Today we bought a very small, a little under an inch, Banggai Cardinalfish to pair with our older one, who is a little bigger than 2 inches, however, a few hours later the fish got stuck in the intake of our pump and lost half of his tail. He seems pretty stressed out, and seems to have problems swimming. Will he live?
Banggai Cardinalfish Stuck in Pump
- Thread starter Oysterk
- Start date
OurLifeAquatic
New member
I would move him into a hospital tank with a sponge filter, bare bottom, and heater. You will want to add beneficial bacteria above the recommended dose (probably daily) so that the fish is unaffected by the cycle. It's risky, I know, but probably a better shot for him than staying in the display tank if he's having trouble swimming.
You will want to keep an eye out for infection and treat with an antibiotic if necessary.
Sorry to hear about this. I recommend keeping strainers/guards over intakes in the presence of small critters.
You will want to keep an eye out for infection and treat with an antibiotic if necessary.
Sorry to hear about this. I recommend keeping strainers/guards over intakes in the presence of small critters.
OurLifeAquatic
New member
I'm really sorry to hear that 
It depends on the type of intake. Some people use sponge (like you'd use while raising fry) or makeshift strainers out of plastic netting like you would find at a hobby lobby or similar craft store. I prefer using some kind of plastic because the foam gets clogged very quickly.
It depends on the type of intake. Some people use sponge (like you'd use while raising fry) or makeshift strainers out of plastic netting like you would find at a hobby lobby or similar craft store. I prefer using some kind of plastic because the foam gets clogged very quickly.
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