Lauren A

That’s so funny, I saw a video doing the same with the siphon and baster. The guy actually attached the two with an elastic band, I think. I will have to search for it to get a better handle on his technique. I don’t know what I would do without forums and YouTube. Thank you again for your help! I will play around and see what makes the most sense with the filter once I get going. have a great day. Take care!

Hi! Nice! I give you so much credit for all that work! Talk about stubborn. So, I’m wondering, if I scrape and brush this off in the tank, since it will probably throw algae dust all over the place, will it just make things worse and spread elsewhere. And if I leave a filter running during with a prefilter sponge, that shouldn’t cause it to “infect” my filter with it? Just trap it? I feel fortunate it hasn’t coated my plants just yet, but my time is limited. I’m thinking I could try brushing(toothbrush didn’t work so I will buy a metal bristle brush) while using the turkey baster or siphon to suck it up (with my third hand 😆 - I think this type of maintenance requires an extra hand sometimes). But still not sure my lil snails will eat it to clean things up for me. I’m not sure if they aren’t eating it just because it’s so stuck on, or if they don’t like the taste. You have a beautiful clean up crew btw! And your tank looks lovely all cleaned up! I will definitely adjust the blue light. Thank you! And I usually do name the light settings so I’m not sure if at some point I adjusted it and forgot to rename it since I play around with the settings at times. But thanks for the reminder on this! I cleaned the filter out yesterday. I think I will check my phosphate levels too. I forgot I have a test kit for this. I know it’s definitely a process and will take some time, but hopefully I can get a handle on it before it overtakes the tank and my plants suffer. I really appreciate your help! I will update this post with my progress! I hope you have a nice day!

Hi, totally normal! As they grow bigger leaves, they start to float. I have one in a new tank and it literally has a mind of its own. You could plant the roots in your substrate but no guarantees it won’t float up!

Thank you so so much!!! I will do exactly this. I was so nervous I’d have to take the tank apart and re-cycle. Do you happen to have a link for your scraper? I tried getting in there with a course unused media foam but it wouldn’t budge (although there was a small amount of black on it) so this brush will do the trick. I actually have a new cycling 10 gallon with tons of plants and plenty of Hygro Polysperma I can snip and move over. Also, here are my light settings and times. Is this what you meant? It may be too long. But yes, I definitely wanted some shade for the rhizome plants and fish. I also need to give the Fluval filter a cleaning. It’s been over a month now. I will do that now. As far as the nitrates, do you think I should dose less ferts? I use the Easy Green at 0.8ml a week. I could cut back though, or maybe do twice a week with 0.4ml - I figure there’s probably about 8 gallons in the tank. One thing I have noticed is the Val’s grow but not very quick and I do still need to cut off a dead blade here and there. They are starting to propagate finally, but still not sure how happy they are. Thank you for your kind words too! The Kubotai seem to be very happy. Thank you so much! I only have one friend in the hobby in general. So I share pics with her and get some feedback but feels nice you like it!

Hi, I have a 10 gallon 80% planted with large hardscape, bogwood and pagoda stones. Sand in one section, soil in another. There are 10 Microdevario Kubotai and 3 tiny horned nerite snails. This tank has been up since the end of April this year. I did a fishless cycle with plants and the tank has remained very healthy. Algae is typically readily eaten by my snails. I dose Easy Green once a week. I use tap water filtered through a Hydroviv system to remove contaminants, in particular PFAS. I did end up with a pond snail back when I initially set it up. This was fine but now babies have started to pop up. I have black.beard algae. I believe the culprit is most likely overfeeding. I only feed once a day, but maybe too much? I’ve never had nitrites after finished with cycling, no ammonia issues and nitrates sit around 20-30 ppm after fertilizing, although they do drop to 0-5 about midweek and post water change. Maybe odd? I clean it once a week on average 50% water change. With minor top offs during the week for evaporation. If the water change is larger than 50%, I add Stability. I currently have two filters running. A Fluval HOB 20 and a small Dennerle Eck Corner Filter. The Dennerle is mainly there to keep the surface moving since my tank is 50% covered in floating plants. Plus the Kubotai enjoy good water flow. I use the Fluval Nano Light on a medium to high setting. Ok, I’m not sure where things went awry but have over the last week or two grown black beard algae on some of my Pagoda stones, none of my plants yet, and I honestly can not tell with the wood because it is so dark. I read a hydrogen peroxide 3 minute dip should take care of this but I also read it will kill the beneficial bacteria. So, I’m stumped. How do I go about fixing this and is the algae harmful. My snails won’t touch it. If anyone can guide me through this, I could really use the help. Here is a photo of the tank. As you can I hope see, that large pagoda stone is pretty bad. Thank you very much! edit: pardon the reflection

Thank you so much. I will do that. I really appreciate your help.

It did run through my head that maybe it was constipation so last week I gave her a very small amount of daphnia but no difference. Thx again.

Hi, I am helping my Mom out with her betta. Her female betta Lily gets “eggy” from time to time. She’s approx 1 year old, maybe less. She’s never had any health issues and is always a very happy sociable betta fish. When she gets eggs, she has always been able to release and reabsorb them naturally. Unfortunately over the last week + she has been very bloated with eggs. We’ve withheld food for several days to see if this helps, but it has not. She did not overeat. I’ve had bettas for years but always males, so I’m not familia with how to deal with this. She’s been totally fine up until today. She is lethargic, depressed and just doesn’t look well because she’s so big and she just is not acting like her normal sociable happy self. Through online research I read raising the temp helps. I also read that rarely they can become egg bound, which is my fear. Mom did a good wc today. We raised the temp from its normal 81 to 81.5. She’s in a 10 gallon planted tank. Gets weekly water changes and cleanings. Tank has been up and running for over a year. She was purchased from a chain store back in November 2021. She has one tank mate - a horned nerite snail. All parameters are in check. No ammonia or nitrites, nitrates 5ppm post wc I will attach a couple pics of her from today. Maybe someone could help us determine what can be done if anything? I can set up a hospital if necessary. I don’t want to stress her in her current state. She’s been spending most of her time hiding at the bottom of the tank. She ate 5 betta pellets earlier today, but like mentioned before, we did fast her for 3 days to see if this would help. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you,

Okay, excellent! From what I see, they are very happy and potentially breeding. Thank you for the reassurance! I’m sorry, I replied to the wrong posting. Apologies!

I’d also like to add that if things do go awry, I do have another planted tank undergoing some renovations that is also planned as a future betta tank. This will work as a backup but of course, I’d love to put him with the Kubotai. Thanks again.

Hi, I’m just curious if anyone on the forum has kept a male betta fish and a school/schoal of Microdevario Kubotai? I currently have 10 young Kubotai in a heavily planted 10 gallon. There are lots of hiding spots, hardscape, floaters and nooks and crannies making it both betta and Kubotai friendly. Soft water with tannins from Banana and IAL’s. The Kubotai have been in the tank just about 3 weeks now. I’ve had a young (4 months old approx) Galaxy Candy Koi Plakat in a QT for a week now after purchasing. He’s a healthy boy with loads of energy and curiosity. So, I’m curious if anyone has kept these two types of fish together? Everything I’ve read online through all of my research through the months says they are compatible. But, after purchasing the betta, one of the shop employees said to watch out for the Kubotai because they can be nippy. I’d love to hear experiences good or bad. I know it’s hard to say for sure if all will get along until I try, but just the same, any advice, stories or help are appreciated. Happy 4th! Thank you in advance! lauren 🙏🙏

Hi! Thank you so much for your reply! My bad. I should’ve checked those rules out before posting so let me just check on those and thank you for bringing this to my attention! 😬 It would be great to get in touch. Edit: I meant to say check the rules out on contacting you or looking for breeders in general on the forum. ! Thx again!

