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There are about 10 left and they are officially away from the parents. They are one their own and at 1/3 inches. Stupid Shipping! My Breeder net is taking a long time to come. The parents are ready to breed again. Hopefully they will survive.

Chris

About the CO2, Can I just get A LOT of plants to counteract the Alage? Does anyone know any simple CO2 rigs if I really need them?

I think you will need to get CO2. Even with alot of plants...that is just too much light. Even if you replaced one bulb with a 50/50 bulb, its still alot of light. Replacing one bulb with a 50/50 would be fine to use with DIY CO2. With the full 130 watts, I'd go with pressurized.

Why not get the 1x65w fixture? You still have alot of plant options with that one. I am able to grow some higher light plants with this fixture over my 29g without problems, even though it is only medium light. That would save you the trouble of CO2. DIY is easy to setup but its not very stable and you'll have CO2 fluctuations that may actually cause algae. Its also cheaper and you wouldn't have as big a fight with algae.

*Kristin*

The thing is I am planning on having a Reef tank so Why not just get the bigger light fixture now? So How much does a Pressurized CO2 system cost? Also could I always get Shrimp like amanos or something? What would work best? Thanks.

EDIT: I only have two Lemons left!

Chris

A good CO2 setup is about $300 or $400 and that is an estimate. It might be cheaper or more expensive....depends on what brands you get and where you shop.

Well you could leave a 50/50 bulb in and use the other daylight bulb and may be be ok with DIY CO2, but its not stable. But you could give it a shot.

You plan on turning this tank into a reef? You are just starting it as a planted tank. I understand about planning for the future...but how soon are you gonna have a reef?

Sorry about your Lemons I thought they were pretty hardy tetras...but doesn't seem like they are.

*Kristin*

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
My Male Ram Died!!!!!! I am so upset.


Chris

Oh no that is too bad.
How are your fry? I hope they are ok? Sorry you are loosing your fish.

Something must be going on in that tank...what are your ammonia, nitrIte, and nitrAte readings?

*Kristin*

The fry have signed a death wish. The Father is dead, The mother is dying... I think I will return the lemons and the living ram tomorrow to get back as many fish as possible. Oh Girlie Girl, Could I use shrimp to control the algae and will it really be that big of a problem with algae? Thanks.

EDIT: I am bringing a water sample. My Ammonia should be 0. My filter guarantees it. My Nitrate is 5ppm and I don't know my Nitrite.

Chris

Oh Girlie Girl, Could I use shrimp to control the algae and will it really be that big of a problem with algae?

Shrimp don't eat all kinds of algae, and I can't predict what kind you will have.

Its possible, if you use 50/50 bulbs, that you won't have too bad of an algae problem, if you have alot of fast growing plants...that is if you use the 50/50 bulbs.

If you use the full daylight bulbs, then there is no telling what kind of algae you will grow. The plants will have high light, no CO2, and will not be able to outcompete the algae. I personally wouldn't try it because when I first setup my 55g, I didn't have enough plants and I had 2.4wpg, which isn't alot, unless you don't have many plants. I had beard algae all over the place and it wasn't until I added lots and lots of hygro and changed the substrate (taking everything out and then back in) that it went away. And that is with medium light and no CO2. I wouldn't try that again...it looked horrible.

But really, its your tank, not mine, so you can use the full daylight bulbs over the tank. See what happens and just be warned that it isn't a good idea to have 4+ watts per gallon over a tank without CO2. I suggest if you do use the daylight bulbs, atleast have some DIY CO2. Atleast then you'll have some CO2 and the plants won't be totally deprived.

*Kristin*

Amano Shrimp eat a LOT of Algae and also. Where is a website with Good C02 Systems I can buy. The ones I found were ranging from $75 to $150 and they were the whole set. Thanks.

Chris

Im sorry to hear about the fish.....poor fry. Maybe the lemons brought a disease with them? So there are no fry huh? I guess I will just get some from where I was planning to in the first place... Sorry to hear about the daddy fish. Good luck with the rest of your fish...

Well my tank is going downhill except for my Cories. My female ram dosent look good and those two lemons dont look good either. Tommorow I am going to get 2 Rams, 8 Lemons, and 8 Harlies. Platy, I'll get you some new fry if you want? Comments Appreciated. Thanks.

