Blue Ram Lathargic And Hiding.

[adracco]

I have a blue ram, who I instantly began to love. I bought him a week ago. He was happy and swimming with the rest of my peaceful community tank. I did a 30% water change the other day and since then he has been lachargic, hiding and and won't even come out to eat. This morning as well. I feel like he might be on his way out. Anyone have any suggestions? Is there something I can do to make him happier? I have a planted tank, with plenty hiding places. His tank mates are 8 neons, panda bard, black ruby barb (peaceful), bolivian ram (they square off but never attack) and a gourami who died of dropsy, Thus the instant water change. Could he have dropsey? Phsically he looks fine, and I don't see any symptoms, he just looks depressed. I have 2 filters in the tank to keep the water clean. 30 gallon tank. One whiper hang on filter and a ugf. 20 watts from a 50/50 65000k bulb. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Imber]

Are you able to test your water for ammonia/nitrites/nitrates and ph? I've read that these little guys can be very sensitive to their water conditions so I'd first check your water in the tank and your water out of the tap.

 

[adracco]

I can bring my water to the lfs store and they will check it for me. But, sigh, this morning my beautiful blue friend, was gasping for air, upside down on the sand floor. Oh it was terrible. The other fish were knocking him around and I couldn't watch it. So after reading some posts about euthinasia, I didn't have any sedative oil, I had to go with the decapitation approach. Oh my it was horrible. I am a 6 foot big buy and consider myself a pretty manly man. But having to bash my little friends head with a hammer. Oh the horror! The horror! I kept having to tell myself, it is a good thing, it was done in seconds, and he is in a better fish world now. But I wasn't expecting the splatter or the guilt. Take care of your fish hope that you never have to put your little friends to sleep.

 

[SJ2K]

Im sure you probably done the right thing and I appreciate, as much as perhaps we shouldnt favour one fish's life over another, it must be harder to loose one that is so unique.