Catfish at the top

[JohnG1122]

Hi everyone this is my first real post at monsterfishkeepers glad to be here but i have a weird problem. Ive been in the hobby for quite some time now and i never had something like this.

I have a tsn x rtc and my ph ammonia in the tank are all fine everything is normal but my catfish swims at the top like he needs more air so i even put in additional pumps. He eats fine and now lately he has been more normal he stays in his cave he is quite young only about 6" but occasionally he stays at the top still for prolonged periods. Any1 know what this could be?

 

[JohnG1122]

No one?

 

[justonemoretank]

I'd like to know actual numbers on your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. "Fine" is subjective. Your fish lives at the bottom of the tank. Therefore, oxygen that would be available to him is going to be lower than those who breathe oxygen at the mid-level and top-level of the tank. Your tank is overstocked. NOW. I'm not sure what you're planning as far as upgrades, but is overstocked. What is your nitrate? Ultimately, these fish depend on you to do RIGHT by them. IF that means returning a couple, and it will, unless you get several tanks and a pond, that's what it means. Your fish isn't doing well. Anyone could have looked at your stocking list and told you it wouldn't work. Now, what are you going to do to fix it... fast?

 

[JohnG1122]

my nitrate levels were fine as well as ammonia. I have my water tested weekly at the petstore near me my ph is at a 6.8. i know the nitrate should be low i dont have the tester for it all i have now is the ph tester so i check it at the store. As for the tank being over crowded i am aware of that they are all babies as of now and i understand that they will be huge. I am taking my friends 300 off his hands and i was hoping that would be big enough to house them.

 

[JohnG1122]

I will be going to the petstore early tomorrow so i will get it tested again and get the exact numbers for you. thanks for the advice