OK I am starting to PANIC!!!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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needycowgirl

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 14, 2007
112
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Spokane WA
:1zhelp:Ok Bruce is usually a very active and dark reticulated ray. Yesterday mornin I noticed he was "lookin" funny. He wasnt doing his usual running around. So I fed him and turned off his light. And he did pounce his food.
All day yesterday he just didnt "look" right. So I added salt and kept his lights off.
This morning he ate really good but now he is really light colored.
His water is perfect. Ive added salt. Light off (but there is sunlight comming in) and his temp is 86. :nilly:

So I guess Im wondering is there anything else I should do? Is it possible hes growing? Theres nothing stressing him out that I can find.

Im just worried. Ive read to many threads about how Retic's can just up and keel over. And Im kinda fond of my water puppy! Just want to do everything I can.
 
how long have you had him? 3 of my retics turned a lighter color since i've had them and still changing colors. 86 temp might be a little high, mine temp used to be 83 and now 78 and there was a big difference in activity in all my rays. but my case might be different than anyone elses so i'm just stating my experience.
 
With the higher temp the oxygen level might be to low for him. Also try cleaning his substrate (gravel, sand, etc.) while you do a water change.
 
Okie dokie, Ive lowered his temp a bit. His tank mates are 3 clown loaches, 2 angel fish, 1 killi and a bristle nose pleco. None of them mess with him. Ive had bruce since Dec 07. Hes about 7" disk now. And I do water changes every 3-4 days and always clean the sand.

Thanks for the ideas so far. Any more will be much apriciated.
 
Did you read the post where Miles says that retics get lighter as they get older? I wonder if this is all that is going on. Baby retics do have way better patterns and colors than adults so maybe???
 
What color substrate do you have him on? Rays can also lighten or darken based on the substrate they're on.
 
Are you feeding them daily?


Cut down temp to 80-82, and try to give some days off from food.. I noticed when I was 'powerfeeding' my rays they had a transition period where they quit taking food, started to lighten in color some, and seemed stressed.. I think they were just starting to mature and didn't require as many heavy feedings.. I now feed 3 days on 1 day off.. It seemed like keeping em "packed" all the time got old for them, and now that they are more 'toned' it seems like they are darker and more active..
 
my male motoro changes colors all the time... in the morning when i turn on the light he is very light and then when at night to turn off the light he is pretty dark, its remarkable the changes he makes... at night his spots are alot brighter too.. maybe its just from keeping the light off??
 
Well it seems there may have been something going through our water lately.
I did another HUGE water change and tank cleaning and redecorating.
Bruce colored back up and is being himself! :headbang2I also just to be on the safer side gave him and everyone else in the tank a dose of Metro. Lord knows what they could have picked up. Might as well be as safe as I can be.

Thanks all for the ideas!:grinno:
 
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