Pat's Altums

[Second Hand Pat]

John, they actually like a bit of current in the water column. Went you walk by the tank step into the room just so they can see you. Keep a bit of distance between you and the tank. When they turn and face you then proceed slowly into the room. Give this time to work however.
Pat

[foxbat426]

Hi Pat, That's exactly what i'm doing. it seems to be working, they do seem to be calming down, but i really don't see them hitting their food. Sometimes i'll just dump some in the tank and when i check at a later time it's gone. Other times I'll do this, but they won't eat any. They're just very stubborn, but curious too. Also they tend to huddle in a group vs. moving around individually in the tank. I've also covered the sides and back of the tank. I just need to be patient I think and let it happen naturally. I'm learning alot about them and their needs so it's on going. Altums can be tough, but also hardy in the same respect. They are beautiful fish though and someday I would love to breed them. Thanks for all the help Pat. I'll keep you posted. Oh BTW are you using any sand or gravel in your tank?? Mine is bare.

John

[rickztahone]

Hi Pat, That's exactly what i'm doing. it seems to be working, they do seem to be calming down, but i really don't see them hitting their food. Sometimes i'll just dump some in the tank and when i check at a later time it's gone. Other times I'll do this, but they won't eat any. They're just very stubborn, but curious too. Also they tend to huddle in a group vs. moving around individually in the tank. I've also covered the sides and back of the tank. I just need to be patient I think and let it happen naturally. I'm learning alot about them and their needs so it's on going. Altums can be tough, but also hardy in the same respect. They are beautiful fish though and someday I would love to breed them. Thanks for all the help Pat. I'll keep you posted. Oh BTW are you using any sand or gravel in your tank?? Mine is bare.

John

It is said that wild caught discus and angels prefer a bit of sand on the tank floor. It calms them down. I would at least lay a super thin layer of sand on the bare tank.

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi John, I have a thin layer of sand. I also understand if the sand is too white it will spook the altums. I used torpedo beach sand on the recommendation from the folks on finarama.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Here's a couple of pictures. The altums are still a bit rough and down to six. At least they are eating and growing and no longer chickens.

DSC_9736
DSC_9739

[rickztahone]

That first shot is something else! If only the one on the right would have cooperated too!

[Second Hand Pat]

That first shot is something else! If only the one on the right would have cooperated too!

Don't have him quite trained yet.
Pat

[CrazyAngels]

Looking good Pat, glad to see them up and around, looks like they are getting thicker also.

[Quintin]

Really cool pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Looking good Pat, glad to see them up and around, looks like they are getting thicker also.

Thanks Jorge, they are getting thicker and about three inches SL so a bit behind in the growth of where I wanted them.

[Second Hand Pat]

Really cool pat

I think so too Quintin

[CrazyAngels]

Thanks Jorge, they are getting thicker and about three inches SL so a bit behind in the growth of where I wanted them.

No matter what they'll turn out gorgeous under your care.

[Second Hand Pat]

No matter what they'll turn out gorgeous under your care.

Thanks Jorge

[Second Hand Pat]

So these guys totally own their tank. Perhaps the ragged fins are from all the chasing.

[rickztahone]

My goodness are these guys aggressive!