Newly Adopted & Ill Eupterus

[GoldenFeather]

Happy Friday Planet Catfish,

Well, after much reading and searching through our archives here I am much eased. The worms I'm seeing to the degree I've had them are due to the filter being overloaded with food waste. That due to the intake tube almost sitting on the floor of the thank. The person I got this from had no substrate in the photo I saw (an oscar tank), and probably intended it to help keep up the waste.... great! I've shortened things up.

Finding the right threads is the challenge, wording the searches in ways that will help target your goals. Figuring out what that is. For me it was "getting rid of nematodes". "Nematodes" alone too broad I think.

At the end of the day the presence of these scavenger worms in the filtration "sponges" is a sign of a healthy bio-system in place. Usually a well established tank... or, a new over fed filter. It may have been eating more than Nui when it came to the frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms as they are so much more free floating than freeze dried foods. The person also said that you will always have them as long as you have "sponge" in your filtration units. There is one difference however, and that is the size, some of mine are well over 10mm. These he spoke of were all small up to 5/7mm. But I'm going to assume all this poor filtration management on my part fattened them up big time. It also said their life cycle is about 5 days. The last significant point made is that "fish do _not_ eat them".

Something different said however is that harmful parasitic "anything" does not spend its time in the gravel, on the glass, etc etc but on the fish. These definitely spend time in the gravel, I can't see so much on the glass but I think that's in part because I have no background for contrast but an ecru wall. And I have seen them around Nui as you know. More recently this week, each day I clean them out three times a day. With net twice and vac once. With net , I find I can get them using the fine mesh, light on from above and the side, and stirring things up I also have a container of very hot water (1/2 gallon water) with 1 T Hawaiian sea salt. I scoop them out and stick them in the hot salt water. They release the net and fall away. I've been able to get our population down to almost nothing doing this for the past three days. It never fails, there are 2 - 5 in Nui's tube. Today I got more than five from that area. So they are definitely around him. I haven't seen anything attached or attaching to him since that one I caught trying to get into his gills. ??? Could I have mis-understood what I was seeing? It's possible... I doubt it but there is a possibility I'm wrong. Better if I am.

I no longer see the small tiny 2mm size babies. There still may be millions of microscopic ones though, which will die without any food as Mats says. And also a lessor number remain healthy in the sponges. Evidently they're perfectly content to remain in the sponges... but only come out if there's a lack of oxygen. Like turning off the filters. One question I'm left with here has to do with the lack of oxygen in the sponges beyond turning them off. Does it mean that if there is an over abundance of food waste filling up the filtration, ie sponges, does it lessen the oxygen in them?

But all in all, I feel glad to have at least gotten it under control to this level. I do still have the other filter to get to. But I'm not extremely worried over it. I didn't need to shorten its intake tube... so it hasn't filled up with food. I don't see worms flying out the over flow as I did with the other one. That's what alerted me to the problem in it. I could stand there all day and catch worms flowing out. I'm not extremely worried... I'm still a little worried. These nematode things or worms fit the description in the threads I read. Perhaps I'm still a little freaked out over what I did find in that filter well.

And there is still the one photo. It remains my only worry now....

Thanks with much heart,
GF

[GoldenFeather]

• 

  What is that cord/worm looking thing across the opening on his belly?

There is a round orifice and across a part of it is something that looks like it is either a cord of flesh, a fold of the same or a worm. Which is it? What is it? You all must know being so familiar with this part of their anatomy. I can only imagine what it could be...

That it shows underneath the flesh above the orifice, has me most concerned, IF it is a natural part of his anatomy, then great and I've learned something new about Nui's body. But if it is foreign, then something needs to be done about it I would think. I don't want him suffering and I hate imagining that he might be.

Thank you all,
GF

[GoldenFeather]

Hello Planet Members & Others surfing our tides...,

After several hours and a bit of research I finally came to a page with all the photos of male catfish genitalia you could want to source. Well, that's stretching it but it is impressive to say the least. I've listed the thread I found it in and their URL's below. My search dialect is still wanting, I'm working on it (how many years now so it takes some time to get anywhere. Especially working within a subject I'm still so unfamiliar. But I never doubted the info was here, how could you. What isn't.

