FIREMOUTH is HYPERVENTILATING! Need advice ASAP!

[B Phishin]

Hey everybody... I have a firemouth cichlid that is about an inch long, looks very healthy and fit, but it looks like it's gasping for air.. stressing his lips in and out rapidly as I send this darnit! Had him for almost 2 weeks and dont know what's goin on.. Need advice ASAP! please

- 29 gallon tank
- 100 and 150 Penguin Bio-Wheel Filtration System
- pH - 7.6 - 7.8
- temperature - 78 to 80 degrees
- substrate - 50 lbs of thoroughly rinsed/cleansed playsand
- limestone and black slate slabs, a piece of malaysian driftwood

 

[jetajockey]

Hello. Have you tested the water at all? Is this a newly set up tank?

 

[B Phishin]

He was sent off for security of the tank.. wish ya the best young juvie

 

[Tigroscr]

He was sent off for security of the tank.. wish ya the best young juvie

What?? He was sent off where?

 

[Convict2161]

Sent off? Please explain...

 

[librarygirl]

For your remaining fish.....How long has the tank been set up? Have you tested the water for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate? If it's a new tank toxins could be building in the water which frequent water changes would fix. There's a link in my signature called: new tank with fish. Give it a read and see if it applies to your situation.

 

[B Phishin]

Yooo... sorry for the late response.. been workin.. but yes, I sent him "off" or should I say "back" to a local pet store with his old buddies. As for my nitrate, nitite, and ammonia levels.. I haven't bought a test kit quite yet.. probably tomorrow or tuesday.. i'll g,et that data to you asap.. So since my firemouth is gone, I was thinkin about stockin my tank a bit more over the next few weeks.. Just a reminder.. all my fish are fine and getting along for now.. all young juveniles.. 2 GBR's and 3 Angels (which chill together, not even nipping, probably will change as they mature and get bigger, but i'll cross that bridge when it approaches), and 4 cardinal tetras.. so I was thinkin about adding a bottom dweller, which would be a Striped Rafeal, an exotic type of pleco (probably a sailfin or spotted), and 3 more Cardinal Tetras.. and maybe a freshwater shark (any suggestions on that?).. Thanks for listening guys.. lemme know your opinons.. would be m

 

[B Phishin]

"Would be much appreciated" is what I meant to say