Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 11:29 pm Post subject: cichlids as "sitting ducks"
A few of my cichlids has been gasping for breath and gets exhausted easily with frequent sitting on the gravel or on some rock.Things start by redening of the mouth ,then the fins get red and then they start to sit down .They continue toeat.To ELIMINATE THE INFECTION PART I had acid washed the entire setup.These days for water change I am using ageing water and dechlorinator.After using this kind of water I find no more new affected cichlids but the affected ones are not recovering.Can anybody through some light on these "sitting duck" cichlids.I have a 40 gallon tank with only cichlids.
Joined: Feb 24, 2007 Posts: 4066 Location: Miyapur, Hyderabad
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Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 4:36 am Post subject: Re: cichlids as "sitting ducks"
I know nothing about chichilds behave but still I may have a clue. There are few fishes(Tiger Barb e.t.c) whos Face or Body part turn red if there is any nitrate/Nitrite spike in tank.
Just to play save, check your tank water parameter once to make sure there is no Nitrate/Nitrite spike as such. []
Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 8:14 am Post subject: Re: cichlids as "sitting ducks"
What do you mean by 'acid washed'? Isnt that what is done to new jeans at the factory to make them look old and torn and half digested?
If there is any chance that some of the stuff you used for cleaning has remained back in the tank then it can be a cause for pH swings. Maybe thats the cause.
Is your tank less than a month or two old? If you give a more detailed description of the tank it would help us better to help you.
Joined: Jun 13, 2005 Posts: 1907 Location: Bangalore
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Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 10:47 am Post subject: Re: cichlids as "sitting ducks"
Reddening of areas... sounds like Ammonia burns
Are you sure you have the tank cycled properly ?
And what's the size of the tank and filtration you have.
And as Deepesh suggested, always make sure the tank is very sterile and clear of all chemicals after every treatment (acid wash is not recommended at all)
Joined: Aug 19, 2005 Posts: 4895 Location: Mathura, UP
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Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 11:53 am Post subject: Re: cichlids as "sitting ducks"
The symptoms look like ammonia burns, ammonia burns the gills of fishes. This them to breathe heavily and also tires them. If ammonia persists then red burn marks appear on skin.
Your problem in initial stage is absence of nitrifying bacteria,a nd your "acid washing" has kiiled all benefecial bacteria you might be having and your tank will start to cycle again.
Please read more on nitrogen cycling and how to keep your nitrifying bacteria colony happy.
Start by putting some non iodised salt in water, approx one teaspoon for each 5 gallons, slowly take it to one teaspoon to each gallon over 10-15 days.
Salt reduces damage due to ammonia, and will also help if there is some infection.
However you have to ensure that there is no residual acid left as it will be disaster for fishes.
BTW you never need to acid wash anything.
Joined: Feb 15, 2006 Posts: 2588 Location: Coimbatore
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Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 8:33 pm Post subject: Re: cichlids as "sitting ducks"
Hi Debesh,
You will have to first give complete details if you want others to give you solutions.
1. A 40 gallon tank but size specifications will help.
2. Cichlids - Angels, Tangyanikan, Malawi, South American, Discus, Apistos - All are cichlids. So do mention what you have.
3. When did you start this tank? How long did it cycle?
4. Fish numbers.
5. Filtration.
6. Decor - Rocks, Sand, Plants etc.
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