ABN Bloated Problem?

**hck** · 29th May 2010, 08:47

Since moving these ABN fry into their own grow out tank, I noticed most of them has got a swollen belly, so, is this a bloated belly problem? Any cause for concern because since moving these fry, I have already lost 2. I have 2 batches in this grow out tank, 1 batch is 3mths old, the other is 1mth+. I lost 1pc from each batch.

**johannes** · 31st May 2010, 11:14

it looked like it ate too much as i is not watery/gassy looking so may not be bloat.

**hck** · 31st May 2010, 18:42

Thanks so much. I haven't seen pleco with bloated stomach but have heard so much about it, so I thought mine might be a bloated problem, because another 1 fry died this morning, 3 in less than 3 weeks.

**barmby** · 1st Jun 2010, 15:49

May I recommend - feed 1 piece of wafer 5mm diameter once a day for fry less than 1 month old.

1 at nite before sleep
1 morning before go work.

**hck** · 1st Jun 2010, 18:24

Thanks. I have 6pcs of a few days' old fry, will do just that, whilst those in the grow out tank are 3mths and 1mth+ old. I feed peas in the morning and 1 whole pc of hikari algae wafer in the nite. I used to feed 2pcs of wafer, now reduced to 1.

**barmby** · 2nd Jun 2010, 16:25

Wah... You whacked too much already. Reduce slightly and monitor. Pleco is different from discus.

**hck** · 4th Jun 2010, 08:09

Oh..you mean 2 wafer is too much? or peas in the morning, 1 wafer in the nite is too much? I am now trying to cut back to just 1 feeding per day, do you think its too little? This is my 1st successful batch of ABN, no other experience at all in raising ABN fry.

**barmby** · 4th Jun 2010, 13:34

1 whole piece of hikari algae wafer is much bigger than wafer of 5mm diameter. I feel that it is too big. I also tend to think that pea is not necessary. Also, remember - aeration is critical and help them to digest.

**hck** · 5th Jun 2010, 08:18

Thanks, will take note, probably break up hikari algae wafer into smaller pieces.

Yesterday morning, I discovered creepy crawlies in the pack of algae wafer, probably humidity problem causing it. I don't know how long has this wafer been invested with creepy crawlies and I have been feeding this wafer to the fry, do you think it can cause stomach problem for the fry?

**johannes** · 7th Jun 2010, 09:12

what kind of creepy crawlies?

**hck** · 7th Jun 2010, 10:20

Eh.....those fat, short, tiny ones that we usually see in damp paper or woody area. Frankly, don't know what that's called, (mite?) but I use to get those creepy crawlies in boxes that are left unattended for a long time, I was surprise it got into the wafer.

I got 1 dead fry again this morning. Took a closer look with a magnifying glass, no swelling belly, it looks normal. However, the rest of the fry still got swelling dark belly even after starving them 1 day and reduced feeding to once in the morning. Water change is daily approx 20-40% (too much waste).

**johannes** · 7th Jun 2010, 13:47

are you refering to maggots??
short, fat, white and wriggly?

**hck** · 7th Jun 2010, 14:27

Certainly not maggots. I just did a search and found this http://www.google.com.sg/imglanding?...xukTJM&start=1

I think its more likely wood mites? These crawlies thrive on damp places. I believe I have been feeding these to the fries, don't know for how long.