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Yesterday I did a water change/ gravel cleaning. I took out about 35% of the water. After refilling my Synodontis eupterus started doing some wierd things. Normaly it stays close to cover and stays pretty much hid but instead of that he was swimming in the mid range of the tank. Last night he was up side down swimming at the top of the tank and thats how I found him this moring. The up side down thing really dosen't bother me too much being he hangs out up side down under structure all the time. Its the whole top of the tank thing that gets me. I am going to go and have a water test down in a few so I will post what they said...... If anyone can help I would love you. I don't want to lose my cat!! All the other fish are swimming around like normal.... Thanks.....

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

I'd say that your eupterus was celebrating having a nice freshly spring cleaned home!

I do 50% water changes and deep gravel vacs on my Panda Fun Palace™ twice per week. Yet even with that cleaning régime, the fish notice it when the water change is finished, and start frolicking like mad in their new clean water. Probably one of the reasons my Pandas spawn as often as they do

Chances are if you make this kind of cleaning of your tank a more frequent event, [every one of your fish will be frolicking fit to bust because they'll be in a happy home. It's even possible that the big water change and removal of gunk has triggered a hormonal burst in your eupterus and he/she is looking for a partner to make some babies with


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

I have to agree with Cali. I know that my catfish, really doesn't matter what the species is, they get really active after water changes. It may have to do with their natural environment and a reaction to an influx of fresh water such as during rainy season which can cause breeding activity to start.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

My corys are all over the place and at differant levels. When I feed the balas I've seen the corys eat at the top upsidedown. I like happy fish.

So I had a water test done and they said that my Nitrats were a just slighty high which is caused from over feeding and or not enough cleaning..... (please corect me if I am wrong... I am going to do another water change today and hopefuly every thing goes well. The fish hasn't left the top of the water for quite some time. He also hasn't ate anything either. Still kind of worried... Thanks for everyones help so far!

Edit: I the fish also seems to be breathing harder than normal...... if that helps at all?

Last edited by Wingsdlc at 21-Apr-2005 14:45

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Provide some numbers for the nitrates and we'll be able to answer more definitively about this

If by 'a little high' you mean 30ppm or thereabouts, then this wouldn't unduly worry a robustly healthy eupterus, but should still be reduced to make life more comfortable for the fish (and companions). If you mean something like 60ppm or more, then we enter a realm where the health of the fish would be compromised if that exposure continued for any length of time, and steps to reduce the level are a major priority. Over 100ppm and it's a serious emergency needing IMMEDIATE action.

If your nitrates are below 20ppm, then you're on track. Below 10ppm and you can give yourself a large congratulatory pat on the back.

As for 'breathing harder', well, this has to be judged carefully. If the fish is suddenly a lot more active, respiration will be increased to help provide the oxygen to allow that increased activity to take place. The question is, is the fish's respiration increased to a level over and above what is required to sustain that activity? This is a judgement call that requires experience and skill to make.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

My Syno. Eupterus swims wherever he wants to. In the 30g, he mainly stuck to the back wall until night time, but he's now in the 55g and is out day and night. When these guys are comfortable in their tanks, they swim just about anywhere.

The upside down thing is always completely normal. Synos are upside down catfish that skim the surface looking for food (in the wild, I believe they normally eat bugs on the surace).

When doing water changes, just be careful and be sure to add a water conditioner to take out all possible chlorine. Featherfins are scaleless fish that can easily be harmed by toxins. Also be careful when medicating, as you will need to use half-doses of most medications.

BTW, how big is this guy and has he/she canged to its adult coloration yet? (Quite beautiful in both stages) Great choice in fish! Don't tell the others, but my Featherfin is my favorite!!

Last edited by harleysiber at 23-Apr-2005 10:30

Harley, I have to agree with you. Juvenile eupterus are cute beyond belief, while the adults make impressive show fishes. A big adult eupterus with intact dorsal fin extensions (which in an exceptional specimen reach beyond the caudal fin) is an astonishing sight. Mind you, it takes care and dedication to get a big eupterus in that condition! Also, once the dorsal threads start developing, it's time to move the eupterus away from any fin nippers such as Tiger Barbs, or those threads will be in tatters.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

My cihclids haven't been too bad with nipping my syno. The fin extensions aren't that long, either, which may be why they're not a target yet. I find the key is having lots of caves for the syno to escape from them if needed, but he seems to be the dominant one of the tank.

Calilasseia

I don't have any numbers for you. I am not doing my own test yet although it is something I want to start doing. On the list of different colors it was the second one down of 5 or 6 i think.

As for the fish up date. He is doing much better. Swimming around the tank and hanging out in his normal spots.

Some one asked how be he is so here is the report on that one too!!! I got him this past fall at about 2" since then he has doubled in size or maybe a little more. His big dorsal fin is a little beaten up probably from my convicts but its not too bad. I am thinking of getting a moon light for the tank so I can see him a little better at night. So all is well again! Thanks for everyones help.

Edit: I can't type!!

Last edited by Wingsdlc at 25-Apr-2005 17:38

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Ok so after I left my last message I cleaned my tank again for its weekly and my cat is up to the same busness. Maybe he just likes the clean tank? I will probably get another water test today and I will try and get some numbers out to you guys!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric