[RML] A would-be rainbowfish aquarist

ChazzHess at aol.com
Fri, 18 Apr 1997 09:43:34 -0400 (EDT)

I recently purchased several M. praecox to eventually put in my 75 gallon
community tank. I bought several extra in case I lost any during their
acclamation to my conditions. I lost about half of the fish I bought while
they acclimated in my five gallon quarantine tank (replaced most of them with
store credit). When they got to about 3/4 inch in length I put the five
remaining fish in my 75 gallon tank(two females and three males). Within two
or three days I lost the weakest female and over the course of the next three
months I've lost the remaining males. Now all I have left is the female.
Are M. praecox a particularly sensitive rainbow species? The pH in my tank
runs between 5-6 the alkalinity is low, <20 ppm, nitrates/ites 10-20 ppm,
ammonia/um 0-0.5 ppm water temp 78-82 F. I have a well planted aquarium,
stocked with Congo, lemon, and cardinal tetras, Angels, Siamese algae eaters,
otocinclus, bettas, kuhli loaches and a pearl gourami. I noticed one of the
M. praecox swimming spastically shortly before its death another stopped
eating but the rest have gone without any overt symptoms. I'd like to add a
few rainbows to my tank but I'm a little hesitant based on my experience.
Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chazz