonia and algae growth in rocks?	7/22/2008
Q: I help to take care of a 55 gal freshwater tank at our school.Recently we have had a spike in amonia ... A: If you stir up the gravel enough to break up the stuff that is impacted in the gravel and then can ...
Compatibility	7/22/2008
Q: I was just wondering what fish go well with a male Betta. And if filling a bucket of water and ... A: Most tetra will do fine with male betta... so long as they do not have frilly tails other fish can ...
blue betta fish acting lethargic	7/22/2008
Q: I just got Murray 2.5 weeks ago, and he is the only fish in the tank. He may be about 6 months old. ... A: It is possible that the icy-hot has had an effect. The bubbles on the top of the water... Betta's ...
Amonia and algae growth in rocks?	7/21/2008
Q: I help to take care of a 55 gal freshwater tank at our school.Recently we have had a spike in amonia ... A: It sounds like a fungus or mold. You need to clean your gravel really good. The ammonia comes from ...
blue betta fish acting lethargic	7/21/2008
Q: I just got Murray 2.5 weeks ago, and he is the only fish in the tank. He may be about 6 months old. ... A: lethargy is a sign of an illness in betta. I would treat him with a dose or two of triple sulfate. ...
water	7/21/2008
Q: I have a betta in a 1 gallon tank i dont have a filter or heater only gravel.Every time i put warm ... A: either the tank is near a drafty spot such as an air conditioning vent or the air temperature in ...
injured goldfish	7/21/2008
Q: I have a large goldfish (about the size of a nerf football) that has a gauze like covering on the ... A: if you can isolate him I would give him a dose or two of malafix. It is great for wounds. You can ...
lazy clown loaches	7/21/2008
Q: I have a pair of clown loaches, I have had them for almost a year now and they have grown to be 3-4 ... A: That is pretty much normal behavior for clown loaches. Since there is nothing really for them to ...
Aquarium Care & Fish Loss	7/21/2008
Q: My wife cares for a 75 gallon tank of freshwater fish. There are fantail guppies and fry (many), ... A: I would feed the fish twice per day... no more then they can eat in 3 minutes of time. I would also ...
Sick tuxedo swordtail	7/21/2008
Q: I Have A Beautiful Orange Tuxedo Swordtail And A Yellow, White, & Black Stripped One. Both Are Male ... A: It is an aggression issue. The orange fish will die if you do not separate them. You can add more ...
Aquarium Care & Fish Loss	7/21/2008
Q: My wife cares for a 75 gallon tank of freshwater fish. There are fantail guppies and fry (many), ... A: I would start with asking how many fish she has lost? 23 cat fish is about 19-20 too many for that ...
slivertip shark (catfish), and swordtails	7/21/2008
Q: Well, my boyfriend and I recently got his old 20 gallon tank at an reset it up and quiet frankly he ... A: Feed the fish twice per day what they will eat in three minutes of time... aggression is usually the ...
discus fish, water changes	7/20/2008
Q: I'm reading and reading.......but I seemed to be getting more confused..........the water ... A: Things in the fish world do not have to be so exact as most of the reading implies. Fish are use to ...
help my turtle	7/20/2008
Q: My baby yellow belli turtle just stoped eating and it used to be very active but now just floats on ... A: it is very difficult to diagnose fish or turtles without seeing them. If it is a wild caught turtle ...
slivertip shark (catfish), and sowrdtails	7/20/2008
Q: Well, my boyfriend and I recently got his old 20 gallon tank at an reset it up and quiet frankly he ... A: Lets talk about water chemistry... Most of your fish probably died from a water chemistry issue... ...
Freshwater Snail	7/20/2008
Q: I have a black "mystery" snail that I purchased a few weeks ago and added him to my 10 gal tank with ... A: Just do small water changes for the next few days... then you can put him back in... maybe ten ...
Anal blotted Albino Oscar	7/20/2008
Q: I have a 3 year old albino Oscar that likes to rearrange his rocks. I say his but don't really know ... A: Oscars are known for eating things they shouldn't... feed him brine shrimp for the next two to three ...
Lowering nitrite level of 2.0 in 37 gallon goldfish aquarium	7/20/2008
Q: Have had to do constant 25% water changes due to injured fish treated with tetracycline during ... A: I would just continue to do small water changes about 3 times a week until the nitrite levels drop. ...
