I think AilyNC's point is that this isn't a low maintenance setup, having to remove fry all the time
75% water changes
- Thread starter itiwhetu
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OP
OP
really
You missed my horrid start but thankfully things have calmed down. I wish I'd known more about the Nitrogen cycle when I got the tank & avoided a crashed cycle & so many losses.theres a very definite balance to strike as fish keepers in create an Eco system that closely mirrors their own but also adapts to the limitations of fish keeping - a more static environment, limited space, etc. For me 3 months in it's all learning.
Exactly. Having to remove fry means an interference and isn't what these for should experience in their natural setting. Basically what we do isn't natural. It never will be. But we can we responsible in creating as best an Eco system as we can for the fish.
OP
OP
Stick at it, I have been playing with fish for 45 years, some of my ideas may seem foreign, don't believe me, go away do some searching, find out for yourself what you are happy with and make that work for your situation. I have dozens of books ( because I'm old ) I only now believe about half of what is written in any of them. That's pretty bad eh.
No I think it's common for us to go by what we know. I know nothing so I focus on the research & what's known to work or be suitable. I trusted my LFS and ended up with neon tetra in 307ppm water as well as two Gold Spotted Common Plecos, a Rainbow Shark, a Betta & 2 Angel fish... In a 60cm x 30cm (24" x 12") tank. And an un-cycled tank. Let's not forget his - adding plants us just changing too much & will stress fish, & floating plants will ruin your tank.
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OP
OP
Your tank looks great, your LFS only wants to make money. There is a thousand combinations that work, but only one for you, stick with it. I love this because it is so variable, How does that work for him but not for me. It is really cool. Trust yourself, ask questions don't believe anything.
Yeah i understand his motivation too & behind it is his responsibilities to pay his bills, mortgage, food, etc. But I'd prefer a call community environment. Are they happy? Who knows
OP
OP
I ran my LFS and put myself out of business because I cared about my fish more than my income. A bit of a shame, but learnt a lot a long the way. The fish are what matters, that is why I am here.Yeah i understand his motivation too & behind it is his responsibilities to pay his bills, mortgage, food, etc. But I'd prefer a call community environment. Are they happy? Who knows
I'm sure it's possible to get a balance but it requires better public education. Most of us expect to walk in LFS, pick up a bowl & some fish. I knew nothing of cycling a tank until it was an emergency. I didn't know my hard water was unsuitable for some of the fish in my tank. But I guess lots of ppl would just shop elsewhere if you're the only shop saying "no go home with no fish for 4-6 weeks and cycle this tank".
AbbeysDad
Fish Gatherer
It's a closed system. Would fresh water in nature be better if there was never any rain to renew it? <rhetorical>
Of course it's good to have a developed ecosystem with plants and scavengers along with the host of beneficial bacteria. However, in the closed system of the aquarium (often over crowded with fish), the above does not eliminate the need for periodic partial water changes (where the hobbyist is the rain) and filter/tank maintenance. Also, consider that with the partial water change, in addition to replacing polluted water with fresh, we're also replenishing necessary minerals that are used by fish and plants.
Admittedly, if we had say a 55g heavily planted tank with only a half dozen neon tetras, we would only need 'intervention' say once a month. In reality, most aquariums are not heavily planted and have a much larger bio-load. So the required maintenance is relative...and for most aquariums, there's no such thing as too much fresh water.
AbbeysDad
Fish Gatherer
You don't need to float fish bags any more than 15 minutes or so to equalize the temperature. Then 'plop and drop'. It's always best not to temperature shock fish as the transition from the LFS to your tank is enough stress by itself.
As for water changes, temperatures don't need to be precise, and we often hear of claims that slightly cooler temps simulate cool rains in the wild. But here again, the refill with water close to tank water temperature is best so as not to shock the stock. Also, consider that some fish tolerate a much wider temperature range than others. Extremes in temps doing a water change just asks for trouble.
AbbeysDad
Fish Gatherer
Strangely interesting if not nearly spooky, I published this in my Blog about a week ago... The Low/No Maintenance Aquarium
BumblePrime
New Member
My first tank was a 60 liter with 12 goldfish and no filter courtesy of advice via my LFS. They're unscrupulous if you're new to the hobby.
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OP
OP
Sure are
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