Observation

[halfbloodprincess]

I noticed today that my guppy was at the top of the fish tank for a good amount of time just gulping air. Then later today the molly started doing the same thing for a few seconds. Then the Syndontis came out of hiding to do the same thing. And the guppy seems to be doing it frequently. I'm a little worried. Does anyone know why they are doing this and what I can do to help? So far they are the only fish doing that.

 

[Harlequins]

Have you tested your water stats lately?

Gasping could be ammonia and/or nitrite in the water or lack of oxygen?

Whats the temperature of the tank and how big and how long has it been set up?

 

[mtv8dmarine]

+1 to Harlequin's reply.

Gasping for air usually indicates low oxygen levels and or high ammonia and nitrite levels. Otherwise, what is the physical condition of the fish? Do they all appear to be healthy despite being at the surface?

 

[halfbloodprincess]

The tank has been running for about 5 years. It's a 29 gallon. All the fish seem to be perfectly healthy despite the random gasping. The guppy seems to be particularly bothered, he was the first to do so. And they don't do it for lengthy periods of time. There's an air pump with air stone so I don't think it would be lack of oxygen..

 

[SimoUK]

Possibly ammonia or nitrite levels then, you got a test kit? if so test Nitrates, Nitrites, Ammonia, and post the results here. If not you can pick a liquid test kit up from your lfs.

 

[james_fish]

^^ Yupp, give your water a test for the 3 main toxins. That will help you determine the cause of the odd gasping.

Out of curiosity, how old is the Guppy roughly?

James.

 

[halfbloodprincess]

Thanks so much for the help! I'm actually going to my lfs today to pick up my new 55 gallon! I'm excited So I'll just pick up some test kits while I'm there. I did have the kits before, but I think something happened to them; probably someone in my family moved them without knowing what they really were.

As for the guppy, we got him earlier in the year. Roughly around January I believe.

 

[halfbloodprincess]

So while picking up the new tank I forgot to buy the test kits. Of course, me and my memory. But I was poking around the dining room where the tank is, and lo and behold I found the kits! I tested the ammonia and it resulted in 0 ppm(mg/L). So it's not the ammonia. But the Nitrite kit seems to be missing the color card and instructions. Does anyone know how many drops I put in and what color it should be?
Thanks so much.

 

[james_fish]

If it is the API Nitrite kit you are referring to its 5 drops.
0 ppm
can't get one right for 0.25
0.50 ppm
1.0 ppm
2.0 ppm A bit lighter shaded.
5.0 ppm


Roughly, but basically Sky Blue is what you are looking for.

James.

 

[halfbloodprincess]

If it is the API Nitrite kit you are referring to its 5 drops.
0 ppm
can't get one right for 0.25
0.50 ppm
1.0 ppm
2.0 ppm A bit lighter shaded.
5.0 ppm


Roughly, but basically Sky Blue is what you are looking for.

James.

Thanks so much!!
The test turned out sky blue like it should.
So, if it's not the ammonia or nitrite, then what could be causing this? Maybe the guppy is just going through a rough patch.. I don't know

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

If the water is warmer than usual due to the weather there may be less oxygen in the water; maybe move your filter if possible to agitate the water surface or get an air stone to see if it helps.

Also you could try a water change.