adopted some cons, they look kinda rough.

[Kennedy327]

Ok I went to pick up a tank with 2 convicts. Everything for free, they just needed to move and wouldnt have room for the tank. I figured it would be a good thing and the fish would be well taken care of if they are that concerned with the fish.

I get there and the tank is all shut down over night no heat. tank is filthy, algae everywhere. filters way way way clogged undergravel filter was not hooked up, just the plate, water was black.

I take the tank home and spend an hour cleaning the tank and setting it up. I get the fish in there and I notice that one has long fins of which it looks like its tail is either rotting or had been nipped at, this same fish has an inflammed gill plate and is having issues breathing. The other one is much darker, normal finned with no rot but seems to be breathing real hard also. They both get along so Im not sure if the one is nipping the others tail. I know that it can be stressful to move fish but they are breathing real hard and the ones gill has me concerned.

Im wondering if this is something that can be cured or if its best to just put them down.

[irishspy]

Given the environment they were in, it sounds like they could have bacterial infections. I'd try giving them large, regular water changes to keep the water as clean as possible and also feed them some medicated food (I think Jungle makes a variety). If you can get them eating, that's a good sign. Good luck!

[Vicious_Fish]

Some male Convict Cichlds have ragged looking fin tips but it's normal. Here's one of my males.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=593&pictureid=5270

[Kennedy327]

they eat fine, and move around fine although im noticing some agression. That is exactly how there tail fins look. Only real issue I see now after seeing your picture is the enflamed gill plate.

Edit I also wanted to add how little these people know. I was told it was a 55g compete. So I show up and its definitly not, 36 x 12 x 17 aka 30 gallon. Why do people like this own fish. How long will two cons be ok in a 30. Id really like to ad a third fish to spread out the agression but Im worried about the tank size interferring with this. I might just give them away once I know they are ok and use the tank for a non cichlid setup.

[Vicious_Fish]

I keep a pair of cons in a 29 gallon. A 30 gallon has a bigger foot print but there's not much you can add in such a small tank when you have cons. I do keep a Striped Anostomus as a target fish with my pair.

[reefplayground]

its could be a number of problems with them. Do regular large water changes, monitor the water, and if you want to be on the safe side. Do methylene blue baths every other day for a period of a week or so. Use a 5ml/gal ratio for about 10-15min. That should help out if there are any exterior fungal or bacterial issues involved.

[bitbot]

Good on you for taking on the challenge.
If they've survived this long, they may do fine with a little TLC.
Some people have no idea.