I have several types of fish (most in the Tetra family),and to sit and look at the aquiram,you wouldn't think any fish are even in it.They are so lathargic,they don't hardly move at all.I've had my water checked,and it proves to be perfect...ph,ammonia,nitrates etc. It's like the are sick! There are two fish I have (don't know the name for them),but THEY are wide open all of the time,chasing each other,playing etc.
I have nine fish altogether.What could be wrong with the other seven? Thanks,
GreggNC
2007-03-14 05:50:51 · 9 answers · asked by GreggNC 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
It might be the temperature. Maybe it is too low. Many fish become lethargic when the temp drops below their comfort range. Try raising it 3-4 degrees and see what happens.
It could also be not enough oxygen in the water. Some fish are more efficient at using what O2 is available, those would be the ones who are active.
Also, when the temp is too high it drives O2 out of the water causing fish to stay still to conserve O2. High temp also raises the metabolism and agression levels.
Bottom line is: check your temp and make sure there is enough oxygen in the water (air stone bubbling, filter running at full speed).
2007-03-14 06:03:16 · answer #1 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Could be low oxygen levels. Add an airator and stone if you don't have one. Or something toxic is leeching into the system. If you have this in your aquaria take it out...Holey rock (rocks with holes and/or orange and white swirlies) colored gravel, painted ceramic ornaments, driftwood, volcanic rock, more than 4 week old carbon in the filter, salt and zeolite used together, any rock that bubbled more than a day after you put it in, rocks you can scratch stuff off of, uncleaned undergravel filter, or something you sprayed by the tank like air freshener or windex. Bottom sitting is a sign something is not right. Be careful what you put in the tank. If you just put the 2 healthy fish in, the others could have caught something that they are immune to. You may be over stocked, you didn't say how large a tank you have. If all these fish are in a 5 gallon that could be it. These are all of coarse guesses because there is not enough info on your system.
2007-03-14 14:26:29 · answer #2 · answered by Sunday P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing everyone failed to notice, if your tetra's are true tetras, Bloodfin true and false, Buenos Aires Tetras as well as a few others are cold water fish not warm water. Most will not do well if the temperatures are around 70 or higher.
They will become lethargic and just kind of hang around. I don't know what other fish you have but the tetras are cold water and need lower temperatures.
I would suggest lowering the temperatures slowly in your tank. You will see, as soon as the temps drop, they will come alive.
DO NOT RAISE THE TEMPS! don't add salt. Air stones do nothing to add air to the water, they just look nice. If you suspect the lack of Dissolved Oxygen DO2 (which is what fish breath) lower the water in your tank by 1/2 inch. This will allow the filter to dump water into your tank and add the much needed Dissolved Oxygen. DO2 can only enter the water by water movement against air, not bubbles, they just surface creating very little to no movement against the air. Wind, waves waterfalls powerheads etc add DO2 to your tank.
2007-03-16 12:21:05 · answer #3 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the temp. and lower to 68-70 degrees,the water temp is probably too high, most tropical fish do best at room temp.
2007-03-18 11:44:05 · answer #4 · answered by xxx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the temperature of the water make sure it is reasonable. Also do you put tablesoon of salt per gallon in water to kill bacteria every so often..rock salt not tablesalt. Yes I know it is a fresh water tank first time I put salt in mine I thought al the fish would die.
2007-03-14 12:58:33 · answer #5 · answered by Dennis G 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
try putting a heater in your tank. or some aquarium salt in your tank. just keep checking your water. especially your PH. it should be if im correct at 7.0 its the bluish green. good luck
make sure your filters are running correctly
2007-03-14 13:45:29 · answer #6 · answered by Waiting_For*My_Lil*Jordan 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
what size tank is it?
how is it filtered and heated?
do you notice any external signs of illness other than lethergy, like weight loss, lack of appetite, white spots, bloatedness?
how often are your water changes and do you use regular dechlorinated tap water?
how long has the tank been running and how long have the fish been in there?
2007-03-14 12:59:06 · answer #7 · answered by catx 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
there tetras that what they do at least mine do fish cant swim all the time i mean do you walk alot they do chase alot but they do sit there alot and they dont make it obvious fish are in there i have them check out www.myfishtank.net it will provide you with lots of info.
2007-03-14 13:00:58 · answer #8 · answered by Britanie 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
it could be that they are not felling well hope you find out what is wrong
2007-03-14 13:14:31 · answer #9 · answered by jessica 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