Chris

I wouldnt get any new fish until you figure out what is causing this mass death in your tank. I will think about it. If you get a good healthy batch going then sure I will take some. But I odnt think I want any until they coem from a healthy tank. I hope that doesnt sound harsh or anything. I mean I just want to make sure I am getting good fish.

I understand. The tank is healthy. I either got a bad batch or they weren't acclimateed enough. When they test my water I will decide whether I cam getting new fish. Thanks.

Chris

For a pressurized CO2 system you'll need:
*regulator w/ or w/out a solenoid
*tubing
*good check valves (not plastic)
*reactor or diffusor
*CO2 tank

Regulators run around $75-80
Good check valves are about $15
Reactor is around $40-50 depending on brand, where you get it.
Diffusors are usually cheaper, around $15
CO2 tank is around $50-60 depending on where you get it and how much they run and how big a tank you get.
Tubing is around $0.80/foot.

So you can build one yourself for around $180, but that is just my estimate and doesn't include shipping or anything else you might need.

A good site to check out is Aquatic-store.com. You'll have to search for a CO2 tank/cylinder, because I don't think that site sells them...usually people look at local welding supply shops.

I am currently shopping for a CO2 system, but I need parts for running CO2 to 2 tanks, so my estimate was more for that I think. Plus all the other stuff I need...

You should ask more questions about pressurized CO2 in the aquatic plant section. There are people who actually have CO2 systems on their tanks that can be more helpful.

*Kristin*

Geez. Would any type of Shrimp work? Even a giant colony?

Chris

OK.
Did you get the rams at the same time as the lemons?

I returned whatever was alive except for 5 Cories. (One was not a leopard Cory) I got 8 Rasboras, 1 Leopard Cory and 2 Rams. I have lost one Rasbora already and My ram was swimming upside down(what does that mean?)!!! I am going to call the store tommorrow and complain! Otherwise the tank looks nice. I am too lazy to get pictures now. Maybe I'll update it.

Chris

How long did you acclimate them for?
Something must be wrong with the tank. Or it is a really crappy store.

The store is really nice. I acclimated each for 30 mins. I did the add a cup of water every 5 mins Trick.

Chris

Well I really dont know then. Except most people acclimate theres for an hour. But whatever works for you.

So I have lost 2 harlies. I am just so doubtful about my tank... I am so worried that this will never happen. *Sigh* So for my CO2 system I am thinking about this one...
http://www.tropicalfishcentre.co.uk/Diyco2.htm
How long will this yeast solution last for? Thanks.

BTW Is anyone paying attention to this thread?

Chris

Hi again! Yes, we pay attention to your log. I just have not had much to add. I myself would try another LFS. I know you like yours but something is going on here. I don't think I have had that many deaths in my tanks since I started the hobby. Also make sure you are using the quarantine tank. I would hate to see you lose everything. I really do hope your luck improves. Don't give up, just slow down and figure this out.

"Talk is cheap. Action can be almost as affordable"

See the thing is they give me store credit, I would try a diffrent store though. I will put pics up hopefully soon. So I am wondering, Can anyone think of some other fish to replace my Lemons, maybe more colorful? Thanks.

Chris

Well if you are sure you figured out the problem then why not a colony of platies?

Big surprise there PlatyPunk! Lol. Glowlights and Cardinals are what I have been looking at lately for my other 29 gal. They are colorful. Glowlights are smaller so you could fit a larger school of them.

"Talk is cheap. Action can be almost as affordable"

Hmmm... Well Platies are livebearers and... I dislike livebearers. You know, I am not sure what kind of fish I want. So, Maybe the reason my fish were dying was lack of food. Would they die from eating only once a day? I just started feeding them two times a day. Thanks.

Chris

The store is really nice. I acclimated each for 30 mins. I did the add a cup of water every 5 mins Trick.

I've read several articles on introducing new fish to a tank. It seems really important to take your time doing this especially with sensitive fish. There is something called the drip method, where a hose adds only a drop or two every second or so.

That's too much trouble for me, so I use another method I read about........... & it uses less water this way. I dump most of the water out of the new bag of fish. I let it set in the tank for 15 or 20 minutes to help stabilize the water temp. in the bag. (cause there isn't much water, so takes less time) After that I start adding some tank water to the bag, but only like 1/8 or 1/4 of a cup. I do this every 15 minutes for at least an hr.. It works for me anyway.

