Recent content by FranciscoB

If enough shelter, it could work (soft of, as over time some cherrys will be eaten). To a new aquarist and in general, bad advice for sure. Unfortunately this is typical of many stores, either from ignorance, or from malicious intent to sell no matter what. Fortunately there are better shops...

Leerí (pearl gourami) is among the least aggressive gouramis. Is that not your experience?

White fuzz almost always corresponds to a fungal infection. But fungal infections are most often secondary to a previous injury or infection, so it will be valuable to consider previous observations/history prior to the fuzz. Salt and very clean water will help, but an anti fungal may be needed...

Freshwater mussels generally don’t do well in home aquaria. Too much trouble to feed them long term. Also, most species are considered at least vulnerable (not all) and generally discouraged or prohibited.

so, what were the fish?

My experience is that most happy fish learn to trust their providers, err who feeds them. All of mine do. Even fish people consider very skidish come to feed from my hand, even Anostomids, hemiodontids, and silver dollars. Don’t know if the fact that I only feed 4-5 days per week affects that...

I actually like the large slabs of blood worms, mysids, and brine shrimp. But I have not bought any of those lately. I wish there was a Spirulina-filled brine shrimp, but there isn’t on slabs. The little blíster packs are a rip-off but there is where I am now. I know I can order slabs but it...

What are the tankmates?

If the worms are purchased or harvested from questionable sites, that would be a good idea. In my case, I grow them myself in my bina, so the worm contents are part of the very goodie of the worm, and consist exclusively of remmants of vegetable kitchen scraps plus worm microbiota.

Err, ammonia or nitrite - if there is any, yes, one better makes a water change with good water AND ASCERTAIN WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BIOLOGICAL processing in the tank.

I kept a culture of small wigglers for many years, and my fish and I loved them. I restarted about 3 years ago, and use them to feed all my fish, but only about every other week. I believe they are a super food. About the gross part - I cut them in pieces using scissors, cutting several worms...

About 100-125 each in 3 125g tanks. About 60-75 each in 2 75g tanks About 30-40 each in 2 40g tanks All together between 480-500+ gallons each week, all waste watering Gardens.

I change 90-100% weekly, unless I am traveling. Would not have it any other way, and fish growing, thriving and breeding are my rewards.

No, that is not juvenile color. Flagtail prochis ((Semaprochilodus) do not loose color with age. The second picture is not a Semaprochilodus, but another Curimatid (close relative), sush as Prochilodus or Curimata.

If you post pictures of the specimen(s) you refer to, we can suggest what species they may be, and you can refer to them in more precise terms. Although there are about 15 spp of Metynnis, many fewer are in the hobby and we can narrow it down upon seeing decent photos. Cheers!