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Post by abm on Jan 10, 2004 11:11:57 GMT -5
I know there's a thread out there somewhere on a very similar topic but I can't find it....sorry  Is Stress Coat something that can (or should) be used WITH AmQuel and NovAqua, or is it to be used INSTEAD of one or both of those products? My daughter has taken her betta back to college and she has Stress Coat, which is apparently all she's ever treated his water with. While he was with me over the holidays I used Amquel and Novaqua, as I do for my other guys. I'm not sure if I need to tell her to replace what she's using, or add something to it. The STress Coat bottle says it removes chlorine and neutralize chloramines, and suggests Ammo-Lock to neutralize ammonia. Can I get her a bottle of Amquel, or is Ammolock designed to be used in conjunction with Stress Coat? Does anyone have any particular comments regarding any of these products? I'm trying to make the whole water change/conditioning process as simple as possible so she will stick with it - I can't begin to describe the nasty water he was in when she first brought him home  |
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Post by Emerson on Jan 10, 2004 14:04:52 GMT -5
Right; StressCoat does not remove ammonia. However, if she's doing regular water changes, ammonia shouldn't be too much of a problem. She can get some Ammolock if ammonia becomes a concern; if I remember correctly, it's made by the same company as StressCoat. I'll double check on that. Most people use Amquel and NovAqua together because together they tackle chlorine, chloramines and ammonia, and NovAqua also provides the slime coat protection that Amquel doesn't (I'm relying on memory here; it could be the other way around).  Slime coat protection is useful when you net your fish for water changes. There is a camp who feels that the AloeVera in StressCoat is not necessary and *possibly* even harmful (according to some), but I never really had a problem with it. It did cause a little film on the water, tho. If she wants to switch to the Amquel/NovAqua combo, just make sure she gets an ammonia kit that is NOT Nessler-based, as she will get false positive readings on ammonia.  |
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Leigh
Junior Bubble Nester
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Post by Leigh on Jan 10, 2004 14:34:36 GMT -5
I have also used only Stress Coat and, once the tank was established, I have had no problems except with a pH problem (I can't attribute that to the product and it seems to be improving).
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Post by abm on Jan 10, 2004 15:14:27 GMT -5
My biggest concern is that she doesn't test her water at all...she was given this fish b/c "they" were told that betta fish require very little attention and care . I'm trying to teach her the basics w/o making it so complex that she gives up trying to do anything right. So I gave her a gallon of pre-treated/conditioned, aged water for her next water change, and I'm buying her the other items she needs to have for him. I was asking about the Ammo-lock b/c she already has Stress Coat and you're right, sef, Ammo-lock is made by the same company. I assumed since they are made together they are made to work together, as Novaqua and Amquel are. Is this a false assumption  Also - BettaRic, if you haven't been using an ammonia detoxifier, perhaps it's overkill to introduce one... thoughts? |
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Post by Emerson on Jan 10, 2004 16:11:51 GMT -5
Good for you! I think it's great that you're helping her along with this. (Who started the whole "Bettas don't need a lot of care" thing, anyway? Argh ). In that case, I don't see why she couldn't just use the StressCoat and the AmmoLock together. Again, I haven't used AmmoLock to know how effective it. I'm using AmquelPlus right now, but it doesn't have anything for slime coat. It also helps with nitrites and nitrates, but that's probably more bang than she needs. If she's not testing the water, then Amquel and NovAqua would also be good choices. You can get them in nice little "starter kits" of both products in 1 oz. bottles...I think PetSmart has it online. What size jar/bowl is she keeping her Betta in? BTW, here's a really interesting comparison page that I found once while trying to decide which conditioner to switch to : www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/rev-cond.htmHope that helps!  sef |
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Post by abm on Jan 10, 2004 16:25:27 GMT -5
It's only about 1/2-3/4 gallon  but it's WAY larger than the "betta cup" she brought him home in. And it's bowed so the actual living/swimming space is maximized. I'm rationalizing somewhat, but Dory seemed quite happy while he was here. The person who started the "low-maintenance" myth about bettas was a nasty guy stuck with a whole lot of lilyvases that he needed to unload . They are very easy fish to keep, but you do need to keep an eye on them, as you know. I actually have some AquaSafe that I'm not using - maybe I'll just send that along for her. I think she wants to do right by her fish - but she honestly doesn't have time to devote to a hobby, she just enjoys his company. I've explained about refilling the water jug at change time, adding the chemicals and letting it age uncovered...she seemed receptive . I want to get her some aquarium salt - does it come in containers smaller than the pint-size carton I've got? I guess I could just put some in a baggie. I did get her some Aquaculture pellets (Dory enjoyed eating everything I offered him while he was here ;D but she's only got flakes for him at school - I thought she could vary his diet with the teensy pellets). I guess the best part is that she's only 30 minutes away from home, so if Dory needed more care than she could provide, me and my betta first aid kit are pretty close by . Other suggestions? |