My concern for that thing inside the hole above his papilla is keeping me up. I have found nothing comparable. And even my boundless imaginaion cannot actually make it a part of his natural anatomy. But I'm still a DimV, so I'm hopeful that one of our Gurus is going to say... "OH...that? That's just his blablabla." And then we'll have HEA again...

Here's the thread for those who haven't seen it... really amazing these Cats!
I'm speaking both Fish Cats and Geek Cats!

• Thread Title: Sexing Hypancistrus zebra
  URL: http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... hp?t=16551

I have previosly seen pictures of Loricaridae genitals, but I can not remember where. Maybe it was here at PlanetCatfish, but i can not find it again.

You didn't look very hard

http://planetcatfish.com/catelog/captio ... ch=genital

Jools

Most of you have probably already browsed this page but for me it was astounding to learn exactly how different they could all be.

The closest I could get for comparison" sake was another Mochokidae, a "waterloti"... and also, believe it or not but the "Clarias batrachus". Both are similar.. and it's the "Clarias" that shows the two specific areas clearly, the "papilla" and I apologize as I've yet to find the word for the hole space there. I don't want to assume anything. And some species don't even seem to have one??? I'm flummoxed.

Thanks all... w/Googols & Heart~
GF

___________________________________
PS: Anyone with an extra moment. I'd like to learn how to post a species name along with a mouse over image of it? I saw that in the new thread titled: "Corydora ID 2" request thready by Unungy.. please. ty, gf

[naturalart]

Hi GF, glad to hear you've been able to manage the worms. Just starving the worms out by better control of food is the best option.

From the pics you've posted of the vent, I'd say with surety that Nui is a male. the lowest (posterior) projection, which is kind of pointy like a cone is the clear sign. The anterior disc I believe is the poop hole. If you saw something like a worm moving under the skin in that area, I would be concerned about that. If its just like a crease or fold in the skin (that doesn't move), I wouldn't worry about it.

Couldn't pull up the link jools presented. I'll check it out later.

I would just feed as much food as the fish will eat with "gusto". Once Nui starts mouthing the food and spitting it out or not eating at all I would immediately stop feeding.

I mentioned before that I stopped keeping S. eupterus a while back so I dont have pics. Sorry

googigley

[MatsP]

The code behind the link Jools posted is indeed broken. I can't fix it right now, but will do tonight.

--
Mats

[MatsP]

It now works to view the pictures that show the genital papillae of various fish in the link above.

--
Mats

[GoldenFeather]

The anterior disc I believe is the poop hole. If you saw something like a worm moving under the skin in that area, I would be concerned about that. If its just like a crease or fold in the skin (that doesn't move), I wouldn't worry about it.

I mentioned before that I stopped keeping S. eupterus a while back so I dont have pics. Sorry

googigley

Hi Natural,

Thank you very much for the info I needed. I didn't expect the poop hole to be on that side of the pappilae but more towards the tail. hmph. The photo above exhibits what I've been trying to describe regarding something inside the hole. You can see it clearly in that photo. Now that you tell me it's purpose, could that be what I see "poop"? Isn't it rather small for that? And the color isn't right. Nui's poop sizes and colors are not that. So I'm still wondering what that thing is?

Regarding having seen something there and moving... I haven't . I didn't even notice this until I uploaded the camera.

By the way, Nui's appetite did return and he also finally pooped He hadn't been and I was getting worried. When he finally did though it was of a size larger than a quarter. Flat not long thank God... It was rather thick though with flimsy edges. It scared me to find it but as I observe him he seems alright. I'm just on red alert and watching everything because of that thing there.

I had forgotten that you'd mentioned that about your Euptera... early on.

Take care and Googols all day long,
GF

[naturalart]

What is that cord/worm looking thing across the opening on his belly?[

Anterior means towards the head. Posterior means toward the tail. The cord/worm looking thing is what some call the oviduct, which is prominent on males and flat and smooth on female synos. the disc or vent or poop hole sits anterior to the oviduct. Don't be confused by the size of the opening. Fish poop is generally not as dense or solid as the 3]!z/iX' of terrestrial vertebrates. But similar to terrestrial vertebrates some pretty weird stuff can come out of them. As you now know
So what you are seeing as a cord/worm is actually the oviduct (pointing posteriorly) on Nui.

