New tank problems

[Clivepullen]

Today I'm sat scratching my head, totally frustrated, and even angry with the result of having set up an aquarium on advise from my local pet store. I'll firstly list my purchases and see if anyone can identify the catalogue of errors. I purchased tank, and equipment told to treat water with chemicals purchased (tap safe etc) and leave to stand for a day. Which I did. And then returned and asked can I begin to add fish now? Yes was the reply, without the term cycle ever being discussed. I went to them as an amateur, and clearly stated that I was reliant on their knowledge. So I introduce a few mollies to get me started - no issues there (yet!). I return in a week, beginning with questions about compatability. I purchased or at least I thought I was purchasing a pair of kribensis, a pair of paradise fish and a rainbow shark. All of which were sold to me as 'compatible'. However, on getting them home I immediately noticed that all was not well, both paradise fish had lost the top section of their trails, and the two bottom ones. They were all fighting and I was left with no option but to release them early (after 20 min, usually I wait 30) all fish were placed in the same small bag! Even in my much larger tank the pair of paradise fish would not leave each other alone, neither the kribensis, and one of the kribensis was even attacking the paradise fish (please note: after doing my own bit of research I sexed both pairs as being young males not only should they not of been sold together but placing them all in a small bag with a rainbow shark is borderline negligence). I rang the shop that very first morning stating that there was a problem and I was concerned that I had been sold males. I was told I was mistaken and to leave it over the weekend to see if they settled. They didn't so I took them back to the shop - who didn't want to refund nor exchange (as I'd left it too late!!!??? She had told me to!!!!!). But my concern was the health of the fish so I left it at that, but decided to talk to the manager. Whom I did, he apologised profusely, and said he would deal with it, I got talking he seemed very knowledgeable and my confidence in them improved - that was a mistake. I agreed to purchase some more fish: I was sold two denison barbs zero talk of them being schooling fish, I also purchased what I was told was a pair of dwarf gouramis, a pleco, and a male molly to go with the 4 females. However, it turns out that my pair of qwarf gouramis were in fact a qwarf gourami, and a honey gourami. The qwarf gourami died 4 days later. So now I find myself in the position where I'm having to upgrade my tank as I've learned that the rainbow shark needs at least 200 litres as he grows not to mention the denisons. I've grown attached to all these fish, so now I'm having to buy 3 new denisons - they were inseperable for the first few months but now one keeps attacking/chasing the other to the point he's hiding, his colouration has returned so I feel he's not too distressed at the moment. And I need to buy partners for my little brown paradise fish, who has a very engaging character, and one for my female honey gourami. I know there will be people who think that I should of done more research prior to purchasing, but the pet shop was my initial attempt to gain knowledge. I accepted their 'professional' judgement, its OK not to know something, we can't be experts in every field, which is why we have specialist places such as our pet stores, what's not OK is when someone presumes something, and gives 'expert' advice, when perhaps they should not. I haven't decided on what to do - I honestly feel that this shop is placing profit before the health and wellbeing of its stock. I thought the manger would fix the issue, but it would seem that this attitude rolls from the top down. I am considering reporting them, and I haven't ruled out taking them to the small claims court to reclaim all the money I'm having to put into putting these unnecessary problems to rest. So I'm worn out frustrated, and angry. Does anyone have any ideas on the best course of action to take.

Regards,
Clive Pullen

 

[Rocky998]

