Help!!!!! Sick Fish!!!!

[Nathanpopp]

My Male venustus is breathing heavy on the bottom. Doesn't move.

Tank size 75.
Other Africans cichlids as tank mates.

 

[Mogurako]

Well since its an African tank I am willing to guess the PH is on the higher end. The higher the PH the more toxic any trace of ammonia is and it looks like you have some ammonia. I would start with a 50% water change.

 

[Nathanpopp]

Will do. Ph is 8.2

 

[Mogurako]

Yep, that would cause even a small amount of ammonia to be toxic.

 

[Nathanpopp]

Yep, that would cause even a small amount of ammonia to be toxic.

Will upping filtration help keep my ammonia down?

 

[Mogurako]

Might help but try to up your WC schedule first, it's allot cheaper.

 

[Nathanpopp]

Might help but try to up your WC schedule first, it's allot cheaper.

Well I ordered an ac 75

 

[Nathanpopp]

I have a hospital tank, would any meds help?

 

[Mogurako]

I have a hospital tank, would any meds help?

Clean water

 

[Nathanpopp]

So move to hospital tank with clean water?

 

[mikem691]

Ok 1st your test is telling me either you are not cycled or something has happened to the BB. Your amonia is around .5 to 1.0 and 0 trites and trates.
0 trites is good but unless you are heavy planted you should show nitrates.
I would do a 50% water change and then test in an hour. Im going to guess you will be at .25 at this point and need to do another 50% water change. If you leave it as it is your other fish will start having problems. Was the tank cycled before this? Im not an expert so hopefully someone will agree or disagree soon.

 

[Nathanpopp]

Tanks been cycled for about 3 months now

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Clean water

Clean water and more clean water is the best thing to do.

 

[Nathanpopp]

I never have nitrates for some reason...?

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Then I'm gonna say your not cycled yet or your current bioload is to high for you bb. Essentially your bb aren't converting ammonia to trates efficient enough.

 

[Nathanpopp]

Then I'm gonna say your not cycled yet or your current bioload is to high for you bb. Essentially your bb aren't converting ammonia to trates efficient enough.

Hmm the tank cycled? What do I do about that?

 

[mikem691]

I just learned about cycling but I already have fish. What now?! - Aquarium Advice

 

[cbourg746]

Hmm the tank cycled? What do I do about that?

You need to do regular water changes at this point. 20-30% for the next couple of days to let the cycle catch up.

 

[Nathanpopp]

Will do guys thanks for all of your help I really appreciate it!

 

[Nathanpopp]

Just made a late night trip to my uncles. He had a cycled canister filter waiting for me...