Just introducing self. My fish experience started out with a feeder goldfish that my grandson won at the fair a few years ago. My daughter was temporarily staying with me while in process of divorce. Gave her and my grandson their own space which I didn't invade until almost 2 months after she got her own place. She neglected to finish moving her things out and to be perfectly honest the space started to reek. So as I cleaned and organized I found the goldfish in the original container that he was given to carry home from the fair. Water black and 50% evaporated. Stinky as heck. Sure he was dead but to my amazement he was alive. Ran right out and got a fishbowl. Month later a 3 gl, then a 10 gl then a 39 bow gl, then my current 55 gl. Didn't get any tankmates until the 39 gl and started with a dojo loach and a pleco. Flipper, the goldfish is now massive, approximately13" and well rounded.! Was afraid to add any small fish because was sure he would eat them. My massive goldfish is extremely peaceful and doesn't bother then a bit. They pester him at times but he just takes it. So now I have 2 bristlenose plecos, one striped pleco (forgot the breed), 2 gold dojo loaches, 5 guppies, 2 giant danios, 1 tetra, 1 neon, 2 zebra danios, 5 panda cory catfish, 5 striped cory catfish and 2 hillstream loaches. Sounds like a lot but plenty of room. Actually getting one more gold dojo loach and it's complete.
I'm a terrible fish keeper as far as testing water. Never cycled the water before adding any of the fish...never heard of doing so. All the smaller fish added in has been in last 6 months as I slowly added species to see how Flipper would react. Only lost 1 zebra, 2 neon and 1 tetra which all happened within 2 days or less after being introduced to the tank. Could tell after release they weren't going to make it.
I do ensure I have great filtration and that my water stays crystal clear with regular water changes. Keep tank temp right around 73 degrees. I only have plastic plants which I know some may frown upon. I love all my fish like family. All their names start with "F". Although I supposed I could be more diligent testing water but been blessed with never a case of ich or any other disease that spread. So as long as they all seem happy I am happy and will continue as is. All started with a feeder fish that shouldn't be alive but survived and now must value life so much that he is the most peaceful fish in the aquarium!
I'm a terrible fish keeper as far as testing water. Never cycled the water before adding any of the fish...never heard of doing so. All the smaller fish added in has been in last 6 months as I slowly added species to see how Flipper would react. Only lost 1 zebra, 2 neon and 1 tetra which all happened within 2 days or less after being introduced to the tank. Could tell after release they weren't going to make it.
I do ensure I have great filtration and that my water stays crystal clear with regular water changes. Keep tank temp right around 73 degrees. I only have plastic plants which I know some may frown upon. I love all my fish like family. All their names start with "F". Although I supposed I could be more diligent testing water but been blessed with never a case of ich or any other disease that spread. So as long as they all seem happy I am happy and will continue as is. All started with a feeder fish that shouldn't be alive but survived and now must value life so much that he is the most peaceful fish in the aquarium!
