Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with aquarium

Minnows that eat mosquitoes.

gray17 — Sun, 20 May 2012 18:16:42 -0800

I have a 2 gallon clear plastic fish tank. I just put a couple of water hyacinths in along with the tiny aquatic snails they harbored and a handful of compost for nutrients. I also want to add a few small fish that will feed on mosquitoes. What would be the best commonly-available species, or mix of species? This is all just for fun, by the way. I live new Atlanta, Georgia.

Gold barb massacre.

mmcg — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 22:43:57 -0800

So this afternoon I added ten gold barbs to my thirty gallon community tank and now (+8 hours) they are all dead. None of my other fish are predatory or aggressive, and certainly not enough so to take out ten new additions in eight hours, and my water chemistry seemed to be compatible. What happened? The tank otherwise houses three pearl gouramis, two dojo loaches, and five serpae tetras. When I added them to the tank the barbs seemed relaxed enough and schooled amongst themselves. None of the other fish seemed to pay them any mind, even the serpaes who I was concerend about.

My tank parameters are as follows: >25ppm nitrates, 6.8ish pH, 74 degrees Fahrenheit. I tested the water they came from and it was pretty close in terms of pH (probably less than 2 tenths difference).

Is there a water parameter I'm missing or something else? I'm genuinely shocked to find them all dead at the same time. Did I get a bum batch of barbs?

Cure for pleco with cottony mouth fungus?

Obscure Reference — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 11:07:07 -0800

My plecostomus still has fungus after treatment. What to do next? my plecostomus is alone in a 20-gallon tank. He has cottony mouth fungus.

At least that's what I think it is. Here he is with white cottony blob hanging from his mouth. There are also a few little white patches on his body.

As per the pet store's recommendation, I treated the tank with API "pro series" Fungus Cure (containing 3 mg Victoria Green B and 30 mg Acriflavine per packet). I followed the instructions, treating twice, 2 packets each time (1 packet per 10 gallons), 48 hours apart, then did the 25% water change as per instructions. It's 5 days post water change and the fish still has a white cottony blob hanging down from his mouth.

What do I do next? ?

That's a Long Swim for a Beta Fish

otto42 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:53:37 -0800

Beta Fish Question. My daughter just got a new Beta fish. The first in over a year since Swaba #3 died. My wife took the latest fish and put it a glass vase that is about 8 inches square and 2 feet high. He mostly sits on the bottom as beta fish seem to do. I told my wife that 2 feet is a long way to swim to eat and that he might require a gulp of air every once in a while. Does anyone here think that 2 feet is too far to swim for a beta and that his days are numbered, more so than usual, in his tower of glass.

What sort of people supply specimens to aquariums?

Joe in Australia — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:37:04 -0800

I want to get specimens of some sea snails for my research into textile dyeing but I have no idea how to go about it. I presume that there must be people who specialise in getting specimens of fish and other sea creatures for aquariums, but how do I find someone like that?

Keeping my froggies warm for the winter...

DoubleLune — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 22:27:41 -0800

How do I best heat my frog's tank? I have two African Dwarf Frogs and the temperature of their water is dropping too low. Their tank is too small for the heater they had in the pet store... I've had my frogs for 3+ months, and they've been doing just dandy. A couple days ago, I noticed one of them was very pale, and looking it up online I thought he had a fungus and was dying! But alas, the pet store girl said he was more likely just changing his skin color because frogs sometimes do that when they're cold (who knew!). I got a thermometer and turned my desk lamp on right above them, and the water temp heated up by several degrees and he is back to normal now! I am very relieved. But this is not something I can keep on them 24/7. Mainly because other things I have read online said that it is best if they can get a normal day/night cycle. If they don't, they can get stressed out and get sick :( These tiny little frogs are prone to illness, and I want to keep mine as healthy and happy as possible.

I got them in one of these mini-aquariums. They are sold like this, and it's a mini eco-system. The "living gravel" magically breaks down waste and the bamboo eats up the nutrients and gives off oxygen (or so they say). They are supposed to be kept in a small aquarium to keep them from growing. If anyone is an expert, feel free to tell me this product is a sham and I should do something different!

So here's the issue: the water heater they had at the pet store was too big for the tank, plus the tank has a plastic top that fits securely (with an air hole) because these guys will jump out if the top isn't blocked. I'm keeping a desk lamp on them 24/7 at the moment because they seem happier in the warmer water. But how can I keep their water warm at night, when the light should be off? I'm afraid to turn the light off because I'm pretty sure the water will cool off rapidly overnight, and the change would be too much of a shock for them.

