148.6L (39.2 gallon) aquarium journal

elephantnose3334 · Sep 4, 2025

I haven't posted in here for a while, but I will update you on the tetras soon.

elephantnose3334 · Sep 4, 2025

The tank is 291 days old as of today. A lot has kinda changed. The snails had eaten the ambulia, derooting it from its pot and floating on the water. I removed a massive amount of snails from the tank a few weeks ago as their popluation continues to explode. I also did water changes every two weeks, as normal. The silvertips aren't using the Java moss to lay their eggs in, and it's full of tiny snails. Meanwhile, the valisnera and red root floaters (although now green) are growing well.

19 Aug

23 Aug: I removed most of the visible snails and disposed of them in the backyard. That would've been a big meal for a dwarf (pea) puffer, if I had one (I don't have one, but might keep them one day).

After the snail removal

30 Aug: I was able to sex the two fry since they had grown a bit more. One is a male and the other a female.

Today. I am experiencing another snail population increase and it is quite messy.

Colin_T · Sep 4, 2025

Ramshorn snails, and they did a number on the Ambulia. The plant was looking really good a month ago, those snails are a pain in the blank. You need to look for snail eggs (thin flat jelly with spots in) and remove them along with netting out any adult snails. You will have to do it every week or two just to get their numbers down, and if you get a chance, do what the Daleks on Dr Who do, exterminate them.

The 2 baby tetras might be big enough to live with the adults now, especially if you can sex them.

elephantnose3334 · Sep 6, 2025

I did a water change today on the silvertip tank. Yesterday, I was able to remove the fry saver and the adults finally have more space to swim. The right side probably needs more plants and I'm still dealing with the snail headache every once in a while. The silvertips have now been breeding since the last hour (chasing, males sparring, egg dispersion). I'd probably need to remove the java moss in the jar and move it elsewhere in the tank.

The eldest trio (especially the one with the notched tail) are continuing to display natural behaviours alongside the younger adults. They're fun to watch.