redgrouse
New Member
Hello guys
I own a 260L Fluval which has been set up for 2 months.
The tank has cycled and current readings are pH 7.7, ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate 20ppm. It is a fully planted tank with CO2 system (cut off at night) and aeration at night.
Within the tank are 5 pentazona barbs, 5 Harlequin Rasbora, 13 Cardinal Tetra, 5 Black Neon Tetra, 4 Boesman's, 5 Rosy Tetra, 4 Lake Kutubu Rainbows and 5 Amano Shrimp. All other fish are feeding well and well coloured and the tank is peaceful.
A week ago one of the pentazona barbs began swimming on it's side and exhibiting sluggish behaviour. I removed it from the tank and placed it into a previously set up hospital tank (identical readings to above save pH is 7.9).
The fish spent three days having difficulty holding its balance in the water always swimming on its right side. I treated with melofix and a general tonic as per manufacturers instructions. The fish seemed to improve but although it now swims normally, from time to time it rockets to the surface before twisting and turning as it drops to the bottom of the tank. Having done this it will regain balance and swim normally before repeating the perfomance after several minutes.
I spoke to the LFS who were stumped. I was wondering whether it was a swim bladder problem but they had not heard of this problem in Barbs.
Any ideas on what it is, how long it will last and whether it is temporary or terminal? The fish has eaten as modest amount of bloodworm and daphnia I placed in the tank after 3 days.
Any help will be gratefully received!
regards
Richard
I own a 260L Fluval which has been set up for 2 months.
The tank has cycled and current readings are pH 7.7, ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate 20ppm. It is a fully planted tank with CO2 system (cut off at night) and aeration at night.
Within the tank are 5 pentazona barbs, 5 Harlequin Rasbora, 13 Cardinal Tetra, 5 Black Neon Tetra, 4 Boesman's, 5 Rosy Tetra, 4 Lake Kutubu Rainbows and 5 Amano Shrimp. All other fish are feeding well and well coloured and the tank is peaceful.
A week ago one of the pentazona barbs began swimming on it's side and exhibiting sluggish behaviour. I removed it from the tank and placed it into a previously set up hospital tank (identical readings to above save pH is 7.9).
The fish spent three days having difficulty holding its balance in the water always swimming on its right side. I treated with melofix and a general tonic as per manufacturers instructions. The fish seemed to improve but although it now swims normally, from time to time it rockets to the surface before twisting and turning as it drops to the bottom of the tank. Having done this it will regain balance and swim normally before repeating the perfomance after several minutes.
I spoke to the LFS who were stumped. I was wondering whether it was a swim bladder problem but they had not heard of this problem in Barbs.
Any ideas on what it is, how long it will last and whether it is temporary or terminal? The fish has eaten as modest amount of bloodworm and daphnia I placed in the tank after 3 days.
Any help will be gratefully received!
regards
Richard