If anyone thinks this might not be the right advice to give, then they can correct me, as I'm new & don't know the proper way of doing everything yet.

Although I do realize there may be several ways of doing the same thing, as long as the results turn out good.

I think either something is going on in the tank, or at the LFS. I would try another store just to make sure it isn't the one you are using. I personally don't think acclimation is the problem. I usually acclimate fish for about 30 mins and I haven't lost this many fish at one time (except for Rummynose tetras...but they are a different story ).

Feeding them only once per day isn't the problem either IMO. I feed my fish once every other day and they are fine.

Try a different store...see what kind of tetras they have. Pretty much any tetras will work. I'd stay away from nippy ones like Serpaes and Buenos Aires, but any others will work.

*Kristin*

I'll try that... So Girliegirl how does this setup sound... http://www.tropicalfishcentre.co.uk/Diyco2.htm
Should I try 2 bottles of yeast like it suggests for bigger tanks? Thanks.

Chris

Sounds like DIY CO2. I'd definitely go with 2 bottles.

*Kristin*

Would that be as much as a real CO2 system? Thanks.

Chris

DIY is very cheap. All you need is 2 2 liter bottles, some CO2 airline, check valves, yeast, sugar and some way to diffuse the CO2 into the tank (airstone, powerhead, etc...). Its not as effective as pressurized and you have to change out the mixture every couple weeks or so, but it will work ok.

*Kristin*

I meant will it be as much CO2 injected but whatever. I am planning on having a air stone into a diffuser cup. Also I think my female Ram might have dropsy she has scales sticking out near her Red spot. I am becoming very disappointed with my tank... Also the leopard cory i replaced looks like a mummy and is definitely not a leopard cory. Thanks.

Chris

Hello,
I Will be putting pics up soon. As of now, I am waiting until Christmas for my new good and I a still deciding on which type of fish. I am thinking of Tiger Barbs, Black Skirt Tetras and Some type of Danios. Comments Appreciated!

Chris

Do you have any of the other fish left? If so, could you list them?

I'd keep it down to 2 schools of fish in a 29g..especially since Tiger Barbs get about 3 inches and Black Skirts are pretty big tetras full grown. Personally I'd go with one of those and then pick another school. If you have a schooling fish left, make sure you either up the number or give them away, if you don't want them. I'd keep it down to 2 schools and have 6-8 of each.

Tiger Barbs are nippy, so if you have German Rams left in the tank, I'd be careful keeping them together. I'm sure Rams can hold their own to the Barbs, but I'd be worried about especially a male Rams fins. With a large enough school of the Barbs, say about 8, they should focus more on each other though.

edit: (Woohoo....1400 posts)

*Kristin*

Nice job on 1400 posts! Glad it could be here. So I have 8 Harlies, 6 Leopard Cories, and 2 Rams. Which should I get and how many? Thanks.

Chris

Nice job on 1400 posts! Glad it could be here

Thanks!

I would just add 1 more school then, since you still have a school of Harlies. I'd go with something peaceful and save the barbs for a semi-aggressive type tank. Do you like the Danios? If so, they'd make a nice contrast to the red of the Harlies. Or what about Black neons? They sound boring, but a school of them looks really nice. I wish I had room for some. The Black Widow tetras would be ok too, if you like them. Whichever type you choose, I'd go with 8.

*Kristin*

Well, Actually I was kinda hooked on the Black skirts and the Tiger. How many Tiger and how many Black Skirts can i get? Like how many of each? Thanks.

Chris

You already have one school of fish in the tank, so you should only add one more, unless you are getting rid of the harlies. Tiger barbs can be bullies so I wouldn't put them with the Harlies. You could try it, but personally, I wouldn't. You'll have to choose between the Tigers and Black Skirts, unless you get rid of the Harlies. If you go with the Tiger Barbs I'd only get 6...a max of 8 though since they get about 3 inches. You could have up to 8 Black Skirts as well....but if you are keeping the Harlies, you should choose either the Skirt tetras or the Barbs. 3 schools, especially since the barbs and black skirts get large, would be too much for a 29g tank.