Fresh live foods are always best for fish as well as humans. But there are a number of staple food brands on the market, that include garlic in their ingredients. There is an argument that garlic help boost the immune system. Others argue against it. I personally thinks it helps. Remember Nui and Li'i were living in a 'cesspool' for who knows how long. Weird things could still come out of them for maybe up to a year or so! But you can't drive yourself crazy worrying about every little thing. Just continue to feed your fish good nutritious foods, thus boosting their immune systems, and keep up good water quality regimes, and enjoy your fish!

Matts: thanks for fixing the link. Those are some very interesting images. Makes me proud to be a member of Planetcatfish.

gag-a-googols

[naturalart]

Or in Nui's case; a spermduct.

[GoldenFeather]

What is that cord/worm looking thing across the opening on his belly?[

Anterior means towards the head. Posterior means toward the tail. The cord/worm looking thing is what some call the oviduct, which is prominent on males and flat and smooth on female synos. the disc or vent or poop hole sits anterior to the oviduct. Don't be confused by the size of the opening. Fish poop is generally not as dense or solid as the 3]!z/iX' of terrestrial vertebrates. But similar to terrestrial vertebrates some pretty weird stuff can come out of them. As you now know
So what you are seeing as a cord/worm is actually the oviduct (pointing posteriorly) on Nui.

<snip>

gag-a-googols

Natural... you're a blessing.
...You've all been a blessing many times over,

I need to make sure we're speaking of the same thing. I'm speaking of the cordy looking thing that is inside the "disc" (poop hole) lying flat across the surface within the hole. Anterior to the hole is his skin and this cord is visible beneath it running further up inside. It could be poop given your broad description, I hope it is but need to confirm.

Thank you for recalling the cess pool. I am still dealing with it. I have all: planeria, nematods (two different species if I'm not mistaken) and hydra. All. And Scott wants to give Nui away. I've been in tears all day due to this and the loss of a very dear friend/brother. C'est la vie...

But I can't agree with him on this... I'm in love with Nui and Li'i they've brought me so very much happiness, this may be our first real serious disagreement in 17 years. His concern is my time management and not taking better care of other areas including self. Perhaps the latter his greatest concern. I think I just need to improve my time placement in ways that will be more reasonable in his eyes. Hopefully he'll come back around and be happy to have them here. He's still carrying my buckets for me so that's a good sign. He's recommended the youth center for Nui and Li'i. They evidently have an aquarium there for the kids. But I just can't.

Back to the tank. Andy and Mats were right about the planeria... I let the biofiber from the filter I'd removed sit in a ziplock to observe. Yesterday I saw a large planeria sticking out of the side of the fiber. Shovel headed and fully mature. I also found a fully mature very bad looking thing which I don't know what it is. It is dark brown with many very small legs. Then the hydra. Recall the little opaque/transparent things sticking to the glass of the 50G before I transferred the fish. I took pictures... they looked like little tulips on stems which stuck to the glass to me. Those happen to be infant hydra! And wiping them off and emptying the tank, removing those rocks didn't remove them. They've returned. I noticed them back last week and didn't think much of it. Then I had a sticky white thing stick to my finger when cleaning. Got it off... found a couple more... used my 20x loop to check out their detail, found then online - thus "hydra". What am I to do with all of this. Cleaning the filters has done wonders.

From what I've read it seems the only thing to do to get rid of everything is to us a medicine. That or move Nui and Li'i, empty, bleach and scrub everything, rinse extremely well and begin again. I need to decide which of these to do now because I cannot live with ALL of these at the same time. I've read here and there of those who don't mind keeping these in their tanks, or think it would be cool. I don't think it cool at all. I'm worried what else might be. And I worry what might be going on internally for Nui. And Li'i.

I will never let things, filters... get bad again. I hadn't realized what could grow there. I didn't know anything like these would possibly even come about in an aquarium. Had no idea. And I think they've been here all along. It's just that doing two large water changes a day on the 10 gallon I never had an opportunity to see them begin to mature. And then as soon as I let things sit for a week in the new tank... well they began to take shape. And my bad, for feeding wrong. The filter intake tubes sitting low in the tank... well there it is right? A perfect combination for all these little creatures. I've never ever liked these types of things. And I want to protect Nui and Li'i from them.

