I have a 5 Gal Planted tank with 4 Pygmy Cories and an Apple Snail. The tank has both mechanical (sponge/floss) and biological (bio-wheel) filtration. The tank has been fully cycled for apx 2 months with 0 Ammonia and Nitrite. All inhabitants were added withing a week or two after the cycle was completed using the fishless method. 7.2 PH and 5ppm Nitrate. Temp rests right around 80F. This is higher than I like, but we are in an older house which doesn't have very efficient air conditioning. 20% water changes are performed one to two times per week.
One of the cories has been displaying problems swimming for two or three weeks. When swimming everything is normal, but when it stops swimming it's like it looses its balance. Usually this results in a head stand, but occationally it will role to one side or the other. When this happens it appears to freak the cory out, causing it to swim off quickly righting itself.
This behavior first started shortly after I began mixing RO water 50/50 with my tap water (yes it's treated with a tap water conditioner) at each water change to help soften the water (liquid rock) and lower the nitrates. Based on my calculations the tank should have approximately 1/3 RO and 2/3 Tap Water currently. Other than mixing in the RO water there have been no other changes to the tank.
The fish are feed a variety of food which I vary by day. Flake, Algae Wafers, Small Fish Formula, and Reptile sticks for the Snail.
The cory that has been having swimming problems, had a day or two where it seemed fine again, but then went back to having problems. When chatting with some other members, it was determined that this did not appear to be an illness since there were no other symptoms.
Today when I fed the fish, I found that the cory has developed an additional symptom. There is a red blotch at the base of the body about halfway between the gills and the tail on one side. I'm not sure if this is bruising under scales or what. This discoloration is approximately 1/8" in diameter.
Please advise as to what could be going on with the cory, and what treatments to use or if the cory should be put to sleep. Let me know if you need additional information.
One of the cories has been displaying problems swimming for two or three weeks. When swimming everything is normal, but when it stops swimming it's like it looses its balance. Usually this results in a head stand, but occationally it will role to one side or the other. When this happens it appears to freak the cory out, causing it to swim off quickly righting itself.
This behavior first started shortly after I began mixing RO water 50/50 with my tap water (yes it's treated with a tap water conditioner) at each water change to help soften the water (liquid rock) and lower the nitrates. Based on my calculations the tank should have approximately 1/3 RO and 2/3 Tap Water currently. Other than mixing in the RO water there have been no other changes to the tank.
The fish are feed a variety of food which I vary by day. Flake, Algae Wafers, Small Fish Formula, and Reptile sticks for the Snail.
The cory that has been having swimming problems, had a day or two where it seemed fine again, but then went back to having problems. When chatting with some other members, it was determined that this did not appear to be an illness since there were no other symptoms.
Today when I fed the fish, I found that the cory has developed an additional symptom. There is a red blotch at the base of the body about halfway between the gills and the tail on one side. I'm not sure if this is bruising under scales or what. This discoloration is approximately 1/8" in diameter.
Please advise as to what could be going on with the cory, and what treatments to use or if the cory should be put to sleep. Let me know if you need additional information.
