ZippyTheGrunt

Hello, this is my first post and my first aquarium.

All I have is 2 cherry barbs with 3 amazon swords, 2 fake plants, a rock, and a sunken cannon.


First question: How do you tell if its a male or female?

One of my cherry barbs is darker than the other and has signifcantly bigger fins. Is this the male or simply an older cherry barb?

Second question: If I indeed do have a male and female, is the male going to pester the female to the point I should get another one?

I have noticed the darker one chasing the lighter one every so often.

Third question: Is it normal for fish to be so active in a new aquarium?

They have been constanting exploring. I guess its a good thing, but wanted to make sure they are not getting stressed out.


Thanks for any input.

lilsoccakid

1."The male is usually bigger and turns bright red when it is ready to spawn."

2.i think at least 2 females to every male is a good idea, and i would hav at least 5 total because they are schooling fish, and we need to respect that

3.yea, its good that they arent scared or stressed

also, did u cycle your tank? i hope u know about the aquarium nitogen cycle, or ur going to run into a lot of trouble down the road

good luck and enjoy the tank!

Mert16

Hello and welcome to Fishlore. First of all I see that you just started your tank. under age it says 3/18/08. that means just two days, well to start off, if you are gonna start the nitrogen cycle using live fish start off with one for a ten gallon tank. that way you wont have a very high ammonia level. The rule of thumb is one inch of fish per gallon of water. start off with one fish for now, let about four weeks pass and introduce two more. that way there will be enough bacteria to feed on the ammonia. The two cherry barbs should reach about 2 in. each, and the swords can grow up to 5 in. making it a total of 19 inches of fish to 10 gallons of water. Meaning your tank is overstocked. Since the water hasn't aged enough, which takes about two months to sometimes six, you may have fish dying soon. some people say if that is the case then frequent water changes are needed. Fish keeping is work but fun. I'm learning this all myself. It is important to read, read, and read. If the fish are to die then just keep a hardy fish until the tank cycles. Swords, platys, danios are all hardy fish. Make sure you check the water for ammonia and nitrites often since the tank was started with too many fish. If that is the case. I'm going by what was posted. It's all trial and error. I had lots of water problems in the beginning too. but you learn as you go. dont be discouraged, jsut keep going. Fish are very beautiful and relaxing to watch. I hope this was of help to you and good luck!

susitna-flower

Do you have 2 fish or 5? I read it that you have 2 cherry barbs, plants (fake and real?), a rock and a cannon...

It does matter in the advice given, but the idea expressed is true that your tank hasn't gone through the nitrogen cycle yet, and will be a real problem unless you stay on top of water changes or get some bio-spira to add to introduce the bacteria needed to start the cycle. You can also add gravel, or filter media from an established tank to introduce the bacteria.

Read up on the Nitrogen Cycle under "ARTICLES" at the top of this page....

Lucy

susitna-flower, according to the original post, he has 5 fish.

Zippy, you should consider getting a larger tank or return the swords now, than after the tank has cycled, if your remaining fish survive get 3 more cherry barbs. That would fully stock your tank.

ZippyTheGrunt

Sorry my mistake, I had used a cycle product from a local pet store before putting the fish in. (48 hrs ago)

I also bought the live plants from the pet store and added their water from an established tank into my tank. If case that was not enough, I also bought a bio ball from them too (with established bacteria on it).

For swords I was talking about the plant, amazon sword.
I only have 2 fish.

Lucy

Oh, Sorry, Zippy and susitna-flower, I read that wrong.

Blub

hssea

just remember once you get over the nitrogen cycle and have the correct number of fish it will be much easier. At first it might seem a bit stressful but the rewards are great. Everyone has learned by their mistakes. Ive done this for 22 yrs and made alot.:

good luck

Evelyn1919

Hi!
I'm pretty new at this as well but the Cycle product does NOT work according to a lot of people around here. Biospira is much better. I used it and it cycled my tank pretty fast.

Enjoy ur fish and GOOD LUCK!!!

Gargoyle

I have talked to couple people that have successfully used plants to help the the cycle. From what was explained a few low light fast growing plants have the ability to soak up excess harmful nutrients before it effects the fish thus allowing your cycle to complete itself quicker due to not needing the frequent water changes. Also Horn Wort is one of the best plants from this as it grows very fast, is cheap, and is like a sponge, All it requires is adequate lighting.. You can float the plant as well.

Just another way to get your fish and yourself through the cycle..

werner

send us a pic of the tank

Blub