I’ve had this aquarium for about three and half years. When I first got it I filled it with two (different) goldfish, a load of amano shrimp, and this pleco. The pleco disappeared after about a week and I never saw it again. My assumption was that it died in the back of the tank somewhere and the amano shrimp were eating it. Everything else in the tank was doing very well so I just didn’t worry about it. I checked the water parameters, etc. and nothing was ever bad. I just shrugged it off as a loss and went on with the rest of the aquarium.
Those two original goldfish ended up passing due to bad swim bladders after about 6 months (they were a fancy variety so I wasn’t very shocked). We then replaced them with three new fancy goldfish. They thrived for about a year an a half until they got too large and we had to buy a new larger tank for them. Two of them are still going strong (the third passed due to swim bladder issues ultimately) in their new tank.
This original tank sat fish free for a year and a half. Plants. water. and running filter but no lights or maintenance. We always planned to get something else to live in the tanks but never really found the day to go to the pet store. So it just say idle for that time.
Today we finally went to the store to get these two moors (Raisin & Cranberry). I did a big water change the night before and got the light back on. I was happy to see that many of the plants were still green and going strong. There was a lot of detritus in the tank. I assumed that it was just the wood breaking down.
Apparently this fish has been living in the tank for the last 3+ years without my knowledge or care. I’ve never fed it in this time and it has been years since a proper water change.
I’m in absolute shock. It’s akin to a religious experience.
The water parameters are good right now (I think this is thanks to the plants in the system) for those that are wondering.
This fish is a miracle.
Lactationstation03 on
Many catfish tend to hide and won’t be seen for long periods
3 Comments
I’ve had this aquarium for about three and half years. When I first got it I filled it with two (different) goldfish, a load of amano shrimp, and this pleco. The pleco disappeared after about a week and I never saw it again. My assumption was that it died in the back of the tank somewhere and the amano shrimp were eating it. Everything else in the tank was doing very well so I just didn’t worry about it. I checked the water parameters, etc. and nothing was ever bad. I just shrugged it off as a loss and went on with the rest of the aquarium.
Those two original goldfish ended up passing due to bad swim bladders after about 6 months (they were a fancy variety so I wasn’t very shocked). We then replaced them with three new fancy goldfish. They thrived for about a year an a half until they got too large and we had to buy a new larger tank for them. Two of them are still going strong (the third passed due to swim bladder issues ultimately) in their new tank.
This original tank sat fish free for a year and a half. Plants. water. and running filter but no lights or maintenance. We always planned to get something else to live in the tanks but never really found the day to go to the pet store. So it just say idle for that time.
Today we finally went to the store to get these two moors (Raisin & Cranberry). I did a big water change the night before and got the light back on. I was happy to see that many of the plants were still green and going strong. There was a lot of detritus in the tank. I assumed that it was just the wood breaking down.
Apparently this fish has been living in the tank for the last 3+ years without my knowledge or care. I’ve never fed it in this time and it has been years since a proper water change.
I’m in absolute shock. It’s akin to a religious experience.
The water parameters are good right now (I think this is thanks to the plants in the system) for those that are wondering.
This fish is a miracle.
Many catfish tend to hide and won’t be seen for long periods
😂😂😂