Albino Cory Cat has open sore	7/20/2008
Q: I have an albino cory cat that has an open sore by its mouth. It just appeared 2 days ago. It has ... A: I would treat the cory cat with malafix. As to what may have caused the wound it is difficult to ...
Tank cycling	7/19/2008
Q: I have a question about tank cycling. I started up my 56 gallon tank on 7/8/08. I have decided to ... A: I'm am sure there is some bacteria left... the freeze dried bloodworms should work for now but I ...
Transparent Java Fern Leaves	7/19/2008
Q: Hey there, I just recently bought a piece of bogwood that is the size of 2 fists and java fern ... A: if it is too high... I would add some driftwood... there are chemicals you can add but I hate adding ...
Tank cycling	7/19/2008
Q: I have a question about tank cycling. I started up my 56 gallon tank on 7/8/08. I have decided to ... A: This is kind of like Dexter laboratory.... I would replace your test kits... they have probably ...
Pregnant	7/19/2008
Q: I was given an aquarium- and it came with 8 fish. 2 are wagtail platys, 4 are zebrafish and the ... A: You are not bothering me... When I go to work today I am going to double check the identification of ...
Sick Neolamprologus Multifasciatus	7/19/2008
Q: I recently bought 6 Neolamprologus Multifasciatus.They are in a quarantine tank set up to match the ... A: What was the pH of the tank the fish came out of??? With cichlids and other fish that have specific ...
Transparent Java Fern Leaves	7/19/2008
Q: Hey there, I just recently bought a piece of bogwood that is the size of 2 fists and java fern ... A: If the tank is new and not yet fully cycled then I would attribute the faded spots on your Java Fern ...
sick betta fish	7/18/2008
Q: I got a betta fish (Bob) at a wedding (he was a centerpiece in a bowl) I dont know why people use ... A: Betta fish can get bored... treat him with some live food... they love to hunt... especially brine ...
siamese fighter (female)	7/18/2008
Q: just noticed today i have 2 female fighters and 1 male both females are acting strange hiding a lot ... A: The male maybe picking on the females... they need to be introduced slowly else he will kill them. ...
Guppies and tetras	7/18/2008
Q: What is the gestation period for guppies? I bought 2 females and 1 male now both females seem to ... A: Guppies can carry sperm for up to six months but can have babies in as little as six weeks from ...
Species type?	7/18/2008
Q: I was given an aquarium- and it came with 8 fish. 2 are wagtail platys, 4 are zebrafish and the ... A: .. I would say you are going to have eggs... not fry... or rather the fish is. IF the pregnant ...
Figure8 pufferfish	7/18/2008
Q: I just recently bought a Figure8 puffer. My first fish in awhile. They sold him at the pet store ... A: for now that will be fine but in the next few weeks you should offer him as many as he will eat. He ...
My Black Moore has issues.	7/18/2008
Q: Ok, so about two weeks ago I bought three fish. Two Black Moores and on fancy fantail. I had a ... A: I would offer your black moor some brine shrimp. They have tiny little shells on them that act as ...
Reply gone astray	7/18/2008
Q: I asked your advice today 17/07/08 RE: my guppies and danios, I received a receipt for my question ... A: Guppies are actually pretty hardy fish. I have had a tank of them since I was about 8.... not the ...
small white worms	7/18/2008
Q: So i recently adopted a jack dempsy in a 30 gallon tank, the filter on the tank was beyond ... A: The small white worms are Planaria... they are harmless to your fish. What makes you think he has ...
white thread like worms found in tank	7/17/2008
Q: recently I have noticed white threadlike worms crawling on the side of my tank or floating/swimming ... A: .. If they are planaria then you just have to keep your tank clean. Planaria are harmless to your ...
Oranda not eating swollen mouth	7/17/2008
Q: I have noticed that her mouth appears a bit swollen. Her mouth is moving but not as fast as the ... A: I would at this point treat her for cloudy eye syndrome. General Cure should do the trick. Also ...
Live Plant requirements	7/17/2008
Q: just about to go "Live" with some plants in our aquarium and was just wondering can I plant the ... A: You can plant the plants directly into the gravel or you can add substrate if you'd like. I suppose ...
API fungus cure	7/17/2008
Q: I have 2 angels, 4 tetras, 2 bottom feeders and one catfish. One my angels got mouth fungus (it ... A: im Sad too... fish have always been great companions. I would give the tank some time to rest and ...
