Swordtails Gasping For Air...

[Eines]

This may not be an emergency, but it is worrying and I'd rather be safe than sorry. First off, my tank stats.

-10g tank, four months old and fully cycled
-2 medium sized female swordtails
-nitrite = 0, nitrate = 30, ph = 6.8, temp = 26 C (around 75 F)
-fully functioning air pump and power filter

Anyway, a few days ago I noticed the smaller of my two swords hovering at the surface for a few minutes. However, since she didn't do it for long, I figured it was nothing to worry about. Both were eating fine and acting normally otherwise. Well, I just did a 25% water change and noticed, when I replaced the water, much to my horror, that both fish are now hovering at the surface "gasping" for air. My best guess would be lack of oxygen, but even though the tank has been warmer than usual due to the heat, there is still plenty of air being pumped around and water movement, plus the fresh water should have brought more oxygen into the water. There is no sign of disease either. They look healthy and just an hour ago they were eating fine. If anyone could diagnose the problem I would be very grateful. I'm hoping it's nothing serious, I'm just afraid that I'll wake up tomorrow and find them dead.

 

[Eines]

Before I went to bed last night, they were swimming around normally again, but this morning the smaller one is gasping for air again. Not as much as yesterday, but she still comes up every few minutes. If anyone has any idea what the problem could be, please tell me. I'm thinking maybe it's because swordtails like cooler water...?

 

[ALW]

I would do a large water change between 40%-60%, sounds like a lack of oxygen. Is there any rocks in the tank, as they may have harmful chemicals.

 

[Eines]

nope, no rocks or anything like that. yeah, I'll do another water change today, hopefully it'll clear up, whatever it is.

 

[WILDER]

Are the fish still gasping.
Is the filter rippling the water surface.
Its best to invest in airstones in the summer months with the warm temp.
Check the gills over to see if there pale with excess mucas, or red and inflamed.
Are the fish producing more slime coat.

 

[Eines]

last night I saw one of them at the surface for a minute or two, but they seem pretty normal again now. I guess it was just a one time thing, but I'll keep an eye on it. I really wish I knew what was wrong...

No, they look fine, their gills don't look any different than normal. Do I really need an airstone, or is an air pump enough? It's pumping tons of bubbles into the water, so I don't see how attaching an air stone would help...

and yeah, my power filter is on full blast, it's definately rippling the water.

 

[WILDER]

Ok thats fine then.
If the filter really rippling the suface you don't need an airstone.
There good for warm weather for more aeration in the water.
Also airstones are good when using meds, as meds reduces 02 in the water.
Also some fish like to play in the bubbles.

 

[Eines]

okay, thanks. I do have an air pump though. It's not attached to a stone, but it blows air out of a tube with holes in it. Unfortunately, my fish stay away from it, never seem them play in the bubbles.