Today I'm sat scratching my head, totally frustrated, and even angry with the result of having set up an aquarium on advise from my local pet store. I'll firstly list my purchases and see if anyone can identify the catalogue of errors. I purchased tank, and equipment told to treat water with chemicals purchased (tap safe etc) and leave to stand for a day. Which I did. And then returned and asked can I begin to add fish now? Yes was the reply, without the term cycle ever being discussed. I went to them as an amateur, and clearly stated that I was reliant on their knowledge. So I introduce a few mollies to get me started - no issues there (yet!). I return in a week, beginning with questions about compatability. I purchased or at least I thought I was purchasing a pair of kribensis, a pair of paradise fish and a rainbow shark. All of which were sold to me as 'compatible'. However, on getting them home I immediately noticed that all was not well, both paradise fish had lost the top section of their trails, and the two bottom ones. They were all fighting and I was left with no option but to release them early (after 20 min, usually I wait 30) all fish were placed in the same small bag! Even in my much larger tank the pair of paradise fish would not leave each other alone, neither the kribensis, and one of the kribensis was even attacking the paradise fish (please note: after doing my own bit of research I sexed both pairs as being young males not only should they not of been sold together but placing them all in a small bag with a rainbow shark is borderline negligence). I rang the shop that very first morning stating that there was a problem and I was concerned that I had been sold males. I was told I was mistaken and to leave it over the weekend to see if they settled. They didn't so I took them back to the shop - who didn't want to refund nor exchange (as I'd left it too late!!!??? She had told me to!!!!!). But my concern was the health of the fish so I left it at that, but decided to talk to the manager. Whom I did, he apologised profusely, and said he would deal with it, I got talking he seemed very knowledgeable and my confidence in them improved - that was a mistake. I agreed to purchase some more fish: I was sold two denison barbs zero talk of them being schooling fish, I also purchased what I was told was a pair of dwarf gouramis, a pleco, and a male molly to go with the 4 females. However, it turns out that my pair of qwarf gouramis were in fact a qwarf gourami, and a honey gourami. The qwarf gourami died 4 days later. So now I find myself in the position where I'm having to upgrade my tank as I've learned that the rainbow shark needs at least 200 litres as he grows not to mention the denisons. I've grown attached to all these fish, so now I'm having to buy 3 new denisons - they were inseperable for the first few months but now one keeps attacking/chasing the other to the point he's hiding, his colouration has returned so I feel he's not too distressed at the moment. And I need to buy partners for my little brown paradise fish, who has a very engaging character, and one for my female honey gourami. I know there will be people who think that I should of done more research prior to purchasing, but the pet shop was my initial attempt to gain knowledge. I accepted their 'professional' judgement, its OK not to know something, we can't be experts in every field, which is why we have specialist places such as our pet stores, what's not OK is when someone presumes something, and gives 'expert' advice, when perhaps they should not. I haven't decided on what to do - I honestly feel that this shop is placing profit before the health and wellbeing of its stock. I thought the manger would fix the issue, but it would seem that this attitude rolls from the top down. I am considering reporting them, and I haven't ruled out taking them to the small claims court to reclaim all the money I'm having to put into putting these unnecessary problems to rest. So I'm worn out frustrated, and angry. Does anyone have any ideas on the best course of action to take.

Regards,
Clive Pullen

I'm so sorry you are having such a rough time with setting up your aquarium and getting it right...
I really hope you can get help on here. There are many here who are very knowledgeable.

You've got this! Don't lose hope man!

 

[Clivepullen]

Thanks I couldn't stop if I tried- these little slippery fellas have taken over my life!! It's just a shame that a: these stores are not taking care of their responsibility to make sure that the people whom purchase these little lives are well informed, and b: that its tainted my intro into fish keeping. But I'm hooked. Line and sinker lol

 

[Rocky998]

Thanks I couldn't stop if I tried- these little slippery fellas have taken over my life!! It's just a shame that a: these stores are not taking care of their responsibility to make sure that the people whom purchase these little lives are well informed, and b: that its tainted my intro into fish keeping. But I'm hooked. Line and sinker lol

Yah... Sadly the creatures are heavily affected on this hobby. People just view them as "just fish". But they are alive just like us and when we have them in our care it's our responsibility to care for them AND to inform others on how to.
Sadly lots of stores do not inform newcomers properly and I'm sorry you were a victim to that

 

[Clivepullen]

It's right what you said, I was pretty torn up having to watch one of my die horribly (I didn't know about clove oil then) one of my friends said "but its just a fish" - not to me it ain't!

 

[Rocky998]

It's right what you said, I was pretty torn up having to watch one of my die horribly (I didn't know about clove oil then) one of my friends said "but its just a fish" - not to me it ain't!

Yah one of my previous friend's told me that as well when my betta died. Even laughed. It's annoying to get people to understand at times

 

[Ed Pursell]

Clive, my opinion is to re-huddle, back up and ask your questions which you are doing. This hobby takes years of understanding between filters, cycling, fish, etc. Just my opinion, you might have rushed a little. Sit back and think about the LFS recommendations, probably not the best. I would probably ditch the place and find another. And any questions, ask this Forum, there’s a ton of experience here, I found out even if I had a doubt, I’ll throw it out to the Group. I’d rather ask before I get into a mess, you’ll be OK, don’t rush the process, enjoy!

