Why is my Pleco sucker fish gulping for air?

Question

DETAILS: Okay, so I have 2 goldfish in a 30 gallon with an airstone. I put in a Pleco for cleaning purposes. I cycled the tank for 2 days before putting the goldfish and pleco, and used a water conditioner, dechlorinate, and bacteria started. I cleaned out 20 % of water after a week.

PROBLEM: So, I know that the goldfish excrete high amounts of ammonia. I am concerned because I noticed the pleco sucker fish swims rapidly to the top of the surface seemingly for a gulp of air then swims back down. I am afraid he doesn't have enough oxygen. Could this be the case? If so, how do I correct it? Should the Pleco not be in with the goldfish at all? Help!! thanks ;)

Hey everyone. Thanks for all the help. Now my question is: I also have a 55 gallon currently with 5 zebra danios and 4 mollies. Should I move the pleco there?? I still want to add atleast 6 more fish.

Answer 1

A good sign of bad water conditions...especially a spike in ammonia is if a fish is gulping for air at the top. Typically goldfish should just stick with other goldfish. I can't speak from experience but I don't see a pleco doing well with goldfish especially in a 30 gallon tank. I don't know how big your goldfish are now but they are going to get pretty big and just those two will have a lot of waste.
As far as the pleco now and his situation gulping for air...do an ammonia test on your water and see how high that is. If it is high do a 25-50% water change.

Answer 2

I would check you PH the fact the pleco is going to the top could as they say be to do with oxygen but its very doubtful, an airstone doesn't put oxygen in the water it only elevates the amount of oxygen that can be exchanged at the surface by breaking the surface tension.

However, the likelihood that high levels of ammonia and/or Nitrate is more likely to be cause for concern, but also the water buffer that was in your tap water may have broken down, when this happens your water goes back to its natural PH of the water table it was drawn from, fish usually either go to the top of the fish tank if the PH has crashed or to the bottom when it spikes, Pleco's will attempt to jump out at times if they find the problem intolerable. So you need to check you PH, ammonia, and nitrite levels, and in the meantime do a water change each day until its stabilized.

At some stage your more than likely going to need a larger tank to accommodate all 3 fish, each of which can grow large and are high pollutants.

AJ

Answer 3

This is a good question so I'll try to give a good answer.

Most likely- In order to stay upright fish fill a sac inside their body with air. That's why when they surface they blow out bubbles. This regulates their movement and keeps them from flipping upside down. Dead fish, if you observe, float belly up because they stop regulating this organ when they die.

Or...Less likely is the lack of oxygen. When there is a lack of oxygen fish tend to stay close to the surface, as that's where all the oxygen will come from in a tank. Unless he is dwelling at the surface for a looong time it's not an oxygen problem, especially with the airstone.

Answer 4

cycling the tank for two days before putting the goldfish in probably didn't do much. And then to put two of them in the tank without the bacteria to combat the waste, the pleco is probably getting poisioned from the ammonia. Check your water - do a big water change. He might not make it if you don't get him out of there until the tank is cycled.,

Answer 5

Make no mistake- Your tank is too small. Many pet store associates do not know proper goldfish care. -Three fancy goldfish require 40 gallons/150L. -Three common goldfish require 95 gallons/380L. -Goldfish require filtration meant for double the tank size. You are seeing evidence that your aquarium is not suitable for these fish, so you can't deny it. Fish don't gasp for air when their environment is properly oxygenated, and water quality is maintained. You need to test your water, and perform daily partial water changes. It would be best to return the borneo suckers until you can properly house the goldfish. By their first year, goldfish should be at least half way to their potential length. A common goldfish should be about six inches by this time. If a fish is not growing, than they are not healthy.

Answer 6

This is normal. There is no need for any alarm. Pleco's will occasionally go to the top to suck air, it helps them maintain buoyancy. Just make sure you have a lid cause on occasion they will jump outside the tank when they bob for air. They are pretty hardy creatures.

Answer 7

dont use a air stone..use a curtain rod from walmart usually 3-5 dollars