Placo Not Doing So Good, Please Help!

[Mitchy]

I really hope someone can give me some advise please.

We have in our tropical tank a Siamese fighter and then our Placo. They have become very good friends in the past 6 months.

Last night i saw that our Placo doesn't look so well. Well, he looks fine, but he's a bit off balance, not swimming at all anymore, just lying on the bottom of the tank.

The Siamese fighter goes there every now and again to see what is going on. But he doesnt more at all. He is still breathing though, but dont think he has a lot of time left.

Any advice?

 

[Amerce]

You need to give us some advise really on your tank.

what size tank is it, what are the water readings, ph, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia etc.

Also are you talking about a catfish, what do you mean Placo what sort of fish is it ?

 

[Wills]

Im guessing they mean a pleco, most likely a mis-sold common and I will take a stab in the dark and say they are together in a 5-10 gallon tank?

 

[Mitchy]

You guys are going to think i'm not well.

But the size tank, i'm not too sure, measurements are 30x23x23cm. Sorry i'm from SA.

Temperature of the water is 27 degrees Celsius. Ph and all of that i am not sure. Never measured that.
I have 3 plastic plants in. The heater and a Filter pump. It's only the two fishes in there and they are having a ball. Nice and big tank for them together as they are still both small.

It is a Algae Eater, Plecostomus.

I know my info probably doesnt really help. But maybe you guys are more clever.

Since the first post, he has moved around the tank in the past hour or so, after not moving for about 24 hours.

Could that be a good sign?

 

[WILDER]

Need to look at full water stats.

Does he look bloated or thin.
Does he look pale or darker in colour.
Does act listless and lethagic.
is he leaning to oneside.
What does it look like when he goes to the toilet.
is his anus enlarged or red and inflamed.

Feed some shelled peas.
What do you normally feed the fish.

 

[Mitchy]

I would just like to thank everybody for their help.

He has passed on during the coarse of the night. I suppose it was just his last bit of energy when he started moving last night.
I thought there was some hope!

Will go get a new one as Siamese Fighter is really sad this morning.

Thank you all.

 

[indigoj]

Don't get another as your tank is not big enough. you should get a water test kit instead.

Don't get another as your tank is not big enough. you should get a water test kit instead.

 

[WILDER]

Bless Him.
R.I.P.


Is the tank a 5 gal or 10 gal.
There not many plecs that can be kept in small tanks.

I would maybe think of getting 3 corys if your tanks big enough.

 

[plecostomus-mad]

Welcome to the forum!

i would have to agree with indigoj, get a water testing kit. without this you are pretty stuffed, you need to make sure the water parameters are correct.

the pleco may have died due to bad water! in fact id put money on it. what did you feed him? flake? pellet? any veg? do you use a anti chlorine agent?

i think that if you get another the same could well happen. if you dont want to get a water testing kit, ask your local fish stockist to test your water, they usually do it for free. but buying a water testing kit will also let people on here know what they are dealing with when they are asked for help across the forum.

fish keeping is a serious hobby and not to be entered into lightly, they are pets like any other animal you may keep, be it a dog or cat etc, they need care and attention. whether it be cold water fish or tropical fish, they all need the same dedication. i seriously would not buy anymore fish until you know what your water stats are!