How were they affected by that cess pool? What did all of these and other things do to them? As I observe Nui... I notice that his pectoral fins are twitching every few seconds. They just quiver a little and stop. I've come to accept that the white spots on his face are just going to be there and will hopefully either disappear or remain as they are and not cause him any discomfort. Nui finally came to feed at the surface a couple nights ago. He and I were both so happy about it I over fed him. I couldn't stop myself. He hadn't eaten well in so long. He decided it on his own though. I think I mentioned he wouldn't eat unless I hand fed him. Well, he didn't want that anymore and swam up towards the surface saying "let's try this again now"... and so we did it! I'm so happy about this.

I apologize to everyone for having so very many problems... I don't know what we would have done without finding you all.

Thank you from the deepest part of our hearts...
Nui, Li'i & GF

[MatsP]

Not sure where to start. Feeding less is probably a good point.

Then if you believe you have internal worms, then there are medications that will deal with that (and kill any worms living outside your fish). But the trouble is to make them STAY away, and that is were feeding comes in. I think Jungle Parasite Clear is a good one in the US - it contains a cocktail of parasite treatments, but should be fairly mild on the fish.

Bear in mind that nature is full of all manner of worms, bugs and critters that want to make their impact on "world domination". Fish and other animals have evolved to live in this environment, so as long as their overall health is OK. It's all taken care of by the immune system.

--
Mats

[naturalart]

Hello GF, I am very sorry for your lose. I just went through a similar thing. My prayers are with you.

If I were you I'd spend the money and get a "python" right away. Then you or your husband wont have to carry buckets at all. And it will cut the time it takes to do waterchanges almost in half. Again the phython screws onto a threaded faucet nib (there are adapters as well) and takes water out of the aquarium and puts it back with just a twist of a shunt. Believe me it will pay for itself time and time again.

I don't know what the "cord" thing is. I can't see it. But if its not moving I would just keep an eye on it. The "cesspool" was open to the elements. All sorts of things could have migrated into that pool of water. You live in a tropical climate with all kinds of bug and such; most of which science knows very little. I'd just be happy that these fish are alive and continue to enjoy them now.

The only critter you mentioned that could be harmful is the brown thing with many small legs. Is it a worm shape, a bug shape or something else? Take a pic and get rid of it. The other inverts can be managed away without chemicals. Again I think you need to get help in the form of some picker/gleaner fish such as pencilfish, barbs, gouramis, etc. Remember these invert pest are living things and once you find out their biology you can starve them out and/or create adverse conditions which can a suppress if not extinguish thier populations. What I think happened was you transfered some "furniture"(rocks, roots, plastic plants) from the old tank without cleaning them first. A simple mistake. But now you know.

None of these things are as threatening as your spouses down attitude about your time management. The "Python" will go a long way to dealing with that. At this point its probably ok to go to waterchanging once a week. You've gotten a handle on the feeding; its ok to indulge your fish once and a while you just dont want to be putting food in the tank that just floats to the bottom and sits there. Once that happens stop feeding immediately.

Don't get over pedantic on every decimal point of your water measurements but do keep an eye on them. And maybe don't talk to your spouse about every little problem you are facing in the tank. He probably doesn't know or care about half of what you're talking about; and may have no idea of the size or magnitude of those problems. All aquarist have problems with their aquariums, you are not alone. In fact one of the major allures of aquarium keeping is the fact that it is like a continuous science project.

Now I've got to go feed brineshrimp.

googol-a-go-go

[GoldenFeather]

Not sure where to start. Feeding less is probably a good point.

Then if you believe you have internal worms, then there are medications that will deal with that (and kill any worms living outside your fish). But the trouble is to make them STAY away, and that is were feeding comes in. I think Jungle Parasite Clear is a good one in the US - it contains a cocktail of parasite treatments, but should be fairly mild on the fish.

Bear in mind that nature is full of all manner of worms, bugs and critters that want to make their impact on "world domination". Fish and other animals have evolved to live in this environment, so as long as their overall health is OK. It's all taken care of by the immune system.

--
Mats

Hi Mats...

