REALLY?

[jconley]

The ones we usually caught throwing coins in were parents with their little kids at "The Wishing Well". We would politely inform them that they were attempting to murder our pet and generally make them feel as bad as possible lol. Actually we just try to educate them as much as possible.
A net wasn't and still isn't really an option.

 

[ethnics]

an option you can do, is set up a "window" style surrounding possibly. it would let them "see" whats in the pond, but prevent them from reacing in and touching, throwing stuff in, spitting. better then a net. you can use large sheets of plexi glass or whatever to make the "window cage" thing. i can't even really explain it but its in my head, and will be how my pond is when i get my new house. i need like 3-4 aros and some huge archers spitting and jumping around lol

 

[jconley]

I know what your talking about, kinda like a hockey arena. Not really a great option in a retail store though, 'cause of aesthetics and practicality. We still need to be able to get in the pond to catch koi ( the current inhabitants) and to the selling and display tanks above it. Not a terrible idea overall though.

 

[Cohazard]

Well put Cohazard. I agree with what you stated 100%.


bob

Thanks Bob, I appreciate your support. You brought up a very valid point, something that's been irking me lately.

I feel that it's not right to compare fishkeeping to other pets such as cats and dogs. Fish breed in multiples of 10. The only organisms that have more offspring (per batch) are insects and bacteria. Why? It's not natural for all of the babies to survive. They're food mostly, then a few survive to continue their primary role in the ecosystem.

I say, what's wrong with us keeping them as long as possible, if we get enjoyment out of having their beauty and presence, and respect them while we are in charge of taking care of them? Yeah, their death won't be as efficient as if they were raised for food fish, but it's not going to waste. Once their bodies decompose (sorry to get so grim, but it's reality) the energy stored in their body still gets passed along and recycled.

Also, I want to acknowledge the difference between keeping a fish in an undersized enclosure, and neglect.

The former means you take great care of it. Feed it good food, provide it with clean water; but it will not live to adulthood. The latter means you don't take care of your basic duties... the animal is put through hell, rather than just being a little uncomfortable.

Now, this is going to be hard for some people to be receptive to, because let's face it, RTC's are sort of like aquatic puppies right? It's an illusion. They let us pet them when we've trained them to hand feed, not because they want to play.

Guess what you'll see the beautiful adult RTC's doing at SeaWorld in their giant enclosure? Nothing. Everytime I"ve seen them, they're laying on the bottom of the enclosure, side by side, waiting to be fed.

 

[necrocanis]

I have seen large rtc in relatively small aquariums (ie. 240 gal.) and they seemed to be fine at around 39-40". The one thing that I might advise on is that if you are trying to keep one in a 125 gal, you might be pushing your luck. These fish do like to swim when lights are out, and I have had a 26" rtc knock itself out running into the side of the tank full speed. That's why they call them tank busters. There are a few reports of rtc and tsn going threw the sides of the aquariums. For this reason alone I would suggest a larger tank size. If you have adequate filtration you can house a rtc in a 125 for life I am sure. You could have a 125 gal aquarium with a 125 gal wet dry filter, just make sure your glass is thick enough he wont break threw. Also some cats get stressed if they can't turn easily in the tank. There may be a few individual cats that will never break the 3 ft mark, but just as in all other animals there are dwarfs and giants. So remember if you just happen to end up with a catfish that is a giant 5' could definitely be possible. Personally I like to see my catfish grow to full size possible. So in the works is buying the materials for my future 14'x6'x4' aquarium. It will be 2 years in the making. Till then I am upgrading my 350 gal pond to a 750 gal pond. Catfish do regurgitate their food and ruin water quality too. So be prepared if you keep them in a smaller aqaurium to have this happen at least a few times. They will eat items that will fit in their mouths. You have to plan ahead is the main thing. If you can keep your catfish happy then go for it. I am personally striving for the next level in private catfish keeping. I wish all of you the best of luck, and if price is an issue there are alternatives to keeping giant aquariums. Ask, ask, ask, that's how you learn and adapt to what pets you wish to keep in this hobby.

