Call me a Newbie

[Fishyfanatic]

Last night I was sitting in the living room looking at my 55 gal tank and the lack of fish. I currently have 6 Hi-Fin Serpae Tetras and 5 Panda cories. There just isn't much activity. It has been 2 weeks since adding the Tetras and Cories. The tetras aren't really schooling that much. I'm assuming because they are the only fish in the tank besides the little cories. Initially I wanted to wait 3 weeks between each addition of fish because the next 2 schools and the Rams are sensitive to Ammonia and Nitrites. Well, like most newbies, I broke the first rule of stocking. I got impatient!

This morning I got up early and headed out to the lfs. When I say local, it's not really LOCAL, but a nice hike to Missouri. Of course I got there and they had both the Rummynose Tetras and the Hatchets. They only had 3 of the rummies so I opted for the Marble Hatchets instead. I bought 6. 8O And I got a Bristlenose pleco because I want one of those little guys in the tank. He was part of the original stocking plan.

So I'm driving home and am about 25 miles from home. All is well, it's a beautiful saturday afternoon and we're singing to the radio. Next thing ya know, CRASH! Some kid hit my car. So here I am, sitting on the side of the road while the cop is writting out the police report freaking out about my poor fish sitting in a bag in the backseat of the car boiling.

As you can imagine, I get them out of the car and hold them. So here I stand on the side of the road with three bags of fish. (I was in the shade) They didn't get too warm, thankfully. The kid even kept appologizing saying that he hopes my fish make it home ok.

At this time they are in the tanks acclimating. It was buy 3 get one free so of course we got another Kenyi for the 150. I just thought I would share with you guys that I got the third school for my 55 gal tank. I'll take pics after the acclimate and are in the tank for a while. Their coloration has really lightened, but I think it's because of being in the bags for 2 hours and the jolt of the car being hit.

[amitnarain]

wow. thats a filmmakingworth story. lol.
im sure that your fish will regain their original colours as soon as they get used to their new environment.

[Devilishturtles]

Wow, that's quite an adventure. Keep in mind that schooling is a behavioral activity. If the fish are feeling perfectly safe and comfortable, they might not feel they need to school.

Good luck to you and the fishes. I'm sure they'll be just fine.

[rubysoho]

good luck with the fish! I think your case proves that "new tank syndrome" can hit even the most experienced fishkeeper

[Jchillin]

Wow...what a story FF! I can understand your impatience and admitting it will serve you well.

Can't wait to see the pics.

[rubysoho]

oh, and I have to fight my urges nearly every time I look at my empty tank and every time I step into the fish store *sigh* will it ever stop? I doubt it.

[greenmaji]

Originally Posted by Jchillin

I can understand your impatience and admitting it will serve you well. .

I hope my patience serves me well.. :P
Your original extra caution may help you be sucessfull.. I hope the best for you :P

[Tank]

Its hard to wait. I just got a little 10 gal. tank this month. My daughter (2 years) kept asking where the fish are. Neighbors thought it was strange to have a fish tank with no fish. I am trying to be patient too.
Maybe your fish needed that extra hour or two on the side of the road before going to their new home.

[Fishyfanatic]

Thanks guys. I wanted to make sure I didn't lose any fish in the setup of this one so I planned for extra time between the additions. It's been 2 weeks since the initial additions, so I think I'm safe. I had already taken off work for next friday to get the Hatchets. If the water conditions are favorable, I may still get the Rummies next friday. Then I'll wait a few weeks or a month before the Rams.

I was a little concerned at the lfs because the woman was new and wasn't too experienced at catching fish. I think she hurt one of the Hatchets. I didn't notice it at the store but I just turned on the lights to get a glimpse of them and one of them is partially missing part of it's tail fin and part of the bottom fin. It looks like it was either eaten or it was because she was being aggressive in the tank catching them. None of the others have any outward signs of problems. I'm going to keep him in the tank and see how he does. But I wouldn't be suprised if I lose him.

I felt bad for the kid that hit me. He didn't look a day over 15, but he's 18. They sure look younger and younger these days. My main concern was for the fish. I didn't care about my car. His insurance will pay for the car, but a poor fishes life could be lost because of the heat. Oh well. Whats done is done. They are hanging around the tank, looking happy.

wow. thats a filmmakingworth story. lol.

My parents' friends always told me that I could write a book about my life and it would be a best seller. That, and my Creative Writing professor told me I have a knack for story telling. Who knows. Maybe some day you will see an Aquatic movie in theaters written by FishyFanatic.

[tetrin]

wow...that's an amazing tale. i'm sure the fish tanks are all abuzz with gossip about how you saved them is a heroic fashion from that kid ...

[TomK2]

Fishyfanatic - is this the tank you set up by running the filter for 6 weeks on an established tank? And also has been running for several weeks after that? Have no fear. Your bio-filter awaits your commands. Make a trip once a week without worrying. Sorry about the accident.

[Fishyfanatic]

One in the same Tom. After next weeks trip all I have left is the Rams. I thought I'd try 2 at a time. Ultimately I want to have 4. Or do you think I should add all 4 at the same time? I am buying all of these fish small in size.

[TomK2]

If you can introduce them sequentially, it would give you something to look forward to for one more week :P Otherwise, I would think that your filter would be up to the task. I did additions at the rate of 3 or 4 inches per week after getting the filter going. The last three trips I bought entire schools at once (four med angels,6 cories, then 10 pristella tetras) without problems. Since you are getting the same species for your last four fish, I would get them all at once. Unless you need another excuse to head back the next week.

[Fishyfanatic]

I'm still trying to decide where to get them from. There are two stores and they are both a pretty far distance. So I'd rather make just one trip. It's about 3 hours from my house. I'll probably just get all 4 at the same time.

The hatchets are still doing great this morning. They are hanging together really closely. Maybe they see danger in the Tetras? Who knows. They are all so cute.