So this is basically what I said in the PM. If you research what SG is best for BBG's, it can be difficult to determine the right answer, but I keep my BBG's at 1.008, which has worked well for me. I definitely err on the side of caution and raised my salinity over a few months.I'm saying this with no experience in the matter, just lots of reading on the subject. Most brackish systems run between 1.010 - 1.015. A refractometer is definitely more accurate than a hydrometer, but this isn't a reef system. Brackish water fluctuates in nature, so a little bit off isn't going to be detrimental. It's basically a $10 hydrometer vs a $30-40 refractometer. Pick a time span and go with it. If you choose 6 weeks, increase it each week by .0025. You can do it faster, but I tend to err on the side of caution.
Here's a thread where another member made the transition - http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f15/fresh-to-brackish-160170-3.html
I know that siva and dragonfish71 have experience in converting fw to bw... I think maybe Terrance does as well. You might PM one of them if they don't happen upon this thread.
They absolutely do not school or shoal. The only time I ever see them grouped together is during feeding. They do get a little nasty with eachother from time to time, but as long as they can get out of eachother sight easily, it's fine. I would recommend a tank that's nicely planted or has a good bit of decor so everyone can establish their own territories.How many go y'all think would be a good number to have? Its a 5gallon. While reading all over I read somewhere about 12 for a 10gallon. But would rather hear what y'all think.
I keep 6 in 10 gals, and I feel like that's perfect for them. I know some hobbyists do keep them in as little as 5 gals, but I'm not sure that's large enough for them. While it may be true that their aggression is less severe in larger groups (which I can't say because I've always had 6), I wouldn't stock more than 3 in a tank that size.