I'd read good things about Jungle Parasite Clear while researching the best means to eradicate hydra. And I have come to feel strongly about dosing Nui and Li'i with something to kill off any sort of parasite(s) they might have from the atrocity I found them in. I know Natural advises I remain naturel but with this I think I need to venture down an unnatural path. I'll sleep better. It will help establish a sense of security I very much need at this point with them. I hope it will help improve their quality of life each.

I look at the glass (side view) and literally see tens of thousands of hydra. From what I've read they won't bother larger fish though they will when the fish is resting. Especially if they are hungry and these would be as I've hardly fed this entire past week . And Nui rests several hours a day (hope this is normal) plus being scaleless his flesh is as available as the fry they like to prey on.

I am trying not to over-stress on this, not easy tho' at the moment with all of these going off at once. On one hand it's actually a blessing so I can wipe all out in one fell swoop (hopefully). And then try to deal with a likely future return of one of these or something else, should it happen, better able better informed and most important with Nui and Li'i strong and healthy.

At present the only means I have of controlling them is to take them out by hand with the syphon and tube. I may use up to ten pounds of pressure to remove just one of these near invisible little suckers – invisible micro threads (their foot) from the glass. Unless I catch them off guard. Kind of like limpets... if you get them before they know it they'll almost float off a rock, otherwise they are cemented. These stick like silicone. I just stay on top of the largest ones each night. I'm also finding 2 to 5 in the 2nd (?) stage, their bodies having become dense making them easier to see. The one everyone associates them with, white/green (?) stemmed bodies with tentacles.

As you point out Mats there are all manner of creatures wanting to impact our world. Believe me, it is impossible to live in a rainforest and not be impacted by "all manner" of them indeed. I believe we have more of these "all manners" per square mile than any other place on the planet. Still, I give myself permission to get squeamish once in a while. They impact my world just fine. That's one thing I used to enjoy on my work trips to Geneve, no bugs! I loved it. I could actually let my guard down. You come to have one up at all the times in the jungle remaining on creature alert 24/7, it's second nature. Still, these have freaked me out. Go figure.

I read that they hydra's closest relation is the Portuguese Man of war which innundate our shores almost half the year. You can barely see them as well, their clear little 1/2" creatures. And not just a threat in the water, watch where you step on the beaches here May - Sept.

Googols again Mats... you've confirmed the treatment I want to use and that is a huge relief.

Míle maith agaibh, ,
GF

[GoldenFeather]

Hi All,

Nui is doing alright as far as I can see. I have not seen anything moving below in or around the anal vent. However I did find a in his waste and have a photo of one. When I hold back food his feces is long and transparent.

Question: is a common event given the circumstance?

I ask as I've seen repeated posts of this being deemed a symptom of internal parasites.

I haven't received the Jungle "parasite clear" yet. I've found during this period that I'm able to get a fair hold on "hydra" at least without the chemical. But a hold only.

The panic and outright condemnation of "hydra" online had scared me badly. Kind of like reading the side-affects in the documentation that's coupled with prescription drugs.

Still, I've learned it can also be deadly event to for those with fry, small fish, very still fish or invertebrates. And Nui sleeps so still. He's also hard to wake up very hard. I remember knocking hard on the glass and crying his name out the first time I found him sleepig upside down at the surface one a.m.. And then perpendicular (teehee)... what odd sights he's presented me with.

He is such a huge joy in my heart. And he's here with me for life. Husband couldn't remove that light from my world, never... Taking your advice Natural, I've withheld things fish from our conversations... googols

GF

[GoldenFeather]

The only critter you mentioned that could be harmful is the brown thing with many small legs. Is it a worm shape, a bug shape or something else? Take a pic and get rid of it.

Hi Natural,

I apologize for the delay here. I hadn't forgotten about your question – only now able to come back to it... Thank you very much for picking up on this particular issue though. I've been trying to shorten my posts.

This thing was over an inch long, I was unable to see tail or head. It was about the width of a copper penny and a dark brown color with many many tiny tiny orange/yellow colored legs. It reminded me (living where I do) of a Centipede more than a Millipede because it was flatish and their babies have electric blue legs. It didn't have a worms rounded body. It was flat more like Planeria more. And it's legs were short, not like the Cpede, they were actually more like the Mpede.

