Big Cat, brackish goby 9/30/05
Sorry to bother you again <no problem> ,but would a Red-Tailed Catfish be a good tankmate for a Violet Goby. I know that a Red-Tailed Catfish gets big and I am prepared for that, but I  have been keeping my Violet Goby in brackish water, I put in one teaspoon per gallon. Right now I have a 20 gallon, but in a week I am getting a 55 gallon. Thanks again for the help.  <As your situation stands you cannot adequately house a redtail catfish.  This fish grows to over three feet and rapidly outgrow a 50g, you need at least a 240g tank and he will outgrow this as well.  The redtail cat is also a strictly freshwater species, it will not acclimate to the conditions you are keeping your goby in.  I do not suggest this combination of fish.  Good luck, Heather-LinearChaos>

Guppies and Corys  9/25/05
I am setting up a new freshwater tank (36 gal) and am interested in keeping guppies and Cory cats. I've noticed on this site that a lot of people seem to have this combination. I am actually moving the guppies from a smaller tank due to reproduction. Will the guppy fry be safe in the same tank with the Cory cats or would they turn into a meal? I do have breeding grass for them to hide in which has helped them survive with the adult guppies.
<Should do fine together, if a guppy fry is on the bottom of the tank and slow enough to get eaten by a Cory then there was probably something wrong with it anyway.  Corys aren't much for hunting fish and keep to themselves, as long as you provide some hiding places for the fry they should be fine.  Gage>

