Clownfish laying down in qt

[LoganGG]

Four days ago, I got a clown from my LFS. He’s looked healthy, been eating, and ever since this morning, he’s been laying down and breathing rapidly. He’s still eating, but just laying down. Other fish in QT are still swimming and healthy. I’m not sure if there’s anything wrong, so I figured I’d ask.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

Need your tank parameters and pictures taken in white light. Suggest you get an airstone running and check ammonia asap.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Four days ago, I got a clown from my LFS. He’s looked healthy, been eating, and ever since this morning, he’s been laying down and breathing rapidly. He’s still eating, but just laying down. Other fish in QT are still swimming and healthy. I’m not sure if there’s anything wrong, so I figured I’d ask.

Distress is in place- I cant see side view of fish - any other fish in tank?
This guy may be becoming moribund in which it will not swim or eat normally
Assuming this is a quarantine tank, Is there any treatment in the tank?
What filter method are you providing?
What is the ammonia level?
Adding aeration with air stone M A Y help.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Have you treated the fish with anything yet?
What other fish are in with it?

Jay

 

[LoganGG]

Distress is in place- I cant see side view of fish - any other fish in tank?
This guy may be becoming moribund in which it will not swim or eat normally
Assuming this is a quarantine tank, Is there any treatment in the tank?
What filter method are you providing?
What is the ammonia level?
Adding aeration with air stone M A Y help.

There is a Korean Angel, and copperband in there with him. Treating with copper. Using a HOB filter, and ammonia is reading 0ppm.

 

[vetteguy53081]

There is a Korean Angel, and copperband in there with him. Treating with copper. Using a HOB filter, and ammonia is reading 0ppm.

What copper level are you treating at and how are you testing copper level?
Koran and CBB would not tolerate high ammonia level, so thats ruled out

 

[LoganGG]

What copper level are you treating at and how are you testing copper level?
Koran and CBB would not tolerate high ammonia level, so thats ruled out

I’m using Coppersafe as the instructions say. I haven’t tested for copper though.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I’m using Coppersafe as the instructions say. I haven’t tested for copper though.

You must test or have an LFS test for you..... If overdosed- this very behavior will occur

 

[LoganGG]

You must test or have an LFS test for you..... If overdosed- this very behavior will occur

It’s 9:30 where I am, and no fish stores are open currently. Should I just play it safe and do a 50% water change without adding more copper?

 

[vetteguy53081]

It’s 9:30 where I am, and no fish stores are open currently. Should I just play it safe and do a 50% water change without adding more copper?

You can and then plan on using a test kit before resetting the level. Once you do, run it for 30 days

 

[LoganGG]

You can and then plan on using a test kit before resetting the level. Once you do, run it for 30 days

Update: I just fed, he saw the mysis in the water, and started swimming, ate some shrimp, then lied back down and breathing heavy again. I will perform a water change.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Update: I just fed, he saw the mysis in the water, and started swimming, ate some shrimp, then lied back down and breathing heavy again. I will perform a water change.

Eating is Always positive

 

[LoganGG]

Eating is Always positive

My thoughts exactly. He swims for a little, and then stops and sinks down until he’s laying down. I heard Clowns are sensitive to copper, so I’m just going to try and see if the water change helps.

 

[LoganGG]

Eating is Always positive

If copper was the problem, and it was lowered with a water change, how long would it be until I would be able to tell if it helped?

 

[vetteguy53081]

If copper was the problem, and it was lowered with a water change, how long would it be until I would be able to tell if it helped?

2-3 days average

 

[LoganGG]

2-3 days average

Update: He’s up and swimming again. Thank you so much, since losing one of my clowns to an ick outbreak I’ve been so excited to get another