I found a couple more that were perhaps 1/4" as well. Much smaller. I got rid of it all right after and didn't take a photo. I was too rattled, it may have been a mistake not to have shot them. I normally try to photoG everything going on with them.

If this was in the tank when I got it, I still have it. I'd like to do something about it. I don't know if the Jungle Labs' Parasite Clear is going to take care of this thing. I'd never seen it before and created the situation by letting the filter's bio-bag sit in a zip lock for a few days of observation. Still, it wouldn't necessarily mean it's strictly aquatic either.

That said, could it have crawled in? I've seen many a thing here... it looks more like a centipede than a millipede because it was flatish.

?What do you think?

Thanks a Googol,

GF

[naturalart]

Well if you flip it over and there are other legs, and the dorsal side is hard like a shell then its an arthropod. Something like a fish louse, but don't be alarmed, there are similar bugs that are completely vegetarian. If it is soft all over and the legs you described are all the legs it has, then it might be another segmented worm…or possibly a 'tartigrade'. But I'll wait for your pic. It could be any number of things.

googol-up

[GoldenFeather]

Blessed Sunday/Monday Everyone....

In my effort to shorten my posts now that the crisis is basically over... I'm posting by topic point or issue. FYI's... with questions when I need some help

The Jungle Lab's Parasite Clear came in Friday and I administered a conservative dose last evening... Not having tested my pH assumed it the same as it had been a few days ago. It hasn't changed since our first month here??? December. These tablets dissolve well in less acidic water otherwise you need to dissolve them outside the tank first.

But consistent with life this year, the pH dropped back down finally. Unfortunately I had to make a mad rush to capture as many of the large particles floating around and fortunately did. Fish are ok.S

They've responded well to it or rather they don't seem at all affected by it. Appetites are healthy and they're active.

From the Heart wishes that you and yours including fishes are surrounded w/ happiness,
GF

[GoldenFeather]

Hi Again,

Last I spoke of substrate I was looking for a nice smooth little pebbled substrate. But finding that isn't easy and at the store here it would be very expensive. I then recalled a beach I go to had a little cave/tube where the high tide washes the best tiny pebbles.

Erik (PC member) lives on our main island O'ahu and told me that he gets his sand from a sandblasting company. I was still hesitant and then he sent me a sample. Thank You Erik... it's lovely sand. So I called a shop I used to work making head stones and they happen to have some in stock they can't use. It's too large for their work... So we're going to exchange some design work for the sand.

Question: the grade is either 16 or 20 he said. Is this a good size? If so I'll be able to pick it up Tuesday...

Thank you,
GF

[GoldenFeather]

I found a long white worm in Nui's digestive waste. Do you think this is a good sign now that we've begun the Parasite Clear treatment? I won't post the photo unless someone requests a look at it. I wasn't able to capture the entire thing as it was wrapped up in the green matter. But a good bit of the worm is present in the photo and obvious.

Googols, GF

[MatsP]

Grit-size 16 means that the sand is passing through a grid that has 16 "threads" per inch in a sieve - this means that the sand itself is slightly smaller than 1/16" x 1/16" or about 1.5mm. Should be perfect grit size - 20 would be smaller still, but only a tiny bit, so still a perfectly usable size.

--
Mats

[GoldenFeather]

Hi All....

We've got (((((sand)))))!!! Finally right. I know that everything I've done has taken time. I apologize for any frustrations.

I've watched a couple vd's on "youtube" to learn how to clean the sand before adding it to the tank. The first one I saw was a guy using a bucket with sand and the garden hose in the yard. Rinsing and dumping till clear. But I recall reading garden hoses, new or otherwise are toxic due to manufacturing processes. The other vd was interesting, likely for adding additional smaller amounts later. He used a plastic water bottle filled maybe 75% with sand. Set it on the bottom of the tank, let it fill, then reversed it letting the sand fall out the dirt cloud rising up into the bottle. While watching it I was wondering if this would be enough to get the sand clean. There was no cloud coming out with the sand though. zip

I need to look back through the thread here and I may be wrong, but I seem to recall Jools saying something about not dealing with pre-wash methods when it comes to his his substrates?

