BN NEEDS WOOD?

Hi,thankyou for the info,everything sounds good.The only thing is the food you was feeding the platies she has probably also been eating and could of cause her problems.The recent amount of activity in the tank also has probably stressed her out and not helped.One other thing is the feeding of exclusively nls wafers for the most part.Although they are good to feed it is better to feed a varied diet and a good idea to feed peas once a week.

O.k have you got any metronidazole or can you get some quickly? If not have you got any antibacterial treatment? If so you need to treat her to try and help her.I would also add aquarium salt at the rate of 1 teaspoon per every 2 gallon.Stop feeding her anything and see if she starts to recover.Do a partial water change after 3 days and re add some salt.Keep up with the bacteria meds as directed.

Make sure any carbon is removed first and i also forgot to ask what the temp is in the tank?


Bristlenoses

Bristlenoses wrote:

Hi,thankyou for the info,everything sounds good.The only thing is the food you was feeding the platies she has probably also been eating and could of cause her problems.The recent amount of activity in the tank also has probably stressed her out and not helped.One other thing is the feeding of exclusively nls wafers for the most part.Although they are good to feed it is better to feed a varied diet and a good idea to feed peas once a week.

O.k have you got any metronidazole or can you get some quickly? If not have you got any antibacterial treatment? If so you need to treat her to try and help her.I would also add aquarium salt at the rate of 1 teaspoon per every 2 gallon.Stop feeding her anything and see if she starts to recover.Do a partial water change after 3 days and re add some salt.Keep up with the bacteria meds as directed.

Make sure any carbon is removed first and i also forgot to ask what the temp is in the tank?


Bristlenoses

The temp is 78f. With the food I feed the Platys, sometimes it falls to the bottom and Im sure she eats some of it. Is there a food for the Platys that will be better for the BN? I have no meds on hand but will leave now to get some and some aquarium salt. I've read that eyes bulging can be a bacteria problem. If so, what starts the bacteria ?What would you consider a varied diet?

A good food would be Tetra pro veg crisps and cucumber/courgette/zucchini,green beans and peas alternated and algae wafers now and then.The platys will eat most of this also but platys need some meat protein too which will not hurt the bristlenose in very small doses.Brine shrimp for the platys every so often would be good as the bristlenose probably wont get chance to get those.It is a bit difficult when keeping different fish with bristlenose due to diet and water differences but it can be done if care is taken.It is important not to over feed your fish.Are you going to keep the platys now?


Bristlenoses

Bristlenoses wrote:

A good food would be Tetra pro veg crisps and cucumber/courgette/zucchini,green beans and peas alternated and algae wafers now and then.The platys will eat most of this also but platys need some meat protein too which will not hurt the bristlenose in very small doses.Brine shrimp for the platys every so often would be good as the bristlenose probably wont get chance to get those.It is a bit difficult when keeping different fish with bristlenose due to diet and water differences but it can be done if care is taken.It is important not to over feed your fish.Are you going to keep the platys now?


Bristlenoses

Well' I just got home and she's kind of floating on her side under the filter pickup. So sad. I feel bad since I didn't grasp the ins and outs of keeping a BN with other fish. In due time I want another but I want to make sure I'm prepared. Since I will get another I'm going to trade the Platys in for Lemon Tetras, They are better with my water and should not be affected by the driftwood as the Platys are. I'm confused about the feeding, is the Tetra pro veg crisps and veggies for a pleco?

Yes the food is for the bristlenose but would also feed platys as long as you gave them a few brine shrimp now and then and maybe a bit of good flake,but not too much as the bristlenose will eat some.It is o.k for a bristlenose to eat tiny amounts of it but not often and only very small amounts.You will have the same difference in diet problem with the tetras also as they too are omnivores.You will have to be very careful what and how much you feed them but it is possible to do.One more thing to consider is if you decide to breed bristlenoses the tetra may eat or attack the fry.


Bristlenoses

Bristlenoses wrote:

Yes the food is for the bristlenose but would also feed platys as long as you gave them a few brine shrimp now and then and maybe a bit of good flake,but not too much as the bristlenose will eat some.It is o.k for a bristlenose to eat tiny amounts of it but not often and only very small amounts.You will have the same difference in diet problem with the tetras also as they too are omnivores.You will have to be very careful what and how much you feed them but it is possible to do.


Bristlenoses

We will let the Lemons and the tank settle in for a few months and I'll take that time to research and practice before we get another BN. Are the brine shrimp live, frozen or processed?

Well the tetra will eat most foods and it is recommended to feed them a varied diet.They should be fed a good tropical flake (a lot of people feed colour enhancing flake),some meaty foods such as worms etc (which can be frozen or live or processed) and some vegetable foods such as what i said for the bristlenose.

When you get a bristlenose you just got to feed the meaty foods and flake sparingly so that the bristlenose doesnt get at it or very little of it.

If you decide to breed bristlenoses that could be a problem with the tetra as they may eat or attack the fry

These problems and obstacles are the reason i keep bristlenoses in a tank on their own.

Bristlenoses

Bristlenoses wrote:

Well the tetra will eat most foods and it is recommended to feed them a varied diet.They should be fed a good tropical flake (a lot of people feed colour enhancing flake),some meaty foods such as worms etc (which can be frozen or live or processed) and some vegetable foods such as what i said for the bristlenose.

When you get a bristlenose you just got to feed the meaty foods and flake sparingly so that the bristlenose doesnt get at it or very little of it.

If you decide to breed bristlenoses that could be a problem with the tetra as they may eat or attack the fry

These problems and obstacles are the reason i keep bristlenoses in a tank on their own.

Bristlenoses

I see. You're right, I need second tank. Thanks for your help.

You are very welcome,i can only tell you my personal experiences and recommendations.I know people do keep bristlenoses and other plecs in tanks with many different fish but personaly I find it much better and easier to give them their own tank/s.

Maybe some other people might give their experiences to help you out.

If you need any more help don't hesitate to ask.

I am very sorry that your bristlenose is very poorly,it's a shame.


Bristlenoses