Dwarf Guerami

[trinity_lee1]

Hi,
My dwarf Guerami is lying at the bottom of the tank on his side and breathing quickly, he can swim as he tried to swim for food but then couldnt really swim properly, seemed weak and ended up at the bottom on his side again. I cant see anything physically wrong with him at all.

My Ammonia and nitrite is 0 ppm. The tank has 2 cychilds, 9 neon tetras, 2 bristlenose, 6 corys, 3 plays.

Can anyone help, Ive thought about moving him but Im reluctant as I dont want to stress him out anymore than he already is, the other fish arent picking on him.

Any ideas on whats wrong and what I can do?

Thanks
Trinity

I meant platys not plays!

 

[trinity_lee1]

Ive just tested ph and it is 7.8.

He is definitley trying to feed but doesnt seem to have any luck and getting a closer look as he swam i could see that it looks like his scales have worn around his mouth slightly if that makes sense, but the problem is I dont know if he has always been like that or not...

 

[WILDER]

Bless Him.

Need to ask you some questions.

How many gallons is the tank?

Does the fish look bloated, or thin?
Does he look pale, or darker in colour?
Have you noticed him going to the toilet. If so what did the waste look like?
Just check his body, fins for red streaking?
Does the fish gills look pale, red and inflamed?

So sorry the fish does sound in a bad way.
You could isolate him and use a internal bacteria medication. But he already breathing rapid, the med could make his breathing even worse.

 

[trinity_lee1]

Hi Wilder, thanks for getting back. The tank is 130 litre which is 28 gallons I think? Its fairly big, definitley not over stocked. Mr Grumpy (thats his name) is not looking any different, we lost the female dwarf guerami over a month ago to that disease that bloats their scales right out, we had to euthanise her I wouldnt think it was that as it looks completely different? But then Im not an expert yet! I really cant see anything different about him at the moment??
Ive just managed to get some food to him, he seemed desperate for it, its so strange that he is still eating and can swim but it looks like a struggle to do it.

PS, No poo to analyse unfortunatley

 

[WILDER]

Sounds like the other fish had dropsy. R.I.P.

I would prepare yourself for losing him. So sorry.
Fish can show these symptoms when there dying.
You could isolate him and try an internal bacteria medication. But it could make his breathing worse. Increase aeration as the medication with reduce oxygen in the water.

 

[trinity_lee1]

I have a 35 litre tank in the garage i could set up with a filter (not currently working in my other tank though, it an old one, so would this worsen the problem)? The smaller tank has a heater but no light. IF I can find an anti internal bacterial treatment in the house do you think its worth doing or is it likely to make him worse? Ive never heard yet of these treatments working?

 

[WILDER]

You could set the tank up using some of your main tank water.
Maybe take abit of mature filter sponge and add it to your hospital filter.
The medication could be to late, but I do think it worth a try.

 

[trinity_lee1]

OK,I have found an interpet anti internal bacteria, would you mind advising how much water I should fill the smaller tank with? Also do I treat the water before putting the fish in or when Ive put him in?

It says to add the treatment to warm water then add this to the tank, do I use a small amount of warm tap water with or without fish safe in?

Thanks for your help, its appreciated

 

[WILDER]

Take a couple of gallons from main tank. Then fill with tap water, add water conditioner, and match temp. You don't need to fill the whole tank up.
Make sure he has some hiding places.

Add hot water to the medication. You don't need to use water conditioner. As it only a small amount going into the tank.

Once the medication has been added. Temp matches. Add the fish.

 

[trinity_lee1]

Thanks. Fish is now in quarentine tank with treatment, fingers crossed.
Any idea on if I should feed tomorrow (assuming he is still with us)

 

[WILDER]

Bless Him. All on his own.

Try him with some shelled peas.
Good Luck. I do hope he gets better. As you done all you can now.

 

[trinity_lee1]

OK will do, thanks so much for your help. Will update you tomorrow

 

[WILDER]

Good Luck.

 

[trinity_lee1]

Well he is still pretty much the same, lying at the bottom and breathing quickly. He had a swim around the tank obviously looking for food but then after it seemed he wore himself out he dropped down to the bottom again. Its like he is trying to fight it, he is still showing signs of survival but not knowing whats wrong with him makes it almost impossible to know if I can do anything. I guess him wanting food is a good thing isnt it?

Any more thoughts?

 

[WILDER]

A member once got in touch with interpet about anti internal bacteria medication, They told him you could double dose the anti internal bacteria med in severe cases.
But i'm abit concerned your fish might not handle it to well.
The fish might have an internal bacteria infection.