What's Wrong With My Swordtail? Help Please!

[GreenA]

Tank size: 90l
pH: 8.2
ammonia: >0.25ppm
nitrite:0
nitrate:0
tank temp:25°C

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior): my Swordtail has always been very active, swimming about with its mate (female Swordtail). However, the last two days he has acted very weird and lethargic. He keeps floating at the top of the tank and I think his colours have faded. He does eat but unlike the other fish in a rather bored manner. I added a link of a video I made today. He is not getting bullied or anything ( I know one Molly swam at him but that was only because he got in the way of him and the other female Molly trying to do male+female things.....u know

).

Volume and Frequency of water changes: I do frequent water changes of 50% every morning after water tests (API Master Test Kit) and double check the water every evening in case I need to take further actions as I am currently cycling.

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: only water conditioner

Tank inhabitants: 2 Swordtails (m/f), 2 Guppies (m), 2 Mollies (m/f)

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): live plants
Digital photo (include if possible): added a link to YouTube


http/www.youtube.c...h?v=gi2I6iAwcJA

Please help me guys. I'm really worried about him.

Especially because him and his misses really stuck together all the time and now he's just on his own and seems so depressed!

What can I do?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Caprichoso]

My guess is he is having a hard time with the ammonia that is present in the tank. If you can get the ammonia reading down to 0 that would be ideal. Try increasing the % of water change to 75% when you get those readings then just monitor daily. When you get an ammonia reading again, do another large water change. You will run into this issue since you are doing a fish-n cycle. Very hard on the fish to be exposed to any ammonia or nitrite. I would also add some live plants if it were me.

Good luck

 

[GreenA]

thanks for the reply.

I will do another water change right now. I never let is spike over 0.25 and it has happened before that I needed to do more than one water change a day. I added live plants 2 days ago and I hope it will help.

thanks again.

 

[Caprichoso]

You're welcome. Keep in mind that even though you are never letting the ammonia spike to over 0.25, over time it can do permanent damage to fish.

 

[GreenA]

Ok. I've increased the % of water change and just done a 75%. I will keep this up and hope he will recover. I know a fish-in cycle is not recommended but I did not know that when I got the fish as I followed LFS instructions but that's another story. I'll keep a close eye on my fish and try my hardest to make it as easy for them as I can. Thanks again Caprichoso.