I have just bought a new pleco about 3 hours ago, he looked fine in the pet shop.But ever since I put in the tank all he does is float about in a vertical position. He sucked on the glass for a few minutes and then 'fell' off. He is about 5 inches long and looks healthy. What can I do?
2007-01-18 02:23:36 · 6 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Thanks for advice everyone. I did leave the bag in the tank for a while, I also introduced 2 other fish at the same time and they are doing fine. All the water levels are correct and my exisiting fish are fine. I just feel so sorry for him. It really looks like he dosen't know how to swim.
2007-01-18 02:35:05 · update #1
What does a fish look like when it's in shock? He is not making any movement at all now? I think he may have died.
2007-01-18 02:57:32 · update #2
He doesn't sound like he's doing too good :(
Did you acclimate him properly? This is when you let the bag float for about 10 minutes, then open the bag and add some tank water, gradually, over about 20 minutes until the bag has as much tank water as old water? This allows him to get used to the new water parameters, and if you skip this step, it can shock them.
If you did do that, is there something wrong with the tank that might hurt the plec? Have you tested your water parameters recently? Plecos tend to be a little more sensitive to water quality so if you have ammonia or nitrites, or too much nitrates, it could be making him sick.
Anyway, I would advise doing a water change to perk him up, 30-40% would be enough.
2007-01-18 02:31:16 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Did you let him sit in the water in the bag for at least 15 minutes? If not, he was not properly acclimated to the water temperature in your tank and is in shock. He will likely die, so I hope the pet store has a health guarantee!
Sorry!
Call the place you bought him from and ask if they've had any problems with their plecos recently. If you explain what's happening, they may be able to help you!
2007-01-18 10:28:28 · answer #2 · answered by Shannon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did you acclimate him properly, he could just be trying to get use to the conditions. Perhaps he just a little shaken up like all fish are when they get put in there new home. He probably just adjusting. If you want u can cal the petstore and ask what the water conditions were that they keep there pleco at, so you can try to meet those conditions. I would worry , if he still acting wierd after a couple weeks then it a problem.
2007-01-18 10:29:38 · answer #3 · answered by dustmaster69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow. ive never heard of a pleco doing that. ive had about 20 of them. i wish i could help ya but i honsetly wouldnt know what to do. if you have a different tank you should put him in there for a bit
2007-01-18 10:28:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
wait a week and see what happens... it'll take them that long to recover from shock.
2007-01-18 10:50:56 · answer #5 · answered by professorminh 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
tell the pet shop
2007-01-18 10:28:32 · answer #6 · answered by pebbles 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