Loaches Online Forum

Okay, so not done done...the cycling isn't finished, but I am thinking about getting Dr. Tim's one and only (used to be called bio spira) to speed things along. But the plants and decor are all finished being set up! http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9997/dscf2633bp.jpg http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/d...

:Sigh: I think I am going to start over with the water. The nitrites are high- somewhere between 5 and 10, and the nitrates are starting to climb. I can't seem to put enough ammonia in to get it up to 3ppm. If I want to "steal" bacteria from another tank, how long should I keep a filter cartridge in...

I have had my tank set up for a couple of weeks now, and I swear the nitrate and nitrite levels are getting higher and higher. Should I keep doing water changes? Do I need to have a couple of fish in the tank to complete the cycling process? Another thing, what are good dither fish for kuhli loaches...

So far I have found doing frequent water changes with distilled water has really done the trick. Just keep doing tests until it is where you want.

(In other words, I took Diana's advice before and it worked)

All I have are the quick dip strips. Here are the results:

Nitrate: 0
Nitrite: 0
GH: 300 ppm (yikes!)
Chlorine: 0
KH: 300ppm (I know this is why it is hard to change ph)
pH: 8.4

There is a clown at a store in gainesville that is 6 inches or more going for ...$50 I think.

First off, let me say that I am new to the world of responsible fish ownership. My family has always kind of thrown fish into the tank and hoped for the best. Therefore, you're going to have to be a bit patient with my lack of knowledge even for the beginner stuff. I have a 20gal L (longer than norm...

They're so cute! How many are there? Are they all the natural color or are some golden? I remembered you wondering about the mixed parentage and genetic traits being passed on.

Is it possible to get more updates and pictures of this story? It would be nice to watch them develop.

I'm a little confused. While a skinny fish is not the most healthy fish, can you not successfully fatten them up once you bring them home, or are they more prone to dying because they are thin?

I think that may be it. They don't have that weird bump before their tail, but that may be because they are still so small. Thanks!

This is as good as it is going to get...I'm not the best of photographers.
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7951/dscf2589.jpg

Still trying to get a close up full body shot, but as soon as you get near the tank, they teleport under the centerpiece.

Headshot:
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8185/dscf2582y.jpg

edit of last shot:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/6113/closeupr.jpg

I will try to get a better picture, but they are terribly shy. I don't think they are of the half moon body type. They have a longer body with a split tail. Their eyes are not directly on either side of their heads, but kind of on the top/sides. They don't burrow, but they are a bit territorial towa...

The pet store identified him as a zebra loach, but looking at pictures of zebra loaches, it is plain to see that this one is NOT a zebra. I couldn't find a picture in the species index that fit him exactly.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/1925/dscf2579h.jpg