Ammonia spike after the tank was cycled

[Byron]

This is not a safe road to go down. Many think a larger tank is planned, but it doesn't materialize. The losers are the poor fish. I learned a maxim many years ago--I will never even consider acquiring a fish for which I cannot today provide the proper environment (tank size, and the other habitat needs for the species) to house the fish at maturity in the numbers they expect. These needs are in the species' genetics, and the fish expects them. It is not being kind to the fish to force them into inappropriate environment, be it tank size, numbers, decor or tankmates.

 

[Berksou]

This is not a safe road to go down. Many think a larger tank is planned, but it doesn't materialize. The losers are the poor fish. I learned a maxim many years ago--I will never even consider acquiring a fish for which I cannot today provide the proper environment (tank size, and the other habitat needs for the species) to house the fish at maturity in the numbers they expect. These needs are in the species' genetics, and the fish expects them. It is not being kind to the fish to force them into inappropriate environment, be it tank size, numbers, decor or tankmates.

Sure Byron, I will seek advice before jumping into this. I was just assuming if I can afford in the future a bigger tank for my silver dollars what I can imagine as tank mates for them. For now I will just make sure they thrive in this tank without problem. I wished I have had an advice before buying them from the fish store.

 

[Byron]

Sure Byron, I will seek advice before jumping into this. I was just assuming if I can afford in the future a bigger tank for my silver dollars what I can imagine as tank mates for them. For now I will just make sure they thrive in this tank without problem. I wished I have had an advice before buying them from the fish store.

It is not just the tank size, it is numbers. This fish is shoaling and needs around 10 to be "normal." This is a significant issue that will affect these fish permanently, there are now scientific studies that prove this. I may have misunderstood something earlier, but I gather there are only three or four SD. Which is why we are suggesting they be returned. For their own benefit. As you said earlier, you are new to the hobby, and I know there is a lot to fathom if we want healthy fish that will thrive and not just survive in our tanks. Many of us want this too, for you and your fish.

 

[Berksou]

It is not just the tank size, it is numbers. This fish is shoaling and needs around 10 to be "normal." This is a significant issue that will affect these fish permanently, there are now scientific studies that prove this. I may have misunderstood something earlier, but I gather there are only three or four SD. Which is why we are suggesting they be returned. For their own benefit. As you said earlier, you are new to the hobby, and I know there is a lot to fathom if we want healthy fish that will thrive and not just survive in our tanks. Many of us want this too, for you and your fish.

Ah, OK I got your idea now!! It totally makes sense to me now since after few months they will be alone and can not find SD of the same size to add to this group, right? In this case I will try to return them as soon as possible or maybe get few more now and hopefully will increase the tank size in the near future? Thanks your advice is very important. Let me know your opinion.