3 New Balloon Molly's

[Notsofab]

After cycling our tank without fish (using Nutrafin 'Cycle') for 2 weeks, we took some water readings Saturday morning and got Ammonia=0, Nitrite=0.1, Nitrate=20 and pH=7.8. So it was off to our LFS to pickup our first tank mates.

So now our 59 litre tank is home to 2 female ( one black & one white ) and 1 male ( golden ) Balloon Mollies. I’m pleased to report that they have all survived the first 48 hours.

The thing is, I read so much information about cycling the tank and testing water etc, that now I actually have some fish in the water I feel a little unprepared. For example, how long does it take for Molly’s to 'adjust' to their new homes. I understand that moving fish can stress them out, but how long will these effects last.

I'm just a little 'concerned' about their behaviour and would like to try and make sure that they are as happy as possible. Does anyone know how Balloon Molly's behave and how they show they are happy / unhappy?

When I've seen them in my LFS there are always so many of them in one tank, that it's always a bit frantic with them all swimming everywhere at all levels in the tank, however I have read that they are mainly top dwellers?

My white female seems to be the most settled of the 3. She seems happy to go off and explore her new environment. Our tank is quite deep (59 litre hex) and she will happily swim down to the bottom and check out the plants and ornaments in the tank. She even swam through the broken urn yesterday. We watched her for an hour solid yesterday as she checked out the whole tank.

The other 2 often remain only 5mm under the surface (not gasping for air) just floating there pretty much hidden away behind the submerged bit of our water pump. Do you think they are shy and still adjusting to their new home or is it something to be more worried about?

I have seen the white female nip at the male in the tank and he seems very timid around her, though he seems to remain quite close to the black female.

So is it usual for 2 of them to remain near the surface. They do venture down into the tank a bit on occasions just nowhere near as much as the white one. Do they normally like to stay at one level in the tank or would they roam anywhere? Would they prefer to be in a larger group, at the moment we have 3. If we added say 2 more, should we get 1 male and 1 female to make a balance of 3F to 2M? Is it maybe a territorial thing with the White F establishing herself as the boss lady?

They don't seem to like the air features that we have or the spot on the top of the tank where the filtered water comes back in. I'm guessing that this is because of the currents caused by the moving water. I must admit with the air features on the top of the water does get a little choppy. So we've adjusted the air flows so one feature is off and the smaller one works very slowly. Should we try and leave this on now to help the water circulate or just switch them off all together?

What about the light? When should I switch it on and for how long per day?

So many questions - all help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Annastasia]

First of all, congrats on the new fishies. I'll try to answer all the questions, though tell me if I miss any.

The thing is, I read so much information about cycling the tank and testing water etc, that now I actually have some fish in the water I feel a little unprepared. For example, how long does it take for Molly’s to 'adjust' to their new homes. I understand that moving fish can stress them out, but how long will these effects last.

They can last a few days, until they adjust to the water, and a big new tank. Some fish will take a week, though watch them closely for signs of disease. How long did you acclimate for?

I'm just a little 'concerned' about their behaviour and would like to try and make sure that they are as happy as possible. Does anyone know how Balloon Molly's behave and how they show they are happy / unhappy?

When they are happy, they'll be swimming around, maybe chasing each other some, just looking overall contented. Also, they'll be breeding. Though sometimes it seems like they could breed in the middle of a disaster... When they are unhappy (I'm guessing you mean sick?), there are different signs for different diseases...but they won't be as active, they can sometimes isolate themselves, or basically just look listless. As I said, every disease has it's signs.

When I've seen them in my LFS there are always so many of them in one tank, that it's always a bit frantic with them all swimming everywhere at all levels in the tank, however I have read that they are mainly top dwellers?

Actually, Mollies are kind of all over fish. Mine have never seemed to favor one spot, or shy away from another. They do tend to be a little more middle/top then bottom, in my experience. Though they do eat from the top, if that's what you mean.

The other 2 often remain only 5mm under the surface (not gasping for air) just floating there pretty much hidden away behind the submerged bit of our water pump. Do you think they are shy and still adjusting to their new home or is it something to be more worried about?

They could be just adjusting, but if it continues for a day, or more, I'd start getting a little worried. What are your current water params? And do you know how much they differ from the LFS? Also, do these Mollies seem to have any sign of disease, like little white spots, or fungusey looking stuff on them? Or are they just kind of listless?

So is it usual for 2 of them to remain near the surface. They do venture down into the tank a bit on occasions just nowhere near as much as the white one. Do they normally like to stay at one level in the tank or would they roam anywhere? Would they prefer to be in a larger group, at the moment we have 3. If we added say 2 more, should we get 1 male and 1 female to make a balance of 3F to 2M? Is it maybe a territorial thing with the White F establishing herself as the boss lady?

