Recent content by lifebegins

Thanks, Rhiannon - I like and take comfort in that idea! Alison

Silly question, probably, but here goes anyway! If I crush flake food really small for my hopefully-soon-to be platy fry, how will all the fish find it if it's too small to easily see? Is it 'smell' ?!

.....but doesn't that stop the floaty used flakes and fish poo from going up the siphon too? I'm expecting the same problem shortly with my platy.....so all advice much appreciated, too.

Thanks! Gravel cleaned, 40% water change, a beautiful spinkling environment with some more (plastic) plants to hide in (my fish don't like the light - but I like to see them!) ... platy still fat ..... phew!

I have had a small 45L 'orb' and for the last two weeks have had 4 glowlight tetras, 3 rosy fin tetras, 2 dwarf neon rainbows and 2 platys. Whilst it's true they all prefer their own kind, my experience in the short time I've had them has been that they do still hang about in a big bunch alot...

Thanks for this thread...it just answered my burning question - my red platy's belly has been getting bigger and bigger and I've just identified it's the female..... I have glowlight and rosy fin tetras and dwarf neon rainbow fish in with mine so I wonder how many fry will survive.... don't...

Hi. I'm a newbie as above, but I have a good book! It advises this about Angelfish: "Provide open water in the centre with broadleaved plants such as Amazon swordplants and thickets of vallisneria at the sides and back. Add some low growing plants in the centre. Mnimum 3-4 in the aquarium...

Hi. Just to share my experience.....to make you feel better, perhaps? I have a small 45L orb which whilst it looks stunning, I found out after I had bought it that it limited my fish choice greatly because of the reduced water surface area and the need for quiet fish, not energetic ones! I...

Hi Vinylman LOL!!! what a great description! The danios are definitely going as soon as I catch up with the fishkeeping fella in the flat below. The rest I'll monitor closely. Interestingly the rainbows are getting braver, going to the top and middle and not hiding so much, but they still...

Thanks, yes, it's so important to get the right number and kind of fish without causing them stress. I want to be a good mommy really! And I've seen a calculation somewhere on water surface area - that would be more appropriate. Some deep contemplation ahead!

Hi there, Thanks for the not unexpected reply. I am in rented accommodation at the moment and this is my first tank, and the 45L orb suits my current environment better than a proper tank. However, I have enough of the bug to want to do it properly when I get my own place again! In the...

Hi. Thanks yes I'm sure you're right. I think I will take them back to the LFS and get something a bit more compatible. I hate to see them so stressed. I was thinking of two or three platies and guppies. Do you think these would be a bit more at home with my danios and tetras (which I love)...

I have two DNRs in a 45L H2Orb (like a biorb) and they keep hiding, not interacting with the 3 zebra danios and 3 rosy fin tetras at all. They don't like the light and they don't like my face!! Any ideas?

Thanks guys. . . . Incidentally my 'lifebegins' name refers to my four week old permanent separation from my husband of 24 years :rolleyes: , leaving my little boy of 9 years behind :( - temporarily - whilst I seek shared residence. We always wanted a fish tank - husband always said no ... ...

Just to say hi. Having never before had the opportunity to keep fish, today I took the plunge and bought a small 45L tank etc. Having read up on it (on here!) I am about to start a fishless cycle - and get to the shop to pick up a test kit tomorrow! I am so looking forward this new adventure...