I'm dumb (black ghost knifefish problems)

[Zanshin]

Alright, I've been having problems with my black ghost knifefish (mainly ich), and from doing some reading, I've realized that I was completely ignorant of what was needed to care for this fish when I bought it.

My tank is too hot for it (84 degrees), but that will be solved once I get home (I have a thread on this).

My black ghost knifefish has ich (I have a thread on this in the disease board, hopefully someone can help me out there).

I had a bridge in my tank that he liked to hide under, but I removed that and put in a plastic tube (which he ignores), so he's been sleeping out in the open (which I've read they don't like).

I had no idea that they had special dietary needs either. I was trying to give him these freeze dried plankton (about the same size as a ghost shrimp), and I just assumed he was getting his share of it once the lights went out (I think my betta was eating it all).

Sooooooo, here's my plan to save my fish. I am going to buy a small plastic tank (roughly 1 gallon) to keep him separated from the rest of my fish community. This small tank will be aerated, but not filtered (in case I put in any medications). I will also fill this tank with water from my community tank (since I've read that they are sensitive to water changes). I think my water is ok, since the rest of my fish are active and doing fine.

In this tank, I will put in the bridge he likes, and the ghost shrimp I bought yesterday. Most of the ghost shrimp are small enough to fit in his mouth, I hope he eats them!

I am also going to buy a brine shrimp kit from my lfs to raise a batch of said shrimp to feed him too.

Hopefully, he will start to eat, and will start becoming stronger and more active. As for the ich, I know that these fish are very sensitive to certain medications, so I am wary of adding things to his quarantine tank.

Any other suggestions? I'm willing to do what it takes to save my fish.

 

[Davy]

If your willing to do what it takes to save your fish then buy him a lot bigger tank. Not a smaller one. Hes going to need it sooner or later. Until then put the bridge back in and the betta in a smaller tank. For feeding frozen food might work. Try some bloodworms.

 

[Zanshin]

On a related note, I've been scouring the web looking for information on caring for these fish, but info on them is pretty sparse. Most of what I know has been picked bit by bit from various sites. Does anyone know of a site that gives information on comprehensive care of these fish (preferred habitat, feeding, feeding patterns, tankmates, lifespan, common illnesses, other special considerations, the whole 9 yards)?

Thanks

 

[Zanshin]

Originally posted by Davy
If your willing to do what it takes to save your fish then buy him a lot bigger tank. Not a smaller one. Hes going to need it sooner or later. Until then put the bridge back in and the betta in a smaller tank. For feeding frozen food might work. Try some bloodworms.

I plan to buy him a bigger tank once he outgrows the current one (10 gallons). He's only 3 inches long at the moment. I just want something temporary, until he gets better.

Sorry if I didn't make it clear in my original post, I just want to get him healthy in the short term, so I can reintroduce him to my community tank.

If he lives long enough, and outgrows the 10 gallon, I will be very happy, and gladly buy him a brand new bigger tank

Any other suggestions for getting my fish healthy (and rid of ich)?

(edit: As for frozen food, should it be things like frozen feeder shrimp, frozen brine, or will he eat small bits of regular frozen meat like some cichlids will).

 

[Davy]

Try some ich meds, lower the temp to like 80, and add maybe 3 teaspoons of salt slowly.

 

[Dragonett]

Keep in mind that Black Ghosts can get to be nearly 2 feet in length. Keep it at around 76F-78F. Try feeding it various frozen foods, preferably frozen blood worms, or krill. If you want it to be easier, buy those frozen bloodworm cubes they sell in the frozen fish foods section, and try thawing the cube a bit in the water so the fish can sense the blood, and put the worms in its favorite hiding place. They can barely see and rely solely on sense of smell, and their electric pulses, so you can't just plop them on the surface and expect them to eat it just like THAT.

As for the ich, just use a regular Ich medication and follow the directions on the bottle/box. Since these guys are scaleless (I think they are...) just keep a close eye on the progression it makes. Keep doing partial water chages like you should, and it should clear up. Adding salt may also help boost the immune system, but make sure it's not iodized table salt!