Big Newbie Mistake

[oldoak66]

Hi,

I cycled my tank, did my fish research, went to the LFS and it ALL went out the window. I came home with 2 yes 2 golden sucking loaches and 5 neons. They didn't have much choice and everything I read seem to have disappeared from my brain. I honestly thought the loaches would be fine, though did take on board previous advice about the neons. However, I got home, looked up the loaches on the internet and realised that they were simply NOT suitable (badly advised in LFS - I was going to get 4 for my 10 gallon tank and was told that would be fine!!) At the moment the guys are small and have done such an excellent job on the brown algae on my tank that I don't want to part with them, though I know I'll have to in the future.

(Please don't berate me for my stupidity, I do listen to advice, honestly! - I can hear all you experience fish people groaning!)

My questions are - the little guys have practically cleaned the whole tank of algae, few bits and pieces left. What else should I be feeding them, they don't seem to go for the algae wafers.

Also, I would like to add some more fish - as the loaches are still young and haven't demonstrated any violent, agressive behaviour so far - any suggestions? And I promise this time I will take a comprehensive list with me to the LFS (another that I subsequently found where I feel sure the advice will be better.

Thanks again, in advice and sorry for being such an idiot.

 

[Lion007]

You could try cucumber for feeding them if they dont take the algae wafters. just out of interest - it wasnt pets at home was it?

 

[Chubbywubs]

Well since its only 10 gallons if anything get those really little fish... Or even better! Sea monkeys!!!


Joking aside, pet stores have to earn money to survive, and where they earn the big bucks is on peoples ignorance. When i first bought fish i was sold 11, yes 11.. fantailed goldfish for my 1 gallon (or something stupidly small), unfiltered plastic starter tank.


Best just keep with what you have, and let them develope.

just out of interest - it wasnt pets at home was it?

Mine was, hence why the second time i bought fish i bought them from a not so local aquatics center some 40 miles away. But i did buy my new tank and filter and such from pets at home, as it was cheaper. Although when i get a bigger tank im buying it off the internet.. Savings are huge!!

 

[Lion007]

Mine was, hence why the second time i bought fish i bought them from a not so local aquatics center some 40 miles away. But i did buy my new tank and filter and such from pets at home, as it was cheaper. Although when i get a bigger tank im buying it off the internet.. Savings are huge!!

Yeah that was the same for me - they sold me guppies - with tiger barbs "fantastic starter fish" they said - nice and hardy, just boil a kellte of water to get the temp up, let the aquarium run overnight - and theyre good to add! What muppetry! Ive since learned alot , and now also use a seperate supplier for my fish.

 

[oldoak66]

Yes it was Pets at Home - won't ask you how you guessed! The thing is the person that served me was very off-hand, asked me questions which I understand they need to ask, like how long my tank had been running and did I have other fish, treated me like a complete idiot and then with a superior attitude sold me completely wrong fish. I know I'm partly to blame for being so green but I should have trusted my first instincts and left the shop when I received such off hand service.

I understand what you said Chubbywubs about leaving them as they are to develop, but the tank looks so empty with just a few fish in. Incidentally - the "Thinkfish" website (hopefully it is a good one) advises that neons should be kept in groups of 6 or more - why is it that Pets at Home sell them in groups of 5 - i.e. 5 for £5 (not sure of exact price) surely if they should be in groups of 6 then it should be 6 for £5 - or is it not that critical?

My goodness have I a lot to learn, or what!!!

 

[-SPB-]

I bought some tetras from pets at home 5 for £4 i think it is. Shocking shop really, as i bought 2 dwarf gouramis from them aswell, (male and female) about a week later i went back and the tank i got them from was under quarantine, they had finrot, i asked the assistant what i should do if i get an outbreak, will i get compensation if my fish die, and all i got was a blank look on the assistants face. I'll never buy fish from there again.

 

[fishlette]

Yes it was Pets at Home - won't ask you how you guessed! The thing is the person that served me was very off-hand, asked me questions which I understand they need to ask, like how long my tank had been running and did I have other fish, treated me like a complete idiot and then with a superior attitude sold me completely wrong fish. I know I'm partly to blame for being so green but I should have trusted my first instincts and left the shop when I received such off hand service.

I understand what you said Chubbywubs about leaving them as they are to develop, but the tank looks so empty with just a few fish in. Incidentally - the "Thinkfish" website (hopefully it is a good one) advises that neons should be kept in groups of 6 or more - why is it that Pets at Home sell them in groups of 5 - i.e. 5 for £5 (not sure of exact price) surely if they should be in groups of 6 then it should be 6 for £5 - or is it not that critical?

