Newly Adopted & Ill Eupterus

[andywoolloo]

are you able to guess an age for Nui?

that's hard to say, since I imagine since he grew up in ten gal he is maybe stunted. I do not know if you know about stunting or not, here is a article that I found online. it's very basic and I'm sure someone on here could describe it better

http://sites.google.com/site/freshwater ... shstunting

I would think. Mine started out as babies, approx 2 inches maybe? in a ten gal I had two, for about a mos maybe before i put them in the 75 gal. I am wanting to get them into a bigger tank but I am a bit wary of a sump.

here are some pics of mine.

firat I had Max and Jack:





then i learned on here that 2 synos was a bad number to keep, so I got two more, Cort and Ben. Then a year later i added one more, Johnny. So 5 total. and they were all in here, and they were so small, they seemed like little dots in there



NOw they are big bruisers, probably about 6 inches long I guess each. with very tall top fins!

















they went on a diet after these pics, these are a a few years old. altho they are still "healthy" looking lol

then i fell in love with syno lucipinnis, which stay small. I have 12 of those in a 75 gal.



anyways, can you tell i love talking about them lol i 'll stop now.

[MatsP]

I did a water change this a.m. And I forget if it was Jools or Naturalart, but you were right. The Nitrites have returned... It scared me because I don't know yet how to interpret it.

• 8:00 a.m.

• pH - 6.0 ; Am - .50(+/+) ; NO2 - .25(+) ; NO3 - 20(+)

• 9:00 a.m. 25% water change

• 12:00 noon

• pH - 6.8; Am -.50(-) ; NO2 - 0(+/+) ; NO3 - 10(+)

*I think its most difficult to make an accurate color determination between the Nitrate/NO3 10 & 20 - oranges. I just don't see much of a difference at all...

Thank you you guys for having me do these water changes. They make a huge difference for them – gargantuan! Nui was breathing 136 x's per minute at the end of that period. I was so frightened I couldn't tell you... afraid of??? And Li'i...? I couldn't even get a count on him, but it was moving his entire body just to breathe. Both made the bubbles their homes. Li'i at the surface directly in the airstone bubbles. And nui in the filter bubbles...midway between surface and substrate, laying sideways so the air would go directly into his gills... at least that's what I was figuring the reason was. They spent their entire days and nights like this, unless it was time to eat. I should say that this wasn't a long period but a good three days building up to it. They haven't done it since their first big water change... Because of you.
________________
We Hope You're All Having a Wonderful Holiday,
Googols & Googols of Thanks
Nui, Li'i, GF & Family

Nitrite is detrimental to the fish's breathing - it acts the same way as carbonmonoxide does to humans - it blocks the heamoglobin and it can not carry oxygen. Since it binds to the heamoglobin "harder" than oxygen and carbondioxide, it has long lasting effect on the fish.

Keep checking, do water changes, and feed sparingly - I seem to remember that you said you fed a couple of algae-wafers. That's quite a bit of food for a 10g tank. I'd bring it down to 1 algae wafer at most per day. And keep doing water changes. I'd probably bring it up to 33-50% per water change.

Fish are a bit like dogs - they don't realize that they will get food in a few hours again, so they fill themselves with whatever is available. So they will, more or less, eat as much as you feed them, until they physically can not get more in...

At present, I wouldn't worry about nitrate - less than 50 is fine for these fishes.

--
Mats

[andywoolloo]

re this:

BTW, since we've rescued Nui, his Barbles have grown quite noticeably. Are the two different types of them named differently? I think of the long top single ones as "whiskers" and the others with the multiple branching as "barbles". I've just thought of them that way, are they all called "barbles"? Do they both have the same function(s)?

this is a cool place to start!

http://www.planetcatfish.com/general/ge ... cle_id=440

and in regards to do they have teeth they have quite a lot! I've been looking for a good mouth shot on here to show you. Very cute teeth.

even their name synodontis means close together teeth, i think.

