Sick Algae Eater

[Lady Hitokiri]

I'm not sure if I can post here about my algae eater, but it's an emergency and I need help. This morning I found him in the 2.5 gallon tank on his side, having difficulty swimming and usually ending up swimming in a circle, but he's still on his side. Also, near his right gill, it looks a little red there. At first I thought that maybe my male betta attacked him, but I don't think he'd do something like that since they've lived together for months and has not shown aggression towards the algae eater (I've separated them at least for now). I recently changed the tank water a few days ago and I treated it with some aquarium salt and drops to neutralize the hard chemicals in the water. So I don't know what is wrong with him. I put some tetracycline in the tank just now, but I don't know if that will help. So what should I do and what is wrong with him? Any and all advice will be appreciated! Thanks!

I need to go to church but when I return I will respond/read what people's responses are. Thanks again.

 

[WILDER]

That tank is way to small for an algae eater i'm afraid, would you post your stats in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,and ph, as a red gill can be due to poor water quality, also is the fish bloated up, pale or darkened in colour.
Also try some shelled peas on the fish, and what do you feed your fish.

 

[Lady Hitokiri]

That tank is way to small for an algae eater i'm afraid, would you post your stats in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,and ph, as a red gill can be due to poor water quality, also is the fish bloated up, pale or darkened in colour.
Also try some shelled peas on the fish, and what do you feed your fish.

Sorry, I'm slow to respond. XP He passed away that afternoon. I still have no idea what caused his death though. I don't have exact readings of those the day that he died...

 

[WILDER]

Sorry bless him, R.I.P. Red gills are poor water quality or gill flukes, so check that your fish are not flicking and rubbing on things, and also get your water tested, and tell them to write the readings down for you, even better to invest in a master kit of your own, good luck.