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Post by abm on Jan 10, 2004 16:30:26 GMT -5
Sef, what an excellent site to compare the water conditioners! Thank you! |
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Post by Emerson on Jan 10, 2004 18:29:51 GMT -5
It's only about 1/2-3/4 gallon but it's WAY larger than the "betta cup" she brought him home in. And it's bowed so the actual living/swimming space is maximized. I'm rationalizing somewhat, but Dory seemed quite happy while he was here. Sounds nice! I'm sure the little guy thinks it's a palace compared to the cup he was used to. Ha! I'll bet you're right. I can hear it, "What can I do with all these dang vases when it's not Valentine's Day?" *chortle* Sounds really good. Just remind her about water changes, because AquaSafe doesn't detoxify. I have DocWellfish brand in a 16 oz. container. It's a LOT of salt! Are there any other uses for this stuff?? I love the AquaCulture pellets; they're small, they float, and most Bettas seem to gobble 'em up. You're a great mom! ;D |
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Post by abm on Jan 10, 2004 18:33:26 GMT -5
Yes, I guess that sounded odd...don't worry about the daughter at school - but if her FISH needs me, I'm there!  The Aquaculture/HBH Betta bites pellets do seem very appealing to fish - even Tomahawk, who has refused anything but flakes consistently, has finally decided he wants what all the other guys are getting  But I still give him flakes once or twice a week, for fun. ::any news on Bernie eating the meds yet?:: |
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Post by Emerson on Jan 10, 2004 19:40:22 GMT -5
I was being sincere! I think it's great that you are all set to help with her guy, and I'm sure she appreciates it. I'm not even going to tell you what my parents did when our tropical fish got sick or died. Well, let's just say......the plumbing got a workout. Keep us posted on how Dory does. |
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Post by abm on Jan 10, 2004 19:43:32 GMT -5
No, actually I did understand your compliment - I just reread what I had written and realized I was once again being somewhat single-minded In many ways fish are ideal college pets, in that they generally don't die if you forget to feed them once or twice and they can't tell time so eating at 9am or 5am is pretty much the same to them - hey, free food! ;D But I want to make sure she understands the best way to deal with water changes etc. so that she can have a happy, healthy fish for a long time. |
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Post by Emerson on Jan 11, 2004 19:12:08 GMT -5
Agree -- they are a great pet for students. They're quiet, won't interfere with studying, don't take up a lot of space, and generally don't get drunk at frat parties.
sef
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spiff
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 228
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Post by spiff on Jan 11, 2004 19:22:21 GMT -5
Marlin was my at school betta and it was great having him there. He was right on my desk so I could always see him. I hated leaving him at home for the 2 weeks between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break. I just hope I can find room on my desk for the 10 gallon tank now!
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Post by abm on Jan 17, 2004 10:38:53 GMT -5
Exactly how large is your desk? |
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spiff
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 228
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Post by spiff on Jan 17, 2004 15:33:24 GMT -5
The desk is pretty large...it just seems small because my monitor is huge and there are shelves that are pretty low. My roomates desk is right next to mine so I might try to put half of the tank on her desk and half on mine...if that doesn't fit, it's going to go on my dresser.
The desk is very sturdy -- the desks can be used to loft a bed so the tank shouldn't be too much of a problem!
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Slime coat protection is useful when you net your fish for water changes. There is a camp who feels that the AloeVera in StressCoat is not necessary and *possibly* even harmful (according to some), but I never really had a problem with it. It did cause a little film on the water, tho. 
but it's WAY larger than the "betta cup" she brought him home in. And it's bowed so the actual living/swimming space is maximized. I'm rationalizing somewhat, but Dory seemed quite happy while he was here. 
But I still give him flakes once or twice a week, for fun. 