Fish pregnant?	7/17/2008
Q: Hey there, I have a 90 gallon tank with 3 parrots and 2 other fish that I'm not sure of. My uncle ... A: Those look like either flowerhorn or jewel cichlids. It may be the result of trying to spawn or her ...
Amonia	7/17/2008
Q: I have had a 55 gallon freshwater tank for about a year. I perform a 1/4 tank change about once ... A: You can not really add too much bacteria as it will self regulate. However, I would not add more ...
I think I'm losing my best buddy	7/16/2008
Q: I've had my best buddy for two years and four months. I've had him in a 1.5 gallon aquarium and ... A: I am sorry that your Moe is sick. It sounds like to me that he has dropsy which is almost always ...
my pregnant molly, and pregnant guppies gravid spots	7/16/2008
Q: tank size- 55gl. number of fish- 22 assorted fish. almost half are prepubescent guppy. types- ... A: Griff: Your tank is toxic. You need to do a 30% water change today and then a 20% tomorrow. You ...
Fish pregnant?	7/16/2008
Q: Hey there, I have a 90 gallon tank with 3 parrots and 2 other fish that I'm not sure of. My uncle ... A: Depending on what kind of fish it is... it may be that the fish is going to lay eggs...or fertilize ...
Fish poop	7/16/2008
Q: The fish in my tank seem to poop beyond excess. I have a 10 gallon tank. I have two painted platies, ... A: Plecostomus's are famous for pooping yards of poop. Your platy was probably constipated. I would ...
Pregnant Platy	7/16/2008
Q: and i have a really fat platy that i think is pregnant and i was just wondering if you could help me ... A: This is what I have always done for my livebearers. I use a bare bottom tank or a tank with just ...
My Black moore	7/16/2008
Q: My Black Moore was sick a couple of weeks ago and I treated him with Pimafix because i think he had ... A: If he is eating I would offer him some food. He will need to regain some of his strength. I do not ...
MULTIPLE FISH DEATHS	7/16/2008
Q: Started with 6 harlequins, waited 2 weeks added 6 cardinal tetras, 2weeks - then 6 guppies, 2weeks - ... A: What I would do is this: I would change about 30 percent of the water today. I would stop ...
API fungus cure	7/16/2008
Q: I have 2 angels, 4 tetras, 2 bottom feeders and one catfish. One my angels got mouth fungus (it ... A: I would switch medication if the impact on your tank is as you described. Try General Cure or even ...
goldfish	7/15/2008
Q: my son's 2 goal fish,and we have a 10g tank is acting strange. he or she is leaning on the other ... A: I would start by having the water tested for ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and pH. Most pet stores will ...
my fish(i think has white spot)	7/14/2008
Q: i spoke to another expert, Christie, about my silver shark having lots of white dots on it as if ... A: are you treating the shark for ICH???? When a fish/shark is covered in white dots like salt it is ...
redear slider	7/14/2008
Q: I realize that this may be out of your range of expertise because none of the others could answer ... A: It is very possible that she is in a growing phase and if that is the case her shell, etc would grow ...
redear slider	7/14/2008
Q: I realize that this may be out of your range of expertise because none of the others could answer ... A: Female sliders have very short claws... where as the males have much longer claws. When you say... ...
Unknown African cichlids & 7" pleco	7/13/2008
Q: I have a 210 gallon freshwater tank. 2 8" Oscars, 2 4" African cichlids (1 is blue striped, 1 is ... A: Do not worry about the pH... so long as it ranges between 6.5 and 8.0 without sudden drops you and ...
Problem with constipation in Common Goldfish	7/13/2008
Q: David St hi. We've had a long term problem with one of our goldfish for about 2 years now. He is a ... A: I would try to feed chippy live or frozen brineshrimp. The shrimp have tiny little shells on them ...
new fish	7/13/2008
Q: i was looking at other creatures to put into my tank (i currently have a ropefish, colombian shark, ... A: The rope fish will eat your frogs... even if its just a piece at a time. ropefish are very social ...
Illness on my Firemouth	7/13/2008
Q: We have a large older firemouth. He has been switch select healthy until lately. He started hanging ... A: I would give him either tetracycline or triple sulfate. It sounds like a fungal issue to me but may ...
sick fish with unusual problem	7/13/2008
Q: My fish has had a small opening above her rectum the past couple of months. I treated it with ... A: It is hard to say with Mollies. The balloon molly's especially... they have a lot of pressure ...
