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new mappa won't eat
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:02 pm
by jodyj
I have a new mappa that just will not eat I've had him for almost two weeks and still won't eat any help would be nice I'm new to the site don't know were to go for help pH=8.2 nitrates=5.0 nitrites=0 ammonia=0.25 I just put a skimmer on the tank to help with bad stuff please help
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:17 pm
by Boxermom
How long has the tank been set up? What size is it? What tankmates if any does it have? Was the tank fully cycled first? Any idea why you are getting ammonia readings?
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:33 pm
by jodyj
the tank is 30 gal. but it is just for the health of other fish in main tank that is 150 gal. the tank has been going for three months I change water weekly when i have a new fish in it ammonia is a little high because I checked be for water change last night
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 5:52 pm
by Gomez
the ammonia in your tank would indicate its not cycled, try some biospira. Water change or no, ammonia should only be detectable in a new tank set up that is not yet cycled.
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:11 pm
by jodyj
what about if you get water for a tank that has been setup for 3 years and has no detectable ammonia thats were I get my temp tank water and what is the chance that my new puffer is the one that did it the timp tank is only 30 gal. if so were do you find biospira and what is the chance that the small amount of ammonia would make him not eat I am very thankful for you and anyone that helps with this problem
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:18 pm
by Hilly
Unfortunately tank water contains very little bacteria, it is in the filters and substrate and on surfaces in the tank, while other fish may be able to cope with a cycle, puffers being scaleless fish struggle with ammonia and nitrite readings which may be the cause of your problem. Can you steal some filter media from your main tank for a while to temporarily put into this tank, that should help.
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:30 pm
by JustinPSmith
How big is he? He may be very, very stressed being in a small tank and with that ammonia.
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:32 pm
by JustinPSmith
BTW, is he going in the 150G? This may be off subject but this is a two foot long puffer...
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:34 pm
by jodyj
OK thank you for your insight on this problem all the help I can get is great
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:35 pm
by jodyj
he is about 5"
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:37 pm
by jodyj
he well be in 250 gal. in summer it's being built
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:38 pm
by Hilly
jodyj wrote:he well be in 250 gal. in summer it's being built
Sweet, they are gorgeous fish, they are taking over from the Porc as my favourite marine puffer.
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:38 pm
by JustinPSmith
250G...Nice. Hes not too big, so it may just be the ammonia I think. Do you know what he was eating where you got him from?
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:51 pm
by jodyj
they told me that he was eating krill like a pig
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:53 pm
by Hilly
Has he eaten since you got him?