New Member

[lombie]

Hi,

I am new to the forum and have come seeking some advice. I have a fairly established tank, approx 2 years old and it is 180 litres.

I have 8No. Neon Tetras(less than 2cm), 4 No. Xray Tetras(less than 2cm), 3 No. Whiptail Catfish (approx 10cm's each), 2 No. Orange whiptail catfish (about 5cm's each).

I have 2 "problems" which I'd like some help with if possible.

Firstly I have what I would call a severe snail infestation. I have read various forums where they say that the snails are good for the tank etc. but there must be well over 500 in my tank. I talked it over with an assistant at an aquatic centre and he advised me to purchase Clown Loaches from him, which I did - 3No. of them. I know I perhaps should have researched more as I didn't realise how big these can grow and I've also read that they should be kept in groups of at least 5 or 6. I beat the temptation to purchase more and they do appear to be fine but they are not really eating the snails!! The snail population is expanding rapidly now and in my opinion is out of control so please, what can I do to reduce this?

Secondly, as of this morning, it appears the catfish have bred successfully and we have 5No. fry of about half a centimetre in length attached to the glass I cannot see any more but there may well be a few extra additions too. This was totally unexpected so I'm not really prepared, I don't have the option of a breeding tank to keep these in so am hoping for them to flourish amongst what I already have. I could do with some advice on how to feed them and give them the best opportunity of survival.

Any advice is gratefully appreciated.

 

[KittyKat]

I have 8No. Neon Tetras(less than 2cm), 4 No. Xray Tetras(less than 2cm), 3 No. Whiptail Catfish (approx 10cm's each), 2 No. Orange whiptail catfish (about 5cm's each).

I would recommend that you get some more tetras of the species you already have, they will do better in a school

Firstly I have what I would call a severe snail infestation. I have read various forums where they say that the snails are good for the tank etc. but there must be well over 500 in my tank. I talked it over with an assistant at an aquatic centre and he advised me to purchase Clown Loaches from him, which I did - 3No. of them. I know I perhaps should have researched more as I didn't realise how big these can grow and I've also read that they should be kept in groups of at least 5 or 6. I beat the temptation to purchase more and they do appear to be fine but they are not really eating the snails!! The snail population is expanding rapidly now and in my opinion is out of control soplease, what can I do to reduce this?

The best solutions I have found to snails is to just reduce feeding. Snails are most often the result of overfeeding!

As for the loaches, I strongly recommend that you return them now and if you still really want loaches (and you can see how effective they are against snails), you would be better off having a group of 6 dwarf chain loaches. The longer you leave it, the more painful it will be to part with them.

Secondly, as of this morning, it appears the catfish have bred successfully and we have 5No. fry of about half a centimetre in length attached to the glass I cannot see any more but there may well be a few extra additions too. This was totally unexpected so I'm not really prepared, I don't have the option of a breeding tank to keep these in so am hoping for them to flourish amongst what I already have. I could do with some advice on how to feed them and give them the best opportunity of survival.

Congrats, once they use up their egg sack, they will nibble on wood and algae pellets/veggies as the adults do. The great thing about many plecos and pleco-like fish is that the young often do not require any special care.

 

[lombie]

Many thanks for the quick response.

I think it will be best to return them and exchange for something more suitable. I originally wanted Zebra Loaches as I'd read that these are efficient snail eaters but they had none and I was advised these instead. Due to the size that they can grow I think I'd better swap them for the loaches you've advised.

Noted on the feeding too, I usually feed first thing in the morning and then before I switch lights off late afternoon. Is that too often?

Thanks again.

 

[KittyKat]

Zebras would work too, but I'd want a 4ft tank for them (ideally), whereas dwarf chain loaches are smaller so a 3ft tank should be ok.

Twice per day is not too often, but to reduce the snail population, you may want to cut down to all that the fish can eat completely in 30-60 seconds, once per day with, one day per week without food. For comparison, my usual feeding pattern is twice per day, what they can finish completely in 30 seconds, food for bottom feeders every other day and one day per week without food.

 

[lombie]

Zebras would work too, but I'd want a 4ft tank for them (ideally), whereas dwarf chain loaches are smaller so a 3ft tank should be ok.

Twice per day is not too often, but to reduce the snail population, you may want to cut down to all that the fish can eat completely in 30-60 seconds, once per day with, one day per week without food. For comparison, my usual feeding pattern is twice per day, what they can finish completely in 30 seconds, food for bottom feeders every other day and one day per week without food.

Hi Again Kitty

I was unsure whether to start a new topic or seeing as you were most helpful last time just continue this one so have opted for the latter..

I have received a "proper" API Master test kit through the mail this morning and have set to work on a water test, results thus

PH- 7.2
NH3- 0.25ppm
NO2 - 0ppm
NO3 - 160ppm !!!

