Hi Guys,
I'm not too optimistic here, but thought I'd ask some advice. I've been running my 16 gallon tank for a few months now, changing 1 bucket of water a week etc. It's a planted aquarium (heated to 25c) where a variety of gourami, danios and rasboras (9 fish in total) have been living perfectly happily and problem free.
Today I introduced a store bought juvenile Rainbow Shark, which, for the first 6 hours or so seemed perfectly happy (I happen to know the store has had it for 8 days, and I was sure to pick a fairly large and healthy one). It swam around and checked out out the hollowed log and other hiding spots, seemingly happy enough.
Imagine my surprise to find it earlier today lying flat on its back with rapid gill movement.
When one of the gouramis went to investigate, the shark shot away, but eventually started sinking and rolling over. I decided to introduce an emergency dose of stress coating and raise the tank temperature to 30c (its still going). The shark was obviously struggling to keep afloat, and i have now had to suspend it in netting near the air supply and heater. That was about 30 mins ago. Right now its alternating between allowing itself to rest on the netting, and swimming around near the surface. I daren't let it go right now incase it sinks again, and i swear that gourami had sinister intentions.
Question is, am I doing the right thing, and can I do anything else? Is there hope, even?
I'm not too optimistic here, but thought I'd ask some advice. I've been running my 16 gallon tank for a few months now, changing 1 bucket of water a week etc. It's a planted aquarium (heated to 25c) where a variety of gourami, danios and rasboras (9 fish in total) have been living perfectly happily and problem free.
Today I introduced a store bought juvenile Rainbow Shark, which, for the first 6 hours or so seemed perfectly happy (I happen to know the store has had it for 8 days, and I was sure to pick a fairly large and healthy one). It swam around and checked out out the hollowed log and other hiding spots, seemingly happy enough.
Imagine my surprise to find it earlier today lying flat on its back with rapid gill movement.
When one of the gouramis went to investigate, the shark shot away, but eventually started sinking and rolling over. I decided to introduce an emergency dose of stress coating and raise the tank temperature to 30c (its still going). The shark was obviously struggling to keep afloat, and i have now had to suspend it in netting near the air supply and heater. That was about 30 mins ago. Right now its alternating between allowing itself to rest on the netting, and swimming around near the surface. I daren't let it go right now incase it sinks again, and i swear that gourami had sinister intentions.Question is, am I doing the right thing, and can I do anything else? Is there hope, even?