 

[Cohazard]

Thanks for your input necrocanis, and believe me, if I had the space for a huge enclosure such as your DIY pond, I'd do it.

For now, it'll have to wait until I own my own house or rent one.

I've got a 180g that I'm debating on whether or not to keep a single baby RTC and grow it out as large as I can in there, but it's still just something I've got in my head right now.

The main thing holding me back is that I've got clowns (one especially is my fav because of it's very unique patterns) and a blue dempsey that I cannot part with.

 

[chrisdef15]

I will also add, These are all farm raised fish we are seeing in the hobby today, Not some endangered species that was caught in season. I have never, nor will i ever.... search out a fish that is not readily available in the hobby. I will not catch a largemouth bass out of the local lake to keep in my aquariums, Rare and endangered species should not be kept for fun, but I see no reason one should not attempt to keep a RTC. There are thousands of these fish sold annually and out of that how many make it past the first few months ??? Less than half i'm sure. How many more make it to the sub adult size of 24+" ???? Not many i'm sure. In my opinion if an EXPERIENCED fishkeeper can house one of these monsters in a tank of decent size it is better than a uneducated soccer mom buying one for her sons 20 gallon. I try to give mine the best care and conditions i can. As i have stated before i HAVE KEPT ONE FOR 8 YEARS IN A 180. That fish was not neglected and lived a good life. Some will argue of course but he was safe and happy and as content as he could be. That was when i was younger and didnt have the means to supply a larger home but does that mean the fish shouldnt have been kept ??? How many people can lay claim to supporting ONE FISH for 8 years ??? Let alone a RTC.

Ille agree 8 years is along time to house a RTC but what happened to it after that?? If you sold it then fair enough and good on ya but if it died your just wrecking your own argument.

You mentioned labradors in apartments? Do these labradors only end up living to be 8? Are there apartments only 3'-4' wide or whatever a labrador is?? No they dont and the apartments are alot bigger and they live there full lives as long as they are looked after. That can no way be compared with a catfish that can live for over 20 years lasting for 8. Anyone with half a brain knows goldfish shouldnt really be kept in bowls so using that as a comparison point isnt exactly smart. Atleast most goldfish you see in bowls are small and have a decent amount of room to move. I think if you dont have atleast a 3' wide tank its cruelty.

 

[hurricane_redbone]

**** it... im gettin one...

 

[Bgonz]

Ille agree 8 years is along time to house a RTC but what happened to it after that?? If you sold it then fair enough and good on ya but if it died your just wrecking your own argument.

You mentioned labradors in apartments? Do these labradors only end up living to be 8? Are there apartments only 3'-4' wide or whatever a labrador is?? No they dont and the apartments are alot bigger and they live there full lives as long as they are looked after. That can no way be compared with a catfish that can live for over 20 years lasting for 8. Anyone with half a brain knows goldfish shouldnt really be kept in bowls so using that as a comparison point isnt exactly smart. Atleast most goldfish you see in bowls are small and have a decent amount of room to move. I think if you dont have atleast a 3' wide tank its cruelty.

The RTC in question died due to a weekend power outage at the school i teach at. I guess 3 days is a little long with no power Maybe if he was in a bigger tank he would have made it


I dont know if you've ever owned a large RTC or a labrador Retriever, but i can speek from experience on this one......Labs need a lot of exercise, and like to run. A lot of people dont have the time or space for this and actually i think that is rather cruel.They generally live 10-13 years in my house. Big RTC's are really rather lazy, and any i've kept dont really run around much . I've personally housed one in a 2500 gallon indoor pond and he was no more active in 2500 gallons than my big guy was in his 180. Go figure.


And if everyone with half a brain knew not to keep a goldfish in a bowl, I believe there would be a lot less fishkeepers today, I believe thats where many get their start l I could be wrong.....but i doubt it.



bob

 

[Cohazard]

My first fish ever was when I was ohhhh 5 or 6 and my grandmother gave me a green glass bowl (not even a fish bowl.... more like a candy dish) and I had two goldfish in there.

Tanks have been getting bigger ever since...