Hi! I’m not breeding bettas so I hope it’s ok to post in this section.I am on the hunt for a betta fish (plakat or VT) from a U.S. breeder. I know there are plenty of online articles on reputable breeders, but since I find the forum the best place to find information, I want to reach out.I would like to find an excellent breeder that will be willing to provide me with answers to questions and honest information. These questions will relate to their behavior and health. Cost is not an issue. I’d like to know others on the forum have had healthy vibrant bettas with great personalities, of course, specifically from the breeder. Bettas without genetic issues.Like I mentioned in the beginning, U.S. bred is a must since locally I can find bettas sent from abroad. I’m trying to avoid this. I have a gorgeous 10 gallon cycled 3/4 planted tank, soft acidic water and am a firm believer that tannins are a must. I am also delving into culturing live food very soon, but right now use high quality frozen foods and pellets. The betta will live with a school/schoal of 10 Microdevario Kubotai that are already happily living in the tank.I provide tip top care and absolutely love these beautiful fish. Thank you for your help! I live in Massachusetts and would be willing to travel to bordering states as well, especially RI, if breeders are very local. Or shipped is fine as well.Take care, Lauren

Eh, an update: decided to put the filter back to facing on a diagonal. The fish were fighting it too much the other direction and I found a better position for it - I hope. Thanks again if anyone reads this!

@CJs Aquatics @Patrick_G @Hannah Parker Thank you so so much! These are the best ideas! This filter has some good oomph considering it’s small size. I’m used to big HOB’s. It also has an attachment spray bar. I am not using the spray bar only because I get better flow and oxygenation in the tank without it but it does work well to hit different areas of the tank to loosen up debris and suck into the filter. Like if I face it downward onto the sand, debris will fly up and get sucked in by the filter, After reading your suggestions, i decided to let the outflow - face to the right to move the water clockwise instead. It’s a cool filter because you can face the outflow nozzle left of right and up and down with the spray bar. I adjusted in a few moments ago and It does give way more flow to the back of the tank and also around the entire tank in general. I think this will definitely help. I was worried about having a “dead zone”. I use a big white bucket too just in case, but I should be ok. I’m going to find one of those filter socks online and try that, but honestly, I think after reading everything the 3 of you recommended I feel much better! I’m so curious, I could do a YouTube search too but wondering, how do you you initially fill the tube with water when you use just airline tubing as a siphon? With your mouth? I can watch her video too but just curious. thanks again so much! You’ve all the best help! I’d hate to hurt one of them. I’d feel terrible. They are so vibrant and sweet. hope you all have a great night! Lauren

Hi, I have only kept betta fish through my fish keeping journey until now and I’m a little nervous because today is my first official water change and cleaning after introducing Green Neon Rasbora to their 3/4 planted tank. Besides 3 horned nerites and a tag along pond snail, I have 10 of these beautiful micro fish. My fear is inadvertently sucking one up. The tank is less than 1/4 course sand substrate and the rest consists of aqua soil with rooted plants. Also 2 pieces of good sized bogwood, many rhizome plants on the wood and multiple stones/rocks. So, I’ve got some tight spots to work around and under. I’ve cleaned the tank several times since setting up a few months ago but only with snails. Anyway, sorry to ramble on. Does anyone have any recommendations or tips doing this - besides being very careful. I use Pythons basic siphons. If I placed nylon over it I’m worried I won’t suck up the poop or uneaten food. I wish I could distract them somehow. Thanj you for your help. With a simple google search, I didn’t find much help so I wanted to reach out. attaching a pic of their dirty tank. Just so you can see what I’m working with! thanks in advance, Lauren

@Brandon p @Griznatch @CJs Aquatics Thank you all so much. I ordered San Francisco Bay powdered cyclops and Hikari Micropellets. I’ve also decided to culture baby brine and the grindal worms. Tomorrow I will grind up those flakes and give them another shot. I feel like this is a great start and I’m so happy I reached out. I will check out the vinegar eels, repashy and eggs along with the tutorials by AC too. I hope you all have a great night! Thank you again and take care! Lauren

