Brown on my fish?
When non-bottom feeding fish lay on the bottom with fins clamped, it’s definitely a sign that something is wrong. Figuring out what’s wrong is always a task.
Whenever something is wrong, the first thing you should do is a PWC and gravel vacuum since poor water quality is the leading cause of fish problems. Next, do a filter cleaning to get rid of any excess detritus (see my blog article about doing proper filter maintenance and cleaning). These steps also prepare the tank for any eventual meds you may have to use as meds work much better when they have fresh water to work in.
I would start by raising the salinity level depending on what the “tiny algae eater” is. You need to find out the species and see if they are salt tolerant as many catfish aren’t… if it’s a catfish. You may have to move it if it’s salt intolerant or use other medical options. The chloride in salt will help the fish breathe easier and the sodium will help kill off bad bacteria and parasites. You should also increase the O2 levels in tank by increasing surface agitation. This article explains the uses and doses of salt. http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/health/salt.shtml
76-78F is not “hot” for tropical fish. It’s on the low end of the scale for them. What was the normal temperature of the tank prior to this heat spell?
What might you have done that might have thrown your tank back into a cycle? You stated that your test results were OK. What were the numbers for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and any other tests you have?
Lenny Vasbinder Fish Blog - http://GoldLenny.blogspot.com
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
