I'm getting worried about my RTC- he's breathing heavy, not eating (which is very abnormal for him), and his whiskers are wilting. The water parameters are perfect and I have plenty of aeration. The tank has been running for 6 months and he's been in there for 2. No one else is showing signs of stress/illness. Water changes haven't helped. I can't see any gill curl. He's been eating Krill, Silversides, Massivore, and Hotdogs. Are the hotdogs killing him? Any suggestions?
Help! RTC in trouble
- Thread starter Azdurph
- Start date
Hey Az.
You say your water parameters are perfect but could you possible list them on here?
Your fish is displaying lots of signs of stress usually caused by bad water parameters.
In particular we need Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH & water hardness.
To begin with do a large water change of at least 30% with clean declorinated water.
I would also suggest do not feed any fish in your tank for at least 2- 3 days after the water change to allow time for everything to settle.
I also would never feed ANY Catfish Hotdogs - these are just full of processed S**t an absolutely no good for your fish.
What else is in the aquarium, what is the tank size? how big is the RTC?
What filtration etc?
You say your water parameters are perfect but could you possible list them on here?
Your fish is displaying lots of signs of stress usually caused by bad water parameters.
In particular we need Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH & water hardness.
To begin with do a large water change of at least 30% with clean declorinated water.
I would also suggest do not feed any fish in your tank for at least 2- 3 days after the water change to allow time for everything to settle.
I also would never feed ANY Catfish Hotdogs - these are just full of processed S**t an absolutely no good for your fish.
What else is in the aquarium, what is the tank size? how big is the RTC?
What filtration etc?
Hi Rob,
Thanks for the reply. I'll check my water parameters again when I get off work tonight but last time I checked they were zeros across the board. PH is 7.6
He's ~"13-"14 and in a 240g tank with Pacu and some CA/SA Cichlids. Filtration is 3 Magnum 350 cans.
I've been doing water changes every other day to try and get him well so when I do it tonight I'll take your advice and not feed them for a few days.
Thanks for the reply. I'll check my water parameters again when I get off work tonight but last time I checked they were zeros across the board. PH is 7.6
He's ~"13-"14 and in a 240g tank with Pacu and some CA/SA Cichlids. Filtration is 3 Magnum 350 cans.
I've been doing water changes every other day to try and get him well so when I do it tonight I'll take your advice and not feed them for a few days.
What test kit are you using as if it is the dip strips i have found they dont always give a true answer. I had a friend who was using them all testing fine but his fish were dieing i went around and used my test kit API fresh water test kit and he had very high Amonia and nitrite could this be the same problem you are having plus is your test kit in date ie it as a use by date coz to me it is all sounding like bad water quality.
Hi there.
Follow Catfish Dans advice too regarding Testing.
Its Virtually impossible to get negative readings for Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate in a stocked aquarium even with the most advanced filters & media.
You need a proper test kit buddy & check again.
Having kept predatory & big cats for 15 years + I would say 85% of problems are caused by poor water conditions & poor filtration.
Lets us know your results & good luck.
Follow Catfish Dans advice too regarding Testing.
Its Virtually impossible to get negative readings for Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate in a stocked aquarium even with the most advanced filters & media.
You need a proper test kit buddy & check again.
Having kept predatory & big cats for 15 years + I would say 85% of problems are caused by poor water conditions & poor filtration.
Lets us know your results & good luck.