Balloon Mollies??

[fishymommy]

So a while back I had two different pairs of balloon mollies that both died within three days of buying them and I'm trying to figure out why that was. I thought mollies were tough fish but are balloons extra sensitive? Are they sensitive to ammonia? Back then I was a MAJOR noob and didn't know anything and had extremely high ammonia.. like off the charts high. I'm pretty sure that's why but is there anything else? I'm considering getting some more for my 20g but i don't want more death. Also, do they need salt? I have a snail so I can't add salt.

Is there anything else I should know about these awesome little fish?

TIA fishymommy

[Sharkman]

these fish are altered in a way that lessens their life span. No fish should naturally look like a balloon. So some cruel individuals are making these fish this way and I hope you don't support them by buying anymore. I do agree that your high ammonia almost certainly killed them. Plenty of other great fish out there too.

[fishymommy]

what would you suggest for a 20g that has a dwarf frog, mystery snail, 8 neons, and 5 rasboras?

[wolf_eyes]

I would personally add some dwarf or pygmy corys to the mix. They're bottom dwellers for the most part and very fun to watch. I personally have three peppered corys in my 10 gallon and they are my favorite fish by far. Normally they like groups of 6 or more, though in a peaceful tank(which yours is) it shouldn't be a problem having 4 or 5. You could get bigger corys but you wouldn't be able to have more than 2 or 3 without overstocking your tank, if you go by the golden rule of 1 gallon for every inch of fish.

[Northernguy]

Maybe a small school of corys.A different small school of tetras. I have some Blueberry tetras that are pretty cool.At least thats what my lfs called them.

[Sharkman]

your frog isn't eating any of your fish? Its a debatable topic, but I think your tank is good now. I wouldn't add anything.