My fish	7/12/2008
Q: I have 2 goldfish in a 2.5 gallon tank. I noticed a small brownish discoloration on the edge of one ... A: I would add some aquarium salt to his tank If that does not help I would dose him with triple ...
Pleco with Nose Bump	7/12/2008
Q: We started with 2 carnival goldfish fish, 3 store bought fantail goldfish, 2 black moors and 1 ... A: Probably... it was a scrape or a bruise that is tying to heal. I would add some aquarium salt to ...
sunburst platy babbies	7/12/2008
Q: my daughter and i wanted some fish so we thought we could go to petsmart. At first we were planning ... A: Some fish are spoiled they are only give one type of food... and they can not adjust to other kinds ...
sick fish with unusual problem	7/12/2008
Q: My fish has had a small opening above her rectum the past couple of months. I treated it with ... A: Is your fish Pooping??? Sometimes after molly's give birth they expell part of their birthing ...
Oranda not eating swollen mouth	7/12/2008
Q: I have noticed that her mouth appears a bit swollen. Her mouth is moving but not as fast as the ... A: it is possible she swallowed something like a rock, etc. I would treat her for mouth fungus to be on ...
mass fish death	7/12/2008
Q: Last weekend I bought some discount fish from Petco. Since then we have had a mass death in the ... A: Sorry to hear of your continual fish loss. I am not a chemist so I cant answer your question about ...
disease?	7/11/2008
Q: i have a 30 gallon freshwater aquarium that has been up for about a year. In May I was out of town ... A: There are many different theories on how to feed your fish. A lot of it depends on the fish you ...
Help with re-cycling my tank	7/11/2008
Q: I have been following your answers and this website, first of all thanks for the awesome information ... A: I wouldn't discard the water because the fungus, ICH and other bacteria are present in our tap ...
mollies	7/11/2008
Q: I bought a 10 gallon tank for my son. We have had it for 2 1/2 weeks and all is well. We have 2 ... A: You probably have one or two males that are either pestering the females to mate or jostling for ...
baby fish	7/11/2008
Q: Do fish shops feed aquarium fish like mollies and guppys to bigger fish?? A: I cant really speak for all shops... but the one I work at doesn't. It would not be that economical ...
mass fish death	7/11/2008
Q: Last weekend I bought some discount fish from Petco. Since then we have had a mass death in the ... A: You probably have a toxic tank... either the water chemistry has spiked or some other chemical agent ...
Amonia	7/11/2008
Q: I have had a 55 gallon freshwater tank for about a year. I perform a 1/4 tank change about once ... A: Sydna: You need to clean the gravel with a gravel vacuum and change about 30% of the water. Add ...
pH issues with my 55 gal tank	7/11/2008
Q: I just set up my 55 gal tank last Friday the fourth. We still do not have any fish in the tank and ... A: Both tests may be correct... as there is sometimes a fine line between acidic and neutral. What were ...
Help with re-cycling my tank	7/10/2008
Q: I have been following your answers and this website, first of all thanks for the awesome information ... A: 1) What went wrong in the last 14 days of the cycling method. What many people do not realize about ...
disease?	7/10/2008
Q: i have a 30 gallon freshwater aquarium that has been up for about a year. In May I was out of town ... A: Phil: Cloudy eye syndrome is usually caused by poor water quality. I get the water tested for ...
Baby cichlids	7/10/2008
Q: We're new to having cichlids and since last night have some baby cichlids also. We have a 55 gallon ... A: you have to separate the two females or one will kill the other one. They are trying to protect ...
I think my betta has gill disease!?!?!??	7/10/2008
Q: and first off thank you for taking time out of your day to read my question and try to help me and ... A: Betta fish respond better to antibiotics then they do to most other medications. I would treat him ...
Need help with possible disease diagnosis	7/9/2008
Q: I have 2 Play's with problems. About my tank: I have a 10 gallon tank with a Placostamus, a Cory, ... A: Healthy fish have healthy immune systems and like you and me overcome many illnesses themselves. ...
Need help with possible disease diagnosis	7/9/2008
Q: I have 2 Play's with problems. About my tank: I have a 10 gallon tank with a Placostamus, a Cory, ... A: I would put the male back with the female in the hospital tank. I would also allow them to eat as ...
High ammonia in black molly tank	7/9/2008
Q: I'm pretty new to aquariums (tried a few months ago with goldfish, but with sad results). My ... A: Lantha: The tank is still cycling and it will for a while. You will need to add more bacteria to ...
