Zebra Danios

[qgonn65]

Today i just started my first aquarium. I bought 10 Zebra Danios to go in my 20 gallon tank. After about 5 hours they have started biting each others fins. I was curious as to what could be the problem.

Thanks in advance

 

[Sky042]

I'm not sure I'd consider that activity to be a problem I'd call it normal.

Now are you aware that your 20 gallon tank is now fully stocked?

Also did you cycle the tank ahead of time eitehr via an ammonia fishless cycle or similar method?

 

[Snailguy101]

Id say this is normal I've heard that these fish are a little bit aggressive

 

[qgonn65]

Also did you cycle the tank ahead of time eitehr via an ammonia fishless cycle or similar method?

I'm not sure what you mean by "cycle the tank" I used an ammonia conditioner and a PH tablet to get the water up to the proper specifications before adding any fish. I ran this for roughly 24 hours.

I just fed them (which hasn't been done in a few hours) and now they seem to be fine. Perhaps the store we got them from had a set schdule of feeding and I'm just off on the feeding times they are use to?

Thanks again!

 

[Snailguy101]

No problem so how are they doing right now?

 

[qgonn65]

They're looking better and calming down some... but I just read something about "cycling the tank". I didn't do this.

Will these 10 fish, cycle the tank with little help, or is there something I should do? I don't have anything to test ammonia levels (and my girlfriend is going nuts thinking we're killing the fish =P )

Thanks AGAIN!

 

[tttnjfttt]

Cycling a tank refers to a process that all new tanks/filters go through. The basics of what happens is ammonia builds up in the tank from the fishs' waste; this is very toxic to your fish. Some good bacteria build up and turn this ammonia to nitrIte. Once again, while this is a LITTLE less toxic, it is still highly toxic. Another set of bacteria will develop which turn the nitrIte into nitrAte. NitrAte is for the most part non-toxic, unless in really high quantitites. Eventually, when you do the water changes, all you will be doing is removing some of the nitrate from your water.

What was the amonia conditioner thing you used? Right now, it is probably best to return maybe 6 of your fish, and wait for your ammonia and nitrite to return to zero (about 6 weeks) before adding more fish. This will help keep your fish healthy and be alot less stressful for you. However, you probably will need to be doing daily water changes to control the ammonia in the tank.

pH- In general, you don't want to mess with the pH in your tank. Using chemicals to alter your pH will cause it to have swings, which are alot worse for the fish. This can also lead to other problems. Your fish will adapt to your pH. Just make sure you add a little tap water to their bags until their pH is close to the pH in your tank.

Dechlorinator- on the list of things you used in your tank, no where on that list was a dechlorinator. This is something you do need to be using with every water change. Chlorine and chloramine is very deadly to fish. Most dechlorinators will also remove heavy metals, which are also bad for fish.

Ok, i think that about covered everything you didn't ask about. As for the fin nipping, I have 4 zebra danios (used to be five), and I never saw this. It might just be a teritory thing, and also the stress of the move, exploring their new environment, etc. Just be sure to keep an eye on it.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Yeah, it is a good idea to get a water test kit. I recomend having an ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH test kit on hand. Very useful when something seems off in your tank. Also, good just a good thing to check regularly. I know you can find them online for about $15 for a master test kit. Big Al's is an online store that has some really good deals on stuff. This is assuming you are in the US (or possibly canada or England, can't remember which)

 

[qgonn65]

Also did you cycle the tank ahead of time eitehr via an ammonia fishless cycle or similar method?

We did use some, I'm sorry I forgot to mention it. We used Tetra AuquaSafe.

As far as "returning" the fish, that's simply impossible =/ I have to make do with what I have right now.

Does the Light on the Tank effect them any? (just a random question)

 

[qgonn65]

The kit we bought has everything BUT a freaking Ammonia test!!! (go figure)

Yes we're in the US. Illionis actually.

 

[tttnjfttt]

We did use some, I'm sorry I forgot to mention it. We used Tetra AuquaSafe.

Yeah, that is dechlorinator. I sometimes use that one in my tank because of the added stress coat.

As far as "returning" the fish, that's simply impossible =/ I have to make do with what I have right now.

For this, just be prepared to do daily water changes. With that many fish, your ammonia will go through the roof if left unchecked. Make sure you buy a test kit, and if necessary, even do two changes per day. Also, really watch your fish for signs of stress and illness. During cycling, fish are very prone to this, even danios, which are very hardy.

Does the Light on the Tank effect them any? (just a random question)

It will help keep your fish calm and reduce stress a little when they are stressed.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Out of curiosity, was the test kit a dip strip one or the one where you mix the water in the little test tubes? If you didn't get the test tube ones, I would strongly recomend you do. They seem to be alot more accurate, and easier to read.

 

[qgonn65]

We got a dip stick one, and to be honest it's a pain in the ass!

I'll look for that tomorrow.

Ya'all have been so much help!

 

[tttnjfttt]

I'd say buy it online...even with shipping, it will be about half the price compared to a LFS/LPS.

 

[qgonn65]

If you have yahoo, please IM me.. Elailya is my ID