Newbie Needing Help... Gourami Probs

[Rob_lee_1]

Hi all havent introduced my self.... will in a bit

Got a problem with a Coral Blue Gourami... he can swim ok but soon as he stops he sinks to bottom.

Looking at my other Gourami it looks like the sick one it having a problem closing its mouth??

It seems to be constnantly open whereas the other ones opening and closing contantly.
Any ideas?
Rob

 

[Rob_lee_1]

Only had it since yesterday morning... i got 2.

 

[Rob_lee_1]

its now trying to stay at the surface... its kind of sitting on the rubber bung thats holding the filter to the side of the tank, just below the surface

 

[breezer40]

Can you let us know what your Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate readings are? How long has the tank been set up and any other info that might help us?

 

[Rob_lee_1]

havent got a test kit at mo.

Its a Fluval 800 tank 800x300x450 126 litres/27.5 gallons (UK)

its been set up for few weeks.

In tank at moment i have
5 Neon Tetras,
2 Zebra Danios,
3 head and taillight Tetras,
2 silver sharks
1 plec (not sure what type)

All still babies

its swimming around ok but lays on bottom... soon as i put net in it swam up and away.

Its mouth wont close

 

[breezer40]

Ok have you Cycled the tank? I would get that water tested fairly quickly as I am thinking your readings will be too high.

 

[Rob_lee_1]

yes... left it for about a week running on its own with out fish... then brought the all the tetras and danios.

Brought the Plec and Gouramis yesterday

 

[WILDER]

The tank is cycling that why the fish are becoming ill, as they are not cycling fish, plus the silver sharks which are bala sharks need a 120gal tank.
I would advise taking them back to the lfs, as you have added far to many fish to soon.
I would do a water change, take a sample of your waer to the lfs and tell them to write the readings down for you.
And i would advise geting some liquid test kiits of your own.
The fish that is falling has swim bladder and gouarmis are very sensitive to water quality, that fish is not going to make it.
The one with the open mouth i would check to see if you can see anything lodged in its mouth, as an open mouth can be a sign that something is stuck in the mouth.

 

[Rob_lee_1]

i was told by petsmart that the tetras will be fine for first week then add a few more.

Gouramis, shark and Plec were also confirmed as fine choicesfor the size of tank i have.

I chose the gouramis because i was told they are very hardy and good fish for new tanks


Bit annoyed as the person i spoke to in store told me exactly the fish to choose for a new tank!

 

[breezer40]

Sorry Rob_lee_1 but Wilder is absolutly right . The only fish our shop would even concider letting a customer have to cycle a tank with is a danio.

 

[Rob_lee_1]

not too sure what to do

Dont want anymore to die but i dont want to take them back

ps.. thanks for all the advice so far guys

 

[WILDER]

Neon tetras should never be put in a cycling tank, usually six months as they like mature tanks, been badly advised, and the plec they are funny with water quality too, what type of plec is it.
As for the silver shark they need to be kept in group, they need very large tanks as they are fast swimmers, they will get stressed in a small tank, i would advise doing your own research and find a better lfs.
And i would strongly advise taking the silver sharks back, or the tank is going to turn into a disaster.
And get your water tested.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=123786

If you don't take the bala sharks back they will die of stress and desease, think of the fish instead of your self, they won't be happy in that tank, i wouldn't want that on my mind.

 

[Rob_lee_1]

Was specifically told Neon tetras are perfect for new tank

The plec im not sure... its dark coloured with tiny spots.

 

[5andra]

Sorry to hear yet another person has suffered in the same way as we did, when my son got his tank our local Pets at home recomended similar action! LOL and we were new to fish keeping and ill informed.

As a result we have had to install an extra tank in our livingroom a 180 rena and we are still overstocked even though we have returned some fish to another shop.

Yes that is right we have a 40 ltr tank in my sons room that we were sold fish for and still had to buy another 180 ltr in order that he could keep his fish in a healthier environment for them!

So now i recomend that anyone who is purchasing a tank should read read and read as well as access sites such as this one.

My experience was not only embarasing for myself but pretty expensive as the extra tank for my kids pets was not a cheap option.

Please please check out your plec as they can grow to some size as well as look into the size your bala sharks will grow to!

 

[Rob_lee_1]

I know... im not happy at all regarding the info i got from them!

Im going to look into getting another tank

Rob