Midas blenny stressed in QT

[Mariette]

Got his guy yesterday so I get that he’s still very stressed. he’s in a 20g Barebottom QT tank w no live rock. There are a few pipes to hide in and some plastic plants to offer shelter. Back and sides of tank are covered. He’s stuck here for 3 weeks. He’s constantly swimming upright in this one area. Suspected swim bladder issues but he’s fine at lights out and swims away to sleep. He’s clearly stressed and looking for a way out. Is there anything I can do to help him feel comfortable in this unnatural and strange new temporary environment? He’s huge and I’m afraid the tank is just too small for him

 

[fishguy242]

hi,salinity? parameters? is this new water or established? eating yet?

 

[Mariette]

hi,salinity? parameters? is this new water or established? eating yet?

Hello.
Eating: yes.
salinity: 1.025
Temp: 74
Ammonia: 0
Nitrate: 0
Nitrite: 0 or less than 0.25 ppm
Ph: 8 to 8.2
Tank is not cycled because we disinfect after each use to avoid cross contamination. Water used to fill tank and for all water changes is from well established 110g DT.

 

[Mariette]

hi,salinity? parameters? is this new water or established? eating yet?

I should add that he was kept at 0.022 salinity at the pet shop so he had a swing to dead w when we got him home. Used the drip method to acclimate.

 

[fishguy242]

hi,lets get some expert help here, @Jay Hemdal @vetteguy53081

 

[Mariette]

hi,lets get some expert help here, @Jay Hemdal @vetteguy53081

Thanks fishguy.

 

[mrbacony]

Exact same thing happened with my Midas Blenny in QT about 2 months ago. It had me worried too. But he is fine. That is the say they swim When stressed. Mine would hide at the top of the tank and I could not find him. After 3-4 days, he relaxed some what. He is now in my display tank and rules the tank with confidence. He will be fine. Just stressed for the time being.

 

[Mariette]

Exact same thing happened with my Midas Blenny in QT about 2 months ago. It had me worried too. But he is fine. That is the say they swim When stressed. Mine would hide at the top of the tank and I could not find him. After 3-4 days, he relaxed some what. He is now in my display tank and rules the tank with confidence. He will be fine. Just stressed for the time being.

That’s reassuring. Thanks. I feel terrible for the little guy.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Keep the tank dim as it looks like you are doing. Is the fish feeding yet? Bear in mind that moving tank water over doesn’t move many nitrifying bacteria (those live mostly on surfaces, not free in the water) so you’ll want to keep a close eye on the ammonia.
Jay

 

[Mariette]

Keep the tank dim as it looks like you are doing. Is the fish feeding yet? Bear in mind that moving tank water over doesn’t move many nitrifying bacteria (those live mostly on surfaces, not free in the water) so you’ll want to keep a close eye on the ammonia.
Jay

Thanks Jay. He’s eating. I have an ammonia badge in there but also test ammonia because I know the badges aren’t 100% reliable. I also do regular water changes. Kept tank dim 1st day but turned lights on today. I’ll keep it dim a few days and see if that helps him settle. Thanks!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks Jay. He’s eating. I have an ammonia badge in there but also test ammonia because I know the badges aren’t 100% reliable. I also do regular water changes. Kept tank dim 1st day but turned lights on today. I’ll keep it dim a few days and see if that helps him settle. Thanks!

Not eating is almost always the first sign of serious issues in new fish, so as long as it eats well, I wouldn't be too worried.

Jay

 

[Mariette]

Not eating is almost always the first sign of serious issues in new fish, so as long as it eats well, I wouldn't be too worried.

Jay

Thanks Jay. Body condition appears well. Fat. No signs of disease. Strong. Eating. Just wish there was something I could do for him.