Sick fish?

[4n6doc]

I’ve got a 20 gallon nano, just did water testing last night. Parameters are normal and have not fluctuated. I do weekly water changes, and planned on doing that today.

I’ve got a royal gramma, wheelers shrimp goby, a pair of clowns, and a cleaner shrimp. Everyone was fine last night. This morning I noticed the goby in distress, and found the gramma in distress hiding in the rocks. They are both breathing shallow rapid breaths. Neither will eat or want to swim, though the others are fine…swimming, eating, etc. I don’t see any signs of disease. All fish have been getting along, and all we acting “normal” when I checked last night.

Is there something else I should check? This seems too weird to have two who are so distressed and the rest are perfectly fine. I’m not sure where to start…my LFS won’t open for a few hours, but I’d like to formulate some kind of plan before then. Any insight is appreciated!

 

[vetteguy53081]

What test kits are you using?
What filtration are you using?

you may have had a bacterial bloom or ammonia spike

verify Ammonia-nitrate-ph-salinity and then do at least 25% water change and add air stone to the tank

even have pet store that does not use API test kits check a water BBC sample for you to verify numbers

 

[4n6doc]

I’m using the API test kits, I tested ammonia again this morning and it was the same, but I’ll check other parameters again.

Filtration is activated carbon, sponge, poly filter, and some of those ceramic rings for bacteria.

I’ll do a big change today, have them test the water, add the air stone and see if it helps. Thanks for the quick reply. Hopefully they make it.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I’m using the API test kits, I tested ammonia again this morning and it was the same, but I’ll check other parameters again.

Filtration is activated carbon, sponge, poly filter, and some of those ceramic rings for bacteria.

I’ll do a big change today, have them test the water, add the air stone and see if it helps. Thanks for the quick reply. Hopefully they make it.

That’s what I figured
API Kits VERY known for false readings and numbers likely higher
Take a good water sample to a trusted LFS that does Not use API kits and have them test your water and see what results they come up with and to compare with yours

 

[4n6doc]

Yeah, I’ve been wondering how the levels have been what they’ve been for so long. Do you have a better kit you recommend? I don’t want to keep using it if it’s not accurate.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Yeah, I’ve been wondering how the levels have been what they’ve been for so long. Do you have a better kit you recommend? I don’t want to keep using it if it’s not accurate.

Hanna or salifert