My goodness have I a lot to learn, or what!!!

firstly i would like to say, never apologise for messing up. this happens. everyone makes mistakes. im sure even the wonderful mr neale monks made mistakes back in the beginning. mybe even still does sometimes point is, you shouldnt apologise for leanrning.

personally i think you should take the loaches back and get an otto or a BN. an otto would be better due to size and general lack of agression. you dont want to be trying to get rid of an adult sucking loach later down the track.

it is a general rule that tetras like to be kept in groups of 6 or more but this can also depend on what tank mates they have. in most cases 5 neons would be ok

 

[fishlette]

I bought some tetras from pets at home 5 for £4 i think it is. Shocking shop really, as i bought 2 dwarf gouramis from them aswell, (male and female) about a week later i went back and the tank i got them from was under quarantine, they had finrot, i asked the assistant what i should do if i get an outbreak, will i get compensation if my fish die, and all i got was a blank look on the assistants face. I'll never buy fish from there again.

most fish shops are like this. it is generally believed that an lfs wont replace fish as they cant be responsible for what happens once the fish leaves the shop. the rule i have made at my shop is that no fish is sold until 7 days after arriving in the shop so that i know the fish are well. if a fish dies within 24 hours i will replace the fish but only after the person bringing a sample of water in with them. if i test the water and something is way off like an ammonia spike or too high ph, then i wont take responsibility for the fish' death and then it is up to the customer to buy another. i tell them i just have to make sure their water is safe after having a fish die in there so that they dont bring me tap water or something (apart from minute amounts of chlorine in our tap water, everything registers [erfectly when testing it.

if however it is longer than 24 hours i will not accept responsibility. i wont even test their water and consider it. there are so many things that can kill a fish in the first little while after bringing them home and most of them arent related to the lfs where you got them. the people could be taking the fish into an environment where there are stresses eg; larger or more agressive fish. the water could be too cold, too warm, they didnt acclimate them properly, pH could be way different...and the list goes on.

it is hard not to blame an lfs but working in an lfs for 6 months and now owning it, you have to be careful otherwise you could be paying for someone else mistakes. its not about making money but its not about giving it away either. an lfs owner or employee cant take sole responsibility for an outbreak either. just because they had an outbreak doesnt mean you are going to and as long as your tank is clean and healthy and you are doing all the right things, you shouldnt have a problem.

 

[-germ-]

I'd return the loaches, keep your tank clean by hand, it isn't suitable for them plus that'll open up your stocking options a little.....
I wouldn't worry about the extra neon, if you return them you could get a 4-6 strong shoal of zebra danios (with good and responsible tank maintenance) these are active, busy fish and many fish-keepers will vouch for the fact that their confident behaviour will also encourage your neons to be a bit more energetic.
Elaboration;
Small shoaling fish in the wild are prey, they tend to be very careful/shy due to this and won't be active/busy until well settled or given reason to think otherwise.
On the other hand zebra danios are small shoaling fish with a live fast attitude, they are rarely hiders, if your neons see this behaviour they will think all is safe and show a little more of themselves.
Then again some say it is cruel to keep zebras in a 10 gal so its a matter of opinion.
If you live near manchester just ask and i'll provide you a detailed list of the best (IMO) LFSs.
Good luck mate

 

[CruX]

I bought some tetras from pets at home 5 for £4 i think it is. Shocking shop really, as i bought 2 dwarf gouramis from them aswell, (male and female) about a week later i went back and the tank i got them from was under quarantine, they had finrot, i asked the assistant what i should do if i get an outbreak, will i get compensation if my fish die, and all i got was a blank look on the assistants face. I'll never buy fish from there again.

most fish shops are like this. it is generally believed that an lfs wont replace fish as they cant be responsible for what happens once the fish leaves the shop. the rule i have made at my shop is that no fish is sold until 7 days after arriving in the shop so that i know the fish are well. if a fish dies within 24 hours i will replace the fish but only after the person bringing a sample of water in with them. if i test the water and something is way off like an ammonia spike or too high ph, then i wont take responsibility for the fish' death and then it is up to the customer to buy another. i tell them i just have to make sure their water is safe after having a fish die in there so that they dont bring me tap water or something (apart from minute amounts of chlorine in our tap water, everything registers [erfectly when testing it.

if however it is longer than 24 hours i will not accept responsibility. i wont even test their water and consider it. there are so many things that can kill a fish in the first little while after bringing them home and most of them arent related to the lfs where you got them. the people could be taking the fish into an environment where there are stresses eg; larger or more agressive fish. the water could be too cold, too warm, they didnt acclimate them properly, pH could be way different...and the list goes on.

it is hard not to blame an lfs but working in an lfs for 6 months and now owning it, you have to be careful otherwise you could be paying for someone else mistakes. its not about making money but its not about giving it away either. an lfs owner or employee cant take sole responsibility for an outbreak either. just because they had an outbreak doesnt mean you are going to and as long as your tank is clean and healthy and you are doing all the right things, you shouldnt have a problem.