Yes, some fish will just not be as adventursome, though if they stay at the top, just floating, I would worry. If they stay at the top, and zoom around and swim, I'd say that's fine. As for the group...well, they aren't really schooling fish, they just don't like to be single. What you have now is fine. If you want to get more, it's up to you. Though don't get a female and a male, the ideal ratio is 2-3 females per male, and that would be messed up. If you wanted more, I'd say get 2-3 females, and a male. Then you'll be just about perfect. Though the thing with Mollies, is, they have fry. Lots of fry. The more females you have, the more fry you will have, and fry can quickly over-run a tank. You can leave them in there, once they are born, and then just do a sirvival of the fittest, As cruel as it sounds, it's the best method of fry control.

They don't seem to like the air features that we have or the spot on the top of the tank where the filtered water comes back in. I'm guessing that this is because of the currents caused by the moving water. I must admit with the air features on the top of the water does get a little choppy. So we've adjusted the air flows so one feature is off and the smaller one works very slowly. Should we try and leave this on now to help the water circulate or just switch them off all together?

Some fish don't like the currents, some fish are thrilled with them and will play in them. It all depends. Since your fish sound like dislikers, I'd do what you did. Turn off one. But definitely leave one on, because the tank needs oxygen. If they appear to be gasping, you'll need to add more in.

What about the light? When should I switch it on and for how long per day?

Most people do a 12 hour day, or close to that. I turn mine on at 9am, turn out at 10pm. If you get a green algae problem, though, you can try turning on the lights for less time.


Hope this helped you some, and best of luck with the fishies!

 

[Notsofab]

First up, thank you Annastasia for a great reply.

They can last a few days, until they adjust to the water, and a big new tank. Some fish will take a week, though watch them closely for signs of disease. How long did you acclimate for?

I floated the LFS bag for 15 minutes, before opening and taking a sample of water to test, then added some water from the tank and left it for a further 10 minutes before releasing the fish. This was how I found that the LFS water was also 0.1 Nitrite

They could be just adjusting, but if it continues for a day, or more, I'd start getting a little worried. What are your current water params? And do you know how much they differ from the LFS? Also, do these Mollies seem to have any sign of disease, like little white spots, or fungusey looking stuff on them? Or are they just kind of listless?

My water params are Ammonia=0, Nitrite=0.1, Nitratate=10, pH=7.8, temp=76F
Did a 25% water change last night to try to remove the Nitrite.
They dont show any physical signs of disease. They just seem to float very near to the pump unit. They will venture out every now and then, but not often. Sometimes we come into the room and they are near the front, but if we move near the tank the shoot back to the area near the pump. I was just expecting all 3 of them to be more like the white one is, having the occassional nose around the tank. The black and gold one will very rarely go any deeper than 4cm's, they are near the surface but aren't gulping at the surface.

If they are having problems with the water quality, how long does it take for them to show effects. I mean they have been in the tank for 2.5 days now. If the Nitrite was distressing them, would that be showing already? Also if the water was bad, would one fish be quite content and the others not so? Surely if it was a chemical problem, they would all be suffering?

Yes, some fish will just not be as adventursome, though if they stay at the top, just floating, I would worry.

OK, I was worrying before - now I'm not looking forward to going home tonight!!!

Some fish don't like the currents, some fish are thrilled with them and will play in them. It all depends. Since your fish sound like dislikers, I'd do what you did. Turn off one. But definitely leave one on, because the tank needs oxygen. If they appear to be gasping, you'll need to add more in.

I'll switch the air on tonight and I guess they'll get used to the bubbles sooner or later.

Most people do a 12 hour day, or close to that. I turn mine on at 9am, turn out at 10pm. If you get a green algae problem, though, you can try turning on the lights for less time.

- Thanks again.

 

[Annastasia]

Okay. Next time you might want to acclimate them a little longer. I usually float for 10, put water in for 10, put more water in for 10 etc. Once the bag gets full, you can dump a little out. Usually, I stick them in when I am pretty sure almost the whole bag is my water. Your's might be a little shocked, still.

Also, it doesn't sound like they are floating, or sick, so don't worry. I am betting they are feeling a little scared, and shy. The one white one sounds very adventursome, so that's good. Hopefully the other ones will start having more trust. They just need some time to get used to the tank. You can also try sticking in more plants and hiding places for them, as then they can feel more secure, and therefore come out more. Give them a couple weeks, and see how they do.

And yep, they'll get used to the bubbles. They need oxygen. As long as there is a place in the tank where they can go to get away from them, and the whole tank isn't one big current, they should be just fine.

Good luck, and don't worry! You'll get the hang of this, and I'm sure your fish will be fine.

 

[Notsofab]

Okay. Next time you might want to acclimate them a little longer. I usually float for 10, put water in for 10, put more water in for 10 etc. Once the bag gets full, you can dump a little out. Usually, I stick them in when I am pretty sure almost the whole bag is my water. Your's might be a little shocked, still.

Also, it doesn't sound like they are floating, or sick, so don't worry. I am betting they are feeling a little scared, and shy. The one white one sounds very adventursome, so that's good. Hopefully the other ones will start having more trust. They just need some time to get used to the tank. You can also try sticking in more plants and hiding places for them, as then they can feel more secure, and therefore come out more. Give them a couple weeks, and see how they do.

