Ok guys, here's the deal...about 2 weeks ago, i purchased a red tailed catfish.. he has a 15 gal. tank....he had gill curl one side, he didn't eat, and wasn't very active..now, he still has gill curl, already started eating but stopped 2 days ago and hasn't eaten again, and started hiding in a jar that i placed but doesn't come out even at night and there are no lights..I asked for help in my last thread and so far these are the things i have done,...I change about 10% of my water once a week, i siphon any feces that i see, and i've added a water plant to help cycle the tank,..the water in the tank is clean and clear although i don't know my water params because i don't have a water test kit..I doubt i will obtain one cause my dad won't buy one..it costs 900php(20$)..which might not seem much to you guys but very pricey for my dad i guess...everyone please help in answering my questions...will the aquatic plant help cycle the tank?? is ok to not own a test kit as long as i keep the water clean and change water frequently??how frequent may i ask will be ideal??i saw some water treating solutions and whatnot for sale at the pet store, do these help cycle the tank??and also advice, opinions, and criticism are all encouraged..many thanks everyone!!!!!
An update on my rtc....
- Thread starter Fish_Admirer17
- Start date
15 gallons for an RTC? this wouldnt last long dude,you should be ready to buy the biggest tank that you can get for this big guy,RTC is one of the most largest freshwater fish in the world.also a bigger tank will keep the water parameters stable,
as what most of us say here " its is not what you have,its how you make it happy"
as what most of us say here " its is not what you have,its how you make it happy"
if you had a bigger tank you might get away with 25-30percent a week but with the tank you have 2x25percent a week or 10 percent every day would be needed and the biggest filter you can get.
Your first step is to buy a tropical pond. Once you have at least 200g-300g, you'll be able to keep this guy for more than a year. What I don't think you realize is that he is growing RIGHT NOW. You could probably measure him now, go back in six hours, and he'll be longer. He is making more "pee and poo" than any 15 gallon tank can handle, cycled or not, unless it's connected to a giant sump somewhere. You cannot house this fish. I have a 125g tank and I cannot house this fish. Give him back or clove him because he is about to die a very slow and painful death at your hands and you will only feel guilty when he's gone.
oh man guys..that's why i'm asking for help to avoid him suffering and dying..he's better of with me than in that overcrowded tank i bought him from..and btw, he only cost 350php here($8)..the test kit here (API) costs 900php($20)..and also i don't know if its asian or south american..why do you ask man??does caring for each one differ??
This fish literally won't be able to fit into your tank in less than a year. Find someone to give it to or take it back to the store. THEN cycle your tank properly and get some proper sized fish for your tank (tetras, guppies, etc).