Fishy FAQ
** UNDER CONSTRUCTION! **
Welcome to the ongoing Frequently Asked Questions section! Here you will find some very frequently asked questions, divided by topic. To find what you're looking for, please hit "ctrl and F" and enter the keyword most closely related to your query.
Example: "I want to find something on the difference between Aquarium and epsom salt."
Try:
Ctrl+F "salt"
Ctrl+F "Aquarium salt"
Ctrl+F "Epsom"
Do not try:
"Difference Aquarium epsom", etc. as this will not be found since most computers run on exacting searches!
Example: "I want to find something on the difference between Aquarium and epsom salt."
Try:
Ctrl+F "salt"
Ctrl+F "Aquarium salt"
Ctrl+F "Epsom"
Do not try:
"Difference Aquarium epsom", etc. as this will not be found since most computers run on exacting searches!
Care FAQ:
Q: Can I put a male and female together without a divider?
A: No! Never! Males and females together are just as violent as males and males. Please never put them together, no matter how large the tank. It is not safe and one or both could die or be severely wounded.
A: No! Never! Males and females together are just as violent as males and males. Please never put them together, no matter how large the tank. It is not safe and one or both could die or be severely wounded.
Q: What's the difference between conditioner and dechlorinator? Which is better?
A: Dechlorinator removes only the harmful chlorine from water. Conditioner removes chlorine, (sometimes) chloramine which is similar to chlorine and heavy metals. Conditioner is better because it does double duty.
A: Dechlorinator removes only the harmful chlorine from water. Conditioner removes chlorine, (sometimes) chloramine which is similar to chlorine and heavy metals. Conditioner is better because it does double duty.
Q: How should I choose a food?
A: Bettas are strict carnivores and need a high protein diet. Your food should be at least 40% protein. If it is not at least that, look for a different food that is. Tetra and Omega One pellets fit this as do many flake foods. Please note that flake food is harder to feed, tends to smell and is messy.
A: Bettas are strict carnivores and need a high protein diet. Your food should be at least 40% protein. If it is not at least that, look for a different food that is. Tetra and Omega One pellets fit this as do many flake foods. Please note that flake food is harder to feed, tends to smell and is messy.
Q: Why does my fish "need" a heater?
A: Your betta splenden is a tropical fish, that's why! They are native to a hot climate and therefore MUST have warm water. Your heater will provide this. Your fish needs between 75'F and 82'F to be happy and healthy and to avoid illness and lethargy.
A: Your betta splenden is a tropical fish, that's why! They are native to a hot climate and therefore MUST have warm water. Your heater will provide this. Your fish needs between 75'F and 82'F to be happy and healthy and to avoid illness and lethargy.
Q: I use a light/lamp as a "heater" for my fish, is this acceptable?
A: No! The lamp may heat the water enough while it's on, yes, but what of it when you shut it off? The sudden drop in temperature is very stressful- even more so than perhaps having a bit cooler of a tank but all the time. Please do not use a light, rather, use a heater!
A: No! The lamp may heat the water enough while it's on, yes, but what of it when you shut it off? The sudden drop in temperature is very stressful- even more so than perhaps having a bit cooler of a tank but all the time. Please do not use a light, rather, use a heater!
Q: Can bettas live without a light for their tank?
A: Of course! I wouldn't have them in darkness all the time, but they don't need a light. However, they SHOULD NOT always have a light on. They need a day and night cycle just like you or I to avoid stress.
A: Of course! I wouldn't have them in darkness all the time, but they don't need a light. However, they SHOULD NOT always have a light on. They need a day and night cycle just like you or I to avoid stress.
Q: Can my fish really breathe air?!
A: Yes! Your fish really does breathe air! They have a special lung called a labyrinth organ that lets them breathe air from the surface. Your fish needs at least a little space in the top of the tank to get air from. They don't need an air stone or filter to get air, and actually can drown since their gills are very poor at absorbing oxygen! Never put your fish in a spot where he can't get air from above.