I bought some female guppies from a shop near me, the last three in an all male tank, did all my usual stuff but lost one in a few hours. It could have been within minutes of them being netted into the tank as we always try to go out as soon as the fish are in and leave the place in darkness and tranquility. I noticed her floating and got rid of her and tested my water. My nitrates were a little high but nitrites and ammonia were 0. In my haste to leave earlier I had left the shop water bagged in a bucket, I had my test kit out so I tested it. There was a massive ammonia spike, the water had been topped up with my tank water during acclimatization. I have never tested the water from a shops bag before so I don't know if that is normal as the fish might have been dumping in the bag on the way home or if I should have gone for my money back. I have decided to boycot the shop as I found the woman very rude when I bought the fish anyway. They don't ofter have tropicals in but I remember they used to have a massive selection and I used to stop in on my way home from school all them years ago. Most shops I have bought from have a 'guarentee' such as yours but I have never lost a fish in the 1st 24 hours before so I guess I kind of disregarded it. The earliest death I have had is from misadventure when a Molly swam into the filter flow and ended up crashing. She had swim bladder problems straight away, more my fault than anyones really, it's a shame as she was pregnant.

 

[fishlette]

I bought some tetras from pets at home 5 for £4 i think it is. Shocking shop really, as i bought 2 dwarf gouramis from them aswell, (male and female) about a week later i went back and the tank i got them from was under quarantine, they had finrot, i asked the assistant what i should do if i get an outbreak, will i get compensation if my fish die, and all i got was a blank look on the assistants face. I'll never buy fish from there again.

most fish shops are like this. it is generally believed that an lfs wont replace fish as they cant be responsible for what happens once the fish leaves the shop. the rule i have made at my shop is that no fish is sold until 7 days after arriving in the shop so that i know the fish are well. if a fish dies within 24 hours i will replace the fish but only after the person bringing a sample of water in with them. if i test the water and something is way off like an ammonia spike or too high ph, then i wont take responsibility for the fish' death and then it is up to the customer to buy another. i tell them i just have to make sure their water is safe after having a fish die in there so that they dont bring me tap water or something (apart from minute amounts of chlorine in our tap water, everything registers [erfectly when testing it.

if however it is longer than 24 hours i will not accept responsibility. i wont even test their water and consider it. there are so many things that can kill a fish in the first little while after bringing them home and most of them arent related to the lfs where you got them. the people could be taking the fish into an environment where there are stresses eg; larger or more agressive fish. the water could be too cold, too warm, they didnt acclimate them properly, pH could be way different...and the list goes on.

it is hard not to blame an lfs but working in an lfs for 6 months and now owning it, you have to be careful otherwise you could be paying for someone else mistakes. its not about making money but its not about giving it away either. an lfs owner or employee cant take sole responsibility for an outbreak either. just because they had an outbreak doesnt mean you are going to and as long as your tank is clean and healthy and you are doing all the right things, you shouldnt have a problem.

I bought some female guppies from a shop near me, the last three in an all male tank, did all my usual stuff but lost one in a few hours. It could have been within minutes of them being netted into the tank as we always try to go out as soon as the fish are in and leave the place in darkness and tranquility. I noticed her floating and got rid of her and tested my water. My nitrates were a little high but nitrites and ammonia were 0. In my haste to leave earlier I had left the shop water bagged in a bucket, I had my test kit out so I tested it. There was a massive ammonia spike, the water had been topped up with my tank water during acclimatization. I have never tested the water from a shops bag before so I don't know if that is normal as the fish might have been dumping in the bag on the way home or if I should have gone for my money back. I have decided to boycot the shop as I found the woman very rude when I bought the fish anyway. They don't ofter have tropicals in but I remember they used to have a massive selection and I used to stop in on my way home from school all them years ago. Most shops I have bought from have a 'guarentee' such as yours but I have never lost a fish in the 1st 24 hours before so I guess I kind of disregarded it. The earliest death I have had is from misadventure when a Molly swam into the filter flow and ended up crashing. She had swim bladder problems straight away, more my fault than anyones really, it's a shame as she was pregnant.

yes, the ammonia is usually very high in the bag water as the stress causes them to poop a lot on their way home.

it is unfortunate that the lady there is very rude. i cant even be rude at work lol i love what i do so much that the only time i get in a bad mood is when someone tries to rip me off in moat cases though a reputable pet shop will offer some form of guarantee. but because they are such finicky creatures, sometimes they just die. one might not handle any stress at all and carc it but another one that came with him might be just fine. tis a very hard thing to monitor especially when you really dont know what conditions they have them in. we all know customers will lie to get what they want so who knows...but i feel more comfortable offering a guarantee. looks bad for me if i dont have something in place.