[andywoolloo]

and the whiskers, i think, serve the same purpose as any creature with whiskers. to feel around in the dark and also to help locate food maybe I think. To feel and investigate things also. IMHO

[MatsP]

Whiskers/barbels (same thing, different words) have "tastebuds" or "smelling sensors", so that they can detect for example food. Since many catfish are nocturnal and/or live in waters with poor visibility, they need other methods for finding food.

Here's a picture of the teeth on

Synodontis acanthomias

--
Mats

[GoldenFeather]

are you able to guess an age for Nui?

that's hard to say, since I imagine since he grew up in ten gal he is maybe stunted. I do not know if you know about stunting or not, here is a article that I found online. it's very basic and I'm sure someone on here could describe it better

http://sites.google.com/site/freshwater ... shstunting

I would think. Mine started out as babies, approx 2 inches maybe? in a ten gal I had two, for about a mos maybe before i put them in the 75 gal. I am wanting to get them into a bigger tank but I am a bit wary of a sump.

here are some pics of mine.
<snippitysnip>
anyways, can you tell i love talking about them lol i 'll stop now.

Andy! What a thrilling post!!!, thanks...

You're fish are BEAUTIFUL and I love how you lead thru the photos with the story of their origins with you. And the Syno Lucipinnis looks beautiful as well. Are they smaller than our Eupterus'? Or are you going to expand your tank collection?

I have another Euptera question for Everyone. Yesterday morning I read most of the article "Catfish of the Month" – a Wallace's Shoe Head Catfish - Tetranematichthys Wallacei. The most unique trait is that they are very still not moving most of the time I take it. In fact he tells a funny story about his fishsitter while away who tried to scoop one out thinking it had died! hahah...funny right?

Well, I've found Nui do this a couple times and it's scared me. Yesterday was the 2nd time. He had propped himself up the tree, laying on the leaves at about an 85° angle. And I couldn't stimulate him. I thought I was losing him. He just stared, his eyes were blank I'd swear. It happened another time, but laying flat on the bottom of the tank. Is this "sleeping"... or is it a sign or symptom of something wrong. I've read so many instances where people have lost their fish and don't know why... usually after something simple and seemingly harmless like a water change etc.

My first thought was that I've changed the water too often and caused a problem. When he woke he came back to himself within a minute or so.

Thanks all, this was a wonderful post Andy, Thanks again,

GF

[GoldenFeather]

I did a water change this a.m. And I forget if it was Jools or Naturalart, but you were right. The Nitrites have returned... It scared me because I don't know yet how to interpret it.
<snip>________________
"MATS WROTE:
Nitrite is detrimental to the fish's breathing - it acts the same way as carbonmonoxide does to humans - it blocks the heamoglobin and it can not carry oxygen. Since it binds to the heamoglobin "harder" than oxygen and carbondioxide, it has long lasting effect on the fish.
<snip>
Fish are a bit like dogs - they don't realize that they will get food in a few hours again, so they fill themselves with whatever is available. So they will, more or less, eat as much as you feed them, until they physically can not get more in...
--
Mats

Mats... Thank You.

Regarding the Nitrite effects.. I saw this with Nui moreso than Li'i. His breathing had definitely changed. It was a little labored, I saw it immediately when I looked in on them. First thing I do now in the morning. It took a couple changes but they're gone again. And for the first time today the Ammonia and also Nitrates are lowered. For the mo, I'm sure. I've taken out the abalone shell again as the pH is now 7.2 +. I need a smaller shell but I think I definitely need one in this tank. It really helps keep the pH stability a little bit better. Less jumping up and down the levels but definitely a slow climb and I don't know how hight it will go. I have others so I'll dig them out and get them cleaned and boiled. Without it, it goes down to 0 and then jumps up to 7.0/6.8. And the drop is fast I've read that that's worse than having a bad pH??? Harder on them...

