ID shark needs help/advice. Injury or disease?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I have a spare tank to use as a sump but I'd have to research how to run and set up one. I don't know the first thing about using a sump at all.

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That's okay,take your time learning about them as I'm sure there's got to be some good threads here for you to read up on and you can ask and post away any questions you might have and much more knowledged members than I am should be glad to help ya...We all have to start somewhere,when I got my first wet/dry system I was a little intimidated at the whole thing and there was no MFK or even internet for me to turn to for help lol.
 
After doing a little read up on the sump I like it! Didn't know you could set up all your equipment in a separate tank and just have it pumped into your aquarium! That would be great to clear out all the heaters the sharks run ito. The only thing I can't find is how big of a sump tank I need for the demand I have. Any suggestions on size?

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sumps work fine.. and you do have the tank(55?) already ..so that is certainly an option... but the sponge filter(s) will be adaptable to a pond setup , and I am pretty sure a sump might be a tough adaptation once you build your pond...don't be scared of the sponge filter ..they really are $ for$ a fine choice on big tank filtration , if set up properly
 
sumps work fine.. and you do have the tank(55?) already ..so that is certainly an option... but the sponge filter(s) will be adaptable to a pond setup , and I am pretty sure a sump might be a tough adaptation once you build your pond...don't be scared of the sponge filter ..they really are $ for$ a fine choice on big tank filtration , if set up properly

How can I be sure to set it up properly compared to incorrectly? I was still counting on your sponge idea since I can set that up quickly. The sump pump sounds great but will take a bit of time to get up and running it seems. I just wanna take care of my fish.

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Here's hoping it's right. Petco powerhead King 225 and a Deep Blue 50 sponge installed and running. Have to say the sponge was a little hard to find. None of the national stores carry them at all. Only my LFS had it and replacement sponges.

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Oh and bc you guys sent me to my LFS I also ended up buying a fancy digital thermometer too! My husband thanks you for that...lol

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your sump size would need to be rated on how much water would be siphoned out during a power outage to not overflow + how much would be normally running through it while in operation.

in my opinion, you are overstocked on your tank. ID's are messy. i have an 18+" ID in a 300g with a 60gal sump, 10x turnover rate, and it is a right mess. if i didn't have so much media and BB in my sump, i could definitely see having poor water quality.
they also do better in tank with more space. their ideal tanks allow for them to really swim in, not just bounce back and forth. i feel bad for mine in a 6' long, 4' wide tank.

a sump is a godsend, the amount of media you can place in it for BB colonization is far superior to that of any canister or hob filter. add in the mechanical filtration/prefilters and you're laughing. place your heaters in it, and you have more room in your tank.

as far as the markings on the side, it could be bacterial, which irritated the ID, who then was rubbing itself on the gravel, and scraping itself doing so.
gravel can cut scaleless fish up much easier than sand can. gotta remember that. remember, that just like humans, not every fish has the same constitution, some get sick easier than others. can't simply say "well, he's the only one..." give it enough time and other fish would get it too.

keep up the water changes, add more filtration for the time being.
i'd look into removing the gravel with something more scaleless friendly.
eventually you will have to upgrade the tank if you plan on keeping the IDs longterm.
 
Looks like a good setup ,from what I can gather on internet research....the sponge looks pretty big and I am sure the powerhead will move enough water:)
 
your sump size would need to be rated on how much water would be siphoned out during a power outage to not overflow + how much would be normally running through it while in operation.

in my opinion, you are overstocked on your tank. ID's are messy. i have an 18+" ID in a 300g with a 60gal sump, 10x turnover rate, and it is a right mess. if i didn't have so much media and BB in my sump, i could definitely see having poor water quality.
they also do better in tank with more space. their ideal tanks allow for them to really swim in, not just bounce back and forth. i feel bad for mine in a 6' long, 4' wide tank.

a sump is a godsend, the amount of media you can place in it for BB colonization is far superior to that of any canister or hob filter. add in the mechanical filtration/prefilters and you're laughing. place your heaters in it, and you have more room in your tank.

as far as the markings on the side, it could be bacterial, which irritated the ID, who then was rubbing itself on the gravel, and scraping itself doing so.
gravel can cut scaleless fish up much easier than sand can. gotta remember that. remember, that just like humans, not every fish has the same constitution, some get sick easier than others. can't simply say "well, he's the only one..." give it enough time and other fish would get it too.

keep up the water changes, add more filtration for the time being.
i'd look into removing the gravel with something more scaleless friendly.
eventually you will have to upgrade the tank if you plan on keeping the IDs longterm.

Thanks for your help! First hand knowledge is best! I'm committed to keeping these for the long haul. They are the reason I got into keeping fish. They are most definitely getting the indoor pond! Already in the planning stage and money set a side just for them and their upkeep. Just watching another member with his setup. He had built a 9'x6' and 3' deep just a few months ago. He guesses it's 1100 gallons. As he's learning the mistakes from his build I'm taking all the notes I can. That is what I am committing to do for them.

The theory of a bacterial infection leading to him cutting himself of the gravel makes a ton of sense! I was looking at the marks themselves as what was wrong. Not thinking of them being the result of something else. What do you use or recommend as a substrate, sand I assume? Sand will be used in the pond but I know sand in an aquarium can damage filter systems. Yesterday I installed the sponge filter with powerhead so hopefully in 2 weeks I will see some good results in his over all look and of course health.


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