Introducing myself

[coolcomfort]

If the RTC isn't eating either, then i'm almost certain your water parameters are off. Your RTC may be slowly dying. Be careful, get the $25 API water testing kit. No other kit is really as accurate, and these kits really do allow for you to understand a lot about what's going on inside your tank. The sooner you understand proper tank cycling, the quicker you will be on your way.

 

[headbanger_jib]

Well this thread reminds me of my first few threads and posts on mfk, way back when we all were young.

I just had bought a 3'1'1', the idea was to keep a silver arowana, back then it was a coveted species here in India, and I wasn't well informed or did enough research, but went ahead and bought the fish.

So within the week, I had 1 silver arowana, 2 RTC, and 2 TSN in the 30 gallon.

And then I added 2 Oscars, which killed the 4 day old silver arowana, and then I began my research and managed to find MFK.

The only good thing I did was join mfk and read a lot.

Within a few weeks managed to build a 180gallon and shifted the cats and the newly acquired jardini to the new tank.

Then came the smaller pond, and then the bigger pond.

With fish like RTC they will kill themselves and everything else in the tank before they get stunted. One puke after a good meal is sufficient to kill everyone in the tank .

 

[islandguy11]

If the RTC isn't eating either, then i'm almost certain your water parameters are off. Your RTC may be slowly dying. Be careful, get the $25 API water testing kit. No other kit is really as accurate, and these kits really do allow for you to understand a lot about what's going on inside your tank. The sooner you understand proper tank cycling, the quicker you will be on your way.

I don't want to further derail TBTB's fine thread but just have to say I really hope it's not the case RTF hasn't taken the time to properly understand tank cycling etc -- with the Aro and the RTC in particular that would be like going out and buying a Porsche or monster 4X4 truck right after getting your driver's license, just asking for trouble, if even done innocently. Arowana & RTC definitely aren't learner fish, and in fact are 2 of the more challenging species to keep in this hobby (and in the case of Aros, frustrating, as they will happily play with your head). I'm not trying to sound harsh, patronizing or holier-than-thou (we all been there), but imo a beginner would just be setting the bar too high for themselves in most cases with these 2 fish (and a few others like Iridescent Sharks, Peacock Bass, etc.), risking disappointment and disillusionment with the hobby. Even experienced fish keepers make mistakes with these/similar fish, just like experienced Porsche driver's still have accidents, there's just less much chance I think most would agree.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

EntoStentor Adrian, while I appreciate you reading the thread and don't want to come of as a less-than-pleasant peer, I must mention I like my threads to only contain posts of non-trivial substance. On MFK, an OP has some leverage over what they want or don't want in their thread.

coolcomfort islandguy11 Appreciate your posts too, just thought I'd mention that your posts would fit far better in Val's main thread: https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/introducing-myself.714514/ Please, note she has been keeping fish for 20 years so we must assume she knows about cycling. Arowana and RTC are a different game, yes, but not yet as hers are / were still tiny and she must have a good experience with smaller fish, if we take her words at the face value.

 

[Red Tail Fan]

Well, I've pulled myself together again, feeling very stupid for what I did and feeling even more stupid for "hanging my dirty washing in public"
I am getting another Arrowana (Eric) is what my Son named him and I am confident that I now have things under control. for a start the tank is now bare bottomed I can see the sense in this now, doesn't look as pretty but far far more practical, RTC is still fine but he will not eat pellets as yet, I gave up o the pellets the guy recommended and tried just 2 Hikari sinking carnivore pellets, and this morning they were just where I placed them, but he is eating tiny pieces of prawn and also bloodworm tonight I'm actually going to try him on tiny pieces of Repashy Soilent green, all the other fish go mad for it so thought it's worth a try. I think his head has got a bit wider, I'm feeding him twice a day at the moment. Incidentally I do know how to cycle a tank but at the moment I am using ATM Colony and it's brilliant, using Hagen Aqua clear dechlorinator although Seachem Prime seems very popular any preferences? I also add some Fluval cycle. Ive got batteries for my camera now so hopefully will be able to get some pics. should I have a UV steriliser? I've never had one before just wondered if it is a good thing to have in the tank.
It will be interesting to see what colour the aro is, my last one looked pale blue.
Just to say also that I am not a beginner and I didn't feel that I had set the bar too high (I used to keep discus) took them back to the store though because I could not stop their bullying each other, I also had Angels and they actually bit lumps out of each other and bullied one to death. I try to steer clear of cichlids now.
This forum should have a OFF TOPIC section, sometimes it's nice to talk about other things.
Must just add my RTC should be called a WTC his tail is white always has been.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