Pleco has red spots	7/8/2008
Q: I have a very quiet and finicky pleco- Sarge- he earned his name from chasing my goldfish around ... A: You probably have well water. I would if you can store water in a garbage can with some driftwood ...
parrot fish	7/8/2008
Q: I know my orange parrot fish are hybrids can they mate? I have a pair and they are guarding a rock ... A: often times the male parrot is sterile. If you get them to lay eggs and the eggs hatch then you have ...
Constant Cloudy Water-Cichlids	7/8/2008
Q: It would not let me do a follow up question. I do turn the light off at night most of the time, but ... A: Tank water is a mixture of minerals, chemicals, and bacteria. For clear tanks the three must find a ...
Constant Cloudy Water-Cichlids	7/8/2008
Q: It would not let me do a follow up question. I do turn the light off at night most of the time, but ... A: Sorry for the round about series of questions... but they are actually helping me diagnose your ...
Pleco has red spots	7/8/2008
Q: I have a very quiet and finicky pleco- Sarge- he earned his name from chasing my goldfish around ... A: You are adding in a lot of chemicals to your tank... why is that???? What is your pH if you do not ...
Constant Cloudy Water	7/8/2008
Q: I have a 56gal tank full of several different varieties and sizes of cichlids, the water constantly ... A: ok... well I know I just told you to add light... but now I am going to tell you to turn the light ...
Constant Cloudy Water	7/8/2008
Q: I have a 56gal tank full of several different varieties and sizes of cichlids, the water constantly ... A: Usually gray water is a sign that the tank is still cycling. However, sometimes it is a sign that ...
disease?	7/8/2008
Q: my molly fish(s) (i had two) were fine for a few days and then they started swimming upside down and ... A: I would put her by herself and offer her brine shrimp... maybe live brine shrimp and see if she will ...
replacing tank edging	7/8/2008
Q: this was my question I asked and the response. It wouldn't let me as a follow up with him so I am ... A: I would try the manufacturer of that tank... if they cannot provide it for you I would not buy the ...
Pleco has red spots	7/8/2008
Q: I have a very quiet and finicky pleco- Sarge- he earned his name from chasing my goldfish around ... A: The first thing I would do is have my water chemistry tested for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. ...
Parrot fish calls S.O.S	7/8/2008
Q: Hey there, I just recently got 8 fishes about 4 days ago. 6 of them are blood parrots and 2 of them ... A: Both the parrot fish and the jewel cichlids are cichlids. Cichlids are one of the most aggressive ...
ammonia	7/8/2008
Q: Can you tell me what ammonia does to fish because I tested for ammonia in my 46 gallon tank and I ... A: Ammonia is a toxin that is appears in tank water when something in the tank is rotting. Left over ...
help rustcolored algae problem	7/8/2008
Q: my tank is experiencing the rust colored algae. i turn off the lights and when i wake up in the ... A: This is a freshwater aquarium right??? I would try an algaecide such as algae fix to help you get ...
Fish for tank	7/8/2008
Q: I am looking to setup my 75 gallon aquarium and i am wanting a community tank. I would like at least ... A: Freshwater right???? I would get rid of the live sand... and or at least most of it... it is ...
guppies and cloudy tank	7/7/2008
Q: We keep up with the maintenance.The fish started dying when the tank got cloudy. We took the water ... A: Your tank is cycling... the fish died because the water chemistry spiked... this often occurs when ...
parasite on betta fin?	7/7/2008
Q: My betta is around 4 yrs old, healthy, seems happy & eats well. I have him in a large bowl with ... A: Sounds like a parasite it may just be a simple scrape too... . I would add some aquarium salt to ...
Red Wag Platy -	7/7/2008
Q: We have had our red wag platy for about 6 months. (Don't know the gender.) In the last week, we ... A: Quite possibly it may be an internal parasite issue. There is something called Fish TB too that acts ...
I have a White beta	7/7/2008
Q: so i have this white beta (male) and a green beta (female)e. they were in the same tank with a ... A: well there in lies the answer. You need to get a gravel vacuum and siphon out part of his water. ...
I have a White beta	7/7/2008
Q: so i have this white beta (male) and a green beta (female)e. they were in the same tank with a ... A: Have you changed their water??? or tested the water for high ammonia? How old was the female? What ...
Freshwalter Community Question	7/7/2008
Q: I have a 40 gallon community aquarium that I have been running for the last six months or so with no ... A: I would suspect that if anyone is beating up the guppies it would be the angelfish. Check in your ...