 

[CruX]

I bought some tetras from pets at home 5 for £4 i think it is. Shocking shop really, as i bought 2 dwarf gouramis from them aswell, (male and female) about a week later i went back and the tank i got them from was under quarantine, they had finrot, i asked the assistant what i should do if i get an outbreak, will i get compensation if my fish die, and all i got was a blank look on the assistants face. I'll never buy fish from there again.

most fish shops are like this. it is generally believed that an lfs wont replace fish as they cant be responsible for what happens once the fish leaves the shop. the rule i have made at my shop is that no fish is sold until 7 days after arriving in the shop so that i know the fish are well. if a fish dies within 24 hours i will replace the fish but only after the person bringing a sample of water in with them. if i test the water and something is way off like an ammonia spike or too high ph, then i wont take responsibility for the fish' death and then it is up to the customer to buy another. i tell them i just have to make sure their water is safe after having a fish die in there so that they dont bring me tap water or something (apart from minute amounts of chlorine in our tap water, everything registers [erfectly when testing it.

if however it is longer than 24 hours i will not accept responsibility. i wont even test their water and consider it. there are so many things that can kill a fish in the first little while after bringing them home and most of them arent related to the lfs where you got them. the people could be taking the fish into an environment where there are stresses eg; larger or more agressive fish. the water could be too cold, too warm, they didnt acclimate them properly, pH could be way different...and the list goes on.

it is hard not to blame an lfs but working in an lfs for 6 months and now owning it, you have to be careful otherwise you could be paying for someone else mistakes. its not about making money but its not about giving it away either. an lfs owner or employee cant take sole responsibility for an outbreak either. just because they had an outbreak doesnt mean you are going to and as long as your tank is clean and healthy and you are doing all the right things, you shouldnt have a problem.

I bought some female guppies from a shop near me, the last three in an all male tank, did all my usual stuff but lost one in a few hours. It could have been within minutes of them being netted into the tank as we always try to go out as soon as the fish are in and leave the place in darkness and tranquility. I noticed her floating and got rid of her and tested my water. My nitrates were a little high but nitrites and ammonia were 0. In my haste to leave earlier I had left the shop water bagged in a bucket, I had my test kit out so I tested it. There was a massive ammonia spike, the water had been topped up with my tank water during acclimatization. I have never tested the water from a shops bag before so I don't know if that is normal as the fish might have been dumping in the bag on the way home or if I should have gone for my money back. I have decided to boycot the shop as I found the woman very rude when I bought the fish anyway. They don't ofter have tropicals in but I remember they used to have a massive selection and I used to stop in on my way home from school all them years ago. Most shops I have bought from have a 'guarentee' such as yours but I have never lost a fish in the 1st 24 hours before so I guess I kind of disregarded it. The earliest death I have had is from misadventure when a Molly swam into the filter flow and ended up crashing. She had swim bladder problems straight away, more my fault than anyones really, it's a shame as she was pregnant.

yes, the ammonia is usually very high in the bag water as the stress causes them to poop a lot on their way home.

it is unfortunate that the lady there is very rude. i cant even be rude at work lol i love what i do so much that the only time i get in a bad mood is when someone tries to rip me off in moat cases though a reputable pet shop will offer some form of guarantee. but because they are such finicky creatures, sometimes they just die. one might not handle any stress at all and carc it but another one that came with him might be just fine. tis a very hard thing to monitor especially when you really dont know what conditions they have them in. we all know customers will lie to get what they want so who knows...but i feel more comfortable offering a guarantee. looks bad for me if i dont have something in place.

I told this tale in a different thread but when the woman handed the bag over to me I asked her if I had unwanted fry would she accept them free of charge to sell. She then mocked me by saying that you need both genders to make babies, I was shocked as I was there with my three kids, I wonder where she thought I might have got them if I was unable to understand that. I pointed out I had 2 males at home already but she just kept saying it's unlikely and cutting me off whenever I asked a question, I was just about to check a price on a large ornament too but I was cut off and ignored for the last time as she then exclaimed 'next!'. Which was odd as we were the only ones in the shop. The amount of water in the bag was a bit poor too they barely had enough water to swim in but I never realised this until I got home, I was actually in a panic as I thought she might have given me males by accident as 2 were very brightly coloured. Oddly it was the less striking one that bought it.