RTF: Well, I've pulled myself together again,
TBTB: Wonderful! That's the spirit!

RTF: ... feeling very stupid for what I did and feeling even more stupid for "hanging my dirty washing in public"
TBTB: Don't worry about it. There is no shame in it if admitted honestly and made use of constructively, IMHO. We all do it and that's in a big part why we are here - helping each other, learning from each other, supporting each other, etc. Also, hopefully someone some time will read your story and learn from it. Moreover, it won't be your last time As long as we deal with live creatures, illnesses, accidents, and deaths will never be far off. Those who are so faint of the heart sentence themselves to quitting or learning on their own, which in all likelihood is far more shameful and painful.

RTF: ... for a start the tank is now bare bottomed I can see the sense in this now, doesn't look as pretty but far far more practical,
TBTB: Yup.

RTF: RTC is still fine but he will not eat pellets as yet, I gave up o the pellets the guy recommended and tried just 2 Hikari sinking carnivore pellets, and this morning they were just where I placed them, but he is eating tiny pieces of prawn and also bloodworm tonight I'm actually going to try him on tiny pieces of Repashy Soilent green, all the other fish go mad for it so thought it's worth a try.
TBTB: That's too fancy for it. Just don't offer anything but the pellets a few days until it caves. It will.

RTF: ... Incidentally I do know how to cycle a tank but at the moment I am using ATM Colony and it's brilliant
TBTB: What's that for?

RTF: ... using Hagen Aqua clear dechlorinator although Seachem Prime seems very popular any preferences?
TBTB: I don't use them as I am on my own water. I used to use a standard cheapest dechlorinator.

RTF: I also add some Fluval cycle
TBTB: Is your tank not cycled? You haven't mentioned your ammonia levels. Do you not test water? Testing for them with a liquid API test is the way and very highly recommended when raising such fish as RTC and arowana.

RTF: ... should I have a UV steriliser? I've never had one before just wondered if it is a good thing to have in the tank.
TBTB: If one has a valuable and expensive collection, it might be warranted. I never use them but mainly because I cannot afford one with sufficient power. Yet.

RTF: It will be interesting to see what colour the aro is, my last one looked pale blue.
TBTB: All silver arowana look more or less the same, especially as they grow.

RTF: This forum should have a OFF TOPIC section, sometimes it's nice to talk about other things.
TBTB: There is. Check "Lounge" forum at the bottom of the main page. Beware it's been a stumbling block for many. People can disagree and oftentimes it gets to hot and some often get warnings and bans. For some reason or other, the Lounge is where half of it occurs.

RTF: Must just add my RTC should be called a WTC his tail is white always has been.
TBTB: Not surprising. The red should start coming through later after 6" or so. Also, diet plays a role. It should contain the red pigment found in crustaceans, high quality pellet, paprika, etc.

 

[islandguy11]

Hi RTF, please excuse me for jumping to conclusions regarding your knowledge of fish cycling, based on some of your other responses plus some posts by others, I didn't stop to consider I was assuming more than I should have, and that's not right.

I would also like to comment on other thing, specifically the moving of some posts related to RTF from @TBTB's Arowana in 4500 gallon tank thread to this thread started by RTF (which I frankly didn't even know about) -- I mean how are we supposed to know about every other post made by every poster on MFK?? Frankly I don't think most of us have the time or inclination to be making such investigations every time we want to post a response in a thread.

