Silver Dollar

[mrsjhozer]

Have had a tank up and running for probably a month. Introduced about 5 new fish yesterday. Added some live plants today after soaking them in warm water. About 4 hrs I got up from my usual nap and noticed my silver dollar fish lying on its side appearing to "huff" or breath heavily like a human would. Talked to a friend who said it probably had to do with too much amonium being in the tank from all of the new fish. Was advised to to a 20% water change and declorinate. Have waited a few hours for the little guy to die in peace. I just looked over there and contrary to how he was acting before.. he is swimming around again. Not excitedly but swimming none the less. Do you think he might be ok or just a freak thing? Should I still test amonium in the morning and do another water change if it is present?

 

[fish_fetish65]

he could have gone into shock and just flipped out... had a crazy spell or something. the fact that he's swimming is a very good sign. just keep a close eye on both him and your water stats. hope the little guy feels better soon!!!

 

[dwarfgourami]

Your best friend is going to be a water testing kit. Get a liquid one, from any lfs, and make sure it has tests for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Test the water every day and do a water change whenever you see traces of ammonia or nitrites (even if you end up doing daily water changes). Seeing that the tank is a small one and you've introduced a lot of fish in one go, I would be surprised if one water change sorts your problem longterm. Remember every time your fish breathe or pass waste, they are adding ammonia to the water. Eventually, beneficial bacteria will grow to deal with this waste, but it may be a matter of several weeks and in an overstocked tank it may never happen.

I would strongly advise getting in touch with the shop and asking if you may return the most unsuitable fish. I know how you feel about them being your responsibility, but since you haven't got a cycled tank large enough for them, you are not really in a position to fulfill that responsibility right now. The shop might be their best chance of survival. There is also the secondary consideration that if enough people do this, shops might eventually stop trying to con people into buying unsuitable fish.