View Full Version : feeding black fin shark
Mindy
01-11-2005, 12:47 AM
What should I feed my blackfin shark? I've tried different types of food, but it doesn't seem interested in anything I've tried. It also likes to lay right beside or on the heater I have in the water, is this ok for it?
Mindy
Hi Mindy, how are things going?
Click here (http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0034&view_records=1) for a link on some info on your fish. It really is a beautifull animal. It appears that they will eat most store bought fish food. As to why it is sticking close to the heater, I'm not sure. I hope that someone can answer that for you. Do you have a thermometer in the tank? What is the temp?
The temperature in the tank is about 76, Without the heater on, it is about 72. The fish don't sit on the heater until it gets up to 76, not really sure why though.
Mindy
mayreee
01-11-2005, 3:49 PM
What is your ammonia, nitrite, nitrate? What is your tank size?
My shark seems to be doing good, I just don't see him eat, he may be eating, he likes to hide, so I don't see him much.
My tank is 5 gallons, not sure what my ammonia, nitrate levels are, what do I do to test for this.
Mindy
Harlock
01-11-2005, 4:17 PM
Oh wow. Mindy, this is a fish that really requires a lot more room than a 5 gallon tank has to offer. As far as testing kits go, you can find them at your local fish store (LFS). How long have you had this tank? If it's new, I would see if you can bring the fish back to the store from whence it came.
The reason for this is two-fold: One, your fish will outgrow that tank in no time and; Two, your tank is likely not cycled yet and therefore it is probably housing toxic levels of chemicals like ammonia, nitrite, etc. For more information on cycling, try the sticky at the top of this forum called "Cycle". It contains GREAT information that will save you headaches and save fishes lives.
I can't take the fish back to the store, Walmart only guarantees them for 3 days and will not accept returns. Plus I wouldn't want to return the fish to Walmart, most of the fish they have in their tanks are dead. And I do plan on getting a larger tank soon within 2 months. This shark I have is very small, maybe 2 inches. I've had my tank running for 2 weeks now.
Mindy
Vitaliy
01-11-2005, 4:45 PM
I can't take the fish back to the store, Walmart only guarantees them for 3 days and will not accept returns. Plus I wouldn't want to return the fish to Walmart, most of the fish they have in their tanks are dead. And I do plan on getting a larger tank soon within 2 months. This shark I have is very small, maybe 2 inches. I've had my tank running for 2 weeks now.
Mindy
That type of a fish needs at least a 90 gallon...
That type of a fish needs at least a 90 gallon...
Then what should I do with the fish?
Vitaliy
01-11-2005, 5:01 PM
Then what should I do with the fish?
Your best bet would be to go to the store and talk to them, and let them know that you just read in a book (that way they cant question it) that it needs at least 90 gallons of water and you simply can not provide the proper tank for it. I doubt they will even think about getting the money back but ask them if you can simply switch him for another fish. Please try to research all the fish that you have in mind before getting them. :)
Your best bet would be to go to the store and talk to them, and let them know that you just read in a book (that way they cant question it) that it needs at least 90 gallons of water and you simply can not provide the proper tank for it. I doubt they will even think about getting the money back but ask them if you can simply switch him for another fish. Please try to research all the fish that you have in mind before getting them. :)
I am very new to this, this is my first fish tank ever. When I went to Wal-Mart to get the fish, they have little information things about the fish on the tank. All it said was that it gets to be 3-5 inches. And to me, I would be better off keeping it for a while, because if I return it to Walmart, it will more than likely die within a few days. Most of the fish in the tanks at Walmart are dead, and you can go back in a few days, and find even more dead. They do not do the best job at keeping their fish there. And they have already told me that they do not accept returns on fish after 3 days, dead or alive.
Vitaliy
01-11-2005, 5:18 PM
I am very new to this, this is my first fish tank ever. When I went to Wal-Mart to get the fish, they have little information things about the fish on the tank. All it said was that it gets to be 3-5 inches. And to me, I would be better off keeping it for a while, because if I return it to Walmart, it will more than likely die within a few days. Most of the fish in the tanks at Walmart are dead, and you can go back in a few days, and find even more dead. They do not do the best job at keeping their fish there. And they have already told me that they do not accept returns on fish after 3 days, dead or alive.
That applies for most fish stores, and the workers are even worse and will end up telling you anything just to sell a fish. That is why you should do your own research before doing anything and even better ask here and someone will help you out and you can ask questions based on the answers... these people around here have years of experience and will not lie. This place will help you a great deal in this hobby.
Black-fin Sharks get about 18 inches. ;)
That applies for most fish stores, and the workers are even worse and will end up telling you anything just to sell a fish. That is why you should do your own research before doing anything and even better ask here and someone will help you out and you can ask questions based on the answers... these people around here have years of experience and will not lie. This place will help you a great deal in this hobby.
Black-fin Sharks get about 18 inches. ;)
Thanks. I am definately going to do more research before buying more fish, that's why I'm glad to have found this group. So far everyone seems to know alot about fish. Now I don't know what to do with our fish. I may try to ask around at work and at hubbys work to see if anyone has a large enough tank for him.
Harlock
01-11-2005, 8:55 PM
Mindy, I'm sorry if it sounds like we're "coming down" on you. We're not, I promise. We want what is best for you and your fish. It's a rookie mistake is all. You're right, at Wal-Mart he may die. Of course, if I am guessing correctly, he may still die in your tank, but at least you'll try harder than Wal-Mart. First things first, let's set you up with the proper information. Now then, I know this is overwhelming. I only got back into the hobby a month or so again myself.
Let's start with Cycling. There is a whole metric boatload of information Here (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26051). It's in this very forum and you need to know about it, as with only 2 weeks under your tanks belt, it's a good bet it is cycling right now. Read that thread and take what you can from it. Most important at this point is keeping the fish you have in the tank alive. I'd go with daily water changes. See if you can pick up some testing kits either locally or online. They can help you be sure your water is not toxic for the fish. I fear your fish may be having trouble because of this and that is why he is being lethargic. With a testing kit you can buy yourself piece of mind in knowing you are changing water when you should, and also, know when you can relax and enjoy the fish more because the cycle is over.
Next up, we have a link for finding out about all kinds of fish right here (http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/). This is the Species Profile section from right here at Aquaria Central and it's pretty good. If you read it and still have more questions, post away! I recently asked a species specific question myself and got good feedback, so I recommend it! The people here are friendly, knowledgable (for the most part ;)), and above all, there are lots of folks here, so you can get different opinions and then discern for yourself what you want to believe.
Lastly and I think most importantly is to have fun. I know right now as you literally fight to do what is best in a bad situation; that sounds far-fetched, but hang in there. You can do this, I promise. Once that tank is cycled you can sit back and will be able to take a better look about for helping your fish. Good luck, Mindy.
To bring you guys up to speed on Mindy's dillema, click here (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40905)
Hang in there Mindy. Getting the right info and deciding to hang in there is half the battle.