Hi,
I have a 10 year old Oscar, Harry who I fear is very ill. He is in a 400 gallon tank with a couple plecos and a two clown loaches. I'm an experienced fish person and have had this tank for nearly Harry's entire life. I know there is nothing wrong with the tank: temp, water, lighting, etc...
Harry has been sitting on the bottom of the tank for the second day now which is not normal. He is usually very active and follows me around, especially if it's time to eat. Last night, he didn't eat when I put in his pellets. I fear he is getting close to the end of his life.
I know enough to know that most diseases can be easily mis-diagnosed and treatment can cause more pain than just letting nature take its course. If he is dying, I need to let him go but he deserves whatever I can do for him.
His flesh tone is lighter than normal but he seems to be swimming fine and isn't listing. He is breathing maybe a bit harder than normal but still has no problem nipping at the plecos if they come close. I've increased the stress coat and the aquarium salt level is added when I do weekly water changes. I've moved some plants around him as he wants to hide behind a rock on the floor of the tank. I'm thinking this gives him some more peace with the increased privacy.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Angie
I have a 10