Is tumble dryer water safe for fish?

roofus — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:56:38 -0800

Is water from a condenser tumble dryer safe to use in a fish tank? On my tumble dryer the instructions suggest the condensed water can be used for watering plants, filling a steam iron, or a car battery, but not for drinking. I would like to use this water for water changes in my amazon tropical freshwater fish tank, as I live in a hard water area, and believe the fish would do better with soft water. I have found conflicting advice elsewhere online, but can find no authoritative source to suggest that the water is anything other than distilled. Is it pure enough for fish?

Wheelchair-accessible hotspots in London?

iamkimiam — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:20:20 -0800

My friend & housemate has a big birthday weekend planned (London, Thursday – Monday). There's an itinerary, filled with lots of amazing things (spa days, aquarium, shows, etc.), but in the event that some of these places aren't wheelchair accessible, we need some back up events planned. What are some great places to go/see/party in London that are definitely wheelchair accessible, relatively easy to get to, and would be able to host a party of 3-8 people at the last minute with minimal hassle all around? My understanding is that London is not so great for wheelchair accessibility, so we're taking cabs around and such. Also, money is not no object per se, but it pales in comparison to going to the best, most amazing places we can get ourselves into. Like I said, we have an itinerary already, but it'd be nice to be able to say, "Oh hey, I know Awesome Place X and I'll give them a ring" if we get stuck at the stairs or such at one of our planned destinations. Reroute and conquer!

Pervasive tetra fin rot?

mmcg — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:58:22 -0800

What can I do about my tetras' chronic fin rot? About a year ago I adopted a fish tank from a friend of mine who was moving out of town. Here are the specifications:

- 29 gallon freshwater tank
- Way overpowered Emperor biowheel filter
- Gravel Substrate
- Flourescent light on a twelve hour cycle
- Water chemistry is stable at 0ppm ammonia, 0ppm nitrites and <20ppm nitrates

The tank is stocked with:

- Four pearl gouramis
- Two black-skirted tetras
- Four neon tetras.

At the beginning of my ownership I managed to kill a fair amount of guppies, but I believe that was due to my inexperience and overfeeding.

My problem at the moment (or annoyance, more like) is that all of the tetras suffer from seemingly aggressive fin rot. Here are some photos:

Black-skirted tetra
Neon tetra

They all seemed to have this amount of damage when I received them, and their condition has not worsened since I've had them in my care. The gouramis in the tank don't show any signs of fin rot or other disease whatsoever. About two weeks ago, one of the black tetras developed a tail-fin infection (white nodules and decaying tissue) which ate away at its tail and then died down. About six months ago I tried a course of antibiotics (tetracycline) but it didn't seem to do anything.

So my question is, what, if anything, can I do about the tattered fins on these fish? They don't seem to be suffering really, and certainly aren't terminal, but I feel like a fairly crappy fishkeeper because they don't seem to be able to get back to a state of optimum health. Is this simply a matter of poor genetics or something like that?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Favorite museum/garden/attraction visitor experience technology?

..ooOOoo....ooOOoo.. — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:45:13 -0800

What is your favorite, can't miss museum, botanical garden, aquarium, zoo or other attraction that is using cool visitor experience technology? Bonus points if they're in Washington, D.C., New York City, San Francisco, Portland, Los Angeles or Seattle. I've read this question, but want more than just an iOS/Android app.

I am trying to put together a list of must see/use or investigate visitor experience technologies in various attractions in the US. Preferably in the cities above as those are ones we are already traveling to or live in. Some places already on the list include MOMA, American Museum of Natural History (we're already partnered with their app maker), and OMSI in Portland (local for us).

Some examples of the technology we're wanting to look at on-site include: interactive web, cell phone tours, iPhone/iPad and Android apps, QR codes, GPS/Wifi locative information, SMS based info, etc. Low tech works if it is really inventive. Please also feel free to include if you purchased your ticket or membership in what you thought was a particularly cool way.

In essence, we want to know what cool technology you have used in a museum, etc. We're aware of most of the major vendors in the field but are looking for solutions in the wild that people really enjoyed.

Good freshwater pet for kids.

boby — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 05:37:08 -0800

What would be a good low maintenance freshwater fish that would thrive in a 2 gallon kids aquarium with a bubbler but no heater? Goldfish produce too much ammonia and most fish need a warm water environment.