Thanks all,
GF

[MatsP]

If you don't care that the tank gets a bit cloudy for a bit, you can just add the sand to the tank.

I usually wash my sand in a bucket in the bath-tub (but beware that black/dark sand will leave a bit of "trace", so be prepared to clean the bath afterwards). Just put 1-2" of sand in a bucket, pour water on top (I use the shower), stir, pour it off, repeat (about 10-20 times). When the water is clear after you've stirred it, you're done. Repeat for as many buckets as you think you need.

I wouldn't worry about hose being toxic - if it's a brand new hose, you may want to leave it running for a while before rinsing the sand, but you are going to run hundreds of gallons of water through the hose, so anything harmful will be rinsed out pretty quickly.

--
Mats

[ErikO]

If you're going to be using sand blasting sand, I think you'll find it very clean compared to other sands.

Erik

[GoldenFeather]

Thanks You Guys,

I'm thinking I need to put the rinsed sand in a zip lock maybe and then put it to the bottom of the tank and let it out. Is there a better way though? I haven't seen that part on Youtube yet, I can check it out later tonight maybe.

Thanks again,

GF

[MatsP]

Whenever I've put sand into an already filled tank, I just lift it in with my hands - simple as it can be, but works. Yes, it will make the tank a little cloudy, but it will clear in a few hours.

--
Mats

[GoldenFeather]

Happy Sunday World!

We put the sand in last night. Decided to try the bottle in the tank method as it said it would remove at least 95% of the powder. Not knowing the actual amount it contains I can't say if it did. The water was pretty cloudy and hadn't cleared up this a.m. But I had to do a water change so it helped.

(((((Nui))))) came to Life, Li'i was frightened and kept trying to get underneath his belly to hide (even tho' she has hiding places. His belly is her safe zone I guess, her mamma. Remember in the beginning he was very protective of her. She still expects it.

Anyway, Nui and Li'i both love the sand. He swam everywhere, around and under anything he could. He even went sideways under one of Li'i's little bridges which has abouyt an inch of space with the sand. He took it slow and stopped halfway to just look around and check things out from the perspective I guess. He's so funny.

Thanks you guys again for your endless help and support,mmmm

GF...

[ginagv]

happiness!!

Gina

[GoldenFeather]

happiness!!

Gina

mmhm...

[GoldenFeather]

Hi Everyone,

I've been so crazy busy... like the rest of the world. I hope and wish you all the best.

Just a quick note to say Nui is doing well. So is Li'i. I believe the decision to treat with the Jungle Parasite Clear was a good one owing to the fact that symptoms of parasites, though limited, are gone. Their digestive waste is normal now. Though my limited experience doesn't qualify me to make that claim. However it is no longer white and transparent. long (very long several inches), or stringy. And Li'i is no longer losing her scales. Nui's appetite is normal, he has a good desire for food about twice a day.

They are very happy with the tank now that it has a sandy substrate which the LOVE!!! Hiding places and for Nui, a couple toys. I wonder if others with Euptera experience could let me know if their Euptera like to play with objects? Recall that I found some large black plastic plumbing tubes about 5"/6" long. Well I let one of them float free and it has become one of Nui's favorite places to hang or and nap in. It's the funniest thing, I'll get a photo of it next I can. To see this tube floating with a tail hanging out one end and barbles out the other. When he's not asleep in it he maneuvers it around with his tail. Reminds me of being a child playing with an inner-tube in the summer waters. What's funnier is that depending on the area of tank it is, the currents cause it to also hang in the water either up and down or sideways. No matter, he still get inside. He also likes to push it with his nose so that he has a sort of moving target which he can then do water acrobatics through and around it. I can't wait until the driftwood is ready. Scott is working on preparing it.

I say Nui is not fish but part fish, puppy and dolphin. I'm sure it's just that I'm so unfamiliar with fish otherwise I would say he's pure Euptera, catfish or Syno I think? Nui.... I so deeply thank the day I found them.

I'm also so ever grateful for you here on planetcatfish.com,
Thank You Very Very Much,
...you know, a googolplex worth!
GF

[andywoolloo]

my synos seem to play. The euptera play chase, and if some of my pl*cos food comes off his fork and floats up they play push it around.