cherry barbs

[Alia]

Are you in the US? I ask because Petsmarts generally get pretty good reviews here in the states, whereas they seem to be horrible in the UK. I would do my fish shopping where the tanks and the fish seem the healthiest. Also, if you have only had your tank up for three weeks, I'd go real slow about adding more fish. You'd be surprised how fast the toxicity can build up in an immature tank. It takes about 6 months or so for a tank to become mature, so be careful.

 

[FISHforLIFE]

Hi alia,

I live in Alabama. The Petsmart in Montgomery is brand new (1 month old). I actually live
in Prattville, AL. Myabe I should see if there are any lfs's in Montgomery. After reading alot of
posts...your right...i need to slow down...I need to learn more about cycling, etc. I am doing
daily water changes and heading out to get some water test kits. I have been using strips and
the strips say my amonia is sky high. Im not sure if the strips are reliable but iif that is the case
(after all the reading and learning)....I better keep up the water changes. I am also feeding the
cherries alot less...if they are hungry they will eat? also im learning that since they are very small
they dont eat much...makes sense to me! anyway, i am slowing down and trying to learn more...
i bought a book last night by the editor of TFH magazine. I need to learn more about water and
the over all fish environment. for right now, my goal is to keep the 4 cherries i have healthy.

thanks for your reply!

 

[Fishstix]

I would stop using the strips,they tend to be inaccurate. Go for a test tube kit with drops. I use the Freshwater Master Kit. Also, cut down on your water changes,daily is too much in my opinion for a cycling tank. I only did a 20% water change once a week and my cycling was finished in 4 weeks.

 

[FISHforLIFE]

thanks Fishstix, I bought a water drop test kit today. i will try your advice and do the 20%
changes once a week and see what happens

I also broke down and brought home to female cherry barbs!! The tank is a LITTLE more lively
now!!!

Bottom line is I am having fun and learning alot from you guys!

thanks again

I will add 2 more females soon to even things out.

 

[FISHforLIFE]

I must have brought the right kit....just checked...it says "Freshwater Master Test Kit"....
my amonia level is high but not all the way up there.

 

[Alia]

I must have brought the right kit....just checked...it says "Freshwater Master Test Kit"....
my amonia level is high but not all the way up there.

Please bear in mind that adding two more fish, however small, will make the ammonia rise faster until the bacteria catch up. I know it's hard, but you really need to try not to add any more fish for a while, until your readings are low and stable. Otherwise, you really will have a hard time keeping those cherry barbs healthy.

Also, because you are not doing a fishless cycle, if your ammonia/nitrite levels spike, you'd better do a water change regardless of whether it has been a week or not. Keep testing every day. I'm sure there are posts that cover cycling with fish and how to keep them alive. Good luck!

 

[FISHforLIFE]

thanks alia...yes i was a bad boy and bought 2 fish ) Ive also am reading "The Simple Guide
to Freshwater Aquariums". Apparently, the author is the editor of TFH Magazine. The author
says....water change...water change...water change. And I will TRY not to add anymore fish
until all is well.... LOL!

thanks again

 

[FISHforLIFE]

My tests this morning with droppers (first tests with droppers as opposed to strips) gave me the following readings....

Ph is 7.6 (i didnt realize it was this high!)
ammonia is 2.0 (lower than I thought but this there)
nitrite is 0
water temp im keeping is 79 degrees

should i get something to lower the ph?

 

[modernhamlet]

should i get something to lower the ph?

No. Messing with pH is rarely a good idea. Keep the environment stable and your fish will be fine. Erratic pH shifts are far more dangerous than a slightly high, but stable reading.

You SHOULD, however, do more water changes. I would continue with water changes (daily if necessary) until you can get the ammonia below 1ppm, especially with the 7.6 pH.

 

[smithrc]

is a PH of 7.6 something to worry about??

 

[FISHforLIFE]

thanks smithrc...i did a 20% water change today and will do them daily and hopefully see
the ammonia level go down.

the 7.6 ph caught me off guard...i was getting 6.8 with strips. i will see what the ph shows
with the drops method tomorrow. im with you...ive heard dont mess with ph...so i wont.

the cherries seem heathly and active.

tyler

 

[FISHforLIFE]

oops! sorry modern hamlet...no offense to ya smithrc but my last post was meant for thanks to
the advise from modernhamlet. )