And yep, they'll get used to the bubbles. They need oxygen. As long as there is a place in the tank where they can go to get away from them, and the whole tank isn't one big current, they should be just fine.

Good luck, and don't worry! You'll get the hang of this, and I'm sure your fish will be fine.

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OK. Thank you again. I'll try to relax a little and give my new friends a little more time to adjust. I'd hate to think they weren't happy and there was more I could do to help them. God knows what I'll be like when the wife and I finally get around to babies !!!!!

 

[Annastasia]

Yep, just relax, and give them a week or so. I mean, if you think about it, they have been seperated from their friends, put in a much bigger tank, and given different water quality. I'd be a little shy and scared if that happened to me too! Just keep watching for signs of disease, though, because not all fish that come from the fish store are healthy. I'm pretty sure they are just being shy right now, though.

Edit: You may also want to try giving some kind of "yummy" food, like Brine Shrimp, or Bloodworms. Frozen or Freeze-dried is fine, Live if you can handle it. Don't give it to them every day, because too much can make them bloated or constipated, but 1 or 2 days a week is fine.

 

[fawnmodel]

Your tank is NOT cycled.

Nutrafin cycle does NOT cycle or establish a new tank. It does NOT contain ammonia which is what feeds the establishment!

Cycle DOES have beneficial bacteria to help lessen the LOAD on a new aquarium, useful also during water changes and illness, new fish and stress. It alone does absolutely NOT cycle the aquarium for you. It is just a bacterial additive.

You will definitely have to really watch your readings, and the tank will have ty cycle now, with your fish. You can continue to use cycle with every water change, at this time use the double dose (there is no way to add too much cycle, either, as all it is is beneficial bacterial colonies in a bottle).

I hope this helps!

 

[Annastasia]

Your tank is NOT cycled.

Nutrafin cycle does NOT cycle or establish a new tank. It does NOT contain ammonia which is what feeds the establishment!

Cycle DOES have beneficial bacteria to help lessen the LOAD on a new aquarium, useful also during water changes and illness, new fish and stress. It alone does absolutely NOT cycle the aquarium for you. It is just a bacterial additive.

You will definitely have to really watch your readings, and the tank will have ty cycle now, with your fish. You can continue to use cycle with every water change, at this time use the double dose (there is no way to add too much cycle, either, as all it is is beneficial bacterial colonies in a bottle).

I hope this helps!

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Actually, most of the bacteria in those things aren't alive anymore, seeing as they need to be chilled to survive. When they are shipped, or trucked, they get very hot therefore killing the bacteria. They need to be specially shipped, and refrigerated at your LFS for them to actually still have bacteria in them. So I wouldn't count on it working too well, or doing anything. You'll have to cycle with fish. There's posts all around the Beginners Section, and in the FAQ topics on this though.

 

[fawnmodel]

A tank cannot cycle by itself no matter how long you 'age' your water.


The nitrogen cycle includes an element called ammonia. Bacteria survive on the ammonia. There is nothing for bacteria to eat (ie: ammonia) without the addition of pure ammonia or fish/waste - fish waste ammonia - which feeds the bacteria - hence the term cycle. So, with no ammonia, the baceteria (added or natural) cannot survive. The convert the ammonia into nitrite, then into nitrate.

(Nutrafin Cycle does not actually CALL for refrigeration, but most all people do refrigerate it to keep it longer. According the the company rep, it does not require it but survives in the bottle for a month after opening.)

I would post in the newbie section or do a search for a ton of info. Essentially, you are doing a cycle with your fish, having three and their being a hardier fish will probably be ok provided that you monitor and do waterchanges carefully.


But, just to clarify again, tanks do not cycle without ammonia/waste - and the product HELPS mature the aquarium by adding bacterial colonies to EAT the ammonia, but does not 'cycle' it. It is a misleading product name, but if you read their literature it will also explain it 'reduces lag time' helping support the process.

 

[Annastasia]

Well, I still doubt there is any bacteria alive...it NEEDS to be refrigerated to live. It cannot survive through the shipping, where it can get to over 100F in there...unless it is specially shipped. No matter what the company says, everywhere I have read, and everyone I have talked to has says it needs to be refrigerated. Refrigerating it at home won't do any good, and make it keep longer, if it's already dead.

Anyway, instead of getting your thread way off track, I'll get you started and give you a link to Ailen Anna's great thread on Avoiding and Treating New Tank Syndrome

Edit: By the way, thanks Fawnmodel, for bringing this up. I missed the cycling part in the beginning, as I was reading through a bunch of posts and then came back to reply and forgot who was who. Thanks. And sorry Notsofab, I should have noticed earlier. This may be why your Mollies are a little sluggish, but if your water readings really were what you said, I'm still betting they were shy. However, as you go through the cycling process, you may notice them not quite as active, but just keep up with the water changes.