Help me decide - euthanize or not? Sick kuhli loach

[callisto9]

I've had two kuhli loaches for about ten days. As of a few days ago, they've started losing their coloring, have pale spots, are acting really weird and one of them has been lying sideways on the gravel for two days now.

I saw what I think was a nitrate spike two days ago (40ppm) and I did three PWC of about 50%. It didn't seem to matter.

All other fish are fine.

What should I do? I've never euthanized a fish before, but watching this loach just lie there, doing nothing... I can't help but think he's suffering. He's breathing OK, just not moving - at all. Been in the same position for over 24 hours now.

I cannot find/see the other one.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Here's my tank stats:

20G high planted tank.
Dose 1ml flourish comprehensive once a week.
Prime water conditioner.
Fish: seven glowlight tetras, three fancy guppies, two Japan blue guppies, one dwarf gourami, two peacock gudgeons, three nerite snails
6 gallon WC one a week.
One full-spectrum 15W 8000K T8 bulb. on 10 hours a day.

 

[callisto9]

Found the other one. He's dead.

Now the first one who was lying there is missing.

 

[Hholly]

In my mind if you are considering euthanasia, it's probably the right time. Sorry for your fishy.

 

[callisto9]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking, too. I think the best method for me (since I don't have vodka and clove extract) is to do the freezing water thing. I just don't have the gut to do it yet. And I can't bear the thought of it not working.

I did find the sick one. He was just covered up by a moss ball.

*sigh*

 

[Hholly]

I've used the freezing water method before. It's very fast. Good luck.

 

[callisto9]

So you get it cold enough that the top kinda ices over, right?

 

[Hholly]

Yes, then after you put the fish in stick it back in the freezer. They seem to be gone before you can get them to the freezer though.