Restocking, Learning - 08/25/2005
Hi WWM Crew,
<Hi, Wayne!  Sabrina with you today.>
I've been emailing you a lot lately; sorry for the inconvenience because the problems I've had seemed petty.  
<No worries.>
I thought Corys would be fine living with goldfish and mine have been doing pretty well.  But I was just informed I shouldn't keep them together because of the different temperatures they live in?  
<Quite true.>
Anyways, I'm set on just keeping them separate, maybe giving my biggest goldfish (about 2.5 inches) to a petstore, and restocking my tank with the peppered Corys with fish that are compatible.
<Sounds like a plan!>
I have 4 peppered Corys in a 10 gallon tank so far. I think 1 female and 3 males because one is significantly larger than the other 3.
<Actually, a good ratio, if you wish to breed.>
They've been chasing her around during these past few days. She (if it's a female) looks like she's trying to swim away from them. Seems like they want to mate with her. Is it stressful to her to be the only female in the tank?
<Not really....  Provided, of course, that there is plenty of cover for her to hide.>
I want to add maybe 2 more Corys to the school nonetheless. Would that be too much for my tank?  
<Pushing it, but they'll be fine.  Corys are VERY social animals.>
I've also read some stuff on freshwater livestock and compatibilities saying Tetras (Neons, Cardinals, Black Skirts, Bloodfins, False Rummynose, and Penguins), Platies, Loaches, and White Cloud Minnows? are good for a community tank.
<I would skip white clouds, as they are actually a more temperate fish....  prefer cooler water.>
I don't want any more bottom feeders or fish that like to hang out on the bottom.
<Skip the loaches, then.>
I'd prefer fish that stay in the middle of the tank or the top. Also after reading about size and water quantity, how big will tetras, platies, and loaches grow?
<Much variance for tetras....  depending upon species, less than an inch to over a foot!  Just research the species you like.  Platies, roughly 2".  Loaches, again, much variance....  from a couple inches to over a foot.  Again, research....>
Do they live in the same water conditions as my current Corys?
<All but the platies, yes, but even the platies will thrive with you.>
Are there any other types of fish I can think about putting in the tank other than the ones I listed?
<Uhh....  how big is this tank going to be??>
I also don't know how many of those fish I can add along with let's say 6 peppered Corys already in the tank.
<As above....  I don't know the tank size (I do recall corresponding with you before, but we go through soooooo many emails daily....  Can't remember every detail!  Mostly, be sure not to go overboard on stocking.  It's always better to have too little than too much bioload.>
I don't want to have an overstocking problem like I did with the goldfish.
<Ahhhh, very good!>
Thank you so much and you guys have been very helpful!
<Glad to be of service.>
I'm starting to understand more about fish care and also gaining much needed knowledge for future the well being of any future fish!
<That, my friend, is why we are here.  Thank you very much.>
Wayne
<Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Restocking, Learning - II - 08/26/2005
Hi Sabrina,
<Hi, Wayne!>
Thanks for replying! I have a 10 gallon tank. I think it has completed it's cycling phase, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, and nitrate looks like 20ppm maybe slightly more.
<Best to get the nitrate down some with water changes - but otherwise, great.>
I have a bubble wall and an action pirate ship bubbler.
<No other cover?  I'd recommend adding more stuff for the Corys (and future fish) to help them feel secure and be able to "get away" from one another.  Plants (plastic or live, low-light plants), rock, even very clean, new terra cotta plant pots.>
My filter is a hang on back Whisper 20 Power Filter and my tank temperature (and also room temp) is 78 - 82 degrees. When it starts to get colder I'll drop the heater in.
<Perfect.>
I have the 4 peppered Corys already in that tank and was just wondering how many fish (Corys, neons probably, or platies unless there are other types that will thrive comfortable even after they are fully grown)
<I'd go for platies, honestly.  They are MUCH more entertaining - and durable - than neons.  Neons can be very, very delicate and sensitive to any changes in water quality.  Platies are VERY forgiving, especially in regards to pH, hardness, and nitrate.  Plus, they come in SO many great colors/patterns.>
Are panda Corys more delicate than peppered Corys because
<Not really.>
I love the way they look.
<Me, too.>
If they are too delicate, I would probably skip buying them and just add 1 or 2 more peppered Corys.
<Well, platies are schoolers and like to be in hoards of their own species (literally, can find them in schools of hundreds, maybe thousands, in the wild!), but they'll play well with other species, too.  Pandas are my favorite, as well.  You could mix these two.>
I visited Petco today and if neons would do well in my 10 gallon tank I saw some neat tetras that were an inch or less in length. The only probably is that they school and I'll have to get at least 5? (read somewhere odd numbers were best) for them to feel comfortable?
<Mm, the odd number thing is bologna - it's just important to have them in a school of several.  Again, I'd do platies instead of tetras, here; if you're totally bent on having neons, yeah, no less than five.>
I would like to add some color (blue, red, orange, etc) to my tank that are not bottom dwellers.
<Yup, you want platies!  Err, at least, they satisfy your color desires :)  A trio of platies and your small group of Corys would do well in this tank, provided you keep water quality in check.>
Lost interest in goldfish because of how messy they are.
<Ahh, dig a pond!  You'll get interested again right away.  Goldfish are AWESOME, given the proper environment.  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Restocking - III? IV? - 08/30/2005
Hi WWM Crew,
<Hi, Wayne!  Ya got me again!>
Sabrina answered my last couple of emails about restocking my tank and I didn't give a complete description of what's in my tank (sorry).
<No worries.>
My Tank: 10 gallon AquaClear All Glass Tank
Light Hood
Whisper 20 Power Filter w/ biofoam (this black foam
that slips in front of the filter cartridge)
Whisper 10 - 30 air pump
A bubble wall
An action pirate ship bubbler
10 plastic plants of different kinds (small - medium)
Small fake log with silk plants attached
Small Easter Island Statue
Small natural color shallow creek pebbles (I think)
<Sounds like plenty of great cover for the Corys to feel safe.>
I currently have 4 Corydoras paleatus, 3 males about 1 inch long and a femal about 1.5 inches long, look like they are doing great. I had 2 of them for a couple of months now and the other 2 for a month or 2. My tank has a regular temperature of 78 to 82 degrees and when winter time rolls around I'll drop a heater in to maintain a steady temp. The ammonia is 0, nitrite is 0, and nitrate is rising but I am doing water changes to keep it down around 20ppm.  
<Try to get this lower - otherwise it sounds awesome so far.>
Now I would like to start adding more fish to the mix. From reading/receiving information from your site, I've narrowed my choices down to a couple fish I would like to add to my tank. I definitely want to add a couple more Corys, either panda Corys or peppered Corys, to my 4 peppered Corys.
<Either would be fine, I think.>
For tetras, I like Black Phantoms, Flame, Glowlites, Lemon, and Pristella and for rasboras, I like the Harlequin and Scissortail.  If I were to get panda Corys, how many would I need to get for it to feel comfortable around my peppered Corys. I'm afraid one panda Cory wouldn't school with the other peppered Corys.
<Agreed; your best bet is to stick with peppered Corys, and plan some day in the future to go with a larger tank and do a same- or similarly-sized school of pandas.>
As for the tetras and rasboras, how many could I get so as not to overstock my 10 gallon tank. I learned the hard way before with an overstock of goldfish.
<So many people do!  Don't feel alone in this!>
I know tetras and rasboras like to be kept in a school of 5 or more.
<If at all possible, yes.>
Is it possible for me to get at least 2 different types of fish without overstocking my tank? I am thinking of around 5 - 7 Corys total and 2 different schools of tetras and/or rasboras with 5 or more in each school.
<I would go with the 5-7 Corys and one type of tetra or rasbora....  And just five of those.  A 10g tank just isn't forgiving on water quality once you begin to reach the stocking limits.  And again, if possible, consider a larger tank in the future....  some time down the road....  to have more options.>
If you have any other combinations and amounts of the types of fish I could keep I would really appreciate it!
<Just as above - pick your favorite of your list (possibly omitting the pristellas for their pretty harsh aggression) and go with five or six of those.  Then in the future, when you're addicted and go up to a 29g or 55g tank, well....  the possibilities are nearly endless!>
Thanks again WWM Crew!
<And thanks for being such a great, conscientious fishkeeper.>
Wayne
<Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Midnight massacre - help!
This last week I have been losing my albino Longfin and zebra Danios during the night. In the daytime these mainly occupy the top layers of my aquarium, but ay night sleep in the cover of numerous plants and rocks. Each morning I find their numbers diminished and some with their tails completely chewed off and bloodied stumps. There is no indication of the culprit during the daylight hours, but I am wondering if my golden algae eaters are to blame as they seem very protective of their personal space.
My tank:           300ltr  (80gal) with mix of artificial and live plantings
Temp:              21oC      (70o F)  as I have a mix of goldfish and semi-tropicals
PH:                  7.0 - 7.1
Ammonia:        0 ppm
Fish:                Comets, Shubunkins, Calico Ryukins, Fantails
                      Buenos Aires Tetras, Black Widow Tetras, Bitterlings
                        Golden Algae Eaters, Chinese Algae Eaters
                        Peppered Catfish, Tandanus Catfish
                        Albino Longfin Danios, Zebra Danios
I have suspected the Tandanus Catfish, but there is only one, a juvenile, no larger than the Danios.
Until now, these fish have been socializing quite happily since installing this tank about three months ago. Can anyone enlighten me please?
< My money is on the Buenos Aires tetras. These tetras are quite active and have appetites to match. I suspect they are out looking for a little midnight snack and find these albino Danios easy to find in the dark and easy to catch when they are asleep. As these tetras grew larger they have found that they can now eat at least part of these Danios when they catch them.-Chuck>

