Gosamer tailed black tetras??

**Vreugy** · 03-03-2013, 03:48 AM

Try this again. Years ago, I had 8 gossamer tailed black skirt tetras. Heater malfunctioned and cooked them. I want to set up this same 30g again, soon. I have searched the net as much as this computer will let me. Almost as slow as dial-up. So far, I haven't seen anything even close. Does anyone have any idea what they were?

I must say Thanks to all the great people on this forum. I have checked out several others and am not nearly as happy with them as I am this one.

Also much tell you all that I vow to re-think all I know about keeping fish. It's scarey what I used to do or not do for them. Never heard of cycling the tank first. Poor fish. Anyway, I am not going to set up the 30g just yet. Will start with the 20g show tank. I even learned how to replace the glass in it from this forum. Eventually, the 20 will be my qt tank. I would like to keep feeder guppies in it to keep it cycled.

Well, it is bedtime. I have a hard time quiting this forum. Hope all have a great weekend.

**Honey Badger 1** · 03-03-2013, 05:27 AM

Have you looked up long fin black skirt tetra? Depending on how long you've been out of the hobby, don't worry about not hearing about it cycling tanks with ammonia, it is a relatively new concept, it started around 20ish years ago. Even if it hasn't been that long since you stopped, many people don't know about cycling with fish when they first start, the important thing is you know now and you are willing to learn more.

Also, keep in mind, when planning what fish you want to find out their potential adult size, black skirts can get up to 2.5 inches and will want plenty of swimming room. Keeping a proper sized school in a 30g long term might not be a good idea.

**Vreugy** · 03-03-2013, 09:57 PM

I will look them up in just a minute. Wanted to thank you for replying. I know they are rather large when grown. I think 8 of the tetras and 5/6 Panda cories would be plenty in this 20g and look so nice.

Seems like there was something about "aged" tank water that we used to do. But I still intend to go with the newer ideas. One thing I learned is keep a second filter in the established tank. That way, I can cycle a tank faster if needed.

Can't tell you how much I have learned in this forum. Much nicer than most of the others I have checked out too. Not so much of the bickering and arguing. Can't stand that.

Thanks again for replying so quick.

**Honey Badger 1** · 03-04-2013, 02:28 AM

Yes, way back when only chlorine was in the water and you could set some in a bucket over night with an air stone running and the chlorine would gas off. Now most water companies use chloramine, which doesn't gas off nearly as easily, so you have to use a water conditioner. Most here seem to use Prime but any that neutralize chloramine will do.

Double filtration for the size of your tank means using a filter rated for 40 gallons on a 20 gallon tank or two filters rated for 20 gallons. Using two filters is often recommended but not always needed. A lightly stocked tank doesn't necessarily need two filters, but with the stock you are planning it will be a good idea.

**imma24** · 03-04-2013, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Vreugy

Eventually, the 20 will be my qt tank. I would like to keep feeder guppies in it to keep it cycled.

FYI there is no need to keep fish in a tank to keep it cycled if you are only using it as a QT - just keep the filter in your main tank at all times and transfer it over to the 20 when you need it.

**Vreugy** · 03-04-2013, 01:18 PM

Mommy1, I thought it would be a good idea just encase something happens. The original 20g got broke. Thankfully, I was able to save all the guppies, but it taught me a lesson about keeping a tank cycled.

I am so excited about setting up a few tanks. Trying to talk hubby into a 50g. He likes the idea of tanks, just not keen on one so large. I will keep cooking his favorite meals and "catch him in a weak moment"

Gotta love that man.

Almost forgot. I did look for the longfinned black skirt tetras. All the ones I found didn't have the exta extra long gosamer tail that my old ones did. If I can't find them, I will probably go with the black widow or maybe the black.

**Vreugy** · 03-04-2013, 01:24 PM

Andreahp, I do realize that, but there is a "method to my maddness". If I keep it cycled with a filter, I can always use it for fry. Then I would need a new tank for a qt tank.

I am an old woman, but if I haven't learned anything else, I have learned how to get what I need/want.

I am getting more excited about my tanks with each post. Keep it up.