female balloon molly going to top

RUtoBLS · September 15th, 2009

fully cycled 20 gallon tank

approximate parameters: ammonia - 0, pH - 7.0, alkalnity - 60, chlorine - 0, hardness - 150, nitrite - 0.75, nitrate - 20

10 tankmates that are all smaller, passive community fish

there is a male molly who about 3 weeks ago started doing the "chasing thing" that I have read is how they mate. Basically chasing her aiming for her underbelly

a few days ago she started occasionally going to the top of the tank sipping the air

there is definitely proper aeration in the water and none of the other fish are doing this

any help would be greatly appreciated!

mare2009 · September 15th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUtoBLS

fully cycled 20 gallon tank

approximate parameters: ammonia - 0, ph - 7.0, alkalnity - 60, chlorine - 0, hardness - 150, nitrite - 0.75, nitrate - 20

10 tankmates that are all smaller, passive community fish

there is a male molly who about 3 weeks ago started doing the "chasing thing" that I have read is how they mate. Basically chasing her aiming for her underbelly

a few days ago she started occasionally going to the top of the tank sipping the air

there is definitely proper aeration in the water and none of the other fish are doing this

any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi..welcome

I would think theres not much concern for occasionally going to the surface. Sometimes they just do it skimming for food, or checking for food. The only other time would be inadequate oxygen or too much oxygen. What is the water temp? If there are no other symptoms but going to the surface, I think your mollie will be ok. Just watch their habits and you'll begin to notice any thing out of the ordinary and note it, watch it, and you'll begin to learn the traits or personalities of your fish which may be unique to them..

aquarist48 · September 15th, 2009

Hello Ruto and Welcome to Fish Lore. Great information from Mare. I think your fishes behavior sounds normal as well.
Best of luck and hope you enjoy the site. Keep us posted.
Ken

Shawnie · September 15th, 2009

welcome to fishlore!!!! although this sounds somewhat normal as the others have said, the tank has a nitrite reading so its not fully cycled yet and needs parital daily water changes with some prime to finish it up..nitrites can poison fish as well as ammonia...good luck!

RUtoBLS · September 15th, 2009

OK, thanks for the replies.

I will keep with the regular water changes. What is prime? When I do a water change I put in Tetra Aquasafe.

Also, the temperature has been between 78 - 80 degrees, depending on how hot it is outside and how long I keep my AC on.

She is the most social of all my fish and whenever I go close to the tank she is at the top closest to me, ready to eat. She seems to have a neverending appetite, but I know not to overfeed, no matter how tempting. Thanks again...

Shawnie · September 15th, 2009

prime will detoxify the nitrites for 24 hours until you can get another water change done..your temps are good..extra bubble wands can be added for more oxygen as well because warmer temps have less oxygen

good luck!

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