Recent content by V227

If nothing in the tank has changed prior to the unexplained deaths, the YoYos might have simply aged out. I believe the five year mark is the beginning expiration date for YoYo Loaches. Assuming you bought the YoYo's as juveniles, they most likely were close to a year old. That would make the...

I have over 200 lbs. Of limestone hardscape in my 120 gal. There is a 4" deep substrate bed of small grain rounded river gravel. The rocks were positioned on top of the substrate. No egg crate. The tank has been up & running for many years. Occasionally I have to back fill around a rock if a...

I'm a big Loach fan too, keeping YoYo's, Red Tails and a Berdmorei Tiger Loach. I've never kept Apistos, but have heard they are fairly easy to keep & do better in groups.

Until the move, maybe toss in a few artificial plants. It's doubtful that the dominant Keyhole will kill the subordinate. If you are considering a dwarf Cichlid, look at the Bolivian Ram. They are a little bigger & more durable than the German Blue Rams. Be a good idea to increase the Loach...

Your tank is a little small, but you might consider adding one or two more Keyholes. Spreading aggression by numbers is a common way of keeping relative peace in a Cichlid community. Adding structure such as driftwood, plants & rocks often helps as well.

Keep updating. Another schooling fish that goes well with Denison Barbs is Filament Barbs, Dawkinsia Filamentosa. Both species originate from the same waters. I currently am growing out a dozen of them. They are also a very big & pretty Barb.

I successfully kept Denison Barbs for several years. They are very durable, adaptive & colorful Barbs. Mine thrived on well aerated water w/ quite a bit of filter flow. Denisons are stream fish & positively benifet from current & slightly lower temperatures, 72 - 74 degrees. They aren't...

I've had female Tiger Barbs temporarily blimp out in a similar manner before. IMO, the problem is likely constipation, but a genetic predisposition towards obesity or being egg laden are also viable possibilities. There apparently is no prolapsed vent or anus, which is a good thing.

That's how things go sometimes. You might pick up a few more Angel's & introduce a group rather than a solo.

Angel's can easily adjust to a PH of 7.8, but transitioning from PH 6 to PH 7.8 will take a little time. I suggest partially filling a five gallon bucket with PH 6 water & the Angel. Over the next hour gradually mix the PH 7.8 water until the bucket is full. At that point transfer the Angel into...

Two male convicts in a small tank isn't a good idea. Eventually the dominant male will either make the subordinates life miserable or kill him.

The tank looks really good. Probably best to rehome the subordinate Jewel.

You most likely have two male Jewels. Unless an XL tank is provided things probably won't get any better. Might try rearranging the hardscape or add more substantial hardscape. Doing so will create areas for new territories & retreats.

I'm not a big fan of salt. All it does is promote slime coat production. Sometimes white secretion from sensory pores indicate Hexamita. Just keep up with the weekly tank maintenance & feed quality foods. That should be enough to stop a Hex infection. Odessas are pretty Barbs, but not nearly...

Construct some type of retreat for the Oscars. Driftwood or artificial plants work well. I have big piles of rocks in my tanks that do the job.