MN_Aquarist
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
I have two white skirts (2 inches total) that are twitching and swimming aimlessly around the tank. I notice what looks to be a metallic silver appearance on their sides. Is this an issue or just silver skin?
My tank parameters are:
PH: 7.7
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 0ppm
Temp: 73*
This is a 10 Gallon tank and has been setup for over a year.
I currently use a Whisper 20-40 @ 25% power. I also have aeration.
I last cleaned the substrate and did a 25% PWC three days ago. I do 25% PWC once a week or as needed. I test on the same schedule.
I have had the fish for over a year, and they were acclimated for roughly 30 minutes in a tank that had been cycling for a few days with Safe Start.
I added driftwood from Petco around a month ago to attempt lowering the PH to levels more suitable for Tetra. Other than that nothing in the tank has changed.
I normally feed a balanced mix of flake, granule, and brine shrimp crushed together into fine pieces and only a pinch once a day or every two days if I'm trying to fast them for whatever reason.
I will also note that these fish were marked as "Mixed-Fruit Tetra" at Walmart. I did not know at the time that Walmart deceptively labels their fish like that to hide the fact that they're really white skirts that have been dyed. I do not support the dye process nor any other forms of mistreatment or mishandling.
Is there any reputable source to get fish? My LFS is shut down, and many others are doing the same in the wake of corporate sprawl. I've heard corporates like Petco, Petsmart, and Walmart pretty much handle their fish the same, it's just the appearance they give to the public that changes the company image.
I have added some salt to the tank as a catchall remedy since I haven't yet built up much inventory for anything, much less medicines.
I have heating lights, but I've been leaving them off to reduce stress. I do not have a heater yet but there is an Aqueon Pro 50 Watt adjustable on its way. The tank normally sits at about 76-78* but because the lights are off it's at around 73*
Disclaimer: *** I understand now that Tetra are schooling fish and should be in schools of 5-10 or more in at least a 30 gal tank. Like all hobbies I'm learning my lessons as I go so I'm looking for advice and not criticism. Thanks for all your help!
My tank parameters are:
PH: 7.7
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 0ppm
Temp: 73*
This is a 10 Gallon tank and has been setup for over a year.
I currently use a Whisper 20-40 @ 25% power. I also have aeration.
I last cleaned the substrate and did a 25% PWC three days ago. I do 25% PWC once a week or as needed. I test on the same schedule.
I have had the fish for over a year, and they were acclimated for roughly 30 minutes in a tank that had been cycling for a few days with Safe Start.
I added driftwood from Petco around a month ago to attempt lowering the PH to levels more suitable for Tetra. Other than that nothing in the tank has changed.
I normally feed a balanced mix of flake, granule, and brine shrimp crushed together into fine pieces and only a pinch once a day or every two days if I'm trying to fast them for whatever reason.
I will also note that these fish were marked as "Mixed-Fruit Tetra" at Walmart. I did not know at the time that Walmart deceptively labels their fish like that to hide the fact that they're really white skirts that have been dyed. I do not support the dye process nor any other forms of mistreatment or mishandling.
Is there any reputable source to get fish? My LFS is shut down, and many others are doing the same in the wake of corporate sprawl. I've heard corporates like Petco, Petsmart, and Walmart pretty much handle their fish the same, it's just the appearance they give to the public that changes the company image.
I have added some salt to the tank as a catchall remedy since I haven't yet built up much inventory for anything, much less medicines.
I have heating lights, but I've been leaving them off to reduce stress. I do not have a heater yet but there is an Aqueon Pro 50 Watt adjustable on its way. The tank normally sits at about 76-78* but because the lights are off it's at around 73*
Disclaimer: *** I understand now that Tetra are schooling fish and should be in schools of 5-10 or more in at least a 30 gal tank. Like all hobbies I'm learning my lessons as I go so I'm looking for advice and not criticism. Thanks for all your help!