You put him in a QT tank? Was the tank cycled? Have you tested the ammonia yet?
Redtail catfish suddenly not eating
- Thread starter RTC_KEEPER
- Start date
As i said before i already put him in a quarantine tank and i tested the waters already. I checked today and it was normal so all is good. the redtail is just lying there and I don't know why
Yes, elevated ammonia levels will do all that, and sadly more if not dealt with swiftly.
But you said in #3 that your water quality was "the same as it was before". So I presumed that you'd actually tested your water, when in fact you musn't have tested it properly, or the ammonia would have stuck out like a sore thumb.
You need to test your water properly, and very quickly, on BOTH your tanks, the one with the gar in and the one you've put your RTC in.
If both have elevated ammonia you need to do large water changes on both, using prime. The correct measure of prime will detoxify the ammonia for 48 hrs or so, at least giving your fish some respite, though sadly it may be too late.
We don't really know a great deal about you, you are new around here and you are only young. How long have you been in the hobby, are you familiar with the basics of fishkeeping? Sorry for the questions but the nitrogen cycle is the bread and butter of this hobby and if you don't have basic understanding of that you will fail, as many others have before you.
But you said in #3 that your water quality was "the same as it was before". So I presumed that you'd actually tested your water, when in fact you musn't have tested it properly, or the ammonia would have stuck out like a sore thumb.
You need to test your water properly, and very quickly, on BOTH your tanks, the one with the gar in and the one you've put your RTC in.
If both have elevated ammonia you need to do large water changes on both, using prime. The correct measure of prime will detoxify the ammonia for 48 hrs or so, at least giving your fish some respite, though sadly it may be too late.
We don't really know a great deal about you, you are new around here and you are only young. How long have you been in the hobby, are you familiar with the basics of fishkeeping? Sorry for the questions but the nitrogen cycle is the bread and butter of this hobby and if you don't have basic understanding of that you will fail, as many others have before you.
Personally I would not add any salt until all is sorted ( if at all). Salt can impact other things and unfortunately some misunderstand the term salt and use the wrong sort e.g. Cooking salt as this is what they have in the kitchen.
Red tail cats will spend a good portion of their time just testing on the bottom, albeit even more when not entirely happy.
I am guessing that you have a thermometer and ph test kit only which will not help you greatly in fixing this. Getting a full range test kit will, including ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. These are the readings you will need to know.
Ensure you also have airstone on the tank and if not available, that the filter is high enough up to splash the top of the water.
Is your red tails fin just split or streaked with blood and can see veins?
Is his belly also red and sore looking?
These will be more obvious signs of ammonia poisoning and it is often that would be noticed by your red tail before your gar. As stated above a 50% water change in both tanks with good quality water (same temp, with chlorinator to remove chlorine) should be done of you don't have/can't get the above test kits and you really do suspect ammonia as the issue, although if already passed this stage in the nitrogen cycle the water change may not be too beneficial.
Again, personal choice but I would also add a cave for the red tail to seek cover under (only needs to be a flat stone rested against the front glass) so he can feel more secure but you can observe him easier.
Red tail cats will spend a good portion of their time just testing on the bottom, albeit even more when not entirely happy.
I am guessing that you have a thermometer and ph test kit only which will not help you greatly in fixing this. Getting a full range test kit will, including ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. These are the readings you will need to know.
Ensure you also have airstone on the tank and if not available, that the filter is high enough up to splash the top of the water.
Is your red tails fin just split or streaked with blood and can see veins?
Is his belly also red and sore looking?
These will be more obvious signs of ammonia poisoning and it is often that would be noticed by your red tail before your gar. As stated above a 50% water change in both tanks with good quality water (same temp, with chlorinator to remove chlorine) should be done of you don't have/can't get the above test kits and you really do suspect ammonia as the issue, although if already passed this stage in the nitrogen cycle the water change may not be too beneficial.
Again, personal choice but I would also add a cave for the red tail to seek cover under (only needs to be a flat stone rested against the front glass) so he can feel more secure but you can observe him easier.
His fin is just split and the filter is high enough, it is splashing the top of the water. I am a beginner and I am new to all this stuff so im having a hard time sorting things out.
So, for decreasing ammonia should i add ammonia detoxifier
So, for decreasing ammonia should i add ammonia detoxifier
Seachem prime will help detoxify ammonia for a short while. Make sure to use liquid test kits, they are far more accurate than the strips (not sure what you are using, just to be sure). Make sure you are using filter media from an established filter from a tank that has been running for some time, if you don't then it may explain your ammonia issue if the tank isn't cycled, Seachem Stability or any other bottled bacteria product can be used to help kickstart the nitrogen cycle.
I think a big issue is your tank size, how often do you change the water?
I think a big issue is your tank size, how often do you change the water?
Yes you are and you are not listening to the questions being asked of you to try and help.
1. Do you have a test kit to test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?
2. Do you understand there is a nitrogen cycle or even know what it is?
3. Filter, size, type, media?
4. Waterchange schedule, do you use any chemicals?
We need answers to these questions. It will help us determine a part of what's going on. We don't know you or anything about your knowledge of fish keeping. Getting an rtc kind of tells me where you are at but not 100% . Please help us help you.
I'd say if you don't have a test kit go get one. But to help the immediate issues of not knowing get a bottle of bacteria and follow the directions. Microbacter7 or fritzzyme are two products I have used and know for certain that they work. Prime is a temporary fix that will bind ammonia you need to establish a biological filter the bacteria will do that. It's been 3 day almost could have the issues in hand by now. Don't panic, answer questions even if you say I don't know what you are talking about. That way we can get to the issue the fastest way possible. We want your fish to live and for you to be happy.
You must test your water by this exact kit and post your test results before we can say anything helpful to you and your fish. I am repeating what I said and others have said for your sake, not mine and not ours. We are trying to help you, matey!
www.chewy.com
API Freshwater Aquarium Master Test Kit, 800 count - Chewy.com
Buy API Freshwater Aquarium Master Test Kit, 800 count at Chewy.com. FREE shipping and the BEST customer service!
- Dec 2, 2018
- 1,274
- 833
- 125
Also exactly how much experience do you have? Are these your first fish?
Yes it is and its been about half a year. I do have a ph test kit (the paper) and I have ammonia test papers
The tank i put in the rtc is about 40cm and he is about 11 cm right now
The tank i put in the rtc is about 40cm and he is about 11 cm right now
