My catfish keep dying and I don't know why!

[wataugachicken]

next time your filter gets dirty, don't throw it away unless it is falling apart. a lot of the bacteria that get rid of ammonia and nitrites live there. instead, after you do a water change swish and scrub the filter pad in your bucket of old tank water (or if necessary in a bucket of new water that had been dechlorinated). this will preserve the bacteria.

 

[gvildawg]

That is an excellent point. I didn't think about that since all my filters have other media in them in addition to or instead of a filter that has to be replaced.

 

[OldMan47]

Amanda, one thing not mentioned yet is the filter change. I know you mean well and are doing the best you can but a used filter is much better than a new one. The used filter contains bacteria that will help you control ammonia and nitrites. Its best to just rinse out the old one in used tank water when you are doing a partial water change. Then just put it back in the filter. In the long run, your fish will thank you by being healthier.