New Aequidens Diadema - Big Problems

Wills

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Hi I just picked up my new A.Diadema today he had a rough start to say the least. The tank in the store he was in he was mixed with some big black CA cichlids cant remember the name but they beat him up quite bad, but not too bad I figured he would pull through after a week on Melafix for his scales. However to make things worse while being fished out he was dropped on the floor! I dont blame the owner it was the fish but still it is quite bad.

When he went into the tank he was dark brown (should be a creamy white) but lightened up quite quickly however when I got back from work about 4 hours later he was dark again and bottom sitting on the floor. I tested the tank and it showed .25 ammonia :crazy: . Just to add on the tank until this morning the tank had some red eye red tail puffers in and was empty for around 3 hours so I cant see the tank dipping that badly the puffers had been in there for about 2 months with no issues other than lots of algae - the tank is in direct sunlight. The tank was fishless cycled properly using mature media from my main tank so I am fairly happy that the tank was cycled. With the bump the only thing I can think of being an issue is that I ditched all the plants and wood as they were algae encrusted when I cleaned the tank ready to pick him up today. When I tested the water and got the ammonia reading I instantly did a quick water change and in the 20 mins or so he seems to have picked up a little bit he is moving around now I just saw him round the front!! He is still sitting low but seems a bit lighter now perhaps it was the stress of the drop, scars and the low ammonia? Any ideas what I can do?

Quick view mode

Tank size: 10g QT tank
pH: 7 (same as store - store keeps all water in local tap water)
ammonia: .25 but now been changed water
nitrite: 0
nitrate: n/a
tank temp: 26c

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior): Lots of scars from agressive fish in store but they all look clean, now bottom sitting with dark colouration but no fin clamping

Volume and Frequency of water changes: In total the tank has had 2 water changes today but prior to that it has been one a week since set up 4 months ago.

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: Its a fluval U1 filter with sponge media may Also added in correct dose of stress coat at the water changes.

Tank inhabitants: Just him

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): As stated he is in QT but prior to this it was a temp puffer tank but these were healthy and had none of the issues he is displaying now.

Exposure to chemicals: I added a dose of melafix and primafix when he went in the tank to help his scales.



Thanks Wills
 
He has picked up a bit so far this morning. Been swimming around but he is terrified of us going near the tank. He is starting to dig around in the gravel so I think he is hungry which is a good sign. I tested the water as well and we are back to good levels :)
 
Glad to hear he's doing better this morning, I imagine the stress of bagging (being dropped :crazy: ) plus the damage the other fish caused, will take a while to get over. Slowly approach the tank, he will get used to the movement eventually, not knowing what room he is in, try to have something like a TV on so there is constant movement around, I know they might not actually see much of a TV, but the changes in light can simulate movement a little.

Keep the tank lights off, a very close eye on the water quality, plus some extra water changes to help heal him (along with melafix) and he will soon perk up. Feed minimally for a few days, to slowly increase his appetite.
 
Yeah I checked the stats today and they are back to 0 but will keep testing them. He is in the lounge at the moment he is out at the moment actually he has been in his little coconut cave this morning hiding but not quite sitting but its quite small for him. Added in todays dose of melafix and primafix the venturi system on the filter is working well to keep the oxygen high. Will be going to get some live food on Monday totally kicking my self for not getting it yesterday totally forgot as I was in a rush. Feeling a bit more confident about him today but its still early doors.

thanks Minxy
Wills
 
Wow! He has really improved!! Still scared but he is pacing up and down and he seriously wants out of the tank Ive had to tape the lid on as he is trying to get out! I mean it is a small tank for him but he needs his medicine lols!
 
He is still scared when we approach the tank though...
 

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