Trial by fire newbie

[Mustangjenni]

Hello Everyone!

This is my first fish tank. It’s officially my daughter’s (she’s 6) but technically it’s mine. LOL- we both live the fish. I got a 36 bow front tank, and I really love the tank! We’ve had a string of issues ever since I added the fish, but I’m hoping things are finally getting under control. Long story short, the fish we got from the pet store had Ich, so... it’s been a learning experience for sure! We have mollies, neon tetras, rainbows, glo fish, and an amazing little snail. I’ve learned that those tetras are tough little fish- I lost 3 mollies but no tetras!

 

[NoahLikesFish]

Mollies need 55 gallons because the females get 5” and are grouping fish and rainbow fish are very fragile. If you are a beginner I’d stick to something like neons and neons only because a species only aquarium is much less stressful to the fish. Also goo fish are quite in humane. They have horrible genetics and are as bad as dyed fish

 

[Mustangjenni]

Well, I did not know about the genetic situation of the glo fish until after we got them. I wouldn’t let my daughter pick them again, but what’s done is already done. We already have these fish, and cannot get rid of them. My daughter liked their pink color. I am aware the mollies like more room, and am planning to get them a larger tank. We’ve had the tank for two months now and the fish don’t seem stressed based on what I’ve read about them. Granted, I still have lots to learn, but I’m doing the best we can for our fish.

 

[jkkgron2]

Mollies need 55 gallons because the females get 5” and are grouping fish and rainbow fish are very fragile. If you are a beginner I’d stick to something like neons and neons only because a species only aquarium is much less stressful to the fish. Also goo fish are quite in humane. They have horrible genetics and are as bad as dyed fish

I’m not sure I agree. Mollies can be ok in a 36 gallon. Neons aren’t very healthy and a species only tank isn’t necessary at all. Glo fish actually don’t have that bad of genetics and I know some people who have been very successful in keeping them.

 

[ProudPapa]

Welcome. I think your stocking is okay for now (not that you asked). If the mollies get large you can deal with it then, but it will likely take a long time. I've found neons to be delicate, so if they're doing okay I'm sure your rainbowfish will also. What kind of rainbowfish do you have, by the way?

Also, I'm not judging you on the glofish. I don't care for them myself, but I'm not a 6-year old. I'm sure they'll be fine.

 

[BigManAquatics]

Disregard the welcoming soapbox speech. Most of us are much nicer than that, here!

Welcome, and enjoy!!

 

[Mustangjenni]

It’s hard to say no when she gets so excited!! The fish all seem very good with each other. They mingle and I don’t see any issues. I thought it was pretty funny when a couple neons and the kale rainbow imitated the mollies eating algae. The rainbow (I have two) are Australian Rainbowfish. Very pretty! The largest molly looks just over 2 inches, the other is smaller for now.

 

[JollyOtter]

Welcome aboard. Something you and your daughter can enjoy together will be worth the bumps in the road getting your tank where YOU want it to be. I know some people are very passionate about fish but there are no absolute rules, only opinions. Create the tank that you and your daughter will enjoy and be able to make great memories.

 

[Mustangjenni]

Thank you!! She insists on doing as much for the fish as she is able, and it’s become a large part of our day everyday, watching the fish. It’s been amazing watching the whole tank environment come together. It’s been fun trying to get plants in the tank that the Rainbow fish won’t eat- they like to munch on most plants! But I finally have a good spread of plants that are thriving. And the fish are growing!

 

[JollyOtter]

She insists on doing as much for the fish as she is able, and it’s become a large part of our day everyday, watching the fish.

Sounds like your tank is pretty close to perfect. Post some pictures of your tank if you can, I (and probably others) would enjoy seeing your set-up.

 

[Chomskypom]

That happened in my house too- we love to sit and watch what the fish are up to. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I do but they’re as good as TV.
Seconding the request for pics! I love mollies.

 

[Mustangjenni]

OK! I will try to get some good pics. I have discovered it is no easy feat to get a good picture of active fish. I have some wonderful ones of the snail. I will try to get one that shows off the plants too and post it.

 

[V1K]

It's not true that GloFish are as bad as dyed. Glofish isn't worse off than, say, a fancy goldfish, which is heavily modified through selective breeding. It's just a different method of modification. Now dyed fish is actual cruelty against animals, they live shorter than glofish or unmodified counterparts.

 

[Mustangjenni]

Here is Miss Spiral, our awesome and amazing snail. Still working on the rest of the tank.

 

[Dippiedee]

I think this is the first time I've ever heard someone describe neon tetras as tough haha

Honestly I get so excited at the thought of a bright pink fish so I completely relate to your daughter lol. Unfortunately glofish are illegal in the UK so my inner child will have to go without.

Probably an unpopular opinion but I LOVE that gravel

 

[mimo91088]

I don't like the way glofish does business as a company. But they do get kids into the hobby and that's great. They're perfectly healthy fish, and the process is actually quite cool when you look into how they're made.

