My sister-inlaw has a 20 gallon tank with a common, cichlid, one type of barb and an oscar. She cleans it about every 3-4 months. She feeds them only flakes (about 1 tsp) about every 2 days. She has both a regular filter and an underground filter. When she topped off the water, she put in dechlorinator and filled the jug with tap water without using a thermometer. She's had the fish since September and they all look very active and happy. Forget about a discussion on overstocked, she won't listen!
I have another friend who had a 55 gallon tank with a canister filter and a undergravel filter. He had angel fish for 7 years without any problems. He cleans the tank every 6 months or so.
I have several more friends that have tanks set up and taken care of in the manner but I thought I would give you two examples.
I have 2 tanks, one 10 and one 15. I clean them every 1 to 1 1/2 weeks and feed them on a varied diet. Both of these people think I am crazy and say that I spend too much time cleaning and taking care of my fish. I had major problems in the beginning but now my oldest fish is 10 months old. I only lose an occassional fish now but overall they are doing great.
Now, the question......If they are doing everything wrong and I am doing everything right, how come their fish live longer? Is there some truth to saying that less is better? Although I haven't had my tanks for more than a year to prove them wrong, I am really puzzled about all of this.
Any comments?
I have another friend who had a 55 gallon tank with a canister filter and a undergravel filter. He had angel fish for 7 years without any problems. He cleans the tank every 6 months or so.
I have several more friends that have tanks set up and taken care of in the manner but I thought I would give you two examples.
I have 2 tanks, one 10 and one 15. I clean them every 1 to 1 1/2 weeks and feed them on a varied diet. Both of these people think I am crazy and say that I spend too much time cleaning and taking care of my fish. I had major problems in the beginning but now my oldest fish is 10 months old. I only lose an occassional fish now but overall they are doing great.
Now, the question......If they are doing everything wrong and I am doing everything right, how come their fish live longer? Is there some truth to saying that less is better? Although I haven't had my tanks for more than a year to prove them wrong, I am really puzzled about all of this.
Any comments?