"Fishtopia", the Pinnacle of Societal Evolution

Welcome to Fishtopia, population 6, plus one proletariat crustacean that retains only partial citizenship. Every day is a balmy 78 degrees and the colorful fish flakes fall like leaves in autumn. Life in our great underwater experiment is good.

Patrick and I decided to add three small fish to the previous population. Two guppies and one tiger striped platy. We wanted to add an angelfish but the specimens at PetSmart seemed a bit... inactive. With the new residents the tank looks great and the ammonia isn’t rising above .25 ppm, but there is one small dilemma.

The amount of fish that can “happily” live in our tank seems to be in question. It has become clear to me that there isn’t a conclusive population formula; and that Patrick and I will have to choose whose advice to follow. I can break it down to basically two schools of fish – I mean thought.

Nonspecific, PetSmart-ish advice: One inch of fish per gallon. Now with this line of thinking we are fine, as long as we don’t mix aggressive and non-aggressive, which are basically the only two categories of fish at PetSmart. The guppies and platy are one inch fish. The molly, gourami and killi are all two inch fish. That totals to nine inches; close but still safe according to PetSmart. I’m not including the ghost shrimp because, well partial citizenship and all that. Then there is the other school…

Uncompromising, fanatical and frenzied fish keeping advice: While these people seem a bit intense at times I will be the first to thank them for their invaluable advice. Patrick and I would not have the success that we enjoy today had it not been for these glittering gems of society.  So on that note, most of them have told me that we have overstocked our tank. Not because of numbers however, but because of the type of fish, particularly the molly and gourami. Simply put, they need a bigger tank. When the time comes they will be moved to the 75 gallon tank as soon as it is up and running. Until then much research must be done.

As far as the vital statistics go for our ten gallon tank, well, the fish are alive. It has been slightly over 24 hours since we have done a water change and the ammonia is still at .25 ppm. This tells me, and Patrick concurs that this is an indication of beneficial bacteria establishing itself. That it is beginning to transfer the ammonia into nitrites.

Because of the current stability in Fishtopia's societal intricacies, I think the daily post will be cut to weekly. So check back in about a week for an in-depth analysis of the fish's relationship to one another - who are the movers and shakers of Fishtopia? Is there a buoyant bully in the works and could he rise to despotic dictator? Or perhaps efficient technocrat? Time will tell.

Stephen DiJulius
Current Fish Count: 6

High Five to Us!

“The day is ours!” Patrick and I exclaimed this morning as our eyes beheld the sight of three happy and healthy fish, frolicking and romping about in their own little piece of paradise. As I mentioned yesterday, the first night has proven to be the “danger zone” based on our previous catastrophes. They ALL survived.

We have overcome monumental hurdles to reach this point. I might have even given up on this project all together had it not been for that persistent little Dalmatian Molly, who I must remind you survived a 90 percent death rate in his freshwater frontier.  Also it should be noted that he has clearly grown in size.

Daily water changes are still a necessity and shall continue to be for another week if all goes correctly. The salt additive seems to be a non-issue, although the fish do appear much more active and colorful. Thus far the results are heartening.    

We now set our sights on larger accomplishments.

After extensive deliberation and strenuous reflection Patrick and I feel that after our hard work and dedication that we have grown beyond the usual selections offered by PetSmart or even the local store mentioned in a previous post. Recently on a freshwater forum, I was referred to a website that ships more unique varieties of fish, www.liveaquaria.com. They have quite the selection and the prices are fairly reasonable. I particularly wanted an angel fish but Patrick spotted a red swordtail fish. It’s a very cool looking fish but the website claims it needs 30 gallons for some reason. We might just get two more small fish maybe a guppy and an angel, saving our more exotic fish for the 75 gallon tank. Oh, did I just say that?

Well since I let it slip I’ll fill you guys in. After the experience gained from this tank and once it is truly stabilized we will begin exploratory measures for a 75 gallon tank. “But why that big?” you might ask. One word, “sharks”. 

Stephen DiJulius

Current Fish Count: 3

P.S. I might add an angel fish today. Check back tomorrow to find out.