My guppy has suddenly started being very lethargic and lying on the bottom of the tank, gasping.?

Question

I only have 2 guppies and 2 platies in the tank. It is 60 litres ish so I dont think it's overcrowding. All the other fish are absolutely fine. I have recently moved them to a new bigger tank but have matured the water etc. before they were moved. Any ideas?

I only have 2 guppies and 2 platies in the tank. It is 60 litres ish so I dont think it's overcrowding. All the other fish are absolutely fine. I have recently moved them to a new bigger tank but have matured the water etc. before they were moved. Any ideas?

I have also noticed that it seems to be having trouble actually getting to the top of the tank and swimming? It seems to sink to the bottom again!?!

Answer 1

The fish might have a swim bladder infection. If he does, I am sorry he will almost certainly die.

If you can, isolate the affected fish in another tank and dose the water with methylene blue. If you cannot isolate him do not use meth blue- it will kill your plants. Use a product for Internal Bacteria. Start changing 10% of the water daily until you have changed 40 % (remember to use a water conditioner)- the water quality may not be good, and the other fish may soon follow. Then test the water for nitrate, nitrite and ammonia. If they are high, keep doing 10% water changes every three days. The level should come down. Do not change too much water at once as the fish cannot cope with the shock.

If this helps the problem, you need do nothing further, but;

Buy an air stone if you do not have one, as it improves the oxygen levels in the water. Use aquarium salt- it lessens the likelihood of the fish getting infections. The box will tell you how much to use (do not use table salt). Regularly clean your filter pads, with water only. When they need to be replaced, first change onem, leave it a few days, the change the other. Checkl nitrite and ammonia regularly. Aquarium plants help mop up nitrates so if there quite a few it will help. A sign of too much nitrate is lots of algae. If you have lots of algae, reduce the amount of time the lights are on, and get a couple of algae eaters, like ancistrus catfish (don't get a plecostomus, mine is 12" long and growing!). Use a product like safe guard or stress zyme regularly in your tank to keep up the levels of good bacteria. Don't overfeed the fish- and food not eaten in 3 mins should be removed.

Answer 2

When you place a fish into another tank of water it is wise to introduce the new water slowly. The bacteria in the new tank will not be the same and the fish can go into shock. Raise the temp to 80 -82 and put some water conditioner into the tank. Also add some sea salt which is a good water equilizer. Add 1 teaspoon for every 10 gallons.

Answer 3

has the water been aerating long, maybe short of oxygen, or still adjusting to the new water, may not neccesarily die, but do keep a close eye on him/her. my guppies do this on the odd occasion, i think mine are just having a good rest, it's hard work swimming all day. overall, i say they still adjusting to the new tank.

Answer 4

Could be a swim bladder problem, Or poor water chage the water,

Answer 5

could be didnt like the move ,do a water test to check . or it poorly with something