Enjoy them!

 

[Quiche]

Welcome to Fishlore! Adding on to what everyone said about Glofish: they're just genetically modified, meaning no physical harm was done to them to get their colors. In comparison to other "genetically modified" fish by selective breeding, I don't think of the fish itself as unethical, because there's no health effects; bubble-eye goldfish and balloon pearl gouramis seem like much worse offenders.
How did dealing with the ich outbreak go? Good to hear that your fish graze on algae- it's such a fun behavior to watch. And it's awesome that you have real plants already!

 

[ProudPapa]

Welcome to Fishlore! Adding on to what everyone said about Glofish: they're just genetically modified, meaning no physical harm was done to them to get their colors. In comparison to other "genetically modified" fish by selective breeding, I don't think of the fish itself as unethical, because there's no health effects; bubble-eye goldfish and balloon pearl gouramis seem like much worse offenders.
How did dealing with the ich outbreak go? Good to hear that your fish graze on algae- it's such a fun behavior to watch. And it's awesome that you have real plants already!

. . . and don't forget about balloon mollies.

 

[Mhamilton0911]

I have glo fish as well. I got them specifically to get the kiddos into it. Totally worked.

 

[Mustangjenni]

Still battling the Ich- I thought it was gone since there were no spots and no signs of itching. But I found a fish itching again and started dosing the tank. On day 5 and no fish are showing any signs of anything being amiss- they are all active and eating and even playful. I love how social the fish are- the mollies come right up to my hand in the tank and even get in the way of cleaning. Working on Pinkie 2, who runs and hides as soon as my hand goes in the water. I have a lot of live plants, as everything I read indicated it was better for the fish, better for the tank, and a requirement for mollies. I find I enjoy the plants almost as much as the fish.

 

[Mustangjenni]

I have glo fish as well. I got them specifically to get the kiddos into it. Totally worked.

The pinkies- Pinkie 1 and Pinkie 2.

 

[mimo91088]

. . . and don't forget about balloon mollies.

You leave the humble balloon molly alone good sir.

 

[JollyOtter]

Your tank looks great. It has a fun happy vibe to it. Thanks for sharing to pictures.

 

[Fisch]

Still battling the Ich- I thought it was gone since there were no spots and no signs of itching. But I found a fish itching again and started dosing the tank. On day 5 and no fish are showing any signs of anything being amiss- they are all active and eating and even playful. I love how social the fish are- the mollies come right up to my hand in the tank and even get in the way of cleaning. Working on Pinkie 2, who runs and hides as soon as my hand goes in the water. I have a lot of live plants, as everything I read indicated it was better for the fish, better for the tank, and a requirement for mollies. I find I enjoy the plants almost as much as the fish.

Welcome to fishlore. It is cool that you are already thinking about a bigger tank. What size is in your mind?
Getting your kid excited about it and wanting to be responsible is fantastic. My uncle had a fishtank, and we were sitting in front of the tank, being mesmerized, always wanting to feed the fish. He is probably the main reason that I got Neons, and I agree, they are pretty tough.
I am very much a newbie, and went through the ich panic. After medication I switched to the temperature method, if your fish can tolerate 86°, that may be an alternative way to go.

 

[Mustangjenni]

I am thinking a 100 gallon would be cool- then we could let the mollies breed and keep some! I have been very surprised by distinct and different personalities the fish have. And I have totally been taken by the mollies. I have the tank raised to 82 right now, but I can’t go higher without risking some of the plants. They would melt. I could take them out while the treatment goes, but I’m afraid that would give Pinkie 2 a heart attack.

 

[NotSoAggressiveAquatics]

Mollies need 55 gallons because the females get 5” and are grouping fish and rainbow fish are very fragile. If you are a beginner I’d stick to something like neons and neons only because a species only aquarium is much less stressful to the fish. Also goo fish are quite in humane. They have horrible genetics and are as bad as dyed fish

As much as I don’t like glo fish the first couple were injected and then the colors were spread through genetics and now after all these years they are quiet healthy and not injected anymore.

 

[Mhamilton0911]

I bought 4, one color represents each of my kids' favorite colors. I have one pink longfin one as well, since I have only 1 daughter, and as it turns out, that fish is the male, and the 3 others that were "for the boys" are all girls

We love it. I think they look spectacular under the plant lighting, since they include the blue light, and they really pop without seeming to be fake glow-y. But when we want that glow, my light has the blue mode too.

 

[Mustangjenni]

Here’s the flashy male molly - finally got a decent shot of his fancies.

 

[BabsandLoon]

Welcome to FishLore! I'm glad you found your way here!

I love your tank!

I'm sorry you've had to deal with ICH and had some issues but like you said, it's a learning experience! I am so glad you didn't let that steer you or your daughter away from the hobby.

