Is My Tetra Dying?

[mark456]

hi, for the past couple of days now ive noticed that my black phantom tetra is showing signs of respiratory problems, i have 4 which ive had for 1 week, im only just in my 3rd week of cycling my tank and ive had no other problems with my other fish, can any body help

 

[grumpymole]

tetras like 6 week old water ie. you HAVE TO have had the tank cycling for 6 weeks BEFORE you put the tetras in.
this can cause serious damage if not done!

 

[WILDER]

I would preform an immediate water change and buy some test kits, and get water tested as soon as possilbe at the lfs and tell them to write the readings down for you, also do you have an airstone for extra aeration.

 

[mark456]

well that does it, im not going to my lfs again as they told me i could have them at the time, when they knew how long my tank had been cycling for. Do you think my other tetras will be affected eventually in any way. im just about to do a 30% water change and rig up an air stone for extra oxygen cause the poor little guy aint eating thanks

 

[WILDER]

There not usually a bad choice for cycling a tank with, but like every fish it takes it's toll on them, are the stats high do you no, as if it's just in the beginning of cycling it not good as it get worse for the fish, and he might not make it.

 

[mark456]

i have tested the water myself with my test kits, i have tested nitrItes = 0, and NatrAtes =15.

 

[WILDER]

Sure it isn't the other way round nitrite 15, and nitrate 0, do you have an ammonia test kit.

 

[mark456]

well on my kits the nitrate levels on the card goes up to 100, mine readings 15, and on my nitrites kit the reading on that goes up 10 and mine shows 0.

 

[WILDER]

Whats the make dosn't make sense the nitrite one.

 

[mark456]

aquarium pharmacauticals it is, and they cost 7quid each, i keep a record of my readings

 

[WILDER]

According to the nitrite reading it has cycled but would of like to no the ammonia reading for sure, any signs of flicking and rubbing against objects, any salt like grains on the fish.

 

[mark456]

cant see any , hes just mainly going of on his own and he seems to be having trouble breathing, i havent seen him feed for a while now where as my other fish just wolf it down within no time, thanks

 

[WILDER]

Him not eating is not a good sign, can you issolate him, heavy breathing can be a number of thing parasites, poor water quality, damaged gills, even bacteria infections can cause it, is it the only fish in the tank that is having trouble breathing.