My goldfish has a lump ;o(	7/7/2008
Q: I'm hoping you may have some idea - a few months ago my goldfish developed a lump on his side - i ... A: I would suspect that the lump may actually be a tumor. I suspect a tumor because the issue has been ...
green water	7/7/2008
Q: It has been a few years since I had a fish tank set up. I used to have an under gravel filter years ... A: This time of year almost everyone has an algae issue. You can use a water clarifier which will ...
Fish problem	7/7/2008
Q: My 10year old Gibbiceps pleco is 21 inches long and lives in a 55gal. tank. He has been constipated ... A: Brineshimp can have a laxative effect. They have tiny little shells on them that act as roughage. ...
Tank Problems	7/6/2008
Q: David, Right now I have seven bloodfin tetras and four white mollys in a 10gal tank with two tall ... A: Oddly I think the number of fish you have is ok. Just do water changes (15)5 twice per week. You ...
Parrot fish calls S.O.S	7/6/2008
Q: Hey there, I just recently got 8 fishes about 4 days ago. 6 of them are blood parrots and 2 of them ... A: I found this question in the general pool of questions so I am going to try to give you some advice. ...
Moving the aquarium?	7/6/2008
Q: I have a 29 US gallon bow front tank that I have had up and running for a bit over a year. It has ... A: I would put them in a five gallon bucket that is about half full of water and a bubbler. You can get ...
Baby tetras born while treating Ich	7/6/2008
Q: Our three tetras died yesterday. We don't know why but noticed ich on two of them. Removed African ... A: If the four baby tetra are healthy I would fish them out and put them in with the frogs while you ...
ick	7/6/2008
Q: I have a 30 gallon community tank and a 2 gallon hospital tank and have ick. I just saw this ... A: I would just treat the tank... remember to remove the carbon filter or it will absorb all of the ...
ick	7/6/2008
Q: I have a 30 gallon community tank and a 2 gallon hospital tank and have ick. I just saw this ... A: To successfully treat ICH you must raise the temperature of the water. What is your current water ...
Bottom Feeder	7/6/2008
Q: I have a 50 gallon aquarium with 2 African Cichlids and a bottom feeder. The Cichlids are about 4 ... A: Bottom feeders were never meant to clean your entire tank... you are going to have to clean up some ...
fish infections	7/5/2008
Q: my fish has this white like bumps all over his body. I have not noticed theses before and believe ... A: It sounds like ICH... which is called "the white spot disease" It kind of looks like someone ...
Fish swimming to top and nasty bug	7/5/2008
Q: I'm brand new to owning an aquarium. It's a 20 gallon freshwater with hornwart plants. I have had it ... A: It sounds like you have been doing the right thing... the fish were suffering from toxemia which ...
disease?	7/5/2008
Q: my molly fish(s) (i had two) were fine for a few days and then they started swimming upside down and ... A: sometimes when you buy fish in a pet store and bring them home... they experience symptoms like you ...
Angel Fish on her side	7/5/2008
Q: I have a pair of Angel fish that I have had for about six years. I do not know their sex. For the ... A: I am sorry Betty has passed on... I know losing fish can be hard. Her partner will be fine for ...
Well my female platy died :(	7/5/2008
Q: I am treating the tank with primafix, and melafix. I am also treating my beta(diff. tank), because I ... A: If the other fish in the tank did not become infected then I would still wait about a week to let ...
Stressed Chinese Algae Eater?	7/4/2008
Q: Well this might seem like a retarded question. But I asked about my CAE's behavior and a bunch of ... A: There is nothing wrong with you Chinese Algae Eater. That is what they do... If anything ... he is ...
goldfish pond	7/4/2008
Q: pondI live in Fairbanks, Alaska and have a 55 gallon outside pond and waterfall. We laid in a ... A: well this is very simple then. Just take out the goldfish that are alive and give them away. the ...
goldfish pond	7/4/2008
Q: pondI live in Fairbanks, Alaska and have a 55 gallon outside pond and waterfall. We laid in a ... A: how new is the pond? What do you think caused the goldfish to die? does the pond have a filter???? ...
Goldfish Disease	7/3/2008
Q: I recently purchased a black moor goldfish from petco and I'm not sure if something is wrong with ... A: Usually goldfish and other fish will show signs of clamped fins is when the water quality is poor. ...
ropefish eggs	7/3/2008
Q: i recently got a 20 gallon tank with a ropefish and two small young sharks in the catfish family i ... A: The rope fish lays her eggs and then the male fertilized them. I doubt that your rope fish roe are ...
