i havent changed my electric catfish's water for 2 weeks when i typically change it once a week. I got lazy last week because i was busy and now, my catfish is having some kind of diease on its tail. any tip on treating it would be helpful.
dont be lazy
- Thread starter ruckaisawesome
- Start date
mine just ok..the catfish is in 20G tank witn my 1 Indonesia TD..just change the 30% of water once in 6-7days
Yes do frequent water changes. This should clear up by itself. The most important thing you can do for an ECat if give it great water quality. I have seen this before in other peoples ECats as well as mine. When I move to the new apartment about 2 years ago. I had mine is a 25 gallon ice chest for the better part of a day. With only an air pump. When the tank was set up I noticed that Homer's tail had turned a deep red. I checked the water in the ice chest and the ammonia was way way high. After a few days in the tank it cleared right up. I would do a good water change and add some stress coat. Maybe throw in some Melafix.
I wouldn't medicate until you know what it is. Is this bacterial? Viral? What are are your tank stats: pH, ammonia, nitrItes, nitrAtes, how big is the tank, how big is the Ecat, are there any other residents? How much water do your normally change? Filter? Temp?
Have you added any new fish recently? Any possible stressors?
I have a 9" Ecat and he does fine if I neglect water changes. In fact, that's something I love about him.. Life's been crazy recently, we moved, and I don't think I did a decent WC for 2 months! Yes, I feel terrible, but he's been pretty low maintenance now that I think about it.
Here's my cat just an hour or so ago, we call him "The Dirigible" the bricks behind him are about 7 1/2in and he's in a 55g
And some more I took last week:
*edit
We recently moved him and the tank to a new place, part of how he got neglected.. He spent the move in a 5g bucket and we saved 35g in a garbage bin which got added back. Then tanks just kinda fell by the the wayside for a bit.. He adjusted no prob.
Have you added any new fish recently? Any possible stressors?
I have a 9" Ecat and he does fine if I neglect water changes. In fact, that's something I love about him.. Life's been crazy recently, we moved, and I don't think I did a decent WC for 2 months! Yes, I feel terrible, but he's been pretty low maintenance now that I think about it.
Here's my cat just an hour or so ago, we call him "The Dirigible" the bricks behind him are about 7 1/2in and he's in a 55g
And some more I took last week:
*edit
We recently moved him and the tank to a new place, part of how he got neglected.. He spent the move in a 5g bucket and we saved 35g in a garbage bin which got added back. Then tanks just kinda fell by the the wayside for a bit.. He adjusted no prob.
2 weeks shouldnt have really effected him all that negatively unless you are underfiltered for your stocking, or not properly cycled.
Red streaks usually are caused from high ammonia. Looks like a minor case. You really should keep an eye on your nitrates and ammonia levels, as well as use water conditioner. This will really help against any adverse effects like this in the future.
Red streaks usually are caused from high ammonia. Looks like a minor case. You really should keep an eye on your nitrates and ammonia levels, as well as use water conditioner. This will really help against any adverse effects like this in the future.
FishingOut;4652241; said:
um..i actually dont have a filter for it yet which is why i have to change his water every week. i just put him in my 75g tropic tank. Yes i know its not a great idea, but how bad can it be. this is only temporary until i get a filter for the 10g.
ruckaisawesome;4652470; said:
Well I think you have your answer. With no filter I would say that the red streaks are from the high ammonia. This can happen quite fast with ECats. Seeing how they are gultons and most people will over feed them. The leave behind a lot of waste. Do more water changes and try to get yourself a good filter system. Fluval never let me down.
ruckaisawesome;4652470; said:
How bad can it be? You are exetremely lucky he is still alive. Thats how bad.
Most fish cant survive a cycling tank. Fish are highly sensitive to ammonia and nitrites which I would imagine yours are through the roof.
So your going to put the Ecat back in a 10gal tank? If you dont have a tank at least as large as a 55, That is cycled with proper filtration, and a temp of 75-80, Than its within the best interest of the animal that you find a more suitable home.
Now if you want to properly house him we will help you along the way, But an uncycled unfiltered 75gal and 10 are not acceptable for this fish. He surely wont survive, Hes already showing signs of deterioration.
no, u misunderstood me. what i meant by that was temporarly putting him with tropical fishes ( i took him out now). the 10g tank is only temporary, i been saving up for a 30g tank which i plan on getting sometime deciember. the 75g tank is filtered so dont worry bout that. only reason i havent gotten a filter for the catfish is i originally planned to get it with the new tank, it now seems waiting isnt an answerFishingOut;4652961; said:
If you're going to put him with other fish be aware he can injure and possibly eat some pretty big fish compared to his size so be prepared to lose them or have them shocked if he has tankmates.
Is the 30g you're getting going to be the Ecat's home? That is WAY too small. Even with a filter it's just too small. Water quality is going to continue to be a problem as well as space. Remember, someday he should be 2ft long.
So, he's back in the 10g? With no filter? It's only going to get worse. Ammonia does permanent damage to the gills so the longer he is exposed the more damage (and scarring) will accumulate. Add the nitrites and nitrates, not good.
You're very right that waiting is not an answer nor should it have been a plan.
Is the 30g you're getting going to be the Ecat's home? That is WAY too small. Even with a filter it's just too small. Water quality is going to continue to be a problem as well as space. Remember, someday he should be 2ft long.
So, he's back in the 10g? With no filter? It's only going to get worse. Ammonia does permanent damage to the gills so the longer he is exposed the more damage (and scarring) will accumulate. Add the nitrites and nitrates, not good.
You're very right that waiting is not an answer nor should it have been a plan.