A: Yes! Your fish really does breathe air! They have a special lung called a labyrinth organ that lets them breathe air from the surface. Your fish needs at least a little space in the top of the tank to get air from. They don't need an air stone or filter to get air, and actually can drown since their gills are very poor at absorbing oxygen! Never put your fish in a spot where he can't get air from above.
Habitat FAQ:
Q: Can my fish live in less than a gallon?
A: The short answer, no! Honest to goodness, unless you're a very experienced keeper, you probably are not experienced enough to care for a fish in such a small volume of water. That said, it's not impossible, but there is little room for mistake. The smaller the volume of water, the faster and higher deadly ammonia can get and it is also much harder to heat. That, and, well... Would YOU want to live in such a small space? NO!
A: The short answer, no! Honest to goodness, unless you're a very experienced keeper, you probably are not experienced enough to care for a fish in such a small volume of water. That said, it's not impossible, but there is little room for mistake. The smaller the volume of water, the faster and higher deadly ammonia can get and it is also much harder to heat. That, and, well... Would YOU want to live in such a small space? NO!
Q: How can I tell if a fake plant is safe for my betta's long fins?
A: A good trick is to take a pair of pantyhose/ thin* stockings to the place you're looking to buy from. Drag them along the material. Does it snag? Does it tear? If it does, it will rip apart your fish's fins. A good bet is if it's plastic, it's probably not a good idea. Silk plants are a smart choice instead. And don't worry... You wouldn't be the first to bring hosiery to the store and do just this, it's not that weird! :)
A: A good trick is to take a pair of pantyhose/ thin* stockings to the place you're looking to buy from. Drag them along the material. Does it snag? Does it tear? If it does, it will rip apart your fish's fins. A good bet is if it's plastic, it's probably not a good idea. Silk plants are a smart choice instead. And don't worry... You wouldn't be the first to bring hosiery to the store and do just this, it's not that weird! :)
Q: How do I properly rinse my new gravel?
A: Regardless of how you actually rinse it, remember that gravel should never be rinsed in hot water. It is not made to withstand intense temperatures and could leech chemicals, color and cloud the tank! Rinse under warm water only. The best way is to have a bucket (a clean one used for nothing but fish water), dump the gravel into it, fill with water and churn it over and over with your hand. Add new water and repeat until no color or cloudiness is present.
* The more unnatural the color of the gravel (as in, anything but natural rock), the higher change of cloudiness and color dusting in the tank.
A: Regardless of how you actually rinse it, remember that gravel should never be rinsed in hot water. It is not made to withstand intense temperatures and could leech chemicals, color and cloud the tank! Rinse under warm water only. The best way is to have a bucket (a clean one used for nothing but fish water), dump the gravel into it, fill with water and churn it over and over with your hand. Add new water and repeat until no color or cloudiness is present.
* The more unnatural the color of the gravel (as in, anything but natural rock), the higher change of cloudiness and color dusting in the tank.
Q: How do I cycle a tank?
A: Please see Cycling for Dummies!
A: Please see Cycling for Dummies!
Q: Do I need a filter or a bubbler for my betta?
A: In short, no you do not. However, a filter, so long as it isn't too strong and won't knock the fish around or rips fins, allows a tank to cycle as well as not need 100% water changes. A bubbler will do little else in a non-planted tank aside from making protein scum build up less.
A: In short, no you do not. However, a filter, so long as it isn't too strong and won't knock the fish around or rips fins, allows a tank to cycle as well as not need 100% water changes. A bubbler will do little else in a non-planted tank aside from making protein scum build up less.
Q: What is an ideal light/bulb for my tank?
A: Here is what I always suggest, even for non-planted tanks: Most bulbs that come with a tank are incandescent (the yellow-y ones). These throw off a yellow light and are poor for plant growth as well as for getting good color from your fish. An easy and cheap solution would be to replace the bulbs in the hood.
Compact Fluorescent bulbs (CFL, the swirly ones) are perfect for getting nice bright light at a low price. Look for ones that are 6500K and DAYLIGHT*! If they don't say daylight, don't get them. They will be soft white, which is ugly and yellow in a tank.
6500K is a good range for plant growth and daylight is sharp, white light perfect for getting nice flashy colors from the fish.
