dozer
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Have a cherry barb that seems to have gotten swollen over the last couple of days and is breathing quickly and not swimming with the others...pH is about 8,nitrate 40, nitrite 0, ammonia 0, temp 28C/84F. Tank is 10 gallons and has been set up for 3 months. I am using an aquaclear mini with charcoal and sponge filter. I have 4 cherry barbs (not sure if male or female), 1 male betta and 2 female bettas (yes for you betta lovers, things are working well with a mixed tank like that..just the odd flaring at times and occasional fin nipping. I'll have to post a picture). The cherry barbs are about an inch long, the bettas are full grown. I did a water change yesterday. I vacuum the gravel weekly and usually take out about 25% of the water. I have had the bettas for the full 3 months. I added the cherry barbs about a month ago. I feed them flake food and betta pellets. I haven't added anything recently. I have been looking around the internet about epsom salts. I used to have goldfish as a kid and occasionally added epsom salt to the water if my fish seemed off. I cannot remember the dosage though and I'm not sure if it will help my chubby fish. Anybody know what could be wrong with my cherry barb? Has anybody else had luck with epsom salt in the aquarium?