Tank Mates and Numbers

When I first started out, I thought I knew what I was doing, but later found out I was wrong. I was bashed by many other forums when I told them that I had a 10g with four black skirt tetras - I immediately took action and upgraded their tank and their group size, however, I did not return to their sites.

I then found some helpful, caring, and patient folks (on the original CAC) who gave me advice and did not 'bash' me. Many of the members from this site have moved here, and we have a growing number of members who fit the same characteristic caring and understanding style.  If people are searching online for answers, then they care...period.

So, I now know that black skirt tetras do better with a bigger group and a bigger tank...we have 14 black skirts who share a 55g all to themselves (i.e. no other fish in there!!), and I will admit, I could not believe the change in positive behaviour when we moved them and increased their group!  We have enjoyed keeping these babies for over a year and a half now, and we have several other babies in other tanks! Not saying that you have to have a species only tank.....we have several other tanks now that are mixed species!

I wanted to encourage people to ask questions about their fish: i.e numbers, type, tank, etc. as this is what this forum is for - many people start out like me....feeling like they might know what they are doing, only to realize that there is a little more to learn. And, the learning part is the best adventure!!

So, any newbies out there - feel free to ask away...we will not 'bite'   

I think this is a great thread Shell. Never fear, and ask away.

Yes please do, ask away,

As we all know I don't have a clue, but I can steer you in the direction of someone who does.

Steve

I think this is a great invitation to ask. Everyone has had some sort of trouble at one time or another, even the most experienced and best informed. Keeping fish and aquariums is an art, not a science. We "practice" aquarium keeping and each day is a new adventure. With every tank setup, fish, invert and environment there are so many variables.

What I like about Canadaquaria is that you can make mistakes; we often see the most veteran aquarists with some pretty major issues (tank wise). The other side of the equation is mutual respect. Everyone brings value and insight into the conversation. Obviously, the glue is a core group of people who care (as Shell elegantly put it) and foster a welcoming environment.

So "go ahead" and post your setup; number of fish, tank size and equipment. Every post is insight and an open discussion.

  Heck, we even let Koi keepers be on par with livebearer snobs.