Need help with a sick bolivian ram!

[Mog]

Hi,

Sorry for posting in the wrong category, just hoping to get some quick advice before the little guy passes on...

I have 4 Bolivian Rams in a 75g with other fish... paramaters are: 77 degrees, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and 5 nitrates.

When I came home, I noticed him diving/sticking his nose into the substrate. At first, I thought he was going for a piece of food.. then he twirled a little while his nose was still pushed up against the substrate. He's been doing this for about an hour now and I don't know if there is anything I can do for him. I don't have a QT set up yet...

The rams have been in the tank since Easter day, so just about a month now... 1 seemed a little "shy" since day one... he stayed in the back of the tank, came out to join the others on occassion, but kept to himself for the most part. I can't tell if it's this one or not...

Anyone have any suggestions that I can try? I feel so bad for him and don't know what to do... I know BR's aren't the hardiest of fish, but I thought after a month, they would be okay...

He's just floating on the bottom, nose down... breathing like normal...

Thanks in advance!

Mog

 

[rich311k]

Did you see him eating, how does his belly look?

 

[Mog]

His stomach looks fine... I have been concerned about them not eating enough though... seems like they hardly eat while I'm watching... hardly pick on flakes...

 

[Mog]

Anyone? This morning he was still alive, seems to be breathing normal, just floating tail up along the substrate and bobbing his head down... I feel really bad for him but don't know what to do.