Ok, back in the mid to late 90's I had a 75 Gal tank (the same one I have now) and I went out and brought 4 Red Bellies and some pellets. I went home and threw them in a 10 Gal tank that I had just filled up. I tossed them in and two had got stuck in the net while trying to free them I got bit twice (they were less than a quarter in size). I tried feeding them pellets and it was a no go. I toss some feeders in and they are tearing them up. After a while I buy the 75 Gal tank I fill it up set the temp at 78 Deg and toss them in Life is good for them or so I thought.
I had my red bellies for over 7 years till I woke up one day and they were all dead.
During the time I had them all I ever did was use slime coat and salt, I did do weekly water changes and vacuum and I would check the PH and sometimes ammonia. I used the PH buffer 6.5 Powder. Every week I cleaned the filters and the bio sponges.
All they ever ate were minnows and gold fish, I was lucky that I only had ich once and some kind of body fungus for a short time. I had the war wounds once in a while and heater burns but that was it. My Fish grew to about 8 Inch and got very thick. My fish would never allow another fish in there tank they killed everything and fast.
Fast forward to now and I have done a lot of research and learned about this thing called cycling and testing the water for more than PH. I have learned about proper cleaning of the tanks and about stable PH. I have also learned about diet. SO I once again have 4 Red Bellies and a bunch of other fish at this point in the tank. My water parameters are right where they should be (PH is a little hi but steady) and my fish get a varied diet of foods that are good for them.
I feel bad for my old guys because I did care for them and thought I was doing right hey the guy at the store told me what to do he must know. I hope I give these new ones a better life.
A lot of my knowledge comes from you guys so thanks.
I had my red bellies for over 7 years till I woke up one day and they were all dead.
During the time I had them all I ever did was use slime coat and salt, I did do weekly water changes and vacuum and I would check the PH and sometimes ammonia. I used the PH buffer 6.5 Powder. Every week I cleaned the filters and the bio sponges.
All they ever ate were minnows and gold fish, I was lucky that I only had ich once and some kind of body fungus for a short time. I had the war wounds once in a while and heater burns but that was it. My Fish grew to about 8 Inch and got very thick. My fish would never allow another fish in there tank they killed everything and fast.
Fast forward to now and I have done a lot of research and learned about this thing called cycling and testing the water for more than PH. I have learned about proper cleaning of the tanks and about stable PH. I have also learned about diet. SO I once again have 4 Red Bellies and a bunch of other fish at this point in the tank. My water parameters are right where they should be (PH is a little hi but steady) and my fish get a varied diet of foods that are good for them.
I feel bad for my old guys because I did care for them and thought I was doing right hey the guy at the store told me what to do he must know. I hope I give these new ones a better life.
A lot of my knowledge comes from you guys so thanks.
Stupid Oklahoma laws...but pacus...they are ok!
