albino catfish

[louise atkin]

:help: Please can someone help, i have just got first aquarium i have 4 neon tetras all settled, today i bought 2albino catfish to help keep bottom clean but they seem to be abit hypo and 1 is not settling i have had the light off as instructed but hes not happy just flying around front of tank and going up and down like a yoyo in the corners any ideas please. HELP !!!

[Tooch]

One of the first things that comes to my mind is the fish is going to be alittle stressed about moving into his new home. Give them a few days, and they should settle down. Keep a close eye on them as well for any possible sickness that may have come with them from the store. What are your water specs? Ammonio, Nitrates, Nitrites? What type of catfish is he? Alot of catfish, sich as iridescents like to swimp loops (at least mine did)

[louise atkin]

It could be that they are stressed i'm not sure of the water yet i am testing it tomorrow for ammonia and ph, i have only had tank for a fortnight and i was told not to bother checking water until i have fish in and the tetras have only been in for a week, it could be that. not sure what type fish are all it said was albino catfish.

[Tooch]

It could be that they are stressed i'm not sure of the water yet i am testing it tomorrow for ammonia and ph, i have only had tank for a fortnight and i was told not to bother checking water until i have fish in and the tetras have only been in for a week, it could be that. not sure what type fish are all it said was albino catfish.


Someone told you wrong. When you have a brand new aquarium, it's very important to test your water. Do you know what tank cycling is?

[louise atkin]

never heard of it. i was also told not to do a ten percent change for a month is this right or wrong

[Tooch]

Because you already have fish in the tank, this would be a good thread for you to read:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

A good idea would be to go out and buy the stuff you need to test the water, if you don't already have it.


EDIT: While very pretty, neons are not very hardy fish. You may want to consider going to get yourself some danios. Also, certian catfish can end up very large. Mine is currently 14". Be sure to research the fish you buy to be sure they are compatable. The catfish you currently have may very well have the neons for lunch before long.

[louise atkin]

i will first thing in morning, but how come one is settling but not other?

[louise atkin]

what are danios and how big do they get, i only have a 60 litre tank? The catfish i have only grow to 6cm

[Tooch]

Hmm.. I'm not really sure. One may just be stressed out more than the other

[Tolley]

Jus like humans, every fish is different..

does your catfish look like this? [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Thats an Albino Corydoras

[louise atkin]

yeah thats it

[Tooch]

There are several types of Danios. While it's not recommended, if you cycle a tank with fish, from what I understand (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) Danios are good hardy fish to use. I'm not familiar with them myself, never actually having owned any, but here is a link to a common one (I think), a Zebra Danio

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Dave66]

what are danios and how big do they get, i only have a 60 litre tank? The catfish i have only grow to 6cm

Zebra Danios (Brachydanio rerio) are small, very active little fish that are very very common in shops. They top out at two inches, and do better and are a better display in groups of six or more.

Dave

[Tooch]

...and do better and are a better display in groups of six or more.

Dave



This is the same with your neons. After the tank gets cycled, you may want to consider getting a few more of those as well.

[louise atkin]

i remember about cycling yeah, i did that and had water tested before i could have the tetras the water was spot on.

[Tooch]

That was a quck cycle. How long ago did you get your fish? I've heard of it taking some peoples tanks longer than a month :c12:

[louise atkin]

i think we are talking about the same thing, the good bacteria that you put in just before you put fish in?

[Tooch]

Well, if you're talking about the little packet of bacteria that you pour in, that helps the cycling start. Cycling get's bacteria in your filter established, so they can begin to break down the harmful stuff in your tank such as ammonia, and help keep the water safe for your fish. The actual cycling of your tank can typically tank anywhere from a couple weeks up to a couple months.

[fins_n_fur]

Louise, try this link as starters about Danios:
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.] This site, amongst others, as well as this forum, will help you figure you what fish are compatible with each other and what their needs are and how large they get.

You have access to the internet, so use google to start your research. You're new to the forum, and I suspect to keeping fish as well. It's crucial to do a LOT of research for this hobby and to go slowly if you want to be successful at keeping fish. Read the articles posted here and on other sites and get some books.

Please don't take my suggestions critically--I'm really trying to be helpful. I nearly bought a tank and fish on a whim at one go, but thankfully something told me to hold back. These are living creatures that will be dependent upon you for their care. Please take the time to research, research, and research. When in doubt, come to this forum and ask as many questions as you like. You'll find people will go out of their way to help newcomers and oldtimers to the hobby.

Good luck!

[louise atkin]

yeah its in bottles here, i had to put it in 48 hours before the fish went in

[louise atkin]

thanks for the advice fggibbs will do, i am not planning on adding any more fish for a while to see how these settle. I do ask the staff at the store where i buy my fish what is best for my tank as in sizes and whether they get on with the fish i have.
Yours, Louise

[Tooch]

Well, I would just give him a couple days to get acclimated to his new surroundings. Also, I would definatly keep tabs on your water. The bacteria you added by itself will not complete a tank cycle. It is possible you may need water changes. Also, be sure to get something such as Stress Coat to help de-chlorinate your water if it's coming straight from the tap, and to help your fish maintain their slime coat and stress levels during these changes. Also, due to them being new fish, be sure to watch for disease. This is a great hobby, and like fggibbs said, research research research. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like! The people here are among the friendliest and most helpful people you'll ever meet! thumbs2:

[louise atkin]

Thanks all for your help, will do what you say, will letyou know what happens
yours louise

[fins_n_fur]

I'm pleased you didn't take it the wrong way and even more pleased you're going to wait before adding more fish. Still, it's important to do your own research to make sure you are making the right, informed choices. Not all fish store employees know what they are talking about--it's sad, but true. Even as a beginner, I'm kind of horrified what folks have been reporting about advice at fish stores selling folks fish that are either not suited for their tanks or their level of experience. I hope your other fish settles nicely in the next day or so.