Rope fish health

[bushbandit]

I recently got a rope fish and his health seems to be going down hill. I was
told they liked brackish water and that is what my tank is I have read all
about what they eat and I cant seem to ever see him eating. Are they a fresh
water fish or will brackish water keep them ok? I don't want him to die..

The other fish in the tank are 1- little Neon 5-silver tip sharks 2 - puffer
fish 2- cory cats and 1-
pa?o?umos"sucker fish"
Any help ????
Thank You Troy

[carlrs]

On Aug 22, 1:11 am, "bushbandit" <u36841@uwe> wrote:
> I recently got a rope fish and his health seems to be going down hill. I was
> told they liked brackish water and that is what my tank is I have read all
> about what they eat and I cant seem to ever see him eating. Are they a fresh
> water fish or will brackish water keep them ok? I don't want him to die..
>
> The other fish in the tank are 1- little Neon 5-silver tip sharks 2 - puffer
> fish 2- cory cats and 1-
> pa?o?umos"sucker fish"
> Any help ????
> Thank You Troy

I would not consider a Ropefish to be brackish. These fish come from
West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria) which has tropical waters more in line
with South America than with the Rift Lakes of East Africa.
I have kept some salt with them (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons), a GH of
100-200, a KH of 50-100, a pH of 6.8- 7.4 (Think stability is more
important for pH than the actual pH)

Also keep in mind that these fish absorb oxygen thru their intestines
and will often come to the surface for air (often looking like reeds
when several are in your tank), this behavior also makes than jumpers,
especially at night since they are primarily nocturnal. Make sure
there are caves or similar to hide in during the day.

Ropefish are also opportunistic feeders, so small fish such as your
Neon are potential food sources. Otherwise Blackworms, bloodworms,
Ghost Shrimp, and earthworms are good foods for them.

Also check your ammonia and nitrites, both should be 0. Assuming ALL
parameters are correct you might consider a mild treatment such as
Pimafix, or look for small parasitic worms that sometimes come
attached from these imported fish. For this I would consider Clout.
BUT first make sure water parameters, tank conditions, and feedings
are in order before any treatment.

Carl
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Information.html

[bushbandit via PetKB.com]

Thanks for the information carlrs
I am sad to say I was a little late in figuring out what was the problem he
passed on last night and I feel so bad. I will not make a venture like this
again. I will stick to the easier to keep fish.

Troy


carlrs wrote:
>> I recently got a rope fish and his health seems to be going down hill. I was
>> told they liked brackish water and that is what my tank is I have read all
>[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>> Any help ????
>> Thank You Troy
>
>I would not consider a Ropefish to be brackish. These fish come from
>West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria) which has tropical waters more in line
>with South America than with the Rift Lakes of East Africa.
>I have kept some salt with them (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons), a GH of
>100-200, a KH of 50-100, a pH of 6.8- 7.4 (Think stability is more
>important for pH than the actual pH)
>
>Also keep in mind that these fish absorb oxygen thru their intestines
>and will often come to the surface for air (often looking like reeds
>when several are in your tank), this behavior also makes than jumpers,
>especially at night since they are primarily nocturnal. Make sure
>there are caves or similar to hide in during the day.
>
>Ropefish are also opportunistic feeders, so small fish such as your
>Neon are potential food sources. Otherwise Blackworms, bloodworms,
>Ghost Shrimp, and earthworms are good foods for them.
>
>Also check your ammonia and nitrites, both should be 0. Assuming ALL
>parameters are correct you might consider a mild treatment such as
>Pimafix, or look for small parasitic worms that sometimes come
>attached from these imported fish. For this I would consider Clout.
>BUT first make sure water parameters, tank conditions, and feedings
>are in order before any treatment.
>
>Carl
>http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Information.html

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