Best fish for beginner's 20 gallon tank

troublewithwolves — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 23:00:45 -0800

Best fish for beginner with no more than 20 gallons of space! I'm an absolute beginner to fish and I'd like to start an aquarium. Due to apartment living constraints, I think 20 gallons would be about the largest size I would be able to fit. So what kind of wonderful fishies would be happiest in a novice's rather small habitat? I would like to include some aquatic plants as well. Bloodshed is not a feature I prize in pets, so peaceful species are a must. Bonus points for fish that are ok to be left alone for 24-48 hours occasionally. I don't mind intensive cleaning or attention as long as it's on a weekly as opposed to daily basis. Hardiness is an excellent attribute. So who are the raddest to have swimming around in my kitchen? I would also love to hear your recommendations for online resources for fish care. Help me find the perfect swimmy friends!

Help me choose fish for my new tank!

kro — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:03:51 -0800

What freshwater fish options do I have for a 5 gallon tank? I've finally decided to give my cat her own built in TV set by setting up a tank. I've got a 5 gallon tank that I've let run and added some Tetra Safe Start to, and after testing the water it's ready for fish. Or something else.

There's just one problem- I don't know what I want to put in there! I got the 5 gallon because it fits where I need it to fit, so I can't go up in size, nor do I want to. I've got a filter and a heater set up, and there's some gravel right now, but that's all. I would like to add a few live plants and some fish. I've been thinking of schooling fish like neon tetras, but I've read that they need a bigger tank for a decent sized school. I've also thought about a Betta, but I would like to have more than 1 fish and I've read that a 5 gallon will only support a Betta and a few shrimp. I've also considered a few (2?) African Dwarf Frogs and a few fish, but I don't know what fish would be compatible with them in such a small tank.

Basically, I just need to know some combinations of fish (or frogs, snails, shrimp) that are compatible with each other and can live comfortably in a 5 gallon tank.

Good online source for aquarium fish, plants, and supplies?

mortaddams — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:31:53 -0800

What is the best online store in the US to buy aquarium fish, plants, and supplies from? I am in a small town in the USA and do not have access to great pet shops, and I want to set up a big aquarium--probably 55 or 75 gallons. (I had such an aquarium 10 years ago, when I was living in a bigger city.) My vision is to have colorful tropical freshwater fish--a basic community tank--with natural plants. I know there are online sources for buying fish and plants, but I have never used them. Can you recommend any suppliers that you have had good luck with? I know there is always some risk of getting unhealthy fish and plants, even from a good supplier, but I want to minimize my risk. Thanks!

Help me get rid of my aquarium!

gwenlister — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:54:54 -0800

I'm moving apartments and I have an aquarium of fish I am growing to hate. I have had the fish for 3 years, the last year and a half I have not enojyed them. At all. I do not want to move with them, partly because moving my large aquarium (~12 gallons) is a real hassle (I did it before, so I know), but mostly because I am no longer interested in owning fish. None of my friends are willing to take the aquarium, and as yet my daily glarings and wishing ill upon hasn't caused them to do the right thing and just die already so I'm stuck with these stupid fish I hate that, swear to god, are spiting me by living for so damned long.

Now, as much as I hate and resent these fish, I am not totally heartless and cruel. It isn't their fault that I don't want them anymore, so just murdering them/flushing them/accidentily leaving the lid open all day so that my cat can eat them seems screwed up and inhumane.

I want to know of suggestions for how to rid myself of them prior to the move. What do people do when they can't/would prefer not to own a large aquarium any longer?

Should I introduce another angel fish?

mairuzu — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:39:12 -0800

Fishtank filter: I have a 125 litre community tank with a mixture of tetras, catfish, zebra fish and one large angel. All the fish get on fine. I'd like to get another angel fish (a small one) - does anyone foresee this causing any problems? Would the original angel fish accept another one?

Is there such a thing as a silent pump for an indoor fountain?

x46 — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:33:13 -0800

Is there a silent pump for an indoor fountain? Things that hum drive me slowly mad. Is there a pump for a small table top fountain or fogger which does not hum? Of course all the ads for pumps say they're quiet. Ha! Not so! I had a small aquarium years ago and the pump did not bother me. I'm assuming it was a better quality than what comes with your average fountain kit. But, a table top fountain moves a lot less water so I don't know if an aquarium pump would be overkill. Any suggestions other than to add the fountain to the garage sale? I hunted all over the city for this fountain, have it and now can't use it.

Do my fish need a change?

Drasher — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:33:07 -0800

[AquariumFilter] I have a Magnum H.O.T. filter on a 29g freshwater tank and I am considering changing to a Penguin Emperor 400. Is this a wise move? Do I have to run them in parallel? (and another weird question about inhabitants) [OK, the "AquariumFilter" pun was slightly intended] The tank is freshwater and has an assortment of guppies, Cory catfish, kuhli loaches, and a pleco. The substrate is gravel and the plants are all live (Java moss and fern). I have tried getting some easy fish to reproduce in the tank and after ten years, the guppies have finally done it!

