need advice about Bichirs and ropefish

[Red Devil]

No problem. There is one other thing I'd like to tell you about care of ropes. I see a lot of people all the time telling owners to make sure they cover all the holes in the tops of the tanks - one thing you HAVE to remember if you have a hang over the back type of filter is that they WILL go to the top where the water falls from the filter and swim up into it, over the filter cartridge, knock off the top of the filter and jump out from there. Be sure your tank isn't full enough to allow this to happen. You might not expect it - I'd had my ropes for months before they pulled this little trick - both of them escaped the same way two times in one day.

I hope it was not too late when you found your ropes excapees... i have taped every opening that there is any possibility of excape.. the only time i worry now is if the top is up ..i really watch because wow can they move out when they want too... what have you found that your ropes like to eat the most.. and have you seen your ropes eat when you gave them the food right away.. just curious if this will change in time where he won't be so laid back as everyone else is feasting, do you give yours live food.. we did think of putting a couple of guppys in..although i hate getting into that but if it is nessasary then we will..thanks again

 

[beblondie]

''one thing you HAVE to remember if you have a hang over the back type of filter is that they WILL go to the top where the water falls from the filter and swim up into it, over the filter cartridge, knock off the top of the filter and jump out from there''
Escape proofing
polypterids are escape artists theres no denying it ,
but we can stop them. With a little effort you can foil
their plans for a midnight hike and believe me
preventing it is easier then fixing them after.
Glass tops have a heavy vinly strip that can be cut
to exactly A) the intake and output area of your
filter, or if using a canister filter drill holes
for the intake and return. For cutting vinyl use a utility
knife remember make the opening no bigger than
needed.on full canopy top its the same thing except you'll
need a jigsaw or scrollsaw to cut the openings.
As for the opening part of the lid or top make sure
it fits well and add weight to it Remember make openings
no bigger than needed.
If you should have an escapee and you find it within a few hours
return it to the tank and move it gently forward and backwards.
Many that look like lost causes will revive in a few minutes to an hour.
They may not act normal for a day or two but thats normal.
Observe it for the next several days for any sign of infections.
For HOB filters you can silicone fiberglass of nylon window screen
so the water flows thru it but they can't acess the filter-Anne

 

[Red Devil]

thanks beblondie .... right now in this small 30 gal tank i have inside filters nothing hanging over the sides.. so i should be fine for now with them in this tank.. But i heed all your warnings and appreciate your concern to let me know ...the last thing i want is to lose my twins or rope fish.. so you know i appreciate you and the keeper very much. Doing a great job helping us inexperienced bichir-rope keepers and i am sure i speak for all of us when i say thanks!

 

[beblondie]

You're certainly welcome.If you can afford it I'd use canister filter(s) on the next tank less chance of escaping and they tend to be quieter too-Anne

 

[Red Devil]

we have about 30 different size tanks and most of them we use the canister filters and then on a few of our little tanks we use cornor filters {inside} .. and we definitly prefer the canisters..and when the time comes that i am using one of them i will do everything you mentioned to prevent an excape... thanks again BeBlondie,