@Patrick_GOh nice, I’m going to check those eggs out. I’m always up for new things and I’ve looked everywhere locally for live food with no success. This is a silly question, but do they have a strong odor to culture? I only ask so I can plan ahead. Thx! btw, your tank pictured is so pretty 😍

Thanks to both of you! I will buy some of those pellets and crisps. Im so glad I asked. I have never heard of vinegar eels. I’ll have to look those up. A friend of mine just wrote to me to try grinding the flakes in a pepper mill. @Griznatchis this how you crush them? Thx again! Thanks to both of you! I will buy some of those pellets and crisps. Im so glad I asked. I have never heard of vinegar eels. I’ll have to look those up. A friend of mine just wrote to me to try grinding the flakes in a pepper mill. @Griznatchis this how you crush them? Thx again!

Awesome! Thank you. I’m actually going to start culturing grindal worms. It’s very difficult/impossible for me to find live food locally so I’ve been stuck with pellets and frozen. I will check out Dr. Basslets. I’ve never heard of them before, so thank you very much!!

Hi! I recently bought 10 Microdevario Kubotai (Green Neon Rasbora). They love frozen daphnia and frozen brine shrimp, but don’t seem to interested in the flake food I bought. Those are by Omega One and Fluval. It may be due to the flake size unless they just don’t like them. Does anyone have any recommendations on some creative food recommendations? I’m open to brands of flakes you may have success with? The tank is heavily planted and I’ve read they’ll feed on microfauna and eggs they may lay, but just to keep them interested with a varied diet and foods without an abundance of fillers. Thanks for you help! Lauren Edit: i should also note this is my first experience with micro fish. I’ve only ever owned bettas - and bettas that will eat anything that comes their way.

Thank you so much. They are moving over in the morning so I can keep a good eye on them through the day. The tank needs a good cleanup and these little monsters don't stop eating, as you know. 'm pretty excited! Looking forward to finally adding some critters to the tank too! Have a great night and I appreciate your help. Take care.

Hi @Guppysnail! Excellent! They will definitely appreciate abundant food supply. They were starving when I got them and there was no poop in the bag they were shipped in, so they definitely did not eat. Thank you so much - it's been bugging me for a couple weeks on how to do this. I feel so much better! Have a great day and thank you again. 🙏

Hi, I set up a new planted tank about a month ago. I also ordered 5 horned nerite snails for this tank but 3 died during acclamation - it is 10 gallons 3\4 heavily planted. The snails came early and the new tank was not ready. It definitely is now. In a different planted 10 gallon live 4 horned nerites, they've been in there for 1 year. Very healthy and hard working! Since the new tank was not ready for the 2 tiny young survivors, I let them live in the mature tank with the other 4. They've done great but could use more algae since this tank is now spotless. I do have a bunch of banana leaves in there with biofilm they all munch on. Since moving day has arrived in the new tank, I'm thinking it may be better to move the older snails over so it's less stress for the weak newbies, but I'm not sure on this? I'm also not sure if its appropriate to move any of them from tank to tank? Parameters between tanks are pretty much the same. I'm curious on any thoughts or advice. I want them to have ample food (new tank has plenty of algae and biofilm. To sum up, should I move a few oldies or the newbies and is this going to cause too much stress on any of them. I really love these lil guys and gals and would feel terrible if anything bad happened. Losing the 3 during acclamation waa sad enough. Thank you in advance!!! Edit: if anyone could let me know the best method to move them let me know please. I waa going to float them on an IAL near the glass so they can control when that want to go in.

Hi! Those both look really similar or even the same, so it’s most likely one of them. Thank you so much for your help! now that I look again, I think it’s the Willsii. Thank you for the link. It’s very helpful. Have a great day!