Fish!

[nonionay]

I got more fish last night. Three albino glowlight tetras. I'm debating getting two more, since they're happier in big groups, and they are tiny. But I want to get three more different tetras and a pleco. Meh. I don't know. Anyway, pictures can't do them justice because of exactly how well they glow. Seriously, they look like they have Christmas lights in their heads. I've got two colors of gravel: black and -- little did I realize-- albino glowlight tetra-colored. They're pretty smart about staying on the pale gravel, though when they swim higher they stand out against the plants and bog log.
Maybe I will get more. They're getting along pretty well with my black neons, but one of the big ones is chasing them right now-- I think just from the spot of gravel he was nibbling. They get along fine with the subordinate big tetras. Overall, things look good. The black neons had been huddling at the top of the tank, and now they're back at other levels. I've been regulating their lighting too, that might have helped. It bugs the heck out of me, keeping the light on all day, but it's good for them.

I was going to get Glass Bloodfin Tetras but the awesome aquarium guy said they were delicate, and I should probably let my tank settle a couple months first. Reading up on them, they sound like they might be a little difficult. But, since I think I want to get more tanks eventually, and be like, a hobbyist, I should get used to taking care of fussy fish. Someday, I want one of the huge quarter-circle corner tanks. Not a salt-water tank-- I like mine dense with plants.

Since the little guys swim near the bottom, Teisel can see them really well, and he's going crazy. Fortunately, he's stopped whacking the tank, and is content just to sit and watch raptly.

EDIT: Okay, I've only got six tetras, and they're the most fascinating things ever. One of the glowlights keeps trying to swim next to a big black neon. It goes in little circles like the yappy dog around the big bulldog in old cartoons. Eventually the big one chases it off, but it comes back later.

EDIT EDIT: I got four more glowlights. Now, they're all swimming together in one happy school, blacks and glowlights together, no bossing or nipping. :-)

Comments

[vylar-kaftan.livejournal.com]

Experienced aquarium-keeper here. If your tank is new (less than 2 months old), you should definitely wait to add more fish until it stabilizes. Also, remember the guideline about 1 inch of fish per 1 gallon of water (meaning the adult size of the fish). Those tetras will likely get bigger.

[criada.livejournal.com]

>>Those tetras will likely get bigger.

I've been wondering about that, and I've definitely been keeping in mind the one-inch rule as I plan my tank. I'm making a post right now over on an aquarium forum asking about how I should stock it.

My co-worker gave me his tank with the three black neons and snails, and I started out with six gallons of water from my co-worker's original tank. Awesome Aquarium Store Guy seemed happy to hear that. I'm definitely going to wait a while before I get anything other than this current round of tetras. And I'm definitely sticking with hardy tetras until I know what I'm doing.

What sort of set-ups do you have?

[vylar-kaftan.livejournal.com]

I'm not keeping one right now. Those tetras are unlikely to be larger than 1-1.5 inches. Starting with water from your coworker's tank is a terrific idea and will help a lot. Just watch the ammonia levels. Do you have an undergravel filter and airstones? Those also help. A bottom-feeder is good for tank balance (catfish are simplest). If you're looking for sturdy fish, the best ones tend to be platys, danios, and tetras. Bettas are also sturdy if you only have one. Avoid barbs (even if people try to tell you that some varieties are gentler.) Have fun! I liked keeping an aquarium.

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

Ahhhh I have a tank too. I am very upset my ghost knife died the other day. I have a big angel fish in my son's tank, and Alex, my black and white marble in here--he swims kinda wonky but is doing great. I don't have very many in there at the moment--all the ones I bought while Nick was here have mostly died except for Alex, a red fin shark and some sort of swordfish.

My tank is at the end of my bed (30 gallon) so I can lay in bed and watch--and Maddox can too.