I'm wondering now about the Zeolite which I took out. The Ammonia is dropped but, Nitrites came on line? I know I've read that the mineral has no negative affects on the water so I'm really wondering.
____ food
I've began cutting more back on the feeding yesterday evening and it's helping. I hadn't cut it down far enough I'm sure. So difficult for me to do...
____55 g tank
I have an important question regarding then 55 gallon tank. I want to know if it is supposed to have a rubber or silicone seal on the side/seams (?? proper term). Everything I'd read in the archives regarding sealing repeatedly and consistently instructs one to remove the seal with a razor blade, clean with acetone etc.. and some mention of Vodka. (?). So I'm now under the impression the tank needs to have this seal on it. Plus, there are signs of much scraping where the seals would be. Moreso than any other place on the glass.

This question first came up for me because I can see the chalky white stuff that had built up along the substrate and also along the seams is working its way between the joinings. In one particular corner, it has been working its' way between the glass joining – quite severely on one corner, the others not so much so, just beginning. Is this something I need to worry about or should I just go ahead with my plans to fill it. I have the glass almost all cleaned now having used a blade.

I have a couple other questions regarding the new tank, I need to ask before I can set it up. I'm wondering if it's preferable that I post this part of the discussion in "Tank Talk" or is it okay to keep it here? It would make it easier to reference back. But at the same time the forums are easy to navigate to... I'd be more than glad to post elsewhere if that's how it should be done here? Just let me know 'kay?

Test reports next post.

Thank you for all your time, GF

[GoldenFeather]

Whiskers/barbels (same thing, different words) have "tastebuds" or "smelling sensors", so that they can detect for example food. Since many catfish are nocturnal and/or live in waters with poor visibility, they need other methods for finding food.

Here's a picture of the teeth on

Synodontis acanthomias

--
Mats

Aah... okay. Thanks Mats... What a cute mouth!

I thought I felt something when he went for my thumb. I just don't know if it was a kindness like when my cats do it or a sign of aggression saying "okay, you've vacuumed enough, time to quit"!!! This was after he'd been swimming around my palm/hand which seemed very friendly, and then a little too friendly.

Happy Afternoon from Hana, GF

[GoldenFeather]

Hello Everyone here on Planet Catfish,

Thanks for stopping and reading and commenting when you can, its all of great value to us, critical even in so me cases. Test leveles below...


• 12/28 - 8:00 p.m.

• pH - 6.6; Am -.50 ; NO2 - 25(-/-); NO3 - 40
  
  40% water change (2nd chg)
  
  pH - 6.8; Am -.25; NO2 - 0(+); NO3 - 20

• 12/29 - 12:00 p.m.

• pH - 6.6; Am - .25; NO2 - 0; NO3 - 20
  
  • 50% water change (1stnd chg)
  
  pH - 7.2(-); Am -0(+) ; NO2 - 0; NO3 - 5.0

- 5:00 p.m.: pH - 6.8

I didn't do a water change after getting these numbers. But I'm wondering if that is a mistake to think that way with the situation as it is?

Thank you for any advice you might share...
GF

[GoldenFeather]

Whiskers/barbels (same thing, different words) have "tastebuds" or "smelling sensors", so that they can detect for example food. Since many catfish are nocturnal and/or live in waters with poor visibility, they need other methods for finding food.

Here's a picture of the teeth on

Synodontis acanthomias

"""See most recent photo above by Mats"--
Mats

• GF wrote:
  I thought I felt something when he went for my thumb.

Mats & All...

Thank you for this picture... now knowing what to look for I've seen SEEN Nui's teeth! They look serious... kinda stained but its to be expected I guess given his water conditions this past year. And given that he was in this tank with numerous others makes me think his water could never have been okay? But I'm only guessing out of ignorance.

BTW: I've been sorting through the gravel and carbon – removing carbon and bones. I'm somewhat familiar with fish bones and from what I can tell I'm pulling out bones for three different fishes. Large, medium and smaller. At least one jawbone remaining for each and it make sense as its one of their densest bones. Do you agree? I've seen some only a couple vertebre but they'r fairly soft bones and I think either eaten or decomposed. In one cornp er there is a bunch of stuff I can't suck up. White, beige, grey and the black I think is just carbon. Is this stuff possibly scales and bone broken down? I really want to get anything that part of one of thei old tank mates out of there for them. I'm only finding a few bones a day and I really want to get anything that belongs to an old tank mate out of there. I'm positive they're aware of it all in there. And sharp bones can't feel good on their tender mouths... 'Oh Nui and Li'i... my poor little loves'.


