Redtail/shovelnose hybrid won’t eat!

[Fishgirl98]

Hey guys

I have had my redtail/shovelnose hybrid since August, he is 6 1/2 inches, he is in a 30 gallon with a redtail that is no more then 2 inches. His water reads all good. He was eating frozen food but went about a week and a half not eating till I force fed him due to him being very skinny. I emailed the place I got him(bluegrass aquatics) to see what they had fed him to see what I could get for him to try. He show no interest in food no matter how long he goes without. I DON’T WANNA LOSE MY FISH! Help me ??

 

[piranhaman00]

These fish should not be sold anymore, this is just sad, or hopefully a troll? But I will try to assist anyway.

Is the tank cycled? What does reads all good mean? Post parameters.

You have two large growing catfish stuffed into a tiny tank, the fish isnt eating because it is stressed, force feeding it is only leading to its demise faster. Are you aware how large these fish grow?

Unfortunately for you, they will wont last much more than a few months in that size tank without getting seriously deformed.

Im assuming you are new to fish keeping, but in the future please research before buying. Thanks.

 

[Fishgirl98]

Tank was cycled for a month and a half. The tank is not to small for the size they are and yes I am WELL aware of the sizes these fish get. PH= 7.0 \ nitrites= 0 ppm \ nitrates= 0 ppm. Did I anywhere state that these fish would be living in this tank their whole life, I did not. I have 150 that they will be going into that is cycling right now. further more I have done my research and that is why I came here because these fish do indeed have problems eating and it’s the redtail that is in them. I came here to help figure out what I can do to save my fish not get bashed for the fact my tiny ass catfish are in a big enough aquarium for their size at this time. ?

 

[Fishgirl98]

IF NO ONE IS GONNA HELP THEN DON’T COMMENT ON THIS THREAD. simple, no? ??‍

 

[piranhaman00]

A 150 gallon is not big enough at all either, 18" width is about half what you would require at minimum.

I am trying to help though, I told you they are not eating because they are in too small of a tank. And something is wrong with your test kit, you dont have 0 nitrate. The amount of time the tank cycled for is useless if it didnt actually finish cycling. What kit are you using? I am guessing your tank is going through a cycle again with the extreme bioload in a small tank. What is ammonia? What do you have for filtration?

For now add an air stone and check parameters again, including ammonia.

 

[Fishgirl98]

One again did I state it was their last tank? They will be going into a pool pond with my fiancé’s 20” marble achara cat . The 150 we have is 2 ft wide, 4 Ft long and I believe 3 ft tall. With fx5 canister and two air pumps. Just testing the tank right now
PH= 7.0
Nitrite= 0 ppm
Nitrate= Color looks inbetween 0ppm and 5.0 ppm
Ammonia= 0 ppm

I have a fluval 50 gallon filter because my fiancé is almost certain this tank is a 40 gallon. I apologize for the attitude but I didn’t come here to be bashed I came for help Cause we have tried everything. Also want to state I have only force fed him twice and he shows no signs of wanting to eat no matter the food or eat it is given.

 

[deeda]

Hi fishgirl, please don't take offense but the more information you can provide, the better we can help you.

I agree that we also need to see the ammonia level and because you are not seeing any nitrate, we have to assume the tank doesn't have enough good bacteria to support the 2 fish you have.

What type and brand of filter are you using?

Does the fish that is not eating appear healthy otherwise?

Any chance you can post a clear pic of the fish?

Edit: oops we posted at the same time.

 

[MrsE88]

No reason to get so angry so fast. None of us know you or what setups you have.
Keeping a 6” fish in a tank 30-40g isn’t a great idea. The bigger the better. For most here it’s not understandable why you’d choose to keep to fast growing fish in such a confined space when a bigger tank is available.

But enough of that, not trying to lecture.
Have you observed it’s poop? Any rubbing or strange behavior?

 

[Chicxulub]

Hey guys

I have had my redtail/shovelnose hybrid since August, he is 6 1/2 inches, he is in a 30 gallon with a redtail that is no more then 2 inches. His water reads all good. He was eating frozen food but went about a week and a half not eating till I force fed him due to him being very skinny. I emailed the place I got him(bluegrass aquatics) to see what they had fed him to see what I could get for him to try. He show no interest in food no matter how long he goes without. I DON’T WANNA LOSE MY FISH! Help me ??

Welcome to the forum! Nice to have you here, glad you're reaching out for advice.

The 30 is ok for the baby RTC, but the hybrid is too large for the 30 already. This size disparity is the type of thing that could put a larger cat off of their diet. Try to get the 150 up and running asap and get the hybrid moved over.

I agree with the others that any and all info you can provide would be quite useful, especially water parameters and your filtration setup.

As to feeding the hybrid, if all else fails, try fresh bloodworms. I've never seen a healthy young cat turn down fresh bloodworms.

 

[deeda]

Or even live blackworms if you can get access to them! Quite a few better quality fish stores will carry live food like that.