Hi, I have a serpae tetra who is three years old and has been with us since we started the tank. About 2 weeks ago he started skimming the surface. We thought it was an oxygen problem, so we added some aeration to the tank. His symptoms started to become like that of swim bladder disease. I treated him with Epsom salt baths for 5 days, but he stayed the same. He is now constantly swimming around at the surface which is completely unlike him, and he looks miserable. We might euthanize him but wanted to make sure there's nothing else we can do for him.
I'm wondering if I should euthanize my fish and if so how
- Thread starter JemZ
- Start date
JAMMYLEYLO
New Member
I see, how are your parameters? And is it well planted tank? What other fish are in there?
Do you have any test kit or strips?
I think you should get an API Master Test Kit. It'll last for 800 tests so good value. Your tank could have high ammonia and/or nitrite & without testing you won't know.
What size is the tank and how often do you water changes/how much do you change?
Have you done any water changes since he started acting this way?
Have you done any water changes since he started acting this way?
I'll get some testing strips. I did do a water change the day after he started acting weird, but before we added extra aeration. It's a 10-gallon tank and we do water changes every 2 weeks. To be honest, I don't think he is too far away from death. Now I think about it, and the more I look at him, I think it might be in his best interest to just euthanize him. How should I give him a clove oil bath? I've heard it's the most humane to euthanize a fish.
Have seen fish recover even from looking terrible, I would try using aquarium salt in the tank itself and doing 50% daily water changes for a week before giving up on him, he's not an elderly fish, and hasn't really been given a chance.
But clove oil is the most humane way to euthanise, yes. Except perhaps a heavy, skull crushing blow to the head, but not many people can bring themselves to do that.
I learned how to use clove oil by watching this video. If you add the oil gradually after mixing it, it's a peaceful way to go.
But clove oil is the most humane way to euthanise, yes. Except perhaps a heavy, skull crushing blow to the head, but not many people can bring themselves to do that.
I learned how to use clove oil by watching this video. If you add the oil gradually after mixing it, it's a peaceful way to go.
ClownLurch
Fish Gatherer
He’ll probably be waking up about now.
Oh, I tagged him so whenever he gets on he will be able to help you with your fish. He is quite the genius!
Colin salt dosage is 1 table spoon per 20 liters of water for soft water and 2 table spoon per 20 liters for livebearers and other hard water fishes.
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