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@CalmedByFish I've seen that too in birds- especially the smaller species. It's been in the 100s here, drought going on and so food and water is likely a lot more sparse now so I'm feeding more than usual. I've always thrown seed for my ground feeders and kept a couple of bird baths (one low one high). The smaller the bird the higher the numbers- my House Sparrows come in groups of 10-30 and they do talk to each other and keep an eye out- and if one flies in a panic nearly the WHOLE group does. Then the Mourning Doves while I have fed as many as 20+ at a time there is consistently 4-6 right now they come when the Sparrows come or even when the Scrub Jays do. I've actually grown to really respect the Scrubs- they will alert EVERYONE when danger is near or when it's clear to come in and eat- I have even learned which call it is- and will come to help if it's the alert song- and see if I can scoot away the neighbor's cat or once I rescued a juvenile who'd hit the window- the parents and extended family were very upset, put him back in the tree and once I went inside they settled down after a few minutes.

@KenI've wanted one for so long but I'm patiently waiting for my QT tank to be free..... ...it's truly hard to be patient and do things the right way.

@KenI think I remember Cory mentioning keeping them in a goldfish tank in a video, and they prefered that over the super hot tanks he also kept them in. But since I've never had experience I was hesitant too. It was however suggested to me by a LFS one time when they found out I didn't use a heater- again though- my tanks never get into the 60s.

I would think Hillstream loaches would do pretty good in cold water tanks too

Hi there! Tanks are beautiful. It's pretty cool how this forum gets together to solve mysteries so whenever you're ready post the tank/parameters and problem and you'll see answers of all kinds. Your tanks are very pretty though. 🙂

@gardenmanand some of those retail stores are stupid cold.

@Streetwise my tanks actually run warmer in winter than summer, which is why I suspect my Otos spawned because they haven't so far since.

@CalmedByFishI've routinely kept Bettas in tanks without heaters. Granted I've never had one live 3 years but I don't know anybody yet really that has. My temps I think are not regular though because I like my house a bit warmer but my tanks never go below 73.

I can attest to the fact that Nerites are amazing algae eaters, better than my Otos or Mystery snails

@Guppysnail I've had a solo albino cory in my lifetime as well.

True about the $, kind of like you have to have a heater.

@GuppysnailAHHH, totally get it, this is true.

What I've noticed my Harlequins are ALWAYS in formation, even point the same direction. The Black Neons only school up when I approach the tank, otherwise they kinda do their own thing.

@Guppysnail why'd you give up the schoolers?

@Guppysnail the boy/girl logic is a MAYBE especially when there are tried and true breeding practices with fish that have distinctive male/female markings- but plenty of us, myself included have fish that's not so easy to tell- especially when they're smaller. I have 10 Harlequins and 10 Black Neons, countless Otos. I can't tell boys from girls for the most part- only guess.

@KentFishFanUK I agree with your thoughts on this and have never seen anything specific about WHY this is usually a minimum number. It might be when there is significant change in fish behavior. I've noticed though- that's a place TO START. For example, my black neons, when they dwindled their numbers down to 6 from 10 they acted more skittish. When I brought them back up to 10 they acted more confident- but I would bet if I got 5-10 more they would be even better (if only my tank size would accomodate). My Otos- in my parent tank I have about 10-14 (I don't see them often to do a proper count- they come out at night) they do all hang out mostly together but funnily enough they don't shoal nearly as much as the 60 I have being raised in my grow out tank.

They should be absolutely fine as long as it's clean from any sickies that were in there last- they can be in there for a few hours while you change the tank over and be good. 🙂 My quarantine was only a few gallons and held my 10 neons for at least 2.

Definitely take the fish out with tank water into a bucket or clean quarantine tank- changing substrate can take some time. I've redone my 20 gallon before and it took a good couple of hours or so. My Neons sat in my quarantine tank with an airstone comfortably with tank water until I was done. You never know if you'll need to let the water settle with detrius or you need some rearranging done and you don't want to have to worry about the fish.

Hi @Lauren A Thanks, it's been fun to interact with her more than I've ever been able to with other fish- she just really seems to enjoy it. Today after feediing I played with her, finger in the tank, she likes to dance around and lets me touch her- no fear. She constantly seems to want my attention. I've been considering a bigger tank than her current 3 gallon which wouldn't hold much as far as companions. While small it is totally stable and safe- temps are perfect without a heater- if she were any other betta I've had I'd leave her there- but because she's SO interactive I'm thinking about getting a bigger tank. I have some bladder snails (which I think she eats the eggs and possibly the smaller babies which is good- population control) and added a small Nerite ("Curlyque") a couple weeks ago- she's interested but I think she's not harmed the snail as far as I can tell she's (the snail leaves eggs everywhere aka "twinkle lights" in my house everywhere) intact and still cleaning the tank. I wouldn't add a mystery snail to a betta tank, because like you, I had a betta that was FAR too interested in the antennae thankfully I was able to stop any attacks. I feed my girl now far too many worms so I will have to continue that policy. My only concern in getting a bigger tank is that BECAUSE she has 0 fear and approaches the front of the tank and her food confidently (some could say aggressively) that she might not play well with other fish. If I go with this plan, I have my baby Otos still so I will put some of those in first, hopefully she'll react positively- I may even add a couple/few to the 3 gallon and see her reaction. Then if all goes well I'd get a few mid water dwellers, I have a preference for Rasboras as they seem a super peaceful species.

Stupid cute littles. And red eyes just like momma (pic 2).

Hi Jenny, You probably didn't "mess up" by putting salt in your tank. I assume that you moved the 2 sick fish from the hospital tank because the HOSPITAL TANK got an ammonia spike? Salt generally speaking is not bad for tanks, some old schoolers put it in as a routine maintenance and it treats some general illness. I don't know what illness you're dealing with so I will assume for now you know until you say otherwise. When I medicate it's often in a smaller tank OR I'm treating with meds and heat and that speeds up decay which often leads to ammonia spikes. I just up my water changes and personally I treat the hospital tank with Prime which renders the ammonia "harmless" for 24-48 hours then redose meds when needed. If you need help with identifying illness, please post pics and anything else handy information wise that you know.

Very nice looking set up there @KAYLON.NICHOLS. Are you happy with the stock equipment?

@KAYLON.NICHOLS thanks, I was just wondering how people like it, if they had to do modifications to it in any way filter, lights, flow, etc. How long have you run yours?

Hi, looking at the Flex 9 and wondering if anyone would give their opinion on it or the series itself. Looking to swap out my 3 for it, but I don't want to go too big. 10g or less.

@Lauren A Repashy is new for us too, since I'm not a club/member of Aquarium Co-op I thought I should at least order some things from them. I hear people talking about Repashy gel food all the time so I thought we would try it with my fish. I got the Community Plus and Super Green, we are only in the experimental phases with it in my house. 🙂 And yes I gave her just a little bit today and she would take it in and spit it out, then take it in and spit it out- I'm not sure she ate any of it but she was sure tasting it- apparently not to her liking so far- but we'll try again. I am curious about her coloring too- and her eyes. So I'll be sure to post here and there about her. I did start a post of her training. I'll be posting more as she progresses, just not videos all the time. She is the first Betta I've owned that shows any interest in it- and an excessive amount of interest in me- she always comes to the front when I'm around. I give her as much attention as I am able.