Bristlenose Pleco

[Barracuda518]

I just saw my bristlenose and his stomach is puffed out and he cant swim right and he lays on the bottom on the tank on his back. Is this that swim bladder diease? what do i do?

 

[tttnjfttt]

First of all, can you post the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, tank size, and all tank mates?

Also, are any scales sticking out like a pine cone (sorry if this is a stupid question, i have never had scaleless fish, so i don't know if this is even a possibliity). How fast did the symptoms develop? Have you seen the fish go to the bathroom? If so, what color is it?

 

[Barracuda518]

its too late...he died I dont know what it was...I saw him last night and he was fine. I was watching TV and saw him come out of his castle and thought it was weird that he was out and about with the light on. Then all of the sudden he darted across the tank and sunk back to the bottom and layed on his back. His stomach was puffed way out. It looked like he had some places on him where he ran into stuff, so this might have been going on today while I was at work. No other fish are showing any signs. Its strange how fast he died. Im going to the LFS where I got him to see if he had any problems. I only had him like a week. Im very disappointed

EDIT: I dont know anything but the PH right now. I gotta get a test kit tommorrow to check everything

 

[tttnjfttt]

I would still say to check your water, just to make sure that isn't the source of the problem. Other than that, just keep a close eye on them. Sorry for your loss

 

[Barracuda518]

Im going to. Do you think I should be worried about my other fish? You think they will be allright if I until I get the test kit tommorrow??

Thanks for your help

 

[tttnjfttt]

If no other fish have been showing any symptoms, then I wouldn't be too worried about the disease spreading.

As for the water, how big is your tank and how long has your tnak been running, have you recently cleaned out the filter or added any new fish? (just trying to get enough info to guess)

 

[Barracuda518]

If no other fish have been showing any symptoms, then I wouldn't be too worried about the disease spreading.

As for the water, how big is your tank and how long has your tnak been running, have you recently cleaned out the filter or added any new fish?  (just trying to get enough info to guess)

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Tank is 30 US Gallons. Only new fish I added was the Pleco and 2 platties. The platties are fine. The other fish have been in there since I set the tank up and after the cycle. I cycled it with no fish for 4.5 days and then jsut added some Danios. The tank has been running with fish in for about 3 months. I have not cleaned the filter yet. I think he might have had it when I got him. When I first got him, he didnt seem to like act like any other pleco Ive had. I thought it might just be the bristlenose is different, seeing as how this was the first one Ive had..

EDIT: Tank Mates: 7 Zebra Danios, 6 Neons, 2 Platties, 5 cories, 4 YoYo Loaches (soon to be moved to bigger tank). All fish are babies

 

[tttnjfttt]

I think you are right, he was sick when you got him. Since your tank has been set up for three months, the ammonia and nitrite should be zero. If you want to play it cautious, go ahead and gravel vacume and do a water change.

 

[Barracuda518]

Im changing over to sand on Friday, So im just gonna wait. I just feed my fish and the loaches (the ones Im most concerned about, they are very hard to find around here and they all have their own personalities, and im very attached to them ) ate fine and were very active. All the other fish ate well and are schooling as usual. I am gonna go and talk to the guy at the LFS and see if we can work something out for a new pleco (he will have to order me one, which allows time to make sure my tank is all clear). He has worked with me so far and seems to know what he is talking about. Im just making sure I do everything right, which is why I ask so many questions. Im not going to put any fish in a situation that will harm it as long as I can help it.

Thanks B)