Goodnight Planet Catfish... Sweet Dreams, GF

[naturalart]

GF, sounds like you've got an old "Metaframe" or something along those lines. A full metal frame on all corners, connecting top to bottom? If this is the case I wouldn't fix whats not broke. If the tank holds water just fine up to where you want it, and its sitting on a very flat surface, then I wouldn't worry about it. There should be black tar between the frame and the glass. Thats whats working. They probably weren't using silicone when this tank was built. If this is the case with your tank (and even if it isn't), just go ahead and fill it up and get it going. Nui will thank you and you won't be so overburdened with water changes.

Simply scrape away whatever white/chalky deposits you can. They are probably from hardwater evaporation or the guy had saltwater in the tank. No big deal.

On the weird sandy/chalky stuff in the bottom of your ten gallon, that just sounds wierd. Sounds like something totally inapropriate was put in/fell into your tank. Scrape it out.

Seachem company has a product called "Equalibrium" which can help with stablizing your ph. Its called 'buffering' your ph. Thats if you want to go that route, its alot easier than playing 'musical shells'

good luck

[MatsP]

Can you set your 55g tank up somewhere "safe" (both from a potential leakage point of view, and the tank being stable and level). Then fill it to the level you expect to use (and a bit above, perhaps). Mark the level with a piece of tape or a marker pen. Now, check that it's not leaking by:
1. Observing the outside to the tank.
2. Checking the level you marked up.

At present, it wouldn't worry too much about pH - with your large water changes, it's one of the less important factors in your fish's health - nitrite and ammonia levels are what is harmful to them.

--
Mats

[Jools]

2. Checking the level you marked up.

Put clingfilm or some other watertight cover over the tank. I am not sure about Hawaii, but in some environments, evaporation will make it look like you're losing (even unheated) water from a leak.

Also, use lukewarm water so condensation on the outside of the tank doesn't form as you'll have to dry it off before investigating for leaks and, also, place the tank on newspaper. Leaks show up much more readily on dry paper. A leak will show up quickly, I'd just go for a few hours, but if it goes a day then you're very much in the clear.

Jools

[MatsP]

Both good points, Jools!

--
Mats

[GoldenFeather]

GF, sounds like you've got an old "Metaframe" or something along those lines. A full metal frame on all corners, connecting top to bottom? If this is the case I wouldn't fix whats not broke. If the tank holds water just fine up to where you want it, and its sitting on a very flat surface, then I wouldn't worry about it. There should be black tar between the frame and the glass. Thats whats working. They probably weren't using silicone when this tank was built. If this is the case with your tank (and even if it isn't), just go ahead and fill it up and get it going. Nui will thank you and you won't be so overburdened with water changes.

Naturalart,

Thanks. It isn't one of the old ones like the 10 g has the metal frame and such. The 55 gallon has no tar, no silicone, and the only frame is a wood frame that does have a rubber seal around the top edge. The base is sitting (only w/no seal) in a wood frame (the top of the stand/cabinet). This is why I've been concerned. And I don't have a flat floor, there is a slight tilt to this floor. The 10 g is on the wall I was planning on using and the water level is not even... almost 0.25" (6.35 mm) off. It is my only internal wall in the parlor... I have a wall with windows, that never receives direct sunlight and is also shaded by a deck roof. Would it be alright to use this wall?

I've finished cleaning the tank glass, just need to rinse out and fill. My husband suggested last night that I take on the deck today and fill it up and check it out. If there are no leaks, perhaps I should go ahead with it as you suggest.

If you have a response regarding the tank with this new info, it would help.
good luck[/quote]

[MatsP]

It's not important that the floor in itself is level. However, the TANK should be level. This can be fixed by adding some form of spacers between the floor and the stand on which the tank stands (bear in mind that a 55g tank weighs roughly 400 lbs!)

