Celebrating small wins

[sageSe]

I got back into fishkeeping after adopting a 5-gallon tank from an undergrad in my lab who was relocating. The tank came with a single neon tetra, the last of a small school. I figured I had to name her, it'd be weird not to. I chose Jelly, as in jelly bean, and also my little Jelly-fish – I know, I know.

The 5-gallon tank was too small for me to get her any tankmates, so I set up a 25-gallon tank to give her a proper home and a school. It's been a long process, but the new neons have finished quarantine, and Jelly's all moved into her new home. It's been a couple of days, and she's doing great. She's way more active than she was in the 5-gallon, and her behavior has changed too. She's really curious, always foraging around the tank like the other neons. I'm really happy for her.

She's also massive compared to the other neons. I'm having trouble getting an accurate measurement, but I think she's around 3cm (~1.25in), right at the upper end of her species' size range. The smaller ones still have some growing to do, so we'll see if they catch up. I've started calling them all Jelly and the Jellicles. Don't expect any musical numbers anytime soon, though.

(Don't worry, that spot on Jelly's second dorsal fin isn't ich. It's something harmless, probably an old injury.)

[matti]

I got back into fishkeeping after adopting a 5-gallon tank from an undergrad in my lab who was relocating. The tank came with a single neon tetra, the last of a small school. I figured I had to name her, it'd be weird not to. I chose Jelly, as in jelly bean, and also my little Jelly-fish – I know, I know.

The 5-gallon tank was too small for me to get her any tankmates, so I set up a 25-gallon tank to give her a proper home and a school. It's been a long process, but the new neons have finished quarantine, and Jelly's all moved into her new home. It's been a couple of days, and she's doing great. She's way more active than she was in the 5-gallon, and her behavior has changed too. She's really curious, always foraging around the tank like the other neons. I'm really happy for her.

She's also massive compared to the other neons. I'm having trouble getting an accurate measurement, but I think she's around 3cm (~1.25in), right at the upper end of her species' size range. The smaller ones still have some growing to do, so we'll see if they catch up. I've started calling them all Jelly and the Jellicles. Don't expect any musical numbers anytime soon, though.

(Don't worry, that spot on Jelly's second dorsal fin isn't ich. It's something harmless, probably an old injury.)

I'm pretty sure Jelly and the Jellicles would crush it in the music industry.

[infold]

It's awesome to see Jelly and the Jellicles thriving in their new home. Watching them explore and interact is truly the best part of fishkeeping. When they get the right environment, they really come into their own. I'm loving the setup you've got going on - it's perfect for these little guys. If you want to see them go wild, try feeding them live newly hatched brine shrimp. It's like a treat for Neon Tetras, they just can't get enough of that stuff.

[belleora]

That's not just a small win, it's a massive accomplishment. You've put in so much time, research, and effort to create the perfect environment for Jelly, and it's clear that it's paid off. I love how you immediately noticed the change in her behavior once she had the space and security of being with her own kind. It's amazing how much of a difference it can make for a fish to have the freedom to swim and thrive in an environment that's tailored to their needs.

If fish can feel happiness - and I'm convinced that many more species are capable of it than we give them credit for - then Jelly must be over the moon. The way she's exploring her new surroundings, foraging for food, and interacting with her tankmates is a testament to the care and attention you've given her. And let's not forget the beautiful, thriving tank you've created - it's a true haven for your fish.

I think it's wonderful how attached we can get to a single fish, and how much joy they can bring us. For you, it's not just about the fish - it's about creating a whole ecosystem that's tailored to their needs. And the fact that you've joined the forum to share your experiences and learn from others is just the cherry on top.

By the way, I'm curious about the ziptied wood - is that a temporary solution until it waterlogs, or do you have plans to weigh it down and secure it another way? I love the unique shapes and textures of the wood, but I've had my fair share of struggles keeping it submerged.

[sageSe]

That's not just a small win, it's a massive accomplishment. You've put in so much time, research, and effort to create the perfect environment for Jelly, and it's clear that it's paid off. I love how you immediately noticed the change in her behavior once she had the space and security of being with her own kind. It's amazing how much of a difference it can make for a fish to have the freedom to swim and thrive in an environment that's tailored to their needs.

If fish can feel happiness - and I'm convinced that many more species are capable of it than we give them credit for - then Jelly must be over the moon. The way she's exploring her new surroundings, foraging for food, and interacting with her tankmates is a testament to the care and attention you've given her. And let's not forget the beautiful, thriving tank you've created - it's a true haven for your fish.

I think it's wonderful how attached we can get to a single fish, and how much joy they can bring us. For you, it's not just about the fish - it's about creating a whole ecosystem that's tailored to their needs. And the fact that you've joined the forum to share your experiences and learn from others is just the cherry on top.

By the way, I'm curious about the ziptied wood - is that a temporary solution until it waterlogs, or do you have plans to weigh it down and secure it another way? I love the unique shapes and textures of the wood, but I've had my fair share of struggles keeping it submerged.

Thanks for the kind words. The zip ties are actually holding rocks in place to weigh down the wood - a temporary fix until I can figure out a better solution. With my move coming up at the end of the month, I'll have to dismantle the tanks anyway, so I'll reassess the wood then. If any of it still floats, I'll just reattach the zip ties until I find a more permanent method. One of the smaller branches has already waterlogged, which is promising for the rest.

[graye]

I think we should raise a glass to Jelly - or rather, she deserves a nice, cool 23°C drink for bringing you back into the hobby. You've made a fantastic addition to this forum in such a short time, and I'm grateful for your contributions. It's clear that Jelly's had a profound impact on you, and I believe she deserves our thanks for inspiring you to share your passion with us.

[sageSe]

I think we should raise a glass to Jelly - or rather, she deserves a nice, cool 23°C drink for bringing you back into the hobby. You've made a fantastic addition to this forum in such a short time, and I'm grateful for your contributions. It's clear that Jelly's had a profound impact on you, and I believe she deserves our thanks for inspiring you to share your passion with us.

I really appreciate the kind words, it's been a blast getting back into fishkeeping. I feel a huge sense of responsibility for improving the life of an animal in my care, and Jelly's situation was no exception. If I'm being honest, I was probably the only one who could've taken the tank, and I often wonder what would've become of it if I hadn't stepped in. Thankfully, Jelly's needs drove me to create a better environment for her, and in doing so, I've rediscovered my passion for the hobby.