Sick German Blue Ram

[rcervel]

I recently bought 2 GBR. Just noticed today that one of them appears sick. He's been hiding in his cave most of the day, and comes out every couple of hours or so. When he came out today he stayed near the bottom, then I saw him flipped over on his back, a few mins later he's back right side up, but is sometimes pointing straight up and down either head all the way up or down into the substrate. He's been eating a little but doesn't seem too hungry, his colors seems normal for his age. The other GBR seems fine but is still hiding most of the day, not eating much. Non of the other fish bother then, in fact the GBR have chased some of the Gold Barbs, but not lately.

Water Params:
Ammonia: Less than .25(test taken after feeding)
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: Between 10 & 5
pH: 6.8
temp: About 83 F

Any Ideas?
:help2:

[Star_Rider]

what size tank?
how long have they been in the tank?
83 is towards the low end for GBR's.

planted tank? any ferts? or other chems added to the tank?

[rcervel]

It's a 29 gal, today is day 3 in the tank for them.

[Star_Rider]

keep an eye on the ammonia and other parameters.
what is the temp of the tank?

they are most likely stressed. it is typical for them not to eat until comfortable.

where did you get the GBR's from?

[rcervel]

The temp is at 83-84 F. I got them from a Petgoods store, which I regularly go to, never had a problem with them. I tried to acclimate them as best I could knowing that they a sensitive to changes in water quality, but this morning I found the male belly up at the top of the tank. : ( I still have the female, I'll wait to make sure she's okay before i go back for another.

[ct-death]

With ammonia present you must still be cycling? How old is the tank?

GBRs are very sensitive to water quality and are certainly not a good candidate for a cycling tank.....

Also, GBRs tend to be VERY sensitive to new surroundings/changing aquascapes, etc. They ususllay take anywhere from 1-2 weeks to settle in fully.

As for temp, I notice that the colors in mine really started to pop with Temps up over 86-87. I keep my tank at 88.

As for getting another, I would definately advice NOT to until your tank is done cycling for some time.

As for taking care of her now, I would certainly ensure that your ammonia is at 0.0 or near as you can make it. The same for the nitrItes when they begin. Test multiple times daily.

[rcervel]

I've raised the temp to 86 F. The tank has already cycled. Nitrites have already spiked and been reduced for a while now. All the other water params have been steady ever since.

[Star_Rider]

typically you would not see ammonia in the tanks.
when you say the nitrites spiked and reduced..what is the nitrite count?

also what is the nitrate count?

salt can help , if you don't have a planted tank.

it is a catch all when there are issues with discus and rams.(other fish too)

[rcervel]

Ammonia was less than .25 ppm
nitrite: 0 ppm (was as high as 2 before finished cycle)
nitrate: between 5 and 10 ppm

There is a little salt in the tank, along with about 10 live plants.