I Just Can't Kill Them!

[fruity]

I'm not a newbie, but pop in from time to time when emergencies strike and I have to say, as a regular user of other such sites that I was quite shocked at the harsh approach to the posters questions!!!!!!

Much the same as the newbie poster must realise that they have made a mistake, hopefully they will learn in future to check stuff out PRIOR to purchase, the more regular users of the site must also remember that those of us using the site from time to time might NOT realise that the same questions are coming up again, time after time.

As for killing snails, I confess I do it once a week. I have to, my poor tank is inundated with the annoying little critters. I hand pick and throw them away (but mine are tiny ones, nothing massive or worth keeping as show snails!)

I do that in my garden too. Only, those snails get a well earned last drink of beer before meeting their maker.

 

[sforzauk]

There really aren't many people with big fish tanks, especially tropical fish tanks. The only people I know with fish tanks have smaller tanks than me. And I was thinking about getting a proper, aquarium snail after I'd cured the snail problem, just wanted to know if it would be for better or worse. And, just out of interest, why is everyone is talking about the shark, I mean the angelfish is also too big for the tank; is it because the angel doesn't need as big a tank, or because it doesn't mind as much being in a smaller tank etc? Does anyone know how long I have before the snails are old enough to start breeding? Also, are there any symptoms to show if a fish is stressed, like lethargy, or something like that? Thanks!

 

[fruity]

Signs of stress are numerous and non specific sadly!

May include:
loss of appetite
hiding
hanging around in the corners of the tank, head down or up
tendancy to panic
darker colouration than normal
sometimes paler than normal
increased respitorary rate

I guess you will just spot abnormal behaviour, if you monitor the fish in normal circumstances.....I can always tell when something is 'up' in my tank!

Fx

 

[TerraDreamer]

There really aren't many people with big fish tanks, especially tropical fish tanks. The only people I know with fish tanks have smaller tanks than me.

Those are the people you know. Have you tried placing an ad? Have you tried returning the fish to the store? In your fear of the fish being sold to another person with too small of a tank you're ignoring the fact that it's already in too small of a tank. How are you certain the next owner doesn't have a 55-gallon tank? There is a 50-50 chance it'll be re-homed in the proper tank. Currently, it's zero. Think of the life and well-being of the fish, as well as the life and well-being of the other fish in your tank; not your own personal feelings on the matter.

And that statement is not a harsh one, so to those who come running to the OP's rescue once again, tell me where I'm wrong, either in this post, or my initial reply. I'm explaining common sense here, and it's more than obvious I have an interest in the well-being of the fish(es) in question. All to often I see people come to this forum who have made all the wrong choices by poorly executed research, and when they do receive legitimate suggestions and advice many of them refute it, or ignore it completely. This is where the frustration level increases with forum members and things tend to heat up. And it is at this point where I usually exit stage left and leave the OP to their own devices and pray for the survival of the poor fish in their "care". The OP will live to see another day; the poor fish are counting theirs.

And, just out of interest, why is everyone is talking about the shark, I mean the angelfish is also too big for the tank; is it because the angel doesn't need as big a tank, or because it doesn't mind as much being in a smaller tank etc?.

If you know it's too big, why is it in the tank? Because of the final height of it, an angel fish needs at a minimum a 20-gallon high tank.

Does anyone know how long I have before the snails are old enough to start breeding?

Probably five minutes after they've hatched.

 

[sforzauk]

Well, I don't the shark is stressed out; she has her territory under a piece of wood in the tank, but will usually venture out, her colours are bright and she generally seems healthy. When I feed, the gourami and angel rush to the top, whereas the shark picks up all the fallen food by 'sucking' it off the pebbles, this is normal, right? And, Terradreamer, placing an ad would be pointless; why would people get a second hand shark, when they could get a new one from just about any pet store? ;There is not a 50-50 chance of it going to a better home; considering that the store will sell it to just about anyone with any size tank, especially asa they think my tank is a really big one. Also, most people don't care at all about their fish, at least I'm trying to help them by going on these forums. Oh, and because people base the minimum tank size on how big the fish could grow and its personality etc. does a smaller shark need a smaller tank, or is it more to do with its nature than size? Thanks!

 

[Gatorbait]

Well, I don't the shark is stressed out; she has her territory under a piece of wood in the tank, but will usually venture out, her colours are bright and she generally seems healthy. When I feed, the gourami and angel rush to the top, whereas the shark picks up all the fallen food by 'sucking' it off the pebbles, this is normal, right? And, Terradreamer, placing an ad would be pointless; why would people get a second hand shark, when they could get a new one from just about any pet store? ;There is not a 50-50 chance of it going to a better home; considering that the store will sell it to just about anyone with any size tank, especially asa they think my tank is a really big one. Also, most people don't care at all about their fish, at least I'm trying to help them by going on these forums. Oh, and because people base the minimum tank size on how big the fish could grow and its personality etc. does a smaller shark need a smaller tank, or is it more to do with its nature than size? Thanks!

A few factors go into it. How large when fully grown is one.

You also have to take into account the aggressiveness of a fish. Smaller tanks mean more aggressive to other tankmates.

Room to swim. Some fish may be able to turn around in a tank but if they only have two times their length to swim and they are very active swimmers, then they will feel too cramped and not be as healthy.

If they are messy fish. You'll want extra filtration to make up for it. In a small aquarium you'll blow the fish around with the filtration that some fish need.

There are probably others but that's what a couple I can think of off the top of my head.

