Kelvin Fujikawa

Biography

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Aquatics Content Producer Kelvin Fujikawa has a lifetime of experience in tropical reef ecology and water gardening. Having maintained numerous aquarium setups at Drs. Foster and Smith - including FOWLR, Reef, African Cichlid, and Freshwater Planted systems - Kelvin has assisted customers both as a technical support agent and through the numerous articles he writes for the Aquarium Outfitters and Pond catalogs. He holds degrees in English and Anthropology from Ripon College and a Masters of Science & Engineering in technical writing and translation from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Questions Answered by Kelvin Fujikawa

Have 60 gal tank with 2 largish Ryukin goldfish, doing well together in this tank for several months. I added 3 times different smaller Ryukin from different sources, acclimated by floating bag method, put in the tank with the larger Ryukin. All new fish died within 3-5 days, w/ signs of swim bladder problem - not remaining upright, then dies. Water tests all zeros, using Safe, API proper ph 7.5 & bacteria. Temp 78. Tank cleaned often.. Eat soaked Hikari sinking mini pellets, peas. Ideas?

You mention that your water tests all zeros. Which parameters are you referring to ammonia and nitrite? If so, have you measured your nitrate level? Though not as toxic as ammonia or nitrite, nitrate is still harmful to fish especially in concentrated levels. Please test your nitrate levels and if your levels are higher that 40 ppm, perform a series of small water changes (10%) every other day to slowly lower your nitrate level to under 40 ppm.

will an iron rich fertilizer hurt my fish? I just got a Green Wendth to help my small aquarium with 2 small neon fish. i am tring to naturally balance the environment. Do i need to get specific rocks for the bottom? oh , i also got one of those green moss ball to help clean up the tank. I am not sure what to do from here.

When used as instructed, plant nutrients and fertilizers designed specifically for aquarium plants will not harm aquarium fish. Allow new aquarium plants to settle and establish themselves before adding any fertilizers. Use aquarium plant substrates such as CaribSea Eco-Complete Plant Substrate http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9087 to get your plants established faster. Seachem Flourish Advance Natural Phytohormone Supplement http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=33890 will help stimulate root growth vital for overall plants health. Even though you have plants with low to moderate light requirements, be sure to use aquarium light specifically designed for planted aquarium use (sometimes called plant lights) and have the lights on between 10 and 12 hours a day. You may need to adjust the photoperiod (the amount of time the light is on) depending on how your plants are doing and to prevent unwanted nuisance algae growth.

One of my koi, was healthy, swimming around and eating on Tuesday afternoon at about 2:15 pm; at 2:40 pm he was found floating upside down at the side of the pond (1000 gallon pond with 3 koi and 2 goldfish) practically lifeless. We placed him in a separate tub of water with a bubbler for the rest of the afternoon. That night at about 9:00 pm he had righted himself and was slowly swimming around in the tub, so we returned him to the pond. What might have caused this situation?

Without more detailed information, it is difficult to speculate, but there are certain "hints" in your question that suggests it might be due to low oxygen levels. First it occurred mid-afternoon, typically the warmest time of the day. Warm water loses its capacity to hold onto oxygen, particularly at temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm water combined with poor water circulation can create pockets of oxygen-depleted water harmful to pond inhabitants. Your koi's positive reaction to enhanced aeration during the cool of the night when water is capable of holding onto more oxygen, is another "hint." If you are experiencing an exceptionally warm summer in your area, it might be a good idea to enhance water movement and aeration in your pond. Improved circulation helps eliminate stratification or development of harmful, oxygen poor layers.

I am setting up a 20 gallon freshwater tank. I would like to have an assortment of live plants. I need recommendations on the type of plants to use and also the type gravel to use.

Our Standard Aquarium Plant Pack provides a convenient solution for your dilemma. This package includes Micro Sword or Dwarf Hairgrass, Anubias Nana or Anubias Barteri Round Leaf, Java Fern, Red Cryptocoryne or Green Cryptocoryne, Water Sprite, Hornwort, and Cabomba. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=768+2145+2146&pcatid=2146 A substrate specifically designed for live aquarium plants such as CaribSea Eco-Complete Plant Substrate is recommended for long-term success. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9087 Be sure to provide proper lighting conditions by employing aquarium light fixtures specifically designed for planted aquarium use.

why does my betta fish lay on it's side while resting at the bottom?

Bettas are not particularly active swimmers and it is not uncommon, especially for male Bettas to lie on their side. Keep in mind that male Bettas have large flowing finnage that are rather cumbersome to mange. Some Betta may rest tucked in between leaves of plants or aquarium décor to support their fins. That being said, it is important to always monitor water parameters to ensure ideal water conditions. Poor water quality including low or extremely high water temperatures can contribute to lethargy and overall lack of vitality. Be sure your Betta setup it properly filtered to ensure best living conditions.