So Why Do the Blackmoors keep Dying?

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Can't figure it.

We're starting a new tank (5 gal) and have tried to get things going. The bubble-cheek goldie is doing fine, but both blackmoors died -- even though the 2nd one was healthier and the tank a week old by that point. The bubble is the only original survivor. Round 2 we also added a pleco, and its doing okay as far as I can tell.

So why don't the Blackmoors make it? They're supposed to be compatible with the bubble-cheecks?

[Sasaki Kojiro]

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I'm believe Seamus is talking about fancy fish. I must admit, I did a double take when I saw the thread title-I was anticipating having to move a thread about the differences in death rates between racial groups to the backroom.

[CountArach]

Hmmm... interesting choice of title Seamus...

[AntiochusIII]

I'm believe Seamus is talking about fancy fish. I must admit, I did a double take when I saw the thread title-I was anticipating having to move a thread about the differences in death rates between racial groups to the backroom.

I interpreted the title differently. I was about to come in here and give my input about why the blacks keep dying in Hollywood horror movies...

I still don't know what it's all about, though.

[Banquo's Ghost]

I still don't know what it's all about, though.

Definitely fish.

Seamus is setting up a new cold-water aquarium and one type of fish (still apparently going by the non-PC name of Black Moor) seems to be croaking whilst the remarkably ugly goldfish (the bubble-cheek) is doing well.

Seems like a water quality problem Seamus. The strain of fish you are buying may be unusually sensitive to your water. Maybe introduce the Black Moors in several week's time when the tank has stabilised?

However, BMs do have a reputation for dying for no reason, IIRC.

[R'as al Ghul]

Do fish show character?

[Oaty]

They are dying of ammonia poisoning 5 gallons is too smal for 1 goldfish. Most plecos grow over a foot long. If it's not the ammonia it's the oxygen content. If it's not that it's the poor water quality of an overcrowded tank wich in your case the water should be changed everyday.

Do a search on aquatic care to learn about the chemical ecosystem of an aquarium.

Also if you want to control the algea get a rubbernose pleco or bristnose pleco, they don't grow too big about 5 inches. You need 20 gallons for every goldfish.

Goldfish bowls are bad marketing, because they can't effectively support a goldfish. The idea is to have the customer buy a new goldfish every 3 months when in reality they should live over 5 years.

Also for the goldfish to have proper supply of oxygen the temparature needs to be close 70 or cooler. The colder the water the more oxygen it can hold, The filtration only puts oxygen in the water, it's the temparature that determines how much oxygen it holds for the most part. Your filter can only oversaturate it with oxygen to a degree.

[Pannonian]

I preferred the original title, which was naughty and intended to give the moderators a heart attack. Someone should start a thread on the New Zealand rugby team, titled "All Blacks Are Scary".

[Seamus Fermanagh]

They are dying of ammonia poisoning 5 gallons is too smal for 1 goldfish. Most plecos grow over a foot long. If it's not the ammonia it's the oxygen content. If it's not that it's the poor water quality of an overcrowded tank wich in your case the water should be changed everyday.

Do a search on aquatic care to learn about the chemical ecosystem of an aquarium.

Also if you want to control the algea get a rubbernose pleco or bristnose pleco, they don't grow too big about 5 inches. You need 20 gallons for every goldfish.

Goldfish bowls are bad marketing, because they can't effectively support a goldfish. The idea is to have the customer buy a new goldfish every 3 months when in reality they should live over 5 years.

Also for the goldfish to have proper supply of oxygen the temparature needs to be close 70 or cooler. The colder the water the more oxygen it can hold, The filtration only puts oxygen in the water, it's the temparature that determines how much oxygen it holds for the most part. Your filter can only oversaturate it with oxygen to a degree.

Well, the goldfish is only 1.5", so at 30"sq surface area per inch of fish, I have O2 for about 4.5" of Goldfish. Basically fine for now (according to the websites I'd read), though I realize that growth might require a new tank in the fairly close future. Different thoughts here?

I know that my tank is early in its development. At Day 9 I realize that the ammonia to nitrite to nitrate bacterial cycle is only partially established. I'm fairly sure that we were way too ambitious with the first batch of fish (4" cumulative of goldies at outset).

The second batch of fish (intro day 6) includes a Dwarf Pleco (supposedly maxes at 3"). The silly thing spends much of its time in the filter housing (not blocking the impeller or anything), but seems to be doing well with the nascent algae at the back and sides of the tank.

Water quality good -- one filter change and one partial water change/vacuuming at day 7 -- planning on weekly with the latter and every 3-4 weeks with the former (Tetra product rec's).

Didn't know about the temp thing. The house stays at about 72F, so I might be a little shorter on O2 than the base calc would indicate.

Yeah, I read about the bowls = slow death thing. Seems their best use is as a temp holder while you're doing major tank overhauls.

[Alexander the Pretty Good]

I thought it said something about the Backroomers and I... I panicked.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

I thought it said something about the Backroomers and I... I panicked.

SO...you are admitting to murdering my fish?

Vote: Alexander

[Alexander the Pretty Good]

Oh noes! It was Sasaki's idea!