Broken Tank and Refugees

mokmu · Post by **mokmu** » 16 Jan 2003, 14:45

The base of one of my tanks just broke yesterday. I found out because I noticed some wetness on the stand. I found out eventually that the there was a big crack across the whole width of the base of the tank.

I moved most the fish from that tank to another. Unfortunately I did not have any free tanks around. I moved my L24, Spinosus, L27 Gold Line, L75, L90c (all of which are around 4"-6") into another tank which already contains other fish which are of the same size namely, L-204, L007, L191, L90c, L90c (3"), Tiger Pekoltia (3"), Gibby & Gold Nugget. This exsiting tank's filtration has quadrupled since I moved my wet-drys (2 units) to this tank which already has a hang-on filter and a sump filter. Plus lots of oxygen via venturii devices. Talk about a lot of current on my driftwood snag. I put in extra driftwood as well. I will probably feed them less once every three days to lower the poop ratio.

Question - How long can I keep them there? I will be having the tank repaired tomorrow and repair guys say 1 day overnight repair. When I get the tank back which will be anytime say Tuesday to Wednesday, I have to have it cycled which will take another 2 weeks (via fishless cycling) max. We are looking at somewhere around 3 weeks. Will the fish be okay? Any suggestions?

Caol_ila · Post by **Caol_ila** » 16 Jan 2003, 15:17

Hi!

Imho the overcrowded tank has something of a dealers tank now...id change lots of water cauz the risk for diseases will be very high in there...

How did the tank break did you move it or have a soft protection under it?
I always thought aqua silicone needs 8 days to be fully hardened so it can stand water pressure.
Good luck with the fish!

polkadot · Post by **polkadot** » 16 Jan 2003, 15:35

Hi mokmu, sorry to hear about the tank. Like what Caol_ila said, I think you can have the plecos there with the extra filtration. Wise decision to cut down the food to reduce the poo poo too.

caril · Post by **caril** » 16 Jan 2003, 16:12

i guess its always safe to prepare an emergency tank for sick fishes or new-borns.
i going to get one this weekend.

zebra_pl*co · Post by **zebra_pl*co** » 16 Jan 2003, 16:34

Bad news about your tank, at least you found someone to mend it quickly.

I have to say "my lord" that is a lot of plecs, yes very good idea to cut down on the feedings.

my first fish when I started fish keeping were common plecs, man those guys can poop, they looked like they were just making brown string all day long. But I was then feeding 3 times a day as per the instructions shown on the tank in the local "petsmart" ( now called pets at home )

Man those things grew rapid, and made so much nitrate. I had to rehouse them when they reached 6" long.

Easy · Post by **Easy** » 17 Jan 2003, 03:17

Sorry to hear abt that Mike, how big is ur tank (housin' the refugees)?

They'll be ok if you maintain the quality of water , oxygen level...and if they all have settled down. Just keep an eye for aggressive plecos...such as your pseudas. Fights might occur with plecos that are a bit territorial.

So have u already spotted the reason why ur tank had a crack?

mokmu · Post by **mokmu** » 17 Jan 2003, 16:36

Thanks for the replies. I shall get to your suggestions straight away.

As for the crack, well it appears that the stand was uneven. That's all I can see right now. As soon as I get my tank back I'll definitely go for the main river channel set up for the pseudas and the adonis. I'll try to get some pics in somehow.