Dwarf Gourami

[lgrand31]

I have never cared for a fish. I had a tenant move out and abandoned a Dwarf Gourami in a dirty, algae covered tank that was unplugged without a heater or filtration. I took the fish home with me instead of leaving it there to die. I bought him a 10 gallon tank that he has been in now for over a week. He has not been active since I brought him home. He eats. He mainly stays at the bottom of the tank. I brought home 2 more Dwarf Gourami on Saturday and the first day he was following one of them around. Now he hardly moves. He is still alive but seems worse than before. Anything I can do to save him? 

 

 

[Munroco]

It may be he is to far gone to recover. As you have bought a new tank I'd assume it isn't cyled which means you probably have too much ammonia in the water.
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/421488-cycling-your-new-fresh-water-tank-read-this-first/
 
Buying more fish will likely have added to the problem. Do you know anyone who keeps fish? You can possibly get some mature filter medium from them to kick start your cycle.

 

[DoubleDutch]

I agree with @Munroco
Besides of that 3 DG's (males) in a 10G will end up in a disaster.

 

[lgrand31]

I had the water tested and the ammonia level was high. The pet store instructed me to remove 25% of the water and add new water. I did that and thsi fish still hardly moves. I upgraded to a 60 lb tank since I may some day get more fish. I did see this fish swim to the top of the tank then he floated right back down. Now he is laying on his side at the bottom of the tank. He is still breathing. What should I do?

 

[NickAu]

Did the fish place also tell you that you need to treat the water with a product that removes Chlorine Chloramine and Ammonia?
 
Heres what I think
 
You need to get a bottle of Seachem Prime and add 2 drops per gallon to the tank this will temporarily bind the ammonia etc, and you need to do daily water changes of at least 25% 50 would be better,  At every water change add 2 drops per gallon of prime.
 
Is the tank filtered?
What is the water temp?
Have you got a heater?
Just how high was this ammonia reading?
 
please note 2 drops of prime per gallon of water only deals with up to 1 ppm ammonia.

 

[Munroco]

Gouramis breathe from the surface, that is why you saw him swimming up to the top. For now while your tank is cycling you will need to do daily water changes until your ammonia readings are zero. Its been a hard introduction for you, but on the bright side things can only get better.

 

[lgrand31]

The tank is filtered and does have a heater. The temp is 76. The water has been treated to remove chlorine. I had PetSmart test the water and the associate did not give me an actual number. He just said it was high. I will check the ammonia level this evening when I get home but wouldn't it be better now that they are in a bigger tank?
 
I just feel bad for this fish. He was active when I rescued him but he would have died if I left him there. I am just trying to save him. 

 

[Munroco]

The ammonia is there because the bacteria in your filter hasn't had time to multiply to the stage where there are enough of them to eliminate the ammonia. Thats why you have to do all these water changes. Don't give up yet.

 

[lgrand31]

He is still laying on his side at the bottom of the tank. He is breathing but nothing else. I now have another fish not as active.