How many fish survive the 1st week or so home?
- Thread starter sillyputty
- Start date
I expect all of my fish to live partly because I try to deal with only 3 places to buy fish and none of which will sell fish with diseases, and they try to keep healthy clean homes for the fish. I try to qt fish when possible or buy from the same place for all of the fish that go into a particular tank. I also acclimate with lights out and do water add or change depending on how full the bag is every 10 minutes or so until almost a 100 percent water change. and the temp in bag same as the tank then net the fish into the tank and keep lights out for about 10 or so hours before I turn them on still watching until then off and on to make sure they are still doing well and not being bullied if in a tank with other fish.
do you all feel the 100% survival rate applies to tetras as well? All my fish have done quite well so far but three of my tetras didnt make it... two of em were gone before I got home... the other was swimming funny and dead within a half hour of being introduced to the tank. I went bakc to the lfs (out of the four in my area there is one that is responsible IMO) they guy there told me: "it was not to be expected, but not that uncommon with the tetras"
I have a 99% surivial rate. I think the key is when you are transporting them, and when you are adding them to your tank. You need to keep the water warm, and slowly get them used of the new water in your tank.
When I bought fish and it was very cold, I heated a sock filled with rice in the micro and threw it it a small insulated cooler. When I brought the fish out and put them in there the pack was warm on my hand (not hot). We only have about a 10 to 20 minute drive but I think that worked well to eliminate excess chilling anyway.
A lot depends on the kind of fish. The most common tetras are wild-caught, which probably makes aclimation harder on them.
And some fish, like rams, are more sensitive to water conditions than, say, mollys.
And then there are various parameter issues (such as the very high ph of my water), which make it harder for fish to adjust.
And some fish, like rams, are more sensitive to water conditions than, say, mollys.
And then there are various parameter issues (such as the very high ph of my water), which make it harder for fish to adjust.
I work at a LFS. 99% of fish we get shipped to us are alive and well. In the past 3 weeks I have released probably 2000-3000 fish and only two were DOA, one of them was a large shrimp.
I don't quarentine because I buy from work where we have all individual tanks, and I know how long we have had the fish, how trustworthy the breeder, and how many are dying in that tank.
With africans we rarely ever have dead fish, community fish I easily pull 20 a day of mollys, platies, neon tetras, loaches, other tetras etc. Not bad considering we have 1000's of fish in our store. Kuhli loaches seem to die like crazy although haven't noticed it with black kuhli's.
Also we have a 3 day guarentee and only get 2-10 fish a week returned. Over half the time the customers water test bad.
All my fish are alive weeks and months after coming home except four kuhli loaches which I suspect are coming in with internal parasites.
Ahh this doesn't include feeders especially goldfish which die at probably 10-40% depending on the batch. This probably has to do with how so many are kept and the high ammonia levels if you don't constantly change the water. Non feeder goldfish die at the same rate as the community fish. Feeder guppies have a noticible increase in death rate.
I don't quarentine because I buy from work where we have all individual tanks, and I know how long we have had the fish, how trustworthy the breeder, and how many are dying in that tank.
With africans we rarely ever have dead fish, community fish I easily pull 20 a day of mollys, platies, neon tetras, loaches, other tetras etc. Not bad considering we have 1000's of fish in our store. Kuhli loaches seem to die like crazy although haven't noticed it with black kuhli's.
Also we have a 3 day guarentee and only get 2-10 fish a week returned. Over half the time the customers water test bad.
All my fish are alive weeks and months after coming home except four kuhli loaches which I suspect are coming in with internal parasites.
Ahh this doesn't include feeders especially goldfish which die at probably 10-40% depending on the batch. This probably has to do with how so many are kept and the high ammonia levels if you don't constantly change the water. Non feeder goldfish die at the same rate as the community fish. Feeder guppies have a noticible increase in death rate.
More information, as far as loaches go there is food we sell which treates internal parasites. If I were to spend the money on clown loaches I would feed them this or treat with medication. I've heard that 80% die before they get 3" due to internal parasites.
Also at my store I forgot to mention we are very diligent on treating sick fish. If we see a large number of deaths we identify the problem and treat immediatly. The tank is quarentined and no fish are sold to customers for several days, when we know for sure the problem is erradicated. Also we usually notice ich and fungus right away or some of our smarter customers alert us to it.
Also at my store I forgot to mention we are very diligent on treating sick fish. If we see a large number of deaths we identify the problem and treat immediatly. The tank is quarentined and no fish are sold to customers for several days, when we know for sure the problem is erradicated. Also we usually notice ich and fungus right away or some of our smarter customers alert us to it.
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My three little loaches are still happy and active. I have Jungle Labs Pepso food for internal parasites. Is this safe for the loaches? BTW they are very good eaters!
it is pretty common that some fish are going to die when a tank is being stocked. sometimes it is because the fish already had a problem from the shop or shipping, or perhaps it is because its new home isn't properly maintained. Many people that are setting up new tanks get in a hurry and add too many fish too quickly. It is important to add fish slowly, 1 or 2 at a time and several days apart at least. As for clown loaches, it can be hit or miss. The older, larger loaches tend to thrive very well, but juveniles, like the ones usually sold at pet shops, are delicate and require nearly perfect aquarium settings. I stay away from these loaches and instead opt for yoyo loaches, which are smaller but beautiful and hardy, as well as fun to watch. Try some yoyos, adding 2 at a time until you have 6 or so.
