Red Tail Catfish advice

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ricksnipe

ricksnipe

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 10, 2012
42
4
8
Landover, MD
I have seen so many different opinions regarding RTC. I purchased mine when he was about 2.5 inches, he is now around 6 inches at this current moment. I feed him cut fish pieces of tilapia I try to feed him at least once everyday. but for the last 2-3 days he hasnt eaten anything. Should I worry? From what i see they eat anything, also he just sits at the bottom of the tank, every RTC I seen is always seen more active than mine. Please bless me with your wisdom
:headbang2
 
Water tests for NH3, NO2, NO3, and pH (and temp) are a must-know in any situation like this. Then proper aeration, tankmates, feeding. Maybe you are overfeeding? If pure flesh is all he gets, it may not be enough - it lacks essential vitamins and minerals. Diet should be varied, preferrably wholesome. Most dry foods (pellets, flakes) offer complete nutrition.
 
Sometimes when rtc are getting bigger they will fast from time to time. they don't need to be fed every day to stay healthy once over about 6". I'd switch to at least an every other day schedule for now. Ensure you are changing large amounts of water and that filtration is adequate for a fish 2x his size as they produce copious amounts of waste. I find small rtc do better with daily 10% water changes. Also try changing up his diet as someone suggested. If he still hasn't eaten in a week then I would ask is there anything missing in the tank? Odd bulge in the belly? They will swallow anything small enough to fit in their mouths and such objects shouldn't exist in a rtc tank. I like to keep nothing but sand or bare bottom with large driftwood or stones way too big for them to fit in their mouth ever. Tankmates could be an issue also. There's so many variables and we have little information. I'm sure many members on here could help more if you can provide us with all information possible. :) we all like to see healthy happy kitties!!!
 
thebiggerthebetter said:
Water tests for NH3, NO2, NO3, and pH (and temp) are a must-know in any situation like this. Then proper aeration, tankmates, feeding. Maybe you are overfeeding? If pure flesh is all he gets, it may not be enough - it lacks essential vitamins and minerals. Diet should be varied, preferrably wholesome. Most dry foods (pellets, flakes) offer complete nutrition.
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lol, must have been writing and finished while I was writing. :p
 
ricksnipe said:
The water is fine, that was the first thing I checked. Tank mates include a Florida gar (6 in), Pleco (3 in), Electric Blue Jack Dempsey (3in). So I know it's not them


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I've had pleco harass rtc to no end and had to take them out. Depends on how large of a tank you have. RTC don't like getting messed with during the day by hungry plecos. :)
 
+1

I always had to switch up the food b/c after a week or two he wanted something different. Change it up and cycle whatever he generally likes to eat.

OR

Make him fast for a few days and he will eat anything you give him or one of his tank mates first.

Tyler2012 said:
He probably wants something new to eat.


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