why are my fish (cichlids) staying at the very top of the tank like their gasping for air?

Answer 1

Dirty tank emergency. They ARE gasping for air. Stop all feeding. Put all the fish into a bucket or other aquarium with maximum aeration. Remove all decorations and rocks. Stir up the gravel like crazy, and get a large fine net and filter the water manually as much as possible. Then change about 40-50% of the water, using water from another tank if you have it. Put the fish back in. Change the filter mediums and add extra, and turn up aeration. You might have to add another filter. If you think you might, then do. Rinse off all rocks and decorations including any holes they may have and replace. Rinse out and replace filter medium daily, until soiling is light. After a few days start feeding again, but just enough. And no tubifex worms ever. Move quickly.

Answer 2

i'm having a similar top concern as you. i spotted my fish in a fifty 5 gal appearing somewhat weird and wonderful so i desperate to alter the water. I replaced approximately 50 p.c.. Its chilly out so the water replaced right into somewhat chilly. no longer a huge deal, this how I consistently have achieved it. when I replaced the water I did some tank re-arrangment and observed a lifeless fish, then yet another. I even have approximately 14 or so. we are going to had 14 or so. I then nevertheless that i unquestionably mandatory to alter my clear out so I did and then the fluval released quite some debris into the water so I replaced yet another 40 p.c. out. After this my fish began lively VERY unusual gasping for air on the marvelous. I extra top and now am on day 2 with my fish on the marvelous of the tank. the next day i will ascertain the water. i be conscious of the amonia ranges are in all probability intense however the PH ranges are in all probability positive with the texas holyrock contained in the tank and the water right here in Texas is needless to say distinctly intense in PH anyhow. there is quite little interest contained in the tank, the loaches are hiding and maximum cichilds are the two on the marvelous or hiding contained in the tank. i'm hoping they make it. What a bummer and that i'm hoping to hearken to from you on what you probably did and how your fish are doing because of the fact i think of my fish are heading to a similar place. Tim

Answer 3

First of all most cichlids enjoy being at the top of the tank, but it sounds like they don't look to hot. I would suggest following some of the advice above. Take some water to the local pet store and have them check the levels of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. Also you should change 10 to 20 percent of the water. Make sure you have good aeration and a clean filter. Over time everything should adjust to normal.

Answer 4

They need air. If the tank is over crowded, then the water needs to be changed more often. Or the filter is clogged or it's not big enough to function right. Sometimes adding an air bubble tube will help.

Answer 5

That is a very bad sign. It probably means that there isn't enough air in the water. You should change the water and get a air pump and filter if you don't have one.

Answer 6

Because the water is polluted. Like human beings fish also need Mineral Water.

Answer 7

Top Cichlids

Answer 8

Because they need air. your water could be old or your air bubbler is broken.
Fish need O2 just like you
Filtered water is best for the fish, no chlorine.
check your filter too.

Answer 9

increase aireation do that now, then siphon off one third of the watter. rplace it with aged or declorinated watter clean the tank. THEN buy a container of aqua chem strips. use them to check alkalinity, ph, ect,ect. ythat should solve the fishes problem good luck

Answer 10

Sounds like they could be hungry or the water is not right in their tank.May want to do a chemical test on the water.I wouldn't wait to long if you like your fish.♥