But to clarify in regard to my own post, which was also moved: for the record I was only responding to other similar posts, which in turn were in response to the OP's (quite lengthy) responses to RTF's posts/queries. With all due respect to TBTB, whom many of us appreciate for his knowledge and contribution to the hobby and trying to give all those fish he takes in a better life, IMO if he didn't want his post taking off on that tangent he should have said it right then and there to RTF's initial post -- and then maybe helped her via PM. If he'd have done that, the following tangent posts simply wouldn't have arisen.

By responding (again in length) to RTF's queries/posts that were unrelated to his OP, which in turn encouraged her to make even further tangent posts, this naturally and inevitably opens the thread up to responses by others. And while we all like to think MFK is different from other forums, the fact is it's still a public, online forum, and there are certain dynamics associated and inherent in such forums. Some of these dynamics are good, some not so good. But do consider that many of the longest and best threads on this website occasionally do go off on side tangents, then come back around to the OP topic and back and forth -- this is completely natural imo when we're talking about the open exchange of information, plus the natural inclination of many to express their opinions and/or seek help to their problems.

So imho, if someone doesn't want this to occur on a thread they started, they should simply put in a little disclaimer on their first post, something like: "While I appreciate you visiting my thread and commenting too, please don't take the thread off any tangents about your or other's fish, or your problems -- keep the discussion only to my fish/my tanks/my issues, Thank you."

That right there would save those so inclined quite a big of angst. Also if any tangent posts do still come up, I'd humbly suggest to nip them in the bud right away; again by responding it naturally encourages others to do the same (regardless of who the OP is, how long they've been on MFK or how respected they are). Then to run to mods and ask them to kick the tangent posts off one's threads and saying they're inappropriate (after one has just done similar) simply doesn't sound right.

And also for the record: If I start a thread about something, I want my fellow MFK members to know it's A-OK to bring up points or questions about your similar fish or your problems, or even side topics as long as they have at least some relation to the OP topic, or possibly help others in some way. Personally, overall I believe this better fosters the learning and sharing process, which is the very foundation of MFK. Sure, things might get way off target occasionally or even result in strong responses or arguments. But to me this is better than trying to completely stifle such interactions just to keep the focus on my fish/tanks; that's not why I contribute to MFK.

RTF, please excuse my lengthy response above on your post seeking help & advice -- but as my post was moved to this thread where I didn't originally post it, this was the best place to express my opinion about this. Best of luck with your RTC (or WTC and near-future new Arowana.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

islandguy11 The thorough feedback is much appreciated. I moved the posts myself. I have unadvertised mod privileges and don't need to run to anyone for that. You appear to focus only on one side of the coin - that I want my thread cleaner. That's true. But if Val didn't have a thread where her posts fit much better, actually they fit perfectly, precisely, logically, and chronologically, I'd have nowhere to move the posts in question and they'd stay where they were originally. Her posts and the responses fit almost perfectly in her original thread, apart from a few minor snags.

If you noticed, I have been responding thoroughly to all of Val's inquiries, no matter in which thread. Why I responded to Val in my thread? She is a new member, still learning the ropes so I didn't want to tell her what to do every chance I get. That'd taste foul. But like you said, there is a progression and dynamics to any thread. I didn't know she'd go on. Once she did, moving looked a better option. Otherwise, I'd not move her post and your responses.

All in all, I think this is no big deal and I am not sure why it matters so much to you but if you somehow was hurt by what I have done, I apologize. Please, forgive me. The thing is, I'd probably do it today too for the sake of the wholesomeness of Val's live, interesting, and developing story. So, I am not sure what my apology would mean to you other that I feel I sorry I failed to please everyone with my move. Feel free to report the incident to the elevated authorities. I am ok with that and you'd be well within your rights.

