clownfish laying down and heavy breathing

[emmasmithhy]

started my tank in december and got two clowns two weeks ago so tank was cycled well. the two clowns were okay but then one started heavy breathing and a few white spots. i thought it was ich and bought cupramine copper treatment which is arriving tomorrow.
i did a freshwater bath a few days ago and no improvement. i have been doing regular water changes every week and everything was fine until the fish.
now both clowns are not moving much, heavy breathing, not eating and lying at the bottom of the tank and have got worse since this morining.
i have read to do a 37.5% formaldehyde bath and a QT but i cant fine formaldehyde in my country. can someone please help i dont want them to die!

 

[MnFish1]

1. It could be brook, it could be cryptokaryon. or BOTH
2. I would set up a hospital tank ASAP - and check with your LFS as to what products ARE available.
3. There are some proprietary products that you can get an an LFS.
4. In place of Formaldehyde - another FW dip may be helpful in the meantime.
5. Hyposalinity may help
6. Chloroquine can also help

 

[MnFish1]

@Jay Hemdal

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

started my tank in december and got two clowns two weeks ago so tank was cycled well. the two clowns were okay but then one started heavy breathing and a few white spots. i thought it was ich and bought cupramine copper treatment which is arriving tomorrow.
i did a freshwater bath a few days ago and no improvement. i have been doing regular water changes every week and everything was fine until the fish.
now both clowns are not moving much, heavy breathing, not eating and lying at the bottom of the tank and have got worse since this morining.
i have read to do a 37.5% formaldehyde bath and a QT but i cant fine formaldehyde in my country. can someone please help i dont want them to die!

Hi,
The rapid breathing points to Brook, velvet or a water quality issue. Be sure the tank has good aeration and fingers crossed that he copper arrives in time!
Jay

 

[emmasmithhy]

1. It could be brook, it could be cryptokaryon. or BOTH
2. I would set up a hospital tank ASAP - and check with your LFS as to what products ARE available.
3. There are some proprietary products that you can get an an LFS.
4. In place of Formaldehyde - another FW dip may be helpful in the meantime.
5. Hyposalinity may help
6. Chloroquine can also help

Hi,
The rapid breathing points to Brook, velvet or a water quality issue. Be sure the tank has good aeration and fingers crossed that he copper arrives in time!
Jay

hi just an update. i put an air pump in and the orange clownfish got a lot better!
the mocha clownfish got worse and then a big storm caused a power cut overnight so no heater or filter ect. unfortunately it died. the other fish is okay and power is back on so the rest of the tank is fine. hopefully the other fish will not get ill as well. thanks for your help