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ph- 6-7
ammonia- 0
nitrite- unknown
nitrate unknown
temp 26.8 C

50 gal
3 clown loaches (2-3 inches)
3 male BNs (3-4 inches)
6 neon tetras (had 11 but some got swallowed)
2 glowlights (same as above)
4 pristella tetras
4 rummy nose tetras
6 hockey stick/penguin tetras
filtration- 1500lt/hr aqua one canister filter


Now to the problem. ive been keeping fish for over 5 years now and have had my clown loaches for about a year. the three of them are usually swmming around, and come to the frojnt of the tank and watch me wen i get home, but for the last week one of them has been staying at the back, breathing rapidly (gills flap rapidly) he doesnt eat (my others come to the surface) and doesnt move much unless prompted. there are no visible problems with the fish other then this change in brathing or behaviour. any onme had something like this? (ohh and he likes to just lay infront of the filter intake)

Hi Fan Fan, I don't mean any of this in a harsh way but I see a couple of potential problems with your fish in general.

First thing you need to do is a partial water change of 25% of the tank water. Next and most important for now is to add some dissolved, fresh water salt. Add this at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons of water. This is more of a comfort right now than a medication as you haven't described anything past what might be a nitrite or nitrate reaction.

Next and a very big concern is the size and age of your fish. Your Clownies should be much larger than you describe if they are that old. You need to get bottom feeder wafers and up the chow to those babies!

First things first though. Do the water change and do that weekly, replacing the salt each water change. Salt does not evaporate so don't add salt when just topping off from evaporation. Only add a commensurate amount during water changes in which you have removed some water.

HTH,
Mermaiden

Last edited by mermaiden at 24-Jun-2005 11:35

fan fan

I have to agree your tank is rather small for the clowns. They must have space, plenty of hiding spots away from the light. They also like a large variety of foods. Here is what I feed mine.

Have a look in [link=My Profile]http://
www.fishprofiles.com/interactive/forums/profile.asp?userid=6741" style="COLOR: #00FF00[/link] for my tank info

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do


Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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