starting a new ck

[asder112]

Hi -

I'm thinking of getting a baby ck (around 2-3 inches) and I'm jujst wondering how to take care of it. I have an empty 10 gallon and an empty 35 gallon that I could set up for it (after cycling them) and I know that they're very sensitive to water quality and that they like hiding spots. I can supply all of the above. However, I would appreciate it if you guys could tell me what to feed it. THe last time I had one I had to feed it guy loaded minnows until it got big enough for me to be comfortable starving it to wean it off live foods. Also, how do I feed it? Do I put the food in right before (or after) I turn off the lights? And how do I put in the foods?

Thanks!

 

[frogman5]

you may want to hold off until you have a much bigger tank

 

[benzjamin13]

You're definitely going to be needing a larger tank in a few months. Feeding...just give it frozen bloodworms. It may not go for it right off the bat, but don't be discouraged. It'll start eating after a few days if it doesn't go for it right away. And feed it at night before you go to bed.

 

[asder112]

well those tanks are to start out with - I have a 180 for him later and a 125 gallon tank for that intermediate stage. I plan on getting a 300 eventually, so I don't think tank space will be a problem. Thanks for the replies though!

 

[midnightCK]

feed him live foods if u want him to shoot in growth... fed mine feeeder shrimp, gups, mollies,pretty much anthing small from my ponds. minus the shrimps... i wish!. lol.

did thaqt with a ck thats 10inches now from 9/20/08. he started in a 2olong so grow outs are okay jus know when to move them ..

 

[Red Devil]

feed frozen blood worms through an eye dropper ..squirt it right in front of his face... if he does not start eating then get some feeder guppies.. with the intention of getting him off live food as soon as possible but not when he is so tiny and fragile.. at this stage eating anything makes me smile.. then when he gets a little bigger start introducing small cichlid pellets along with the frozen bloodworms.. once he is good on any non live food do not feed live again... you may want to have a guppy feeder tank going so you can breed some of your own... never trust feeders from lfs... unless you quarenteen or raise yourself.. so i hope he likes the frozen bloodworms so you don't need to feed live at all...good luck...i love my CK and sounds like when you get him he will have the perfect home with you since you planned everything out the right way...

 

[asder112]

thanks for all the responses guys! I have one more question - the 120 I have right now is basically empty except for 3 sun cats ranging from 4-6 inches in length. Would the ck be able to survive with these guys or should I just put him in a tank by himself to begin with?

 

[Red Devil]

thanks for all the responses guys! I have one more question - the 120 I have right now is basically empty except for 3 sun cats ranging from 4-6 inches in length. Would the ck be able to survive with these guys or should I just put him in a tank by himself to begin with?

i started off with my ck by himself... he responded to me.. and knew when i was coming etc.. i think they are far better alone in the beginning.. i have my 16 inch in with severums now and also angels ..he bothers no one.. and doing great.. but as a tiny baby i think he was better off with out being afraid of other fish that could be predators when they are so small..so this way he eats and swims and comes out more ...