dying cory catfish, please help!!!!

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sweethoneyjlp86

AC Members
Jan 24, 2006
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I have a 5 gallon tank with 1 betta and 1 cory catfish. I just bought a new cory catfish at about 3:45. We acclimated him for 30 minutes. He was fine in the bag and also in the tank for about 5 minutes. Then he started laying on his side and not swimming. It looks like he is breathing heavly. He will stay at the top, then swim down for a bit, then go back to the top on his side. The readings for the tank are as followed:
pH: 7.2
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 1.0
Nitrate:0

What is wrong with my fish? Is he going to die? What happened to him?
 
he could be VERY lonely. you know they need to be kept in schools of at least 4, bare minimum, right?
 
I think they meant the new fish is ill.

If that is the case there is a chance that the stress of moving put an already ill fish over the edge. Many fish simply come from the store sick or injured. This why it is good policie to quarantine your fish (I admit to not always doing so). If you can separate the new fish in order to keep your old fish healthy. Also make sure you have clean oxygenated water. Lots of water changes.


If he dies take him back to the store. Actually you may want to call the store and ask if any other fish have show similar signs.
 
are there any abnormalties on his body?
 
There are no abnormalities on him. Thanks for all the replies so quickly. He is still alive, but he doesn't look good. :(
 
well, if he survives the night, try getting him 2-3 buddies. he may just pop back to life like nothing ever happend.
 
The nitrite could be the problem. Nitrite is toxic to fish, you need to change some of the water out to reduce the amount right away. Based on your numbers, it looks like the tank isn't cycled. How long has it been running? Cories are very sensitive to water quality issues.
 
webcricket said:
The nitrite could be the problem. Nitrite is toxic to fish, you need to change some of the water out to reduce the amount right away. Based on your numbers, it looks like the tank isn't cycled. How long has it been running? Cories are very sensitive to water quality issues.
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Yeah, Nitrites need to be below .25. 1ppm is too high. your other fish are probably toughing it out, but it sent this new guy into shock. Do a water change asap. It does sound like your tank is starting to cycle. i would do a 50% water change now and every day until you get those Nitrites down.
 
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