View Full Version : Assorted african cichlid Breathing problems! Help!!!!
Fishfriendz2
06-23-2009, 5:08 PM
Hello,
I have an assorted african cichlid aquarium. All the fish are about an centimeter above the surface breathing heavily! I don't know what the problem is! Please help me fix it!:help:
jjbtexas
06-23-2009, 5:10 PM
i would definitely do a water change or two and also test the water with a good liquid test kit
Fishfriendz2
06-23-2009, 5:13 PM
I did one but nothing changed... what % of water change should i do????:confused:
jjbtexas
06-23-2009, 5:17 PM
if its that bad 30 to 40 percent, also i would add an air stone if you don't have one already
Fishfriendz2
06-23-2009, 5:20 PM
okay thanks for the help, i'll inform you on any changes of problems!
Its likely a sign of insufficient oxygen uptake by the fish; could be either ammonia, less likely nitrite present, or overstocked tank, or excess nitrates/dissolved organic compouds due to insufficient water changes/filtration.
You need to test with a good liquid drop test kit for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and post the result plus type of test.
Doing a large water change is solid advice for now.
What size tank is it ? How long set up ? What are the inhabitants and how many off each ?
cris gaston
06-23-2009, 6:01 PM
Most probably low on oxygen. Hopefully not gill fluke. Make several partial water changes. Check on the filter system if working right. Is the tank over-stocked ? Or, maybe the fish are over-fed.
Fishfriendz2
06-23-2009, 6:17 PM
Thanks for everyone's help, I've done a 70% water change and the fish are acting normally now! I just re tested my nitrate and ammonia levels and they are both at zero now!!! Thank you everyone for your fish saving help!
Pittbull
06-24-2009, 12:04 AM
Weekly 50% water changes are a must for Mbuna also make sure your O2 is great.. How many fish and what size tank?
efors
06-24-2009, 12:19 AM
What about the nitrite level? If nitrate is at 0, maybe the tank is recycling due to death of many good bacteria. Have you previously cleaned the tank and/or the filter recently? How is your cleaning procedure?
Thanks for everyone's help, I've done a 70% water change and the fish are acting normally now! I just re tested my nitrate and ammonia levels and they are both at zero now!!! Thank you everyone for your fish saving help!
Nitrate should not be 0 in a cycled mbuna tank. What test did you use ?
What size tank and what/how many fish ?
wesleydnunder
06-24-2009, 2:59 PM
Nitrite inhibits the blood's ability to carry oxygen. I agree with Coler, in a cycled tank your nitrAte shouldn't be zero, your nitrIte should. If you're using an AP Freshwater Master Kit you could be doing the nitrate test wrong, causing it not to measure. You have to follow the directions on the nitrate test to the letter (shaking the bottles and test tube).
If your Ammonia and nitrite are zero, it could be a case of not enough water turnover at the surface. The surface of the water is where gaseous exchange takes place. You can use an air stone as suggested or powerhead pointed toward the surface to keep the water circulating to the surface continually.
Mark