i'm new.. and so are my fishies so i have a few questions..

M

mjane

New Fish
#1
Oct 12, 2004
4
0
0
42
AU
Visit site
#1
I've only had a goldfish and siamese fighters before, but fell in love with these albino corydoras last week and I've been trying to find out as much about them as possible so that I can look after the cute little buggers! The main thing I've learned so far is that they're incredibly good at begging for food..

Anyway! The main thing I'm wondering about, I noticed this afternoon that some of the guys/gals look like their scales are coming off a little in patches, which I think is odd because I dont have rough gravel in their tank. Anyone know what might be doing this/if I'm just being paranoid because they're new? The fishies are certainly acting healthy enough, and there's no sign of fungus or anything at the moment.

Now time to feed my siamese fighter girls (had them in the tank with the corys to start with, but the corys stressed them out with their silly behaviour so I had to separate them).

Thanks,

Ell.
 

CAPSLOCK

CAPSLOCK

Elite Fish
#2
Jul 19, 2004
3,682
33
48
39
Cape Cod
#2
How big a tank are they in, and how long has it been set up? Does the tank have a heater and a filter?

If you have a test kit, what are the ammonia and nitrite levels at? If they are above 1, you ought to do a water change. If you don't have a kit, then you probably ought to try a water change (20-30%) to see if that helps.

Have you noticed them rubbing on rocks or anything? If they are, it is probably ick. Be careful if you medicate them, because some catfish (I don't know about cories) are sensitive to medication and can only have about half the dose.

Hope this helps and that your fish are fine :)
 

M

mjane

New Fish
#5
Oct 12, 2004
4
0
0
42
AU
Visit site
#5
update

First of all, I've got a 20L tank at the moment, going to get a larger one in a fortnight and move my siamese girls into the smaller cory tank, they're in a crappy big bowl that I hate and I believe they do also. Got a cheap filter that seems to be doing the job rather well, though the cories eat pretty much anything that can be eaten so they keep the place rather clean. PH is.. actually I'll do another test so its up to date.......Okay its about 7.2, I dont have an ammonia or nitrate testing kit, went to the LFS to pick up one today but he said just to bring a sample and he'll test it for free. Also the water in Brisbane, AU is quite alcaline-ish but I have a cheap up & down kit to fix the problem that I'm unsure its doing that good a job, I've heard bad things about PH testers..

Now, I did a 30% water change last night, and they looked a lot better this morning, but as the day progressed (and got quite warm), they started looking a little off again, so I'm thinking its the temperature.. (which keeps sitting in the mid 20's.. 80F if you like). So now I'm thinking its time to construct a home made cooler of some kind?

Oh the other thing you asked, how long the tank has been set up for, its only been about a week and a half I think, so maybe that suggests the ammonia levels could be high? LFS guy said ammonia problems usually occur when the tank is new.

Thanks for the replies, and HI! :D

El.
 

LadySarah

LadySarah

Large Fish
#7
Aug 4, 2004
204
0
0
43
Gresham, Oregon
Visit site
#7
Since it has only been a week or so since you set the tank up, it is not done cycling yet. I am not sure how hardy cories are and if they can handle the cycle process, so that could be your problem. There are plenty of threads on here about a fishless cycle which will give you more information on what happens during the cycle and how you can cycle a tank without any fish. You can also search the web for information, just search for fishless cycle.
 

CAPSLOCK

CAPSLOCK

Elite Fish
#8
Jul 19, 2004
3,682
33
48
39
Cape Cod
#8
That temperature isn't too high (unless it creeps up to 85F or so), the cories will get used to it. If you want to try to cool, the best way I've read is to set up a fan to blow across the top of the tank with the cover open.

You are probably still cycling, so you want to be doing frequent water changes. 20% every other day is probably good. This will help cool the water a bit too.

Glad to hear that your fish are doing better :)
 

M

mjane

New Fish
#10
Oct 12, 2004
4
0
0
42
AU
Visit site
#10
Thanks!

Think I'll do a 20% water change every day just before work when it starts warming up, or is that too often? Temp sits around 78F in the mornings.

They're looking healthy and happy now, and their armour looks 100% after a water change, but they start going a little pink gradually afterwards (as the temp gets warmer?).

Gotta get ready for work now, thanks again.

E.
 

CAPSLOCK

CAPSLOCK

Elite Fish
#14
Jul 19, 2004
3,682
33
48
39
Cape Cod
#14
Nope, every other day is great while you are cycling. This should remove most of the toxic stuff often enough that it doesn't build up and harm your fish.

Good luck :)
 

You must log in or register to reply here.