5-20-2009: The fish are here!

[Ryan]

The fish are exploring their new home. Everything went smoothly this morning. I opened the box at the FedEx office to make sure there were no leaky bags or damages. The fish were still warm and there wasn't a drop of water in the styro. Al packed all of these extremely well.

I don't use an acclimation method on any of the fish I bring in. I've always been a fan of the grab-and-plop method. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I cut the bags open and moved the fish into the tank by hand. There are no frayed fins or ammonia burns. They look perfect.

The tank is about 85°F. My water here has a pH of 7.6 and a TDS reading of somewhere between 150 - 200ppm. Some people add salt with new arrivals but I've never found the need to do that if the fish are in good shape right out of the bag.

I just have to say that these fish are outstanding in person. No picture or video can do them justice. I was amazed at how robust and well-shaped they were when I dropped them into the tank.

I took a few pictures with flash (it was dark in the room and I don't have the tank lights on) but they're not the best quality. I will take more in the morning when I feed them for the first time.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/ryansmith83/contest/IMG_6201.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/ryansmith83/contest/IMG_6202.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/ryansmith83/contest/IMG_6204.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/ryansmith83/contest/IMG_6208.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/ryansmith83/contest/IMG_6210.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/ryansmith83/contest/IMG_6213.jpg

[DLock3d]

I'm so freaking jealous. Hopefully, I'll be in a house when the next contest kicks off.

[calihawker]

Another succesful arrival.:D:D
Kudo's to Al for a job well done.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

I'll be watching your progress closely!;)

[MRQuad]

that is soo cute ryan..

goodluck with the fish..

marvin

[acroken]

Nice shape and color Ryan. They are looking real good in there. Good luck with them.

Kenny

[Cooldadddyfunk286]

Ryan, great group you have there! awesome shots. I love this strain. good luck to you!:D

[Scribbles]

Good Luck with those little beauties! Looking forward to watching their progress.

Chris

[kirkp]

Ryan, great looking fish. Aren't we lucky to be part of this.

good luck
Kirk

[calihawker]

Ryan, great looking fish. Aren't we lucky to be part of this.

good luck
Kirk

Yeah... Totaly...:D

[Chad Hughes]

Ryan,

Lookin good! I guess Al knows that he's doing or something! LOL! Best wishes to you brother! Happy to hear that your stock arrived in tip top shape.

All the best!

[Mr Wild]

They look fabulous, all the best with them!

[Ryan]

Thanks everyone.

The fish were a little freaked out last night when I went into the room to check on them. I turned the lights off and went to bed.

This morning they were much more sociable. They were all exploring the tank and swimming around when I opened the door. I figured they'd go stampeding toward the end of the tank like new discus often do, but instead they cautiously watched me approach with a package of bloodworms.

As soon as the food hit the water, everyone started happily eating and tail-slapping each other. They didn't seem to mind me being there.

We're off to a good start!

[target]

I'm so freaking jealous. Hopefully, I'll be in a house when the next contest kicks off.

I am in the same position as you. Need the house to have room for the tanks. Hopefully next year.

[GrillMaster]

Thanks everyone.

The fish were a little freaked out last night when I went into the room to check on them. I turned the lights off and went to bed.

This morning they were much more sociable. They were all exploring the tank and swimming around when I opened the door. I figured they'd go stampeding toward the end of the tank like new discus often do, but instead they cautiously watched me approach with a package of bloodworms.

As soon as the food hit the water, everyone started happily eating and tail-slapping each other. They didn't seem to mind me being there.

We're off to a good start!

Must be Al's therapy sessions he has with them on social behavior. ;) :D :D :D

Good luck Ryan! You have to be ecstatic with your new water! :)

[Armandi_Fishcarer]

Ryan, fish look fabulous. I swear I thought that last picture the Albino facing the front tank was smiling for the camera. :D

All the best with them. Lets grow some big guns!

Regards
Ahmed ;)

[fishyj]

Ryan, they did do a great job with shipping these beauties out. Good luck growing them out.

[discusluvr818]

Great fish!! cheers and best of luck. Not much can be said that hasn't already been. Have fun and this is going to be fun to watch.