Frequent Aquarium Questions

• I have a Neon Tetra and it doesn't swim much. It will float around the tank, and today I found it hiding behind one of the decorations in the tank. He hasn't lost his color, and he doesn't really eat much, but he will eat. He is in a 10 gallon tank with another tetra (not sure what kind, it's silver) and a small shark. What could be wrong with the fish?
  
  
• How large do Oscars grow? Some sites say 12 inches, some say 16 inches, some say 19. Which is it?
  
  
• I'm a newbie! I have a 10 gallon tank with a small Oscar. So far so good. I know I'll have to move to a bigger tank, the question is how soon and what size tank?
  
  
• I have a 20 gallon tank with two Jack Dempseys, two Texas Cichlids, two Plecos and a Synodontis Catfish, all two inches or under. I plan to upgrade to a 55gal tank in a year. I would like to obtain as many as my fish now. In your opinion should I add anymore, and if so what types?
  
  
• Can I mix Bettas with Mollies and Guppies?
  
  
• I have a 10 gallon freshwater tank. I have only four fish, 3 Tinfoil Barbs and 1 Red tail shark. The water is crystal clear, fish seem to be healthy. All the levels are good except the Nitrate and nitrite levels. I can't seem to keep them from going into the danger /unsafe zone. What causes this, and how do I fix it?
  
  
• My female betta shows aggression towards any other fish added to her tank. I know this is typical behavior for the males, but I was under the belief that the females were less aggressive.
  
  
• Is there a difference between buying your fish from a small local dealer or a major chain like Walmart?
  
  
• Is it normal for male platies to change color, especially around the fin area?
  
  
• Is it safe to put a channel catfish in with a beta?
  
  

• I have a Neon Tetra and it doesn't swim much. It will float around the tank, and today I found it hiding behind one of the decorations in the tank. He hasn't lost his color, and he doesn't really eat much, but he will eat. He is in a 10 gallon tank with another tetra (not sure what kind, it's silver) and a small shark. What could be wrong with the fish?
  
  Neon Tetras are schooling fish and need to be kept in larger schools or they dwindle away. Add two or three more Neons to the tank and the lone one will become more active.
  
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• How large do Oscars grow? Some sites say 12 inches, some say 16 inches, some say 19. Which is it?
  
  They're all right actually. Oscars can grow to between 12" and 20" in length, depending on their environment. In the wild, or in very large aquaria, they will grow larger. Two Oscars should be kept in at least a 55 gallon tank.
  
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• I'm a newbie! I have a 10 gallon tank with a small Oscar. So far so good. I know I'll have to move to a bigger tank, the question is how soon and what size tank?
  
  For one Oscar, you should get a 55 gallon tank within the next nine months. However, we would recommend getting another while they're young and moving them into a 75 gallon tank in the next six months. In either case, those are maximum times if you want your fish to grow at a normal pace. This prevents stress and disease, particularly lateral line erosion and Hexamita to which Oscars are susceptible.
  
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• I have a 20 gallon tank with two Jack Dempseys, two Texas Cichlids, two Plecos and a Synodontis Catfish, all two inches or under. I plan to upgrade to a 55gal tank in a year. I would like to obtain as many as my fish now. In your opinion should I add anymore, and if so what types?
  
  No, you should not add any more. Those fish will grow rapidly and all should be moved to the 55 gallon tank much much sooner.
  
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• Can I mix Bettas with Mollies and Guppies?
  
  Both Mollies and Guppies may nip on the Bettas fins so that wouldn't be a good idea. We already have FAQ on fish compatible with Bettas.
  
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• I have a 10 gallon freshwater tank. I have only four fish, 3 Tinfoil Barbs and 1 Red tail shark. The water is crystal clear, fish seem to be healthy. All the levels are good except the Nitrate and nitrite levels. I can't seem to keep them from going into the danger /unsafe zone. What causes this, and how do I fix it?
  
  You only have four fish but all grow too large for a ten gallon tank. You need a larger aquarium.
  
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• My female betta shows aggression towards any other fish added to her tank. I know this is typical behavior for the males, but I was under the belief that the females were less aggressive.
  
  This is normal. While female bettas are less likely to attack other female bettas, the are still territorial animals. They will defend a small area from intruders, and may be very difficult to house with other fish in a small tank. They rarely pose a problem in larger aquariums, though.
  
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• Is there a difference between buying your fish from a small local dealer or a major chain like Walmart?
  
  Yes. Specimens purchased from a specialty store will consistently be in better health than fish bought from a large department store.
  
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• Is it normal for male platies to change color, especially around the fin area?
  
  Yes. You have a male that is preparing for mating.
  
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• Is it safe to put a channel catfish in with a beta?
  
  Absolutely not! A channel catfish is a pure predator.
  
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