Planted 40g Aquarium Journal

[Byron]

I've been "taming" the siamese algae Eater so it's not extremely scared of human interaction... He's getting better definitely. He comes out more and stays out at times when I'm here, but he still goes into hiding if I get too close or anything. It used to be anytime I came into the room, but he's getting braver.

I hope this is aimed at returning it? One reason it is so bashful is it is under stress from being on its own, a shoaling fish. And it will get too large for comfort in this tank with your other fish.

 

[Rocky998]

I hope this is aimed at returning it? One reason it is so bashful is it is under stress from being on its own, a shoaling fish. And it will get too large for comfort in this tank with your other fish.

I'm going to get it out when it gets a bit larger... He's really tiny...
But I can't catch him when he's super shy.

 

[Byron]

I'm going to get it out when it gets a bit larger... He's really tiny...
But I can't catch him when he's super shy.

This really is not good for the poor fish. It is easy to catch fish using the net and hand method. Get a large net, hold it against the front glass at an angle with one hand, and use your other hand to gently "push" the fish around the back corner, and across the front, into the motionless net. If you hold the net motionless, the fish will not see it well, and be in it before you know it. Black does work best, fish cannot see this colour. They can if it moves, the motion I assume.

 

[Rocky998]

This really is not good for the poor fish. It is easy to catch fish using the net and hand method. Get a large net, hold it against the front glass at an angle with one hand, and use your other hand to gently "push" the fish around the back corner, and across the front, into the motionless net. If you hold the net motionless, the fish will not see it well, and be in it before you know it. Black does work best, fish cannot see this colour. They can if it moves, the motion I assume.

You don't get it... He literally stays in the caves like a teenager and their room

 

[Byron]

You don't get it... He literally stays in the caves like a teenager and their room

Because he is petrified of where he is alone. The method works, its your call.

 

[Rocky998]

Because he is petrified of where he is alone. The method works, its your call.

It would just scare him more though and make him stay in the caves... I'm trying to make him comfortable and it's been working... He comes out more and has been slowly adjusting.
Others have also said that after I add my other fish, he'll come out more.
Plus, even if I can catch him, where will I put him? I have no spare tank until the 10 is emptied

 

[Byron]

It would just scare him more though and make him stay in the caves... I'm trying to make him comfortable and it's been working... He comes out more and has been slowly adjusting.
Others have also said that after I add my other fish, he'll come out more.
Plus, even if I can catch him, where will I put him? I have no spare tank until the 10 is emptied

I thought you were taking him to the store?

You use your hand to guide him out of the cave. You may need to remove the cave, whatever. Anyway, it works and it solves the problem which needs to be solved because the fish is being affected and you don't want this.

 

[Rocky998]

I thought you were taking him to the store?

You use your hand to guide him out of the cave. You may need to remove the cave, whatever. Anyway, it works and it solves the problem which needs to be solved because the fish is being affected and you don't want this.

I will be raking him to the store when I catch him...

I'm willing to do many things to help my aquarium do better, but taking apart the hardscape IS NOT an option for me lol. I'm not doing that to myself... It would be a huge trigger for some issues

 

[connorlindeman]

I will be raking him to the store when I catch him...

I'm willing to do many things to help my aquarium do better, but taking apart the hardscape IS NOT an option for me lol. I'm not doing that to myself... It would be a huge trigger for some issues

I agree with @Byron. The life of a fish is more important than any hardscape... no matter how great it might be.
It is your call though.
Personally, I wouldn't do that to the fish.

 

[Wills]

I understand the urgency to make sure the fish in the best possible situation but I'm not convinced Rockys tank isnt at the moment. A 40g is a good size for a SAE to grow out, Rocky is a dedicated aquarist and knows how to maintain a tank and there is no evidence that if the SAE is returned that it will immediately go into a 100% perfect environment - SAEs are often sold individually as a solitary problem solver fish (though obviously we would recommend keeping them in numbers).

I agree that long term a new tank or owner is the best option but right now I don't think Rocky needs to feel pressure to rip the tank apart in order to catch the fish when the fish likely has a number of months before its movement is essential.

Wills

 

[Rocky998]

I was going to get fish this week, but there is actually a lot happening that may prevent me from being able to be at the door to pick up the fish. (I want the fish to arrive on Thursday, so I need to order on Wednesday). The issue with that though is we have some appointments and other things going on, so I'm postponing getting fish until next week. I also need to buy a strainer/colander

 

[Rocky998]

So sterbai corydoras are out of stock at The Wet Spot tropical fish but I was put on a watch list and I believe they update every Friday so I'm HOPING I get an update today saying that they're in stock and then I can order them on Monday

 

[Rocky998]

If I can't get the fish next week, I won't be able to get fish for the next few weeks probably because we have a small trip coming up in the next few weeks and I'd rather not get fish when we're about to go on a trip. So it has to be this week or after the trip (which is in just under a month)

 

[Rocky998]

Just ordered up 15 Sterbai Corydoras and 3 Tateurndina ocellicauda
Here is the tank as of now:

 

[Geoffrey]

Your sterbais will look great in there.