Since the initial post I have also added to the tank 6No. Cardinal Tetras and 6No. Assassin snails. I initially said I had 8No. Neon Tetras but actually had 4No. Cardinals and 4No. Neons. They have settled in very well and appear very content. The Assassins are setting to work but really do have a task ahead of them as the snails are breeding at a rate of knots..

I have also restructured the tank, removed a fair chunk of an old plant which had taken over and added some vallisneria spiralis.

Now I can see that the Nitrate is too high and perhaps even the PH for the fish I have. Could this rapid rise be caused by the restructuring and new fish and will settle itself or do I need to take other action? The test kit says to add Nitra-Zorb. I also did a 25litre water change when restructuring.

I've also tested my tap water with the following results. PH - 7.0, NH3 - 0.25ppm, NO2 -0ppm, NO3-30ppm.

Additionally, after researching these forums and the internet I don't have Whiptail Catfish but Bristlenose Plecs and it's these that have bred. 5No. fry still pottering about the tank and looking healthy

Many Thanks for any ideas, I've also taken a couple of pictures which I will try to upload ASAP.

 

[Skins]

Hello Lombie and welcome to the forum.
I see your in the safe hands of the the Kat.

Keith.

 

[lombie]

Hello Lombie and welcome to the forum.
I see your in the safe hands of the the Kat.

Keith.

Hello Keith and thanks for the welcome!

Steve

- The Tank

- The snails just keeping coming through from the substrate!!

 

[lombie]

- I think this is "mum" but have read that all fry can look albino

- One of the fry and more evidence of the snail infestation!

Apologies for the size of the pictures too,I'mnot very Techie..

 

[KittyKat]

I was unsure whether to start a new topic or seeing as you were most helpful last time just continue this one so have opted for the latter..

Hi again, don't worry - I am still watching

Since the initial post I have also added to the tank 6No. Cardinal Tetras and 6No. Assassin snails. I initially said I had 8No. Neon Tetras but actually had 4No. Cardinals and 4No. Neons. They have settled in very well and appear very content. The Assassins are setting to work but really do have a task ahead of them as the snails are breeding at a rate of knots..

You will probably be wanting to add another 6 neons eventually.. wait till your ammonia is down to 0 ppm first though. In the mean time, have a look at Apistogramma cacatuoides, just to see how you feel about them..?

Now I can see that the Nitrate is too high and perhaps even the PH for the fish I have. Could this rapid rise be caused by the restructuring and new fish and will settle itself or do I need to take other action? The test kit says to add Nitra-Zorb. I also did a 25litre water change when restructuring.

Don't worry about the pH, but feel free to add a chunk of bogwood (be aware that it will release tannins into the water), it will buffer the pH down a bit.

Nitra-Zorb is an API product, which is why they are advertising it, you can use it if you like, but I would just up the water changes and get more plants. From the photos, it looks like you can add at least another 5 pots / bunches of plants without a problem, and maybe even up to 10 or so.

I would recommend doing two sets of 50% water changes with warm, dechlorinated water to start with, then check the nitrate again.

I've also tested my tap water with the following results. PH - 7.0, NH3 - 0.25ppm, NO2 -0ppm, NO3-30ppm.

Shame about the ammonia, but nothing you can do about it. Your filter will cope with it eventually.

Did you test the pH after letting the water sit for 24 hours in a glass?

Additionally, after researching these forums and the internet I don't have Whiptail Catfish but Bristlenose Plecs and it's these that have bred. 5No. fry still pottering about the tank and looking healthy

Even better, bristlenoses are easier to look after and breed like clockwork.

 

[lombie]

Thanks again for the promptest of replies, I hope they are paying you well here

1, I tested the tap water straight from the tap and now assume that that was a bit foolish I'll re-test with some left standing tomorrow.

2, The Apistogramma cacatuoides looks an intriguing specimen, a tad mohican style but yes, it looks like it could be a fascinating addition!

3, Will purchase more plants ASAP. There are another couple behind the Submarine but they just haven't grown as of yet to get themselves in the picture.

4, Will also carry out another water change too ASAP. I have Bioactive Tapsafe water treatment and assume that I should add this as per manufacturers instructions?

Many Many thanks again. I'll burden you no more.

For a day or two anyway

 

[KittyKat]

Does your dechlorinator deal with ammonia? If not, next time you need to get more, get one which does. For example Prime, Stress Coat, etc.

Keep us posted on how you get on

 

[KittyKat]

p.s. you may want to chose undemanding plants!

 

[lombie]

It doesn't mention Ammonia on the bottle so assume not. States Instantly removes Toxic Chlorine, Chloramine and toxic metals and adds Aloe Vera and beneficial bacteria. Will pick up a better one on my next shop.

Will carry out partial water change just as soon as I've completed the dreaded school run and re-test for Nitrates.

Cheers

 

[ARMS87]

welcome

 

[Blubble37]

i wouldnt worry about the snails, if they go onto the front glass just push them off with the mag float, works for me!