*Kristin*

I am just deciding which to get Black Skirts or Tigers. I need the vacation to think this over. Happy Holidays! I'll be back.

Chris

Does anyone else have any Ideas for some other school of fish? Thanks.

Chris

So how is everything going on here?

Hope all fishies are well and you are having sucess!

Everything is good in my tank. I just got back from being away for two weeks and Everyone is alive (Thanks to a auto-feeder). The tank is just a little cloudy but I am about to change the water. Everyone is alive all i need now is a female ram and another idea for fish. I am think a couple gouramis, maybe a pair? Any Ideas? Thanks.

Chris

Gouramis? Yes? No?

Chris

Hmmm maybe Honey Gouramis. Those are my favorite type. I was thinking of getting one for my 55 gal. I think He would be a nice addition. I like gouramis....very graceful fish.

How many and what breeds are available to me?

Chris

HELLO THERE. IVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR THREAD VERY CLOSELY FOR I AM SETTING UP A NEW 50 GALLON TANK AND IM TRYING TO SOAK UP AS MUCH INFORMATION ON THE TOPIC AS POSSIBLE BEFORE STARTING IN ORDER TO PREVENT DISASTERS. IVE BEEN LAYING IN THE BACK ENJOYING THE VERY INFORMATIVE AND WELL THOUGHT OF POSTS THAT YOUR THREAD GENERATED.

WHEN YOU MENTIONED GOURAMIS YOU STRUCK A NERVE AND I HAD TO INTERVENE. IVE HAD VERY GOOD RESULTS WITH DWARF GOURAMIS IN COMMUNITY TANKS WITH TETRAS, THEY ARE FEISTY FELLAS BUT USSUALLY NO HARM COMES FROM THEIR ROUGH PLAYING AMONGST THEMSELVES. I WOULDNT RISK ADDING NORMAL SIZE GS TO YOUR TANK FOR TWO REASONS, THEY TAKE UP MORE ROOM THAN DWARFIES AND THEY MAY BE MORE AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS OTHER FISH THAN THE LESSER KIND. I RECOMMEND THE DWARF SUNSET GOURAMI AND THE DWARF BLUE POWDER GOURAMI, THEY ARE TRULY BEAUTIFUL FISH AND ADD A BIT OF COLOR TO THE AQUARIUMS PALETTE. YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY TO GET A PAIR, MALE AND FEMALE SINCE YOU ARE INTO BREEDING.

AS FOR THE OTHER SCHOOLING FISH IT MAY COME AS NO SURPRISE BUT HAVE YOU CONSIDERED RED PHANTOM TETRAS? THEY ARE VERY COLORFUL AND VERY ACTIVE FISH, THEY DO REQUIRE A BIT OF ROOM AND CARE BUT THEY ARE WELL WORTH IT ONCE YOU SEE THEM COURTING EACH OTHER. CARDINALS AND NEON TETRAS FORM NICE SCHOOLS TOGETHER AND INTEGRATE THEMSELVES AS ONE WHEN IN NEED TO SCHOOL.

WHICHEVER FISH YOU DECIDE TO INTEGRATE INTO YOUR COMMUNITY BE SURE TO HAVE SORTED OUT THE ISSUE THAT MAY BE CAUSING DEATHS IN YOUR TANK BEFORE BRINGING IN NEW MEMBERS TO YOUR HABITAT. IF THERE IS SOMETHING IVE LEARNED IN MY SHORT TIME AS A FISH KEEPER IS TO BE PATIENT, SO JUST HANG IN THERE AND TAKE IT ONE ISSUE AT A TIME.

I AM NEW ENTHUSIAST AND IF AT ANY POINT I MAY STRAY FROM THE TRUTH PLEASE SET ME STRAIGHT, I WELCOME FEEDBACK FROM EXPERIENCED MINDS.

How many and what breeds are available to me?

Depends on what your LFS carries.

Honey or Dwarf gouramis would be fine. Don't get a pair unless you can find females. If you can, I'd get a trio (1m/2f) that way one female won't be harassed all the time. Gouramis that get around 4-5 inches (Pearl, Blue, Gold, 3-spot, Moonlight) would be fine, but I'd stick with just one. Blues, Golds and 3-spots can be mean sometimes, but I have a 3-Spot gourami in my 55g and he's really shy. I've not seen him being aggressive at all.