NEVER get a higher wattage bulb than the socket says it can hold. Most are from 10w-15w. If the bulb is too thick for the splash guard of your hood, do not use them! The bulb resting on the hood or the guard will melt it and cause huge issues. Be careful!
A: Here is what I always suggest, even for non-planted tanks: Most bulbs that come with a tank are incandescent (the yellow-y ones). These throw off a yellow light and are poor for plant growth as well as for getting good color from your fish. An easy and cheap solution would be to replace the bulbs in the hood.
Compact Fluorescent bulbs (CFL, the swirly ones) are perfect for getting nice bright light at a low price. Look for ones that are 6500K and DAYLIGHT*! If they don't say daylight, don't get them. They will be soft white, which is ugly and yellow in a tank.
6500K is a good range for plant growth and daylight is sharp, white light perfect for getting nice flashy colors from the fish.
NEVER get a higher wattage bulb than the socket says it can hold. Most are from 10w-15w. If the bulb is too thick for the splash guard of your hood, do not use them! The bulb resting on the hood or the guard will melt it and cause huge issues. Be careful!
Q: My fish is ill, can I treat my tank with salt/Copper-based meds with live plants in there?
A: No! Salt or copper-based meds will kill your plants very quickly! Either treat your fish in a separate container or in a cup floating in the tank. If you remove the plants and treat the fish in the tank, rinse the gravel and filter media well and remove all the water or else it will hurt the plants once they are re-introduced.
A: No! Salt or copper-based meds will kill your plants very quickly! Either treat your fish in a separate container or in a cup floating in the tank. If you remove the plants and treat the fish in the tank, rinse the gravel and filter media well and remove all the water or else it will hurt the plants once they are re-introduced.
Disease FAQ:
Q: Will 'Betta Fix' cure xxx disease?
A: No. Betta fix or Melafix will not 'cure' any disease. It is a medication that helps promote healing but will not actually cure anything plaguing your fish. Please do not use either, as Melafix is harmful to the betta's labyrinth organ. Bettafix is a watered down version of Melafix and is equally harmful.
A: No. Betta fix or Melafix will not 'cure' any disease. It is a medication that helps promote healing but will not actually cure anything plaguing your fish. Please do not use either, as Melafix is harmful to the betta's labyrinth organ. Bettafix is a watered down version of Melafix and is equally harmful.
Q: I don't have any aquarium salt but really need to treat my fish. Can I use table salt?
A: You might be able to, yes. Please use NON-IODIZED/Non-Caking salt only. If you are unsure, do not use it. If the box doesn't say, don't use it. Using iodized salt is extremely harmful.
A: You might be able to, yes. Please use NON-IODIZED/Non-Caking salt only. If you are unsure, do not use it. If the box doesn't say, don't use it. Using iodized salt is extremely harmful.
Q: Is there a difference between Aquarium and Epsom salt?
A: Very much so! Aquarium salt is sodium chloride and epsom is magnesium sulfate. They do very different things: Aquarium salt helps de-stress and kill come parasites and bacteria through osmosis and epsom helps relieve bloating and constipation, just as it does in humans. The two are not interchangeable in use!
A: Very much so! Aquarium salt is sodium chloride and epsom is magnesium sulfate. They do very different things: Aquarium salt helps de-stress and kill come parasites and bacteria through osmosis and epsom helps relieve bloating and constipation, just as it does in humans. The two are not interchangeable in use!
Q: I need to treat my betta fish/other fish in my community tank with (medicine/salt), do I have to remove the other fish?
A: YES! Yes! You HAVE to! Unless all members of the tank are infected you need to remove the ill fish, treat it separately and monitor your other fish. You also must be mindful that some fish like catfish, snails and tetras can't handle certain meds as well as salt. Copper meds can kill your plants and your snails, too.
A: YES! Yes! You HAVE to! Unless all members of the tank are infected you need to remove the ill fish, treat it separately and monitor your other fish. You also must be mindful that some fish like catfish, snails and tetras can't handle certain meds as well as salt. Copper meds can kill your plants and your snails, too.