Hey sorry about the delay in the reply to your questions.
I think the main question that people had was about the paradise fish and temperature? The advice I got from my pet shop was that these where “temperate fish” and that they can tolerate low water temperatures. From my experience so far these fish can live in less then temperate conditions, I would go as far as to say that they can be cold water fish. I have just run upstairs to check the actually temperature in the tank and it is a chilly 55F or 13C. The fish have been living at this temperature (although it rises slightly in the summer) for a year and a bit now and they seem to be doing fine.
When I first added the paradise fish into the tank I added a heater to bring the temp up to about 64F or 18C (lowest setting). At this temp both fish where very aggressive and territorial towards other fish in the tank and as a result one of the black moores lost an eye. So I hatched a plan and removed the heater. Over-night the paradise fish became less aggressive, this I have attributed to the reduction in temp. (They have become slightly docile and are now better tank mates but are still very active and look great). I have found paradise fish to be very inquisitive, if you are working at the table (writing a letter) or even near the tank the pair of them will come over and watch you. Sometimes it can get quite disconcerting. I would highly recommend them and they are very hardy so great for beginners, like me.
About the other fish! White cloud mountain minnows as far as I am aware are a true cold water species. They are “apparently” from rivers in chine that seasonally freeze. So if you want to keep these fish in a tank in your fridge, you should be able to do it. (Please don’t try this as I was just trying to be funny). But they can tolerate low water temps. The only problem I can see in the future is that they will not spawn because of constant low temps. I heard somewhere that it needs to be 65 plus for this to happen.
To onemisterchristian who asked about what I have planted in the tank? I have java moss and elodea. The only things that I could get my hands on that will last in cold temps. Also, there is “hate to say this” a plastic plant in the middle foreground (see if you can spot it ?)
To durbkat who mentioned about my over stocking, yes from what I have read so far the tank is over stocked, but I have found because the water temperature is low I can reduce the amount of food I need to feed and I make sure that all of it is eaten, Plus I change four gallons ever week. I haven’t had any problems so far, so I will keep going with what I’m doing.
Many thanks for all the comments and I hope I have answered your questions. Going to put some more pick up in the next couple of days, so check back if you’re interested. Also if I have made a really bad error in terms of what I have written please let me know.
Comments are always welcome.
denis
/www.geocities.com/shtinkythefish/pfish