*Kristin*

GOURAMIS ARE WONDERFUL FISH AND IT DEPENDS A LOT ON THE INDIVIDUALS PERSONALITY AND BEHAVIOUR. SOME WILL BE AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS OTHER FISH SOME WILL BE VERY PEACEFULL IN THE COMMUNITY, THERE ARE MANY VARIETIES FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE FROM AND IT WILL DEPEND SOLELY ON THE INDIVIDUAL IF HE GETS ALONG WITH YOUR OTHER FISH OR NOT.

YOUR LFS MAY NOT CARRY THE GREEN FLAME TETRA, BUT THIS IS ALSO A VERY NICE SCHOOLING FISH THAT COULD BE AN OPTION FOR YOU.

ALL THE BEST

Welcome to FP, RedPhantom!

Using all caps on the internet usually equals yelling. If you could turn off caps lock, your posts will be easier to read and respond to.

"I AM NEW ENTHUSIAST AND IF AT ANY POINT I MAY STRAY FROM THE TRUTH PLEASE SET ME STRAIGHT, I WELCOME FEEDBACK FROM EXPERIENCED MINDS."

I thought the advice you gave was well thought out and helpful. I look foreward to seeing you 'round FP.

I'll do graffiti,
If you sing to me in French.

Thanks for the tip katieb, I`ll keep it down from now on. I guess im just a loud mouth both in person and online!!

This forum has been of great help and it is great to have a place to share ones experiences with others.

Please let me know if I can be of service and again thank you for the input.

Warm greetings from Costa Rica

Wow, Lots Of Comments... Where to start. Of Course in Chronological order!

RePhantom - Thanks for the attention to the thread (As well as everyone else). I hope your tank turns out well and that this will be like a guide for you. So I like your suggestions on fish that you gave but I feel like sticking to the Gourami Idea. I have always liked the Powder Blue Gouramis but I thought they were aggressive. BTW I have been to Costa Rica Twice and I love it there! Thanks!

Girlie Girl - First of Thanks for all the replies given by you. But One think I do not understand is this...

Gouramis that get around 4-5 inches (Pearl, Blue, Gold, 3-spot, Moonlight) would be fine, but I'd stick with just one.

What are you trying to say here, I can breed regular sized Gourmais in the tank or they will just be peaceful? Also Would Gouramis still breed with a 1m/2f pair? And are females hard to find (Sex)? Thanks!

Chris

What are you trying to say here, I can breed regular sized Gourmais in the tank or they will just be peaceful? Also Would Gouramis still breed with a 1m/2f pair? And are females hard to find (Sex)?

I was saying that if you choose a type of gourami that gets around 5 inches or so, then I'd just get one because they are pretty big.

I wouldn't try to breed gouramis in a community tank. The 1m/2f was for the smaller type of gouramis. Red Phantom mentioned getting a pair, but I recommend getting a trio because having only one female, the male can stress her out. But you could try getting 1m/1f...I personally wouldn't though.

Female gouramis aren't always sold in LFS because they aren't as colorful as males...so sometimes they are hard to find.

*Kristin*

But I could put 2f/1m in my current tank? BTW Pictures coming soon! Thanks!

Chris

Garofoli,

Thanks for your wishes towards my tank, ill prepare a thread at some point to monitor its development once it gets started.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to CR, it is a nice, very laid back country, some intresting fish species as well!!

If you want Gouramis dont give it a second thought, they are truly majestic creatures. I suggest if you want to introduce more than one that you go with the dwarf gouramis, I have two Dwarf Powder Blues in my community tank with tetras and they are simply the sweetest thing, they may be feisty with each other but they leave other fish well off alone.

Im suggesting the dwarfies because of space availability(Gouramis may need 10 gallons per fish from what ive been told on another thread), and you`ll probably get a better chance at a fish that may not be aggressive or too territorial, again it will totally depend on the individual fish wether he or she is aggressive or not.

Best of Luck

Esteemed readers,

I am setting up a 50 gallon tank in Costa Rica, to host the population of my current 10 gallon tank. If you are intrested and want to follow up on the status of the tank and fish, please refer to this link: http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/threads/32514.1.htm?0.9819176#

Thanks for all your help thusfar and hope to hear from you all in the near future.