 

[islandguy11]

Hi RTF, please excuse me for jumping to conclusions regarding your knowledge of fish cycling, based on some of your other responses plus some posts by others, I didn't stop to consider I was assuming more than I should have, and that's not right.

I would also like to comment on other thing, specifically the moving of some posts related to RTF from @TBTB's Arowana in 4500 gallon tank thread to this thread started by RTF (which I frankly didn't even know about) -- I mean how are we supposed to know about every other post made by every poster on MFK?? Frankly I don't think most of us have the time or inclination to be making such investigations every time we want to post a response in a thread.

But to clarify in regard to my own post, which was also moved: for the record I was only responding to other similar posts, which in turn were in response to the OP's (quite lengthy) responses to RTF's posts/queries. With all due respect to TBTB, whom many of us appreciate for his knowledge and contribution to the hobby and trying to give all those fish he takes in a better life, IMO if he didn't want his post taking off on that tangent he should have said it right then and there to RTF's initial post -- and then maybe helped her via PM. If he'd have done that, the following tangent posts simply wouldn't have arisen.

By responding (again in length) to RTF's queries/posts that were unrelated to his OP, which in turn encouraged her to make even further tangent posts, this naturally and inevitably opens the thread up to responses by others. And while we all like to think MFK is different from other forums, the fact is it's still a public, online forum, and there are certain dynamics associated and inherent in such forums. Some of these dynamics are good, some not so good. But do consider that many of the longest and best threads on this website occasionally do go off on side tangents, then come back around to the OP topic and back and forth -- this is completely natural imo when we're talking about the open exchange of information, plus the natural inclination of many to express their opinions and/or seek help to their problems.

So imho, if someone doesn't want this to occur on a thread they started, they should simply put in a little disclaimer on their first post, something like: "While I appreciate you visiting my thread and commenting too, please don't take the thread off any tangents about your or other's fish, or your problems -- keep the discussion only to my fish/my tanks/my issues, Thank you."

That right there would save those so inclined quite a big of angst. Also if any tangent posts do still come up, I'd humbly suggest to nip them in the bud right away; again by responding it naturally encourages others to do the same (regardless of who the OP is, how long they've been on MFK or how respected they are). Then to run to mods and ask them to kick the tangent posts off one's threads and saying they're inappropriate (after one has just done similar) simply doesn't sound right.

And also for the record: If I start a thread about something, I want my fellow MFK members to know it's A-OK to bring up points or questions about your similar fish or your problems, or even side topics as long as they have at least some relation to the OP topic, or possibly help others in some way. Personally, overall I believe this better fosters the learning and sharing process, which is the very foundation of MFK. Sure, things might get way off target occasionally or even result in strong responses or arguments. But to me this is better than trying to completely stifle such interactions just to keep the focus on my fish/tanks; that's not why I contribute to MFK.

RTF, please excuse my lengthy response above on your post seeking help & advice -- but as my post was moved to this thread where I didn't originally post it, this was the best place to express my opinion about this. Best of luck with your RTC (or WTC and near-future new Arowana.

TBTB I regret if my post sounded harsh, I sometimes/frequently have a problem where esp. my writing can come out stronger than I intend, esp. when I read it later (both of my occupations depend on me being an emotional person to really give people the best experience; on the minus side I can't always control it so well when it comes to more negative emotions) -- frankly I respect the living daylights out of you and am utterly impressed by your dedication to this hobby/lifestyle, it's an inspiration to us all. And it's certainly ok if we might disagree somewhat in regard to this issue, shouldn't affect the bigger picture I hope. And RTF I would have PM'd this to TBTB, but I thought it best for others to know my thinking in this regard as well since I made a public post.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Thanks, bro. Means a ton to me. I didn't find it harsh. Only surprising. No problem on my end. I agree with the open discussion in part because it involved other members - Val, Tobias, and Adrian; and in part because it might be useful to a wider audience. As long as we agree on the main things in our hobby, we can afford any number of minor disagreements, I reckon. Let's not lose the forest behind tall grass, right?