Disaster Struck

[BETTY BOO]

oh gosh glad its now sorted

 

[balajake]

there's nothing wrong with cichlids if you get the right ones for your tank

 

[Rummynose]

Whenever I see a fish I like, I do a lot of Internet research on it. Where it is from, what kind of fish are compatible with it, what are its needs on tank size, soft water - hard water, high ph - low ph, temperature setting, planted tank, does it need a cave to hide under, wood to chew on, what kind of foods.....it is better to find all that out before you get a fish home, so you don't end up having to take it back!

 

[BigTuna]

right now I rely heavily on the guys at the fish store. I do my best to research what I can, but it's almost 3 hours of driving for me to go look at fish. There's been a ton of fish that I've liked, but was reluctant to buy because I never got a definite answer on whether or not they were compatible with my fish. That's why I have such a low number of fish for such a large tank. Provided there isn't any health problems with the barbs today, I will at least get a bunch more today. Other then that I will just have to see what I can find. Thanks for all the tips

 

[Rummynose]

The other thing you could do is research what would go well with your barbs as well as your set up, make a list of those and take that list with you to the LFS. If he doesn't have the fish you want to add, ask him when he is going to get new fish in, and if he ever carries these, or if he could order these for you!

 

[BigTuna]

there's nothing wrong with cichlids if you get the right ones for your tank

The fish I was discussing earlier were in fact Electric Blue Rams. Unfortunately, the Rams they had were a little ill with ick. Since I drove for hours to go look at fish, I decided to take the risk and treat the rams myself in my sick tank. I do have them home, and so far so good. I've began treatment and my fingers are crossed they are going to pull through. They are amazing. Now, I do understand they are a cichlid, I was told twice today (by two different people) and by the manager of the store a few days ago, that the Rams would do fine with my current stock of fish. Even the barbs. So I am trusting their knowledge.

Also today I got bunch of various barbs (3 Greens, 3 Albino, 3 Pearls). Giving me 10 Barbs. I also go two Cory Catfish, they are incredible! I am so happy with my stock. I could sit and admire my tank for hours. I can't wait to get more plants and to find some cool rocks to add to it.

 

[CysticCrab]

awesome mate, glad to hear things turned out great hope you are enjoying your new aquarium

 

[BigTuna]

Thanks, it's been great so far. As I mentioned, my biggest challenge right now is treating my new Rams for ick. Just checked on them today and they aren't looking great. Looks like more ick then when we started treatment. Another dose of ick solution tomorrow night. Currently temp at 80 degrees. Should I be pushing the temp up higher, and if so, how much?

 

[adzilla88]

When one of my fish got whitespot I raised the temp to 30 degree (or 86f) but make sure you don't go any higher than this. Raising the temp helps speed up the lifecycle of the parasite, resulting in a quicker recovery time.

Also bear in mind that if you raise the temp, make sure your aquarium is well oxygenated, as the warmer temperature can lead to reduced oxygen levels. Maybe add an airstone or something that will agitate the surface more, or move your filter outlet nearer to the surface to cause more ripples.

Hope this helps.

 

[BigTuna]

Just got home from work. Temp is at 81, going to push it a bit higher. I lost one ram today and the ick is out of control. The fish are completely covered. I understood the risk when I took them but I'm still pretty upset that one has died. I also gave another dose of the solution ahead of schedule. I hope that's okay, I just really want them to pull through

 

[BigTuna]

Lost a second ram today. The final ram looks like ick with a fish problem.