Glass Catfish Problem

[AquaChief]

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with glass catfish and an answer for why mine have all lost their tail fins and barbels. I've had them for many months now and they all look very healthy otherwise, i.e., no splotches, no ich, normal behavior, eating well, etc.. They live with mostly other varieties of tetras but I've never noticed any of them bullying the catfish. And I've never noticed them sparring among themselves. They live in a very sparsely populated 72g tank that receives frequent water changes and has an excellent fluval external filtering system. Any thoughts?
Thanks very much-
AC

 

[fluttermoth]

What species of tetra do you have? And how many glass cats? Any test results on your water?

 

[AquaChief]

What species of tetra do you have? And how many glass cats? Any test results on your water?

Tetras: I have a large school of neon and x-ray. I had six glass cats but down to five now. Our tap water here in the Ozarks is not-surprisingly hard but I don't have a measure. I know I'm alkaline with a pH of 7.8 No ammonia, nitrites or nitrates to speak of. I measured this morning. No surprise because I do 50% water changes every 2 weeks and my biological filters are well established. Hope this helps and thanks.
AC

 

[fluttermoth]

It could be that your water is too hard and alkaline for them. Are there any other fish in the tank, apart from the tetras and the glass cats?

 

[AquaChief]

It could be that your water is too hard and alkaline for them. Are there any other fish in the tank, apart from the tetras and the glass cats?

From my research I believe my water parameters are within tolerances. My pH is slightly higher than what's recommended (it states < 7 preferred but mine runs about 7.4 - 7.8) but more importantly it doesn't fluctuate much. The only other tankmates are a several pigmy Gouramis, some mollies, 2 Plecos and a yo yo loach.

 

[Caprichoso]

What species of tetra do you have? And how many glass cats? Any test results on your water?

Tetras: I have a large school of neon and x-ray. I had six glass cats but down to five now. Our tap water here in the Ozarks is not-surprisingly hard but I don't have a measure. I know I'm alkaline with a pH of 7.8 No ammonia, nitrites or nitrates to speak of. I measured this morning. No surprise because I do 50% water changes every 2 weeks and my biological filters are well established. Hope this helps and thanks.
AC

Increase your water changes to 50% every week. Glass cats require pristine water conditions but hardness is not an issue. I have very hard water and a pH of 7.7 and my glass cats are thriving but I do 50% each week. You may run into the issue of them becoming stressed out since you only have 5. If you lose anymore than that, it's not going to be good for them as they don't do well in small groups. The other fish you have in the tank shouldn't be the cause as they are peaceful as well so it must be the water or 6 of them wasn't a big enough school in the first place in your situation. I have 6 and they are doing well but that may not be the case for everyone with the same number of them. Also, they don't like bright light and prefer plants and hiding places too.

Good luck

 

[AquaChief]

[/quote]

Increase your water changes to 50% every week. Glass cats require pristine water conditions but hardness is not an issue. I have very hard water and a pH of 7.7 and my glass cats are thriving but I do 50% each week. You may run into the issue of them becoming stressed out since you only have 5. If you lose anymore than that, it's not going to be good for them as they don't do well in small groups. The other fish you have in the tank shouldn't be the cause as they are peaceful as well so it must be the water or 6 of them wasn't a big enough school in the first place in your situation. I have 6 and they are doing well but that may not be the case for everyone with the same number of them. Also, they don't like bright light and prefer plants and hiding places too.

Good luck
[/quote]

Sounds reasonable, I'll give it a try. Thanks LOTF

 

[fluttermoth]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was the yoyo loach; they can be very nippy towards other fish if kept alone; they really are a shoaling fish.

 

[AquaChief]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was the yoyo loach; they can be very nippy towards other fish if kept alone; they really are a shoaling fish.

Thanks Flutter. She (Edna, the yo-yo loach) was on loan from a friend to remedy a snail problem. It may be time to send her packing back ;-)

 

[fluttermoth]

You may well be right! I wouldn't want yoyo loach (my mum has them) anywhere near my glass cats!

 

[AquaChief]

That settles it. Edna is getting served with eviction papers today! ;-)

 

[fluttermoth]

Poor Edna, lol!