Hello All And Advice Request...

[blazeshift]

I'm new to raising fish so I'm taking any advice I can get from anyone that works in a pet store. I was told that it was ok to cycle a 3.5 gal (Baby BiOrb) with three Zabra danios. It's not and I should have read more information on these little fish because yesterday, one fish was missing part of it's tail and had some sort of white fur/fuzz-like coating on it's head. I thought that maybe one of the other fish(or both) just bullied it or maybe it was sick. By the next morning, that fish with the missing tail was gone--eaten, wow...

This is out of character for me, I research everything, I don't know why I skipped that step here--stupid! I guess it seemed easy remembering when I used to have goldfish in bowls as a kid and the things would never die (unless I forgot to change the water).

The tank is only a week old and definately not adding any more fish. But still, I've talked to other people that have small tanks and they say that they have no problems putting six little fish in there, I don't see how at this point. That and the tank stinks! I was told (by the pet store) that I didn't need to test the water for ^ph yet as it would be inconclusive (I'm going to anyway). I have live plants in there and the cloudiness is gone and I did wash the rocks thoroughly.

I've made mistakes here and it's time to fix them. I'm here to learn and realize that I'm not raising one little goldfish in a bowl, it's more than that. (I didn't want to show my three year old son that raising little fish in a bowl is advised, I actually think it's cruel but... that's me)

thanks for any advice, links, comments and here I go...

-jac

 

[Skins]

I'm new to raising fish so I'm taking any advice I can get from anyone that works in a pet store. I was told that it was ok to cycle a 3.5 gal (Baby BiOrb) with three Zabra danios. It's not and I should have read more information on these little fish because yesterday, one fish was missing part of it's tail and had some sort of white fur/fuzz-like coating on it's head. I thought that maybe one of the other fish(or both) just bullied it or maybe it was sick. By the next morning, that fish with the missing tail was gone--eaten, wow...

This is out of character for me, I research everything, I don't know why I skipped that step here--stupid! I guess it seemed easy remembering when I used to have goldfish in bowls as a kid and the things would never die (unless I forgot to change the water).

The tank is only a week old and definately not adding any more fish. But still, I've talked to other people that have small tanks and they say that they have no problems putting six little fish in there, I don't see how at this point. That and the tank stinks! I was told (by the pet store) that I didn't need to test the water for ^ph yet as it would be inconclusive (I'm going to anyway). I have live plants in there and the cloudiness is gone and I did wash the rocks thoroughly.

I've made mistakes here and it's time to fix them. I'm here to learn and realize that I'm not raising one little goldfish in a bowl, it's more than that. (I didn't want to show my three year old son that raising little fish in a bowl is advised, I actually think it's cruel but... that's me)

thanks for any advice, links, comments and here I go...

-jac

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I must first say not to lose heart, there is a lot of us who have got are first fish tank home, set it up, and then a week or two later added are fish. This is when the fishkeeper gets presented with problems(you won't be the first and certainly not the last).
In stead of me asking you loads of questions may i point you to are beginners section where you will find some very interesting articles, just click on the link below and have a good read. This is where i started not that long ago in fact, its these articles and forum members that have helped me get the most enjoyment out of this hobby.
One other point i should make is you have come to a forum which has a lot of really experienced and friendly members always willing to help/advise when needed.

LINK = http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/

Good luck and keep us posted, Keith.

 

[FishAreFriendsNotFood10]

welcome enjoy reading the resource center! its helped me out loads

 

[necava01]

hope you get things going well!

 

[rob158]

to the forum,

 

[sXeLifer]

Welcome to the forum

Dont worry everyone makes mistakes in the beginning. Try to cycle it with the remaining two for now then adding other fish once your confident that your tank is established.