Angelfish Problems

[Antares2000]

Hi, I hope you can help me with my angelfish problems. First off, the tank that my angels live in is a 42 gallon taller hex tank. It is always maintained and tested regularly. Ammonia level is 0mg/L. Nitrite test shows less than 0.1mg/L. PH is a bit high at 8.0 but has been consistent for the 4 years I have had the tank. It is also shared with 3 tetras and they exhibit no issues.
Ok, now for the problems. My female angel has not been eating, seemed to just stop and not feel like it any longer. I usually feed her tropical flakes and normally she ate readily. The last 3 weeks I havent seen her eat at all, I also offered freeze dried bloodworms . She seemed interested but never took them. She stays low and does not move much through the tank. She is looking a bit thin and ragged but has been stable and calm.
My male angel, has had a stability control issue since I acquired him 4 years ago. Since he was a little guy he has always done spins and cartwheels when the lights go down in the nighttime. It freaked me out when I first saw him cartwheeling around the tank during the late night. In the entire time I have had him he has never changed. He spins and rolls every night without fail. Lately however this behavior has carried over into the day lighting. It seems he is losing control faster every day and has not eaten for about 4 days (He seems to have control at times and stays near the bottom when he does) I hate to see the 2 of them like this.
As I indicated earlier, I have 3 tetras in the same tank that have no issues at all.
I did a 20% water change again today as well as a carbon filter (Monthly) change.

Any help is so much appreciated. I love these 2!

Rob

 

[Tolak]

What's the tank temperature, and what do you regularly feed them besides the flake? How often do you do water changes & how much?

 

[saz326]

Im wondering how long Angels actually live? 4 years is middle age for a tropical fish of thay type. Id expect maybe 10 years max lifespan from a fish like that - so maybe its a change of diet that is required, and a bit of health maintainance.

Angels are notorius for developing worms and internal parasites (not eating is a sign of this). At 4 years they are likely to need a de-worming session to ensure that they aren't harbouring parasites. Sounds gross - but do they go to the toilet. What are their poos like. long and clear? thick and dark?

Fish can go a long time without eating so dont panic. If the fish look otherwise healthy and no-one else can come up with suggestions or questions then Id try a live feed like brine shrimp (rinsed) or daphnia to try and stimulate a natural feeding instinct. This may perk her up. Once they start to eat again they realise they like it.

 

[Antares2000]

Hi again, the tank temperature is steady around 80F. Water changes are about every 10-14 days and 15-20% is removed and replaced. They are normally fed flakes and bloodworms. I also picked up some frozen brine shrimp for them today. I was on the forum yesterday and one guy suggested adding salt as well as a metro treatment for the one thats not eating. So I have her in a seperate tank for the treatment. Thanks for the assistance.