tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post1906924464117264856..comments2024-01-02T05:16:56.424-06:00Comments on This Just In: Aquarium AliensLori Stewart Weiderthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04601450336245218356noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-26805115701778899972008-10-20T09:19:00.000-05:002008-10-20T09:19:00.000-05:00Okay, I admittedly didn't read all your other comm...Okay, I admittedly didn't read all your other comments, but I'd talk to the folks at Sailfin. I haven't had experience with them in a few years, but I've been going there since I was a kid and I think they are great and know a lot. Good luck! I've been saying I want an aquarium. Now I'm not so sure. heheshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08201229579964507263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-21270422426425421182008-10-10T10:11:00.000-05:002008-10-10T10:11:00.000-05:00Ok...ewww....Ok...ewww....EdotRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15594269107573649919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-56096111873037960572008-10-10T09:58:00.000-05:002008-10-10T09:58:00.000-05:00My only advice - Don't drink the water!My only advice - Don't drink the water!Fightin' Mad Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663808667724150336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-19301053196324963232008-10-07T23:55:00.000-05:002008-10-07T23:55:00.000-05:00I should also note that I'm not in any way disputi...I should also note that I'm not in any way disputing or questioning Carl's advice. <BR/><BR/>I'm merely contributing some suggestions from my own meager experience...Jammie J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03944543145589463277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-27558019272776692842008-10-07T23:48:00.000-05:002008-10-07T23:48:00.000-05:00Someone sent me over here in the event that I migh...Someone sent me over here in the event that I might help you with your aquatic problems.<BR/><BR/>First off, let me just say, I'm so sorry that these fish are adding to your stress. It sure looks as if you have a lot going on in your life right now. You're a blessing in that you care enough to try to save them. A lot of people don't.<BR/><BR/>Let me follow that up by saying that you may very well know more than I do about aquariums and fish, and if that's so, please accept my sympathy and disregard the rest of what I'm going to say.<BR/><BR/>-- Aquarium lights: check/change 'em. Should be done every 6 months or so.<BR/><BR/>-- Nitrate/Nitrite levels: Especially high nitrate levels can cause algae growth. Best way to reduce those levels is what you've been doing, water changes, with gravel vacuuming. I've been known to do 75% water changes, making sure that the temperature of the water I'm putting in is consistent with what's in there. <BR/><BR/>--Observe your fish: When you feed them is the best time. Are they all eating? Do they appear bloated? What color is their poop -- long, white stringy poop indicates an internal parasite. Treat with metranidazole (aka FishZole).<BR/>Are their scales sticking out, do they look like a pine cone? Are they hiding in dark corners? Does their breathing appear distressed? <BR/><BR/>--Medications: The only medications I keep are metranidazole, tetracycline & something to treat ick (aka ich). If you put the penny in the tank like greg c. suggested, i would recommend removing it. If you wanted to try something along those lines, I would recommend going with Coppersafe -- pennies are filled with zinc, which if they decompose, and they will, are not good for fish.<BR/><BR/>I have reservations about using salt (definitely don't use table salt) in a freshwater tank, but that may be my own naivete. I know you can use Epsom salt in specific amounts to help with fish bloat (it's actually magnesium sulfate, which helps with constipation/internal parasite riddance).<BR/><BR/>Re: your pleco... sigh... I never have been able to figure those fish out. They are the weirdest fish ever, in my opinion. half the time I think mine is dead, but he's just sleeping on his back. Soooo... yeah, I get that.<BR/><BR/>Also, like Carl said, it sounds like something happened, a spike in one of your levels (likely nitrate) and/or a decomposing fish just contributed to it and you have mass aquarium destruction.<BR/><BR/>Sorry if this is too overwhelming... I just understand how frustrating it can be to lose fish, and how lost one can feel when nothing seems to work.<BR/><BR/>I presently have two fish that I've been saving since July, if you can believe that. They're still alive, though, and that's saying something.Jammie J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03944543145589463277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-38548567324349462882008-10-07T22:31:00.000-05:002008-10-07T22:31:00.000-05:00Thanks for all of your advice!Kelly, I can't just ...Thanks for all of your advice!<BR/><BR/>Kelly, I can't just send off the rest of my fish to fishie heaven (via the toilet?) I still have 3 beautiful Blackskirts, 1 headlight-taillight, and a zebra danio left, all of which I've had for a long time [considering]. <BR/><BR/>If they all slime over though, I've already decided to go with TigerBarbs next go 'round.<BR/><BR/>We shall see.Lori Stewart Weiderthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04601450336245218356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-46901820203636909282008-10-07T16:30:00.000-05:002008-10-07T16:30:00.000-05:00what I would do is dump everything out. Wash the r...what I would do is dump everything out. Wash the rocks,and everything you want to keep with vinegar. Then rinse.Send the rest of the fish to fishie heaven and start over.Thats just me though. Sorry about your fish. KellyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-46889158703300797962008-10-07T15:52:00.000-05:002008-10-07T15:52:00.000-05:00Awwwww girl...looks like that aquarium needs an ex...Awwwww girl...looks like that aquarium needs an exorcism!!<BR/><BR/>Never seen anything like that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-85374695091118844322008-10-07T15:42:00.000-05:002008-10-07T15:42:00.000-05:00Before your mystery can be solved, it is important...Before your mystery can be solved, it is important to know your water parameters.