Severum Hiding, not swimming	7/3/2008
Q: I've a new tank. It's 122lts, set up over the past week. Has a waterfall filter, with carbon, ... A: New tanks often encounter spikes in water chemistry that are toxic to fish. I would invest in a ...
pangasius catfish	7/2/2008
Q: I have a 46 gallon tank. I have 1 chinese algae eater, 3 giant danios, 3 long finned rosy barbs, 3 ... A: Fish need about 8-10 hours of light per day... so your normal fish should have that... the catfish ...
My Goldfish are hiding	7/2/2008
Q: My tank is 75 gallons. I have 14 goldfish, all over 5" in length, 2 Black Moors also very large, and ... A: Goldfish can grow to be quite large. I have seen them around 20 inches including their tail. They ...
pangasius catfish	7/2/2008
Q: I have a 46 gallon tank. I have 1 chinese algae eater, 3 giant danios, 3 long finned rosy barbs, 3 ... A: Catfish are nocturnal so they lay on the bottom of the tank during the day and are more active at ...
fresh water fish- red spots	7/2/2008
Q: my small goldfish has got red spots appearing all over his body he is still eating and swimming and ... A: I was just giving you general information about goldfish and their care because the amount of ...
My Goldfish are hiding	7/2/2008
Q: My tank is 75 gallons. I have 14 goldfish, all over 5" in length, 2 Black Moors also very large, and ... A: Your husband needs to get another hobby... hitting the tank causes great pain to your fish. They ...
fresh water fish- red spots	7/2/2008
Q: my small goldfish has got red spots appearing all over his body he is still eating and swimming and ... A: You have described a disease called specimecia. It is usually caused by poor water quality. ...
Sick Betta	7/2/2008
Q: He was always really friendly and responsive. but the other day he began to just sink to the bottom ... A: betta fish do much better with a dose of antibiotic. I would give him tetracycline and bribe him ...
sick bug eyed fish	7/2/2008
Q: i have 3 bu eyed fish and 1 of them i call Bubbles she is realy sick she has tis gray velvit looking ... A: your fish has a fungal disease and you can treat her with triple sulfate or general cure which are ...
Help please!	7/1/2008
Q: I have a fish tank that has done quite well for a few months. I noticed a condensed white spot right ... A: Sounds like it may be a fungal issue. I would treat her with general cure and give her some brine ...
sunburst platy babbies	7/1/2008
Q: my daughter and i wanted some fish so we thought we could go to petsmart. At first we were planning ... A: platy's are livebearers and when they are pregnant they do not transport well. They often will expel ...
Fish	6/30/2008
Q: Went round last night to check it out. looks ok says i can have it for ten pounds tank and fish. But ... A: well you will have to use new water then that would be better then water from another tank or a ...
Fish	6/30/2008
Q: Went round last night to check it out. looks ok says i can have it for ten pounds tank and fish. But ... A: Use as much of the old water as possible up to 50% then just add new water, water conditioner and do ...
Bloody Parrot acting wierd	6/30/2008
Q: My bloody parrot fish(4 of them) have been acting wierd for the past 4 days. They will be laying on ... A: Could be a couple of things. First I would ask that you get your water tested as it may be a ...
Ill cichlids.	6/30/2008
Q: We have a 4 foot tank with approx 15 fish in it. They have become very lathargic and have a 'white ... A: You have a toxic tank. You need to change at least 50% of the water twice this week and it would be ...
Angel Fish on her side	6/30/2008
Q: I have a pair of Angel fish that I have had for about six years. I do not know their sex. For the ... A: Peas are good for some fish but not all fish will eat them I prefer to feed fish brine shrimp ...
Silver Molly from Black Mollies	6/30/2008
Q: ..we've had fish for about 5 months now. We had two black mollies, then one died. We replaced ... A: It all comes down to genetics. If the two black molly's were pure bred then no they should not have ...
gourami behavior	6/30/2008
Q: I have two pearl leeri gouramis whose behavior has changed recently. They are in a 55 gal community ... A: That is certainly aggression. you can put one in the ten gallon with platys and he would be ...