--
Mats

[GoldenFeather]

"MatsP wrote: Can you set your 55g tank up somewhere "safe" (both from a potential leakage point of view, and the tank being stable and level). Then fill it to the level you expect to use (and a bit above, perhaps). Mark the level with a piece of tape or a marker pen. Now, check that it's not leaking by:
1. Observing the outside to the tank.
2. Checking the level you marked up.

Okay, this is the plan I'll get it out on the deck today and fill it up. Need to do a good rinse before using anyway. And given Jools points:

Jools wrote:

• MatsP wrote:
  2. Checking the level you marked up.

Put clingfilm or some other watertight cover over the tank. I am not sure about Hawaii, but in some environments, evaporation will make it look like you're losing (even unheated) water from a leak.

Also, use lukewarm water so condensation on the outside of the tank doesn't form as you'll have to dry it off before investigating for leaks and, also, place the tank on newspaper. Leaks show up much more readily on dry paper. A leak will show up quickly, I'd just go for a few hours, but if it goes a day then you're very much in the clear.

Jools

Alright, I have a good type of film I can seal the tank with. I've got a plan! What a bunch of hero guys.

And Mats wrote:
At present, it wouldn't worry too much about pH - with your large water changes, it's one of the less important factors in your fish's health - nitrite and ammonia levels are what is harmful to them.
--
Mats

Ok, got it, going...!
Much Thanks Mats & Jool...GF

[GoldenFeather]

Happy New Year Everyone!!! Hope you're having a great one...

I read some of the 'resolution' posts... Wow. I never knew there was such an intensive world of fish. I begin to imagine the possibility now tho'.

I'm in process of getting the tank up... and have a question regarding media. I haven't heard from the couple guys I've written to regarding pond media. I'll be able to use what I have here though and also some of the gravel.

I'd like to know if I should put a new bio-bag or sponge behind the current ones in the 10g's Whisper well? I was thinking it might be good so that when I transfer the existing media over to the new filters I won't be using a completely new bag and/or sponge? Which leads me to ask, should I use both old sponge and bio-bag in the new tank, perhaps one in each of the two box filters or just take one of them?

Also, I've been rinsing the sponge ever few days, alternating with the bag to remove the sludge. Should I hold off on this over the next couple days? Would it help to increase its' good bacteria. And I should rinse them before I put them in the new tank's filter(s)?

Thank You for your time... GF

[GoldenFeather]

Hi All,

I've been searching Tank Talk for obvious tips and info... and came across a picture of a fish recommended to someone else. The name listed is: Baryancistrus sp. L177. I think he or she looks so sleepy and sweet. Would this fish's size and species be able to live in a 55 gallon and would it be a good choice for a new tank mate for Nui?

I'm not in a rush to get more fish. At the same time, I'm worried that Nui might feel lonely in that large tank. Especially since I don't have what I need to scape it out for him yet. I'll be able to put something together that will give him a couple hiding places at least. And I'm still not decided on separating him and Li'i. Li'i has calmed. It seems he only acted out that the day I rearranged their rock and tree-cave. Li'i's a little fire cracker, sucking algae all day long, jumping from one thing to another constantly. He spends time beside Nui but not on top of him. And when he does, it seems a mindless sort of thing and Nui scolds him right away. And then again, later on, if I get other even more mellow guy or gal than Nui, I might have a problem.

I'm getting pretty nervous about transferring Nui to a new tank. There's so many levels to worry about. My main concern of course is that I have it cleaned properly, have the water in it right etc etc. I'm also nervous about his experience of it. On on side I know he'll be free and be overjoyed with space to swim. This is a huge wonderful thing for him. On the other, he's such a shy guy sometimes...and hasn't had any space his entire life. I'm afraid he might feel some sort of fear of the large space? Or is that silly... just trust that nature will take over?? I've also been wondering if there's a better time of day to do this... should there be less light for instance since he relaxes so much more without light?

BTW, both Nui and Li'i LOVE algae. It seems. They both love the wafer but it's never enough. Nui is constantly trying to get algae off the leaves, wood, rock, glass etc. And when I scraped some off the glass the other night, it passed by him and he really responded to it. I think they might have a strong affinity for it due to their 5 months (and possibly longer) with nothing but (maybe). Any suggestions?

