Fish Gasping--what Does It Look Like?

[new2fishes]

I have a molly that will swim up to the top, take a few gulps of air and go back to swimming around normally. When I think of gasping, I think of staying at the top like one drowning. But I hate to assume it is no big deal and then have her die.

I haven't been adding salt because I also have cories and tetras in the same tank. Well, also I can't handle not having a specific amount to add to each jug of water. (When I do a water change, I empty with a siphon into gallon water jugs and then I am able to pour in that many gallons of treated water. The dechlorinator I can measure in a needleless syringe and put the proper amount into each jug. I get a little compulsive about some things.)

So should I be concerned about her, or is this somewhat normal? Oh, I do know that there is plenty of O2 between the filter, bubble wand and airstone. Water is not great, still trying to get the tank cycled after my dumb errors but I am keeping up with frequent water changes.

Thanks

Christi

 

[ashleybrown2]

Hi new2fishes, does she seem to be breathing heavily? how long have you had her and how long has she been doing that?

test your pH, if it is quite low, do a few water changes until it reaches normal again. She may also be suffering from lack of oxygen. I think nitrIte poisoning can cause them to stop taking in oxygen, causing them to gasp at the surface. If you could do a nitrite test, im sure someone can help if you have a nitrite spike.

its something to do while you wait for help, and if nothing else the water change wont hurt if you havent already done it

Good luck!

 

[new2fishes]

the nitrItes are great, I am having a bit of a problem with ammonia (usually under 50 ppm) but frequent water changes have been keeping it under control. (Still trying to get the tank cycled again).

I've had her about a month, she doesn't seem to be out of breath. It's almost like she is expecting invisible food to be there. I don't know really how long she has been doing it but I would say at least a week. It's not something so severe that it is extremely noticible. Other than betta fish, We have never had any fish for very long. She eats well so whatever it is, she is not about to die. I just wasn't sure if she was just being silly or if it was something to be concerned about.

Thanks AshleyBrown2.

I guess I should just keep and eye on her to see if things get worse.

 

[Musho3210]

are you sure you dont mean .5 ppm? Or are you talking about nitrate?

anyway unless your tap water has a higher ph than your tank water, water changes wont change the pH.