Lip Stick Tang Gasping

[scott133]

Hi every1

my lipstick tang has been in my aquarium for 6 months now and the last week he has starrted to gasp and now he is gasping rappilly

why is this and what can i do

thanks scott

 

[ben1987]

try increase surface movement

 

[scott133]

HI ben

What dose surface movment do?
thanks scott

 

[Pibs]

Fish will gasp when the water temperature is too high

 

[ben1987]

HI ben

What dose surface movment do?
thanks scott

increases gaseous exchange meaning there is more oxygen for the fish to breathe

 

[SkiFletch]

Agree about the surface movement and the temperature. In an immediately troublesome situation, add an airstone.

 

[scott133]

hi

my temp is 26

and already have an airstone in the aquarium

and have water movment at top of aquarium

thanks scott

 

[ben1987]

I think fish gasp and look short of breath if there is any ammonia presant aswel. But i think you would be having a fair bit more trouble than that if it were

 

[scott133]

hi again

the water parameters are
ph 8.2
Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 10
Temp = 27.C
SG = 1.024
Mg = 1350ppm
Alk = 8dKH
Calc = 420

so why would it gasp so fast

 

[SkiFletch]

hi again

the water parameters are
ph 8.2
Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 10
Temp = 27.C
SG = 1.024
Mg = 1350ppm
Alk = 8dKH
Calc = 420

so why would it gasp so fast

Provided you believe your salinity measuring device and have had it verified (either against a DIY solution or against an LFS sample test) really the only other reason a Tang would be gasping would be parasitic gill infection.

 

[scott133]

got the water tested the salt is the same apart from the calcium is 480 they told me to do a 3" water change and not to add calcium for the next 3 weeks and got a medicaion for gill parasite


dose that sound right to you 3" water change and no calcium for 3 weeks

thanks

 

[ben1987]

im no expert but i think once parasites hit the gills then its chances are no better than 50/50, wouldnt know what to reccomend

 

[SkiFletch]

Were it my tank I wouldn't' bother with the waterchange, but I would QT the fish and treat for parasites with hyposalinity.