Re: Need a few suggestions

[Wright Huntley <jwwiii at pacbell_net>]

alsup at localnet_com wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I need some help. I have 8 Fp. Cinnamomeus young in a 10 gal. tank, bare except 
> for some Java moss. I've got a lighted hood with a Penn-plex Aquari-lux 15 watt 
> bulb. If I leave this light turned on, the fish almost panic trying to hide in 
> the moss. Yet without the light, the moss has not been doing well. The fish are 
> about 1 inch to 1.25 inch long at this point.
>  
> Questions:
> 
> 1. Is this way too much light? Should I get some surface plants to cut down on 
> the light getting to the bottom? If so, what plants would you suggest? Should I 
> leave the light on more and hope the fish acclimate to it? It kinda defeats the 
> purpose of keeping killies if they can't be seen!

It is not too much light, IMHO. Give them some time to get used to it. 
Feed at lights on, but do have room lights on, first, so the added 
brightness is less shock.

This problem varies with species. With really shy ones, like *celiae* it 
may be worth while to have some gregarious dither fish, like guppies, 
Endlers, or Zebra Danios to convince them that swimming around is safe. 
Use White Clouds with the cooler-water killies.

>  
> 2. So far, I have been feeding frozen BS and BBS. Should I switch to another 
> food, leaving out the BBS? If so what would you suggest?

I'd try for some daphnia, mosquito larvae, or other swimming live foods. 
Mops, rocks and other structure in the tank also helps. Almost seems that 
the more hiding places the less they feel a need to hide.

I agree that killies need a fair amount of light so photosynthesis cleans 
the water and they can be seen. Getting the more shy species out is just 
another fishkeeper challenge, I think.

Wright

-- 
Wright Huntley -- 209 521-0557 -- 731 Loletta Ave, Modesto CA 95351

       "The problem with the French is that they don't
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