 

[Charlie1978]

Today I'm sat scratching my head, totally frustrated, and even angry with the result of having set up an aquarium on advise from my local pet store. I'll firstly list my purchases and see if anyone can identify the catalogue of errors. I purchased tank, and equipment told to treat water with chemicals purchased (tap safe etc) and leave to stand for a day. Which I did. And then returned and asked can I begin to add fish now? Yes was the reply, without the term cycle ever being discussed. I went to them as an amateur, and clearly stated that I was reliant on their knowledge. So I introduce a few mollies to get me started - no issues there (yet!). I return in a week, beginning with questions about compatability. I purchased or at least I thought I was purchasing a pair of kribensis, a pair of paradise fish and a rainbow shark. All of which were sold to me as 'compatible'. However, on getting them home I immediately noticed that all was not well, both paradise fish had lost the top section of their trails, and the two bottom ones. They were all fighting and I was left with no option but to release them early (after 20 min, usually I wait 30) all fish were placed in the same small bag! Even in my much larger tank the pair of paradise fish would not leave each other alone, neither the kribensis, and one of the kribensis was even attacking the paradise fish (please note: after doing my own bit of research I sexed both pairs as being young males not only should they not of been sold together but placing them all in a small bag with a rainbow shark is borderline negligence). I rang the shop that very first morning stating that there was a problem and I was concerned that I had been sold males. I was told I was mistaken and to leave it over the weekend to see if they settled. They didn't so I took them back to the shop - who didn't want to refund nor exchange (as I'd left it too late!!!??? She had told me to!!!!!). But my concern was the health of the fish so I left it at that, but decided to talk to the manager. Whom I did, he apologised profusely, and said he would deal with it, I got talking he seemed very knowledgeable and my confidence in them improved - that was a mistake. I agreed to purchase some more fish: I was sold two denison barbs zero talk of them being schooling fish, I also purchased what I was told was a pair of dwarf gouramis, a pleco, and a male molly to go with the 4 females. However, it turns out that my pair of qwarf gouramis were in fact a qwarf gourami, and a honey gourami. The qwarf gourami died 4 days later. So now I find myself in the position where I'm having to upgrade my tank as I've learned that the rainbow shark needs at least 200 litres as he grows not to mention the denisons. I've grown attached to all these fish, so now I'm having to buy 3 new denisons - they were inseperable for the first few months but now one keeps attacking/chasing the other to the point he's hiding, his colouration has returned so I feel he's not too distressed at the moment. And I need to buy partners for my little brown paradise fish, who has a very engaging character, and one for my female honey gourami. I know there will be people who think that I should of done more research prior to purchasing, but the pet shop was my initial attempt to gain knowledge. I accepted their 'professional' judgement, its OK not to know something, we can't be experts in every field, which is why we have specialist places such as our pet stores, what's not OK is when someone presumes something, and gives 'expert' advice, when perhaps they should not. I haven't decided on what to do - I honestly feel that this shop is placing profit before the health and wellbeing of its stock. I thought the manger would fix the issue, but it would seem that this attitude rolls from the top down. I am considering reporting them, and I haven't ruled out taking them to the small claims court to reclaim all the money I'm having to put into putting these unnecessary problems to rest. So I'm worn out frustrated, and angry. Does anyone have any ideas on the best course of action to take.

Regards,
Clive Pullen

Hi Clive,
Sounds like a nightmare, and all too common place.
So you're aware of the cycle now, Amonia to Nitrite to Nitrate? Do you have a test kit so you can check levels?
Some of the fish can be territorial or nippy, if you haven't already, try adding driftwood and plants, places where fish can claim territory and break line of sight.
Mollies are prolific breeders so with 4 females, expect lots of babies, though most may be eaten by the Kribs and shark!
Some fish do like to be with more of their own, but I'd really focus on making sure the tank is settled in and the existing fish are healthy and getting along before adding any more.
If you want to keep them all, you may need to consider a second tank based on compatibility.
Aquaticstoyourdoor website has a table when you click on fish that shows compatibility with other fish.
The barbs chasing eachother may just be males setting hierarchy for mating.
Hope that at least starts to help!