Ammonia in tap water	6/29/2008
Q: Our local tap water has ammonia levels measuring up to 1.0 ppm. I've been advised to use a product ... A: Depending on how large your tank is ... the best way may vary. What I do is I keep a 55 gallon ...
betta fish	6/28/2008
Q: i just bought a betta fish and his water is turning pale pink to hot pink. should i be worried? ... A: im thinking it is something in his food. What I would do is to put some food in a cup of warm water ...
Rolling Goldfish	6/28/2008
Q: My problem is that my Goldfish is rolling over on it's side and lying down on the bottom of the ... A: Aine: Goldfish can sometimes be aggressive so I would look for signs that the other fish may be ...
betta fish	6/28/2008
Q: I have had two male bettas for a while. I just tried to breed one with a new female I bought. He ... A: you have to introduce them slowly in a divided tank.... she will grow fat with eggs and he will ...
My Beta	6/27/2008
Q: I have had my Betta for two years and he has done very well, until now. I have noticed a bump ... A: .. I would give him a dose or two of bettafix... its a weaker dosage of malafix which is great for ...
My Betta Fish, Gerald.	6/27/2008
Q: Gerald sits around all day and barely moves anymore, even when I put some food around him. One of ... A: I would give him a does of tetracycline which you can get at your local fish store... Betta do ...
Pregnant Platy	6/27/2008
Q: I recently purchased a pregnant female Platy. She is really round under her stomach. She is a yellow ... A: .. my best guess would be within 24 hours... make sure she has a place to hide while she is giving ...
Swollen Goldfish	6/27/2008
Q: I'm afraid to say that I'm not particularly an expert in keeping and caring for fish. I have a ... A: The oldest living goldfish on record was 43 years old and was a goldfish someone won at a carnival. ...
Baby cichlids	6/27/2008
Q: We're new to having cichlids and since last night have some baby cichlids also. We have a 55 gallon ... A: Cichlids will sometimes eat their young if they think they are in danger... This is especially true ...
White Clouds and Cat Fish	6/27/2008
Q: Hey Dave, ok that wasn't one this is two questions. Some sites are saying that catfish eat worms, ... A: There are only three kinds of worms that I would put in my tanks.... 1) microworms which I feed to ...
convict and african chiclids	6/27/2008
Q: i have a mix of chiclids in my 75 gal tank. occasionally i see where my convicts are guarding their ... A: Typically it is not advisable to mix the African and the south American cichlids. They have a color ...
Pearl Gourami - strange marks	6/26/2008
Q: I have a 125L tropical tank, containing approx 20 tetras and guppies along with a red thai crab,two ... A: I would have to guess to answer this question and even then I would say that there is probably not ...
After Ich Clean-up	6/26/2008
Q: My two Jack Dempseys got ich while in the hospital/quarantine tank. I medicated correctly with no ... A: I suppose the only bright spot when dealing with ICH is that it cannot live without a host... of if ...
Black Moor	6/26/2008
Q: I am going to buy a Black Moor but i need to know this : An aquarium or a bowl? ANSWER: Hello ... A: no... a bowl for a betta would be ok... I would still put the betta in an aquarium as you can mix ...
Why does my fish tank get brown within 2 weeks of cleaning	6/26/2008
Q: ! I have a fantail & organda goldfish and a male betta fish. I also have a 16 gallon BiOrb fish ... A: Chemicals are very rarely the answer....You may have too many fish in your cube... or they may have ...
Why does my fish tank get brown within 2 weeks of cleaning	6/26/2008
Q: ! I have a fantail & organda goldfish and a male betta fish. I also have a 16 gallon BiOrb fish ... A: It is not wise to keep a female and male betta together because the male will probably fight with ...
Air pumps	6/26/2008
Q: Hey, i have a tetra tec air pump in my tank but i cant make it power 2 airstones, i have all the ... A: I have tried in the past to make an air pump power more then one air-stone and sometimes it works ...
Sudden Beta Death	6/26/2008
Q: I have three (now two) beta females, all in their own tanks. I check their water all the time, I ... A: It sounds like to me she might have had some kind of defect. The way that breeders breed fish we are ...
Why does my fish tank get brown within 2 weeks of cleaning	6/26/2008
Q: ! I have a fantail & organda goldfish and a male betta fish. I also have a 16 gallon BiOrb fish ... A: You have sort of answered your own question... goldfish tanks that are brown and murky need to be ...
Fungus	6/26/2008
Q: I was wondering if you could explain the difference between fungus and "true fungus" in tropical ... A: There are about a billion different types of fungi... they range from mushrooms that we eat to the ...
kissing gourami and blue gouram