Proper feeding and care of a Black Pacu

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BobDinosaur said:
Finally got some water quality numbers. Nitrate at 200+ ppm, nitrite at 0 ppm, ammonia at 0.5, pH at 6.5. Got a heater, airstone and large quantity of dechlor for all the water changes I will be doing. Will be adjusting temperature by 1 degree every other day to give him time to acclimate.
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That's awful. Idk how that fish is still alive, but I don't think he will be for too much longer if nothing is done..


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Considering the level of nitrates you tested in that tank, I would like to stress this:

pacu mom said:
If there are really high nitrates in the tank, change out about 30-50% every day until the nitrates are reduced. There is a condition known as old tank syndrome, where the poor fish are used to the high nitrates that are hurting them. So in the case of very high nitrates, reduce the nitrates over a few days rather than trying to get the nitrates low on the first day.
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I would do daily 30% water changes
 
Bubba is still kicking, working on setting up some plants in a water surface container to help bring nitrates down to a more sane level. I have four small pothos to play with, if the system works I can invest in arrowheads or some such later.
 
thats a shame, in the uk the fish could be reported to the rspca and the owner would be in trouble with the law...
 
justarn said:
thats a shame, in the uk the fish could be reported to the rspca and the owner would be in trouble with the law...
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Which would be silly, considering the likely fate of a fish and laws on invasive species.

Anyways, after aggressive water changes and filter media washing, I have the nitrates below 200 ppm. No plants in yet, as I want to make certain the plants will thrive along with Bubba. Going to give them a head start on establishing in a water environment before they hop into a tank basket (no sump available). Hopefully they will offer some small assistance in removing nitrate and other things from the water, though I expect to do 40-50 gallons worth on a weekly basis for the foreseeable future. I did notice a pair of sprouts growing in the gravel bottom, I think they are from the cherry tomatoes I fed him a week or so ago.
 
Just read the thread. Even though the condition is horrible for that poor fish, you should be commended for giving a crap and doing what you possibly can to help it out. What you really need to do right now is lots and lots of water changes. I know you're removing tank water via a bucket, but is it possible to use the tube, that you're using to fill the tank up with, to siphon out water to a toilet or out a window? This would make w/c so much easier, and if its easy you'll be inclined to do it more often. You just really shoot for 50%wc every week, 50% twice a week even better. In regards to plants, try what I do: I got a large acrylic shower caddy from Walmart and stuffed a whole pothos plant in it. The caddy comes with 2 large suction cups which I use to set the caddy at the waters surface inside the tank.

This isn't the best food available, but you can get a 5lb bag for $16 http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/fish-food-feeders/kens-premium-floating-pellets-50-mm.html
 
xraycer said:
Just read the thread. Even though the condition is horrible for that poor fish, you should be commended for giving a crap and doing what you possibly can to help it out. What you really need to do right now is lots and lots of water changes. I know you're removing tank water via a bucket, but is it possible to use the tube, that you're using to fill the tank up with, to siphon out water to a toilet or out a window? This would make w/c so much easier, and if its easy you'll be inclined to do it more often. You just really shoot for 50%wc every week, 50% twice a week even better. In regards to plants, try what I do: I got a large acrylic shower caddy from Walmart and stuffed a whole pothos plant in it. The caddy comes with 2 large suction cups which I use to set the caddy at the waters surface inside the tank.

This isn't the best food available, but you can get a 5lb bag for $16 http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/fish-food-feeders/kens-premium-floating-pellets-50-mm.html
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Appreciate the thought. Currently what I am doing is siphoning water off into a pair of empty 5 gallon containers, wheeling them down the hall by cart, then dumping into a janitor's closet drain. Filling is from a tap, using a nice long hose, around 1/4" or 3/8" size. Sadly a bit too small for draining. We have considered a small pump to fill the 5 gallons faster, but most pumps here are air powered, meaning we would need to run a very long air hose (30 or 40 feet). Work in progress, but the water looks much, much better after 40-50 gallon change. That and actually rinsing the filter media.

Planning on using some PVC pipe I found to produce a lattice on top of the tank, then suspend an aquaculture basket from it using some plastic tie offs. I have four small pothos on my desk while I work out placement and such. Watering them with aquarium water, they seem to be fine so far.

Bubba currently receives a mix of vegetables as food, I found a pair of tomato seedlings growing in the tank from cherry tomatoes he ate recently. But some actual bulk food would be helpful, thank you for the recommendation.
 
How about picking up some inexpensive light-duty garden hose for the draining? I get mine from Walmart: 25ft for $10

I like your idea for the pothos. Post some pics if you decide to do that
 
Just finished a 50 gallon change, nitrates appear to be in the 40-80 ppm range. Will try and get a picture up later, not sure if you will be able to see, but the tank water is much, much improved from what it used to be.
 
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