Re: Massacre
Thanks for your input Chuck. With your advice in mind, I removed the four
Buenos Aires tetras to my emergency "hospital" tank, but the carnage
continued. Last night I did some torchlight surveillance and located the
culprit. It was indeed the Tandanus catfish! Even tho he was only slightly
larger than his prey, he sure could open wide! Have found out that this
breed can grow ENORMOUS, so as he is a native of Australia, he has been
removed to one of the dams on my property. Peace now reigns. Thank you once
again.
< Australian fishes are rarely found outside there native country and so are very rare in the aquarium hobby or in the aquarium literature. You bring out a good point in that aquarists should research proposed tank mates prior to introducing them into their aquarium.-Chuck>
Lois

Catfish L 18 and L 46
Hello, my name is Carol. I have a few questions about setting up a new tank. I was hoping to set up a tank so I could have a few catfish. The two catfish I really like are Gold Nuggets and Zebra Plecos.  I was hoping I could have both types in the same tank.  I understand Gold Nuggets are algae eaters and Zebra Plecos are meat eaters; both liking warm, high oxygenated, high filtered, flowing water. I was also hoping to include Fancy guppies (knowing that both catfish like peaceful tanks).
<I would think that if the tank is large enough you should be fine. Plecos can become extremely territorial though so the tank does need to be large and do keep an eye on them.>
(I have two other tanks...60 gal. with 3 Piranhas and a 60 gal with a mix...6 rummy nose tetras, 6 cardinals, 1 clown loach, 3 skunk Botias, Bala shark and a pictus. I have had both tanks 2 years now.)
<Sounds like you are having fun!>
I have looked for both types of fish in local fish stores...sales person didn't seem to know much about either fish and wanted $45.00 for the gold nugget (about 2"),and $95.00 for the zebra (about 2").
Ok to my questions: can the two types co-habitate
<Most likely, see above>
What size tank is needed (was told a 10 gal would be ok)
<I think this is going to be way too small. Most Plecos can easy reach sizes near 1 ½ feet and although it generally takes a while I’ve seen them reach this length in less than a year. Start with at *least* a 29 gallon, larger would be better.>
Do you know where I could get the fish for a reasonable price?
<This I can’t help with. I’ve seen some dealers who carry them but that was a while ago and I don’t remember prices. I also can’t personally recommend them since I’ve never dealt with them myself. Sorry!>
Thank you for your time.
<Glad to be of assistance.>