Happy New Year! , GF

[GoldenFeather]

are you able to guess an age for Nui?

that's hard to say, since I imagine since he grew up in ten gal he is maybe stunted. I do not know if you know about stunting or not, here is a article that I found online. it's very basic and I'm sure someone on here could describe it better

http://sites.google.com/site/freshwater ... shstunting

Dear Andy,

Finally I've had a moment to go back to read the links you've so kindly found and posted. This one is heart-rending . Nui must be stunted to some degree... having grown up in this 10 gallon. He was putting on some weight here a bit so he's not in the same condition now as he was. He was very thin, his stomach concave and is body very sinewy. He still has a sinewy look to him... After reading this small but extremely poignant article, especially for me, I was wondering if there were a way to help determine if he had any internal needs that I'd need to make myself aware of. But, i've come to think the b I can do is to move him into larger waters, feed him up, make him happy and as healthy as possible.

I think this article's important. People that buy fish in pet stores just on whims should be informed or made aware somehow. At least with the www, many do a little research first. Unfortunately his owner wasn't.

Thanks Andy... Really did love seeing your Syno's... they're big!
Happy New Year! GF

[naturalart]

Hi again GF, Happy New Year, hope I'm not seeming like I'm trying to rush you? But I know Nui and you will benefit as soon as he is in the larger tank. He may very well be a little nervous when you transfer him. Many if not most synos rely on knowing thier surrounds and 'furniture' so don't be surprised if he decides to stay in hiding for the day and comes out that nite to familiarize himself with the new digs.

Sounds like a homemade tank if not a old one, which is neither here nor there. As matsP and Jools suggestd, if the tank holds water for some hours you should be ok to go. In temperate climates we are concerned about temp fluctuations with "thin" perimeter walls and windows. In Hawaii I believe you are on the "Tropic of Cancer" which is equvalent to Florida climates. So there is some concern. But you'll just have to judge if your temps are more steadily warm (tropical) then up and down (temperate) year round. Windows also let in uncontrollable lite which could mean excessive algea, but based on your description, it doesn't seem so in this case. Level the base or stand the aquarium is sitting on not the aquarium itself, and it doesn't have to be absolutely perfect. The aquarium should sit in full contact with a flat surface.

Some people like to cycle the tank fishless, I don't do that but you'll decide that for yourself. You'll want to get your filters running and temp appropriate. Running a airstone wouldn't hurt either. And I strongly suggest you cover your tank, to prevent evaporation and jumpy fish.

Yes, on the 'day before' down to maybe 6hours before the transfer of the fish, I would put the old sponge (relatively clean) into the new filter; and a quart or so, of the 10gal. water into the, already -filled-with-clean-conditioned-water, new tank. With Nui in a small covered transfer container (I use "Critter Getters") I would set/float that container into the new tank and let him adjust to the new space. Temp to adjust, slowly add new water to his container over a 15-30min. period. Then, if not too stressed slowly release him into his new space.

I guess if you wanted to you could then transfer Li'i, which would help Nui make the adjustment easier. Personally I would eventually give Li'i a different home. As you may already know, as this fish gets older and bigger it will become more territorial and aggressive. And in my opinion, just not the best match for a 55gal. syno tank. Ancistrus, smaller plecos, maybe ferrowellas, would make a better choice. They are more apt to live and let live. And as you slowly add other fish Nui will get even more comfortable.

Maybe a day or 2 later consider checking your perameters and doing a small water change.

Also thanks for prompting me to get my aquarium profile in more order. I talk about this stuff a lot but I realize some people want to see what others are doing with their own aquaria.

googolplex luck

[GoldenFeather]

Hi again GF, Happy New Year, hope I'm not seeming like I'm trying to rush you? But I know Nui and you will benefit as soon as he is in the larger tank. He may very well be a little nervous when you transfer him. Many if not most synos rely on knowing thier surrounds and 'furniture' so don't be surprised if he decides to stay in hiding for the day and comes out that nite to familiarize himself with the new digs.
googolplex luck

Hi All...

