My New RTC --- Information & Questions

[LostAcc]

SOME INFORMATION
-----------------------------------

RTC Length = 43cm (16.92 Inches)

Current Tank Dimensions = 2000cm x 70cm x70cm (+/- 260 Gallons US)
Current Tank Filtration = 2x FX5's & Boyu UV Unit & Boyu Cannister Filter with Pond Matrix

Current Tempreture = 25 Degree Celcius (77 Degree Fahrenheit)
Current PH Range = 6.2 to 7.0

Future Tank Dimensions = 2500cm (L) x 80cm (W) x 70cm (H) = 370 Gallons US
Future Sump Dimensions = 1500cm (L) x 60cm (W) x 50cm (H) = 120 Gallons US

*** Future Tank will also make use of the UV Unit @ 1 of the FX5's ***

A Sheltered Outdoor Pond has been planned, but we haven't started the build yet.
To date, all I have are the 2 pond filter units and some of the plumbing.

 

[LostAcc]

QUESTIONS
------------------------

My RTC seems to have developed some scars near his mouth/whiskers.
I have attached 2 pictures showing what they look like, both pictures are
taken from the same side, but he basically has the same scars on both sides
of his mouth. I wasn't around when it happened, but my wife told me that he
was trying to catch some of the feeder fish near the top of the water and he
might have hit the top of the tank/rim/cover. I've also attached a picture showing
the current water-level, which is about 3cm away from the inner-rim (bracing) of the tank.

Q1 - What can I do about the scars (medication, etc) ?
Q2 - Should I drop the water-level, and if so, how much should it be below the top ?
Q3 - Are healthy comet (goldfish) okay as feeders or should I try something else ?

I've also noticed him knocking into the heater and filtration bits that are inside the tank, but
that shouldn't be an issue from next week, once the sump has been delivered and installed.

*** SORRY FOR THE BAD-QUALITY CELL PHONE PICTURES ***

*** PICTURE UPLOADED TO "TINYPIC", HAD ISSUES WITH THE ATTACHMENT MANAGER ***

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Please see below.

Q1 - What can I do about the scars (medication, etc) ?

***********Looks like skin abrasions. As long as not red, should heal fine. If turns red (means inflammation) and starts spreading then perhaps an antibiotic/anticeptic med may be added.

Q2 - Should I drop the water-level, and if so, how much should it be below the top ?

***********It is hard to imagine he is doing that on the rim, cover etc, meaning that it would be so symmetric and not anywhere else on his lips/snout. But it is not impossible. I would remove the live feeders (see below).

Q3 - Are healthy comet (goldfish) okay as feeders or should I try something else ?

***********It is not a good diet for an RTC.
1. Goldfish (cold-temperate water fish) are too fatty. RTCs (tropical fish) do not eat much of any fatty foods in the wild.
2. Goldfish have an unusually strong immune system that suppresses most parasites and harmful bacteria. Hence, therein lies a great risk to your RTC.
3. There is no need whatsoever to feed an RTC live (IMHO). RTCs will eat anything and everything edible. Fish pieces, shrimp, mussel, crab, sea foods, pellets, etc. all will be taken. In the wild they take fallen fruit too.

I've also noticed him knocking into the heater and filtration bits that are inside the tank, but
that shouldn't be an issue from next week, once the sump has been delivered and installed.

************The beauty of RTC is only matched by their stupidity when it comes to swallowing inedible objects. They have been known to swallow heaters and thermometers and their parts, aeration parts, gravel, plastic decorations, plastic toys, etc. Make sure it has no access to any of these.

 

[aropwn]

my rtc has that to its from going up and down the tank with his/her mouth on the tank glass it not really a scar just a saw

 

[ecoli73]

QUESTIONS
------------------------

My RTC seems to have developed some scars near his mouth/whiskers.
I have attached 2 pictures showing what they look like, both pictures are
taken from the same side, but he basically has the same scars on both sides
of his mouth. I wasn't around when it happened, but my wife told me that he
was trying to catch some of the feeder fish near the top of the water and he
might have hit the top of the tank/rim/cover. I've also attached a picture showing
the current water-level, which is about 3cm away from the inner-rim (bracing) of the tank.

Q1 - What can I do about the scars (medication, etc) ?
Q2 - Should I drop the water-level, and if so, how much should it be below the top ?
Q3 - Are healthy comet (goldfish) okay as feeders or should I try something else ?

I've also noticed him knocking into the heater and filtration bits that are inside the tank, but
that shouldn't be an issue from next week, once the sump has been delivered and installed.

*** SORRY FOR THE BAD-QUALITY CELL PHONE PICTURES ***

*** PICTURE UPLOADED TO "TINYPIC", HAD ISSUES WITH THE ATTACHMENT MANAGER ***

What is your water parameter?

The scar looks like an open wound. Usually with clean warm water, it will heal. Do pay attention those because if it spreads, you need to medicate and fast.

Live food is not necessary for the rtc...a gold fish diet is not really good for them and it'll be a headache for you as well.


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