I absolutely love mollies! I do not care for glofish but that's just a personal preference thing. I currently own 3 glo danios and absolutely regret getting them. I let my fiancée talk me into getting them to add "color and movement". Not my cup of tea at all. I like peaceful tranquil tanks. But if your kids love them and it keeps them interested then that is what is important!

 

[Mustangjenni]

The glo fish got my daughter started, and they are one of her favorite fish. She announced today that she loves them all the same. She greets each one by name every morning and blows each one a kiss goodnight. The long fins have grown on me- they are seeming to develop more and more personality. I think the other fish are rubbing off on them. My daughter now wants a book to teach all about each of her fish so she knows exactly what they need. She checks the pH and the ammonia alert every day as well. So, it’s all good! Well, the Ich is not so fun, but everything else is good.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Since when do mollies need 55 gallons? Even my golden lyretail mollies? I didn’t know that.

 

[Bettatakeover]

My daughter (11) wanted glifish SO bad for our 38G. But I wanted guppies and heard that the skirt tetras are fin nippers and she didn't like the thinner danios. We comprised and got a betta. She loves how they swim right up to the glass and dance for food. After having the betta in the main tank she BEGGED for one for her room. She now has 2 tanks of her own....the pink crowntail is in the main tank. She also has mystery snails...a purple and a blue one!

 

[Mustangjenni]

I honestly think the mystery snail is my daughter’s absolute favorite thing in the tank. Our snail eats well and has doubled in size since we brought “her” home!

 

[mimo91088]

Snails are such interesting and underrated animals. Really pretty too when you look at them up close. Glad to see them getting some love from the next generation!

 

[JerroldTheShrimp]

wow I bet your kid will be a great hobbyist one day she’s already got live plants and checks the parameters that’s a lot farther than many beginners go when starting out that’s great

 

[Mustangjenni]

My daughter has great plans for her fish. After the bigger tank so she can keep all the molly babies, she wants a salt water tank too. At least one as big as our kitchen table (farmhouse table). I think she’s got bigger plans than our house will accommodate! I can see her getting quite serious about it as she gets older.

 

[JerroldTheShrimp]

My daughter has great plans for her fish. After the bigger tank so she can keep all the molly babies, she wants a salt water tank too. At least one as big as our kitchen table (farmhouse table). I think she’s got bigger plans than our house will accommodate! I can see her getting quite serious about it as she gets older.

Haha wow that’s great she’s gonna be like Takashi Amano by age 10

 

[Mustangjenni]

What have you guys found to be the best foods to feed a community tank? I have a variety of foods, as I read it was best for the fish to mix up what they eat. I have some flakes, which are super convenient but the one the fish like the least, Bug Bites, which they all LOVE, the big bites spirulina, freeze dried blood worms, freeze dried brine shrimp, pellets- another favorite, krill flakes, seaweed, and I just got some fancier stuff (Rhapsody I think) to mix up for them. I feed small amounts three times a day to try and keep the mollies from overeating. I alternate what they eat every day too, with the exception of the big bites, which they get every day for lunch since they absolutely love it.
Any recommendations? Again, the mix in the tank is neon tetras, glo fish, rainbow fish, and mollies.

 

[JerroldTheShrimp]

What have you guys found to be the best foods to feed a community tank? I have a variety of foods, as I read it was best for the fish to mix up what they eat. I have some flakes, which are super convenient but the one the fish like the least, Bug Bites, which they all LOVE, the big bites spirulina, freeze dried blood worms, freeze dried brine shrimp, pellets- another favorite, krill flakes, seaweed, and I just got some fancier stuff (Rhapsody I think) to mix up for them. I feed small amounts three times a day to try and keep the mollies from overeating. I alternate what they eat every day too, with the exception of the big bites, which they get every day for lunch since they absolutely love it.
Any recommendations? Again, the mix in the tank is neon tetras, glo fish, rainbow fish, and mollies.

You could try blood worms maybe but I’m no expert on food

 

[jkkgron2]

What have you guys found to be the best foods to feed a community tank? I have a variety of foods, as I read it was best for the fish to mix up what they eat. I have some flakes, which are super convenient but the one the fish like the least, Bug Bites, which they all LOVE, the big bites spirulina, freeze dried blood worms, freeze dried brine shrimp, pellets- another favorite, krill flakes, seaweed, and I just got some fancier stuff (Rhapsody I think) to mix up for them. I feed small amounts three times a day to try and keep the mollies from overeating. I alternate what they eat every day too, with the exception of the big bites, which they get every day for lunch since they absolutely love it.
Any recommendations? Again, the mix in the tank is neon tetras, glo fish, rainbow fish, and mollies.

Only things I wouldn’t feed are the freeze dried foods (frozen is a lot healthier). I would try to keep the diet varied and rotate what foods they get every day so they have a varied diet.

 

[NoahLikesFish]

It’s called repashy

 

[Mustangjenni]

Yes! That’s it. LOL. I can remember all the names for the fish, the dolls, the stuffed animals, but not the food.