<BR/>I would test ALL these parameters:<BR/>(I also have included the recommended level for most community aquariums)<BR/>*Ammonia/nitrites- 0<BR/>*pH- stable (stability is the most important aspect of pH, not the actual ph scale number)<BR/>*KH- 50 plus for pH stability<BR/>*GH- 100 plus for ESSENTIAL minerals required for <A HREF="http://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2006/12/how-do-fish-drink.html" REL="nofollow">Osmoregulation</A><BR/>See this article for the importance of GH, KH, and the correct concerns with pH:<BR/><A HREF="http://americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumKH.html" REL="nofollow"> “The importance of Calcium, GH, KH, pH in aquariums”</A><BR/><BR/>Next what are the fish that have had recently and still have?<BR/><BR/>These exploding balls and “encased” dead fish appear to be decomposing organics, likely from an anaerobic condition in your aquarium. <BR/>I would change water at about 25%, increase minerals such as calcium (<A HREF="http://americanaquariumproducts.com/MedicatedWonderShell.html" REL="nofollow">Wonder Shells</A> are excellent for this), add 1 tablespoon of <A HREF="http://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2008/03/salt-in-freshwater-aquariums.html" REL="nofollow">salt</A> per 5 gallons, increase circulation, and clean filter media in de-chlorinated water.<BR/><BR/>This problem likely started with a sick fish and/or poor water conditions and likely has “snowballed” <BR/>You may have had a Saprolegnia or Columnaris Infection in your aquarium, see this article:<BR/><A HREF="http://americanaquariumproducts.com/Columnaris.html" REL="nofollow">Columnaris, Fungus, Saprolegnia in aquariums</A><BR/><BR/>I have been in the Aquarium maintenance and research profession for 29 years and would strongly recommend referencing many of the articles in these two sites based on their accuracy and non-anecdotal research:<BR/><A HREF="http://americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Information.html" REL="nofollow">Aquarium Information</A><BR/><A HREF="http://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/" REL="nofollow">Aquarium Answers</A><BR/><BR/>I also would highly recommend this Aquarium Forum that has some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable aquarists on the internet:<BR/><A HREF="http://www.everything-aquatic.com/" REL="nofollow"> “Everything Aquatic Blog and Forum”</A><BR/><BR/>CarlCarlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08990418413388950446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-19246525196198294382008-10-07T14:46:00.000-05:002008-10-07T14:46:00.000-05:00Hey girl! I would take a sample of that water to P...Hey girl! I would take a sample of that water to Petsmart and have them test it for you. They will do that free of charge. <BR/><BR/>:) <BR/>Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-48766374255371131302008-10-07T13:54:00.000-05:002008-10-07T13:54:00.000-05:001. Remain in HAZMAT suits2. Put lid on top of fish...1. Remain in HAZMAT suits<BR/>2. Put lid on top of fish tank<BR/>3. Carry fish tank and lid ~ whilst still wearing HAZMAT suit ~ to closest CDC office<BR/>4. Return home<BR/>5. Crawl under desk and hide (HAZMAT suit optional)<BR/><BR/>At least this is what *I* would do.BostonPobblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08900134112278236654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-37882998826670160812008-10-07T13:08:00.001-05:002008-10-07T13:08:00.001-05:00And thanks for the penny trick!And thanks for the penny trick!Lori Stewart Weiderthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04601450336245218356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-82622094288266981552008-10-07T13:08:00.000-05:002008-10-07T13:08:00.000-05:00I've done 1/4 water change every other day to clea...I've done 1/4 water change every other day to clean it out, and the pH balance is perfect. I don't know how much cleaner I can get it--should I remove all the gravel and everything?Lori Stewart Weiderthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04601450336245218356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-26547090753072885332008-10-07T12:40:00.000-05:002008-10-07T12:40:00.000-05:00It is an algie and there is probibly some fungus g...It is an algie and there is probibly some fungus going around too. I would drop in some algaeside. not sure how to spell that and here is a little trick you may want to try. Put a penny in the tank for a few days. It will give off a copper poison which will kill a lot of the ich that may be there. Start by cleaning that tank.Greg Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01925817439493420666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-16770316344419580652008-10-07T11:25:00.000-05:002008-10-07T11:25:00.000-05:00This looks like brush/beard algae. You should hav...This looks like brush/beard algae. You should have a water sample tested to make sure that it's not something else. You may just need replace some water and vacuum the tank. There's also algaecide. Even fish that are supposed to eat algae - won't unless they are deprived of another food source.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-84552675854815917362008-10-07T07:37:00.000-05:002008-10-07T07:37:00.000-05:00OK, that's just shudder inducing. Watch me shudder...OK, that's just shudder inducing. Watch me shudder...<BR/><BR/>Personally I'd just dump everything and start from scratch. Oh, and get one of those fishies again - but not in skeleton form.<BR/><BR/>I don't know a think about fish - except as sushi and I wouldn't go there with yours.Jazzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14644896022880634803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-39211438229495891412008-10-07T05:17:00.000-05:002008-10-07T05:17:00.000-05:00Do you have a snail? My sister used to have a tank...Do you have a snail? My sister used to have a tank and her snail kept things super clean.<BR/><BR/>Of course, that doesn't help you right now. <BR/><BR/>Your pics remind me of a horror film version of SpongeBob.chefannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02865422480232266703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15244825.post-78122477404833060282008-10-07T03:12:00.000-05:002008-10-07T03:12:00.000-05:00Now this just after watching War of the Worlds! T...Now this just after watching War of the Worlds! The end of the world is surely nigh!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com