This needs to be brief as I'm on my way out. Long story short, the tank needs silicone. And as you know I'm in the boonies. I'm going to the other side to pick some up at Home Depot, was so glad to find they had a good stock of the DAP 00688. Hope that will be alright? My guilt level is off the charts, the best I've been able to do is to keep him as comfortable and happy as possible.

I'll also be able to pick up some furnishings for him. No funky stuff don't worry... I'm in to the na-tchur-al. I've got the things he needs for the tank on the way... power head, another filter as the Aquatech is missing parts and broken, but the other I figured out is an Aquaclear 70 so should be okay with the little old Whisper on it too... Just wondering these filters have extensions on their intakes which puts them a the substrate level. Is this good or not?

Thanks all... Naturalart, I've loved and appreciated your kind push towards Nui's larger waters... Very very much so. Thank you...

Gottajet, GF

[MatsP]

That silicon should be fine. Get some acetone if they have that. Methylated spirits would also work.

--
Mats

[naturalart]

You got it GF, sorry to hear about your minor delay. At least your tank is clean and ready for silicone.

[GoldenFeather]

Hi again GF, Happy New Year, hope I'm not seeming like I'm trying to rush you? But I know Nui and you will benefit as soon as he is in the larger tank.
googolplex luck

Hi All, Life has happened...

Have you ever heard John Lennon’s song “Beautiful Boy”? It has a line that best describes life for us this week “...Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans... “. Life has happended to me/us and we’re delayed ‘til tomorrow. Please be assured – I’m doing my best here. In the meantime, I’ve asked my handyman to come and assist by making the wooden wedges and leveling the stand. And I continue as I was, though I haven’t done water changes unless they are needed. With zero (or very close) Ammonia, 6.4-7.0 pH, zero Nitrites and 0.5 - 20 + test numbers, I leave them alone. If this is wrong, if I should cotinue doing them even with good numbers please let me know. My thinking has been to let them be when possible.

Thank you for being here on PlanetCatfish,
And Endlss Thanks...for your supportive reading and responses both...
With the GoogolPLEXity of Sincere Appreciation,

GF

Please see next post... important

[Jools]

What next post?

Jools

[GoldenFeather]

Nui (S Euptera) w/macro lens 040111

________________


Hello Everyone, Is Nui Sick?

*We may have a new problem. I’ve been taking photos here and there as we progress. I took a closeup yesterday using a macro lens. And all of a sudden what I couldn’t/can’t see with my naked eye became starkly apparent. It looks like Nui has a skin condition, possibly ick, maybe? Does He??? I’m worried. Please let me know if it is???

I can certainly see how he could have it, what with everything going on for him, with him, to him.. if I'm clear on what I've read. That stress will cause this disease. I try hard to go slow and not stir things up or make noise as I clean the gravel. Water changes are almost silent. But still, I'm sure it's all taken a toll on him.

I've also been considering that this may just the texture of his skin.... I’ve been under the impression you can see ick with the naked eye? I'll stop here and wait to hear from others.

I have a few other images I was planning on uploading for you... and will in the next post... they also show how his skin looks to me normally.

Thank you very much for your valuable time & minds!
GF

[MatsP]

I would keep an eye on it, but it certainly doesn't look like Ich to me.

--
Mats

[Jools]

Those are tubercules, don't work about it.

Jools

[GoldenFeather]

I would keep an eye on it, but it certainly doesn't look like Ich to me.

--
Mats

Those are tubercules, don't work about it.

Jools

Whew! Googols of Thanks for the immediate response.... I've been very worried. "Tubercu les"?

I found this description of them...

Smelts, suckers, and most species of minnows have on their head and snout small horny tubercles that disappear shortly after spawning has finished.

• source: http://www.gofishn.com/content/fish-anatomy

...is this what is going on with Nui? Nui needs a female? That's good, I know for sure now that he's a he.


Thanks Mats & Jools,
GF