 

[sforzauk]

Thanks for the info gatorbait! Uhm, lets see, the shark can grow to a maximum of 12cm, and its around 7cm (on close inspection) at around 6 months old. The shark is usually very good with the fish; she will usually allow them to be in her territory, but sometimes she can be grumpy and chase them away, but only as a warning as she gives up quickly and retreats back to under the wood. I have the filteration quite high as there are no small fish in the tank. The shark spends most of her time sucking on the pebbles, wood, fake plants, glass etc. The angelfish is about 6cm long and 7cm tall. The gourami ocassionally chases it, but the angelfish can stand up for itself as when I feed the angel will always push the gourami out of the way. They usually swim around with each other and spend most of their time just about anywhere in the tank. Oh, and just a random note, but the angel is always full of energy and will go mad and chase my finger when I put it next to the tank XD Not sure if describing their behavior helps at all, bt I don't think that any of them are stressed out; or maybe I just can't tell by their behavior... Anyway, thanks for the replies!

 

[Gatorbait]

By your description I can't say that I see any problems as far as the fish being stressed. Fighting a lot amongst themselves and running from you are two signs that could lead to an interpretation of stressed fish.

You've been told a million times in here that you don't have the tank size and that you should have done your homeowrk. I actually think you did your homework when you talked to the lfs. You, in your opinion, had the final answers you needed so why would you look for more answers?

Now you know not to trust some lfs'. Not all as there are some good ones out there but perhaps take them, and us here also, with a grain of salt. I think you genuinely care about your fish and want what's best for them or else you wouldn't be so worried about them going to a bad home if you gave them up.

Now you're stuck in a situation and hopefully we can all get past that and try to help you the best we all can.

 

[sforzauk]

Aww, thanks. The good news is that I 'think' I've found a good fish store...well anything's got to be better than Pets At Home XDD Next time I go I'll test them by asking if I can get all sorts of fish into my tank XDD Though, seeing as I'm already kinda overstocked, it doesn't really matter as much XP

 

[newtankgirl]

I knew the new title would get a lot more responses XD. Hmm, where to start...
Terradreamer: it was almost a year ago when I thought that I could trust the shop, but I've learnt my lesson now. It didn't help that they kept saying that my tank was really big " I did the proper research, but it was mostly about feeding and looking after, and I decided that the fish store would know best about what fish could go in which tank. And I wasn't saying that I could do whatever I wanted just because someone else has, it's just that I do care about the fish, a lot more than most, and I'm not deliberately trying to hurt them. I have tried to tell the neighbours, but like me there's nowhere for the fish to go. If I give it back to the fish store there's no guaruntee that it will go to a better home, especially with the assistants selling any fish to anyone.
Puddle inc: I would, but as they each snail has male and female part, they can breed by themselves...weird XD
Rhiannon: Aww thanks, you understand me XDDD (btw, I'm a girl XPP)
And, uhm, everyone else...basically, I do not want to rehome the fish, especially as the shark is the least aggressive one, and I've decided to take the snails to the fish store; the customer service person said that they'd take them in...they will most likely just kill them, but they might not, besides, I can't exactly do anything else with them except release them into a pond XD which I'm sure they would just die a lot slower...The gourami has calmed down a lot now anyway. Also, I have learnt my lesson about keeping animals happy, which is why my snake has a vivarium twice the minmum size and my rabbit has a whole room. The thing is, the fish tank I have atm is filling up the whole space on top of the drawers, and there's no more space in my room for a larger tank as I 've got the big snake viv. Also, I could never put anything like a fish tank in the rabbit's room as he cannot be trusted...and he can get to anywhere in the room. And my mum and dad won't let me put a bigger fish tank anywhere else in the house...even if I buy it "
Anyway, thanks for all the replies. Oh, also, I know that my tank is overstocked, but would an apple snail be like another fish and overstock even more, or would it just help to clean and the tank and not affect the fish. And anyone who wants to move this thread to a more appropiate forum feel free to...or tell me how to XDD Thanks

 

[sforzauk]

...newtankgirl, why have you quoted me...without saying anything?? XDD lol

 

[newtankgirl]

oops sorry, clicked wrong button
Only wanted to ask why the replies to questions have got so aggressive?
The OP here is obviously young (from you mentioning mum and dad -please undertand i dont want that to sound patronising but just pointing out that presumably means you are new to fish keeping and have limited budget and resources!)
He/she has decided they want to keep fish and gone, reasonably, to a fish store to ask which fish are suitable. The advice they gave was wrong but that's not the op's fault- I am in my thirties and I trusted them!

I assume that this person is continuing to read the replies and should realise that, despite the hostile responses, people are posting because they are concerned for the well being of the fish. Please read and rethink - there are rehoming options and there are many fish you will get as much pleasure from which are more suited for your tank ( until you get your own place and can have as big a tank as you like

To everyone else - chill out! Everyone started somewhere and its not on to stamp on people like that.

 

[sforzauk]

Its nice to know that there are loads of really nice people. And yeah, I'm 15, hmm this thread is kinda a bit pointless now, isn't it? I think we've established everything we need to, so thanks for all the helpful replies everyone!!

 

[sforzauk]

Its nice to know that there are loads of really nice people. And yeah, I'm 15, hmm this thread is kinda a bit pointless now, isn't it? I think we've established everything we need to, so thanks for all the helpful replies everyone!!

 

[TerraDreamer]

I think we've established everything we need to, so thanks for all the helpful replies everyone!!

Yes, and after taking the time to read though all of your posts since you first joined, I've established a much better understanding of your thought process.

Good luck, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for the health and well-being of your fish!

Regards.