fish not eating

[Ken Carlow]

ok I'm a rookie just started my system. I have a 330 gal tote fish tank, 2  4'x8' media beds, a 16'x4' raft system that serves as a sump tank.  I have about 34 catfish that are 4" to 6".  Problem I have been giving them floating food and they don't seem to be interested.  Is there some trick to get them to eat that food or is it just a wait and see game?

[FnY Farms]

My catfish do not eat when the temperature is below 55 I think. I live in VA and it has been cold this winter.

[David Demner]

As far as I know, it's pretty normal to not have fish eat when stressed. I just moved my most voracious eaters into a bigger tank and they've barely eaten in a few days. Same thing happened when I started my system a few months ago and all was well in the end.  Fish are surprisingly tough.

[Alex Veidel]

Ken, what are you water temps at? If their metabolism is slow, they won't really be enthusiastic about eating.

[Ken Carlow]

Thanks for the replys.  Water temps were in 50's but have gotten them to 70 now.

[Alex Veidel]

If you notice an increase in their metabolism, remember to increase their feeding slowing so you don't have a nasty ammonia spike. Don't just start feeding them a ton because they're eating it. Give your biofilter a chance to adjust to the increase in waste.

Ken Carlow said:

Thanks for the replys.  Water temps were in 50's but have gotten them to 70 now.