The Magnum is a pain to clean and change; it must be removed and completely dismantled to change the filter elements. It looks like the elements of the Emperor just lift out while the filter remains running. I usually do not run chemical filtration (carbon); I stick to mechanical (filter "floss") and biological (bio-wheel).
It looks to me like the Emperor might be easier to service and the 400 has two large bio-wheels.

The Magnum quit on me again yesterday. Yeah, I know, my fault, but the filter element must have grabbed all of the algae junk at one time and clogged(!). Anyway, it was pulling nothing and cavitating.

I don't know how long that had been going on, but I could see that the fish were stressed. Then I saw something REALLY weird. I saw six (or so) worms. It looked like they could be tubifex worms, but I haven't put any live tubifex worms in the tank for a couple years! It is even possible that the worms lived and/or reproduced for that time? What good (or bad) does that say about the tank's eco-system?

He's Not Nemo, but we still want him alive

HeyAllie — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:52:05 -0800

How do I set up this filtration system? It's an Aqua expert 600 filtration system for a 2.5 gallon mini-bow aquarium. Our office inherited Grover, a beta fish that came with a tank and a water filtration system. Whoever had it before said the tank stayed pretty clean, but since it came with no instructions, we're not sure if the filtration system is set up right now. Because after changing the water, the tank looks dirty again after 2 or 3 days.

I've taken the tubing apart, but I'm not sure if it's put back together correctly.

Help us keep Grover alive!

Looking for crafty suggestions for a huge glass bottle

primer_dimer — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:27:03 -0800

Looking for crafty suggestions for a big glass bottle I've just scored a big glass bottle that was being thrown away at work. I think technically it's a tapped demijohn - it's a big cylindrical bottle about 12" across and about 20" high, with a bung at the bottom. It looks a bit like this but with the tap. It's previously been used to contain 10% ethanol.

What crafty thing should I do with it? I'd love to have something living in it to look at - maybe one of those moss terraria that are so popular at the moment? How about turning it into a micro fish tank, but with just plants and maybe snails - I'm pretty sure it's not big enough for fish. Is this easy to do? Could I just scoop up a load of mud and algae from a local pond, fill 'er up, and see what happens? Would I need one of those air bubbler things? As you can see I'm pretty clueless about all things aquatic...

Before the aquarium

sleevener — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:30:15 -0800

I'm looking for quotations or citations about "the aquarium," from before it existed. What I'm looking for will probably have been written by naturalists or inventors, or really anyone who had the idea of housing underwater creatures in a clear tank, and/or observing them, before such a thing was commonplace. I'm interested in the idea in a nascent form, and in how it's worded. Bonus points for very ancient quotes (which could mean Da Vinci, Aristotle, or some Sumerian guy), and bonus points as always for links to online sources. Thanks!

I want to work here

urbanwhaleshark — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:47:45 -0800

Is this real and, if so, where is it? Does anyone know if the picture in this blog post is real and, if it is, where that office is?

One fish, two fish

Bakuun — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:42:41 -0800

I've finally equipped and decorated my new 55 gallon aquarium - and yet, I still don't know what kind of freshwater fish to populate it with. This was an awesome impulsive buy, without any sort of fish in mind. Now I'm thinking that I'd like to make it a community tank, with fish occupying as many levels of the water as possible. Having something moving along the bottom, middle, and top sounds very interesting, but I'm clueless when it comes to which species can make this possible.

What would you recommend, keeping in mind I'm a relative beginner?

Aquarium Pump Cat Fountain Surprise

quarterframer — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:49:20 -0800

Er, I mean supplies. Need pump advice from someone who knows their fish tank equipment. I am going to build something like this homemade cat fountain over the weekend.

I am overwhelmed with the choices available for pumps. Wish list:

1) An off/on switch (if possible).
2) Will either have a good gentle flow for this purpose or will be adjustable (not looking to build a water park, just a good trickle will suffice).
3) Will be quiet (don't want a loud electric pump hummmm that will deter the cats).
4) Easy to clean.

Thanks in advance for recommendations of specific pump models.

Why I am doing this (in case you are wondering): Cats like moving water. All the purpose built fountains I can find have plastic basins made in China. We want to minimize the risk of bad plastic stuff leaching into the water. I am aware that the pump will be plastic. Just minimizing.

Using multiple canister filters?

BritishGas — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:34:22 -0800

Is it possible to connect two external aquarium canister filters in the same closed loop? I have two eheim filters, with one being about 2x the lph of the other. If I put the more powerful filter after the less powerful one would this set up work?