Female Ram Acting Strange!

[djl08]

Tank size: 100 x 40 x 50 cm
pH: 7.4
ammonia: 0ppm
nitrite: 0ppm
nitrate: 5-10ppm
tank temp: 27 degrees

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior): Fish just seems to swim at the top of the tank, not eating when its feeding time. Also noticed a reddish tint to the area around her pectoral and ventral fins. Breathing seems normal.

Volume and Frequency of water changes: 25% weekly

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: Only plant fertilizers.

Tank inhabitants: 2 dwarf gouramis (1m,1f) 10 copper harlequins, 8 albino corry's, 1 BN plec, and 2 Rams

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): When i purchased the 2 Rams, the guy at the LFS accidentally gave me two males, and they were being very aggressive. So, i returned one and swapped it for a female. (2 days ago)

 

[lordofthesea]

your pH is kinda high. rams are vry delicate and need lower soft water pH's. can you Lower it?

 

[djl08]

Thanks for the reply, how would i do this|?

 

[wackystarfish]

Adding Bogwood can increase the acidity of the water Also, you can buy this crushed coral stuff which you can add to the tank/filter which lowers the ph

 

[djl08]

I have a piece of bogwood in the tank. Does anyone have any ideas on the cause of this strange behaviour?

 

[WILDER]

Septicemia



Symptoms:

Fish may have reddening at fin bases, blood streaks throughout the fins and body, small hemorrhages around the eyes. Dull listless behavior and lack of appetite may also be present.



Cause:

Systemic bacterial infection caused by various bacteria, including Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Vibrio. The illness is often brought on by poor water quality or as a result of parasitic infestations or other infections. These bacteria enter the blood stream and circulate through the tissues causing inflammation and damage. Inflamed blood vessels in the skin and at fin bases stand out. Blood vessel and heart tissue damage cause hemorrhaging and consequently leakage of body fluids into the abdomen, which may lead to Dropsy.



Treatment:

Water conditions must be improved for all fish in the tank, regardless of how many fish are infected. Check your water’s Treat with Kanacyn or Tetracycline as well as with a medicated food if the fish will eat. If parasites are suspected, all the fish in the tank should be treated with antiparasitic medication. Using salt to help restore osmotic balance might be helpful.

 

[djl08]

I wasnt aware that my water was poor quality, unless im wrong. Are all my fish compatible with salt?

 

[WILDER]

Your water stats are fine.
If no signs of flicking and rubbing I would treat for septicemia.