Ghost or Glass Catfish and midget clown loach
I had a Ghost Catfish and it died this morning it was perfectly fine except
some of its tail was bit of by my Firemouth cichlid....
<Oh oh... these two fishes are not compatible... the Firemouth (and most cichlids) are way too mean to house with an easygoing species like Ghost Glass Cats>
The water conditions
are fine and I didn't see any visual problems with the fish. just wondering
what could have happened. It wasn't to old either it was only like 2 inches
long. 
<I suspect that the initial trauma and "dark of the night" was too much for your catfish... Look for more "armored" species of catfishes, like the Suckermouth Catfishes. Please see here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/loricariids.htm>
Also I have a baby clown loach ( doing fine) but when I got him hw was
only like an inch long and he really hasn't grown much at all probably have
had him for 4 months now. 
<Mmm, loaches are slow growers, but they also need plenty of "high quality" food... Are you making sure yours is getting enough protein in its diet? You might want to look into sinking pellets of sorts here>
I had to treat him for ich right when I got him
could the medication have effected his growth (used a malachite green based
medication.
<You're right. Good input, observation. It definitely could have done so.>
Thanks for your help bye
<Keep studying. Bob Fenner>

Columbian shark (catfish) 
Hi, Would you be able to tell me if the Columbian Shark (Arius Seemani ) will do ok with Oscars and Severums? 
<not recommended... quite an unnatural and unfair mix>
I know the salinity of the water might be an issue. 
<a big issue... plus we are dealing with acidic loving versus alkaline loving differences here. One of the two will suffer in time if the salinity isn't a problem first>
How best would you recommend dealing with the salinity?
<keep them separate and raise the sharks in increasing brackish water over time>
Would it be better for the Cichlids if I kept it lower than what is optimal for the catfish? Will the Columbian Shark do ok at a lower salinity, or can I raise it enough with harming the Cichlids? If so what would be a good level of salinity for all of them to do ok?
<I simply wouldn't mix them... but must admit that the cichlids can take more salt than the shark can do without>
Thanks in advance, Adam
<best regards, Anthony>

Re: Columbian shark (catfish)
Hi, Thanks for the information. My understanding is that these catfish like freshwater when they are young.  Is that correct? 
<correct>
At what age ( size ) do you recommend making the transition from fresh to brackish and then
to full saltwater ?
<it should be a gradual process...ever-increasing and co-ordinated with a hydrometer. There is no hard rule about when to be at full seawater if ever. In fact, I do not believe that they need full seawater and can be held nicely in heavy brackish water as adults. As such... I would advise the coordination of a monthly increase in salinity with a hydrometer to climb to heavy brackish by 2 years old>
Thanks, Adam
<best regards, Anthony>

Re: Columbian shark (catfish)
Hi, Do you think a Jaguar catfish ( Liosomadoras oncinus ) would make a good tankmate for Oscars and Severums. If so, what should I look out for and be careful of (i.e. temperament, water chemistry compatibility,...stuff like that ) ? Thanks, Adam
<There are many hardy catfish that are likely to fare well with Oscars however I would recommend bony plated species with cichlids more so in case aggression should arise. Pimelodelid cats are also aggressive and hardy but for their soft bodies they can suffer terribly with scrappy Oscars. Look more toward Hoplos and Plecos. Anthony>

Huge catfish=pissed wife
Thanks for the fast response - The web site referred by you is great, eyes
sore from so much screen info-
going to buy some books before I lose my vision. Once again thanks. Huge
catfish = pissed wife
<Maybe start with a juvenile huge catfish and she won't notice as it gets so big? Bob Fenner>

Mystus mix with Molly O.K. ??
Your web site has created a semi-Aquarius tech in my wife's eyes. That
allowed me to spend more on the species of fish for a 20 gallon fresh water tank. The only problem is that I have Pot Belly Molly's (6) - Zebra Danios (10) - and I just brought and addition, two Mystus (spotted) catfish. I confused them for the Cory Catfish which were good for a mixture within my tank. 
<not a perfect match though as most Corys do not favor brackish water ideally. Most are just hardy enough to tolerate it>
Being that I add salt to my tank weekly (4 teaspoons non-iodized),
would this affect my catfish in terms of ph in the tank ?? 
<it will not affect the pH but it may irritate the catfish in time. A little salt in the water is most always recommended though for the greater good of the tank>
My tank's biological filtering is good, the nitrate/ammonia/and ph level's are set ok for my prior fish set-up. I have a whisper 3 stage filter/undergravel filter. Please help since I am really getting attached to my catfish. 
<hmmm... some Mystus can get large if not huge (your mollies might get eaten whole by year's end)... you may need a bigger tank for them anyways. Do check out fishbase.org for specs on more than a dozen Mystus species to find yours>
Thanks. P.S. I have searched other web sites including yours but have not found any reference of a set up mentioned above or anything in general about my Mystus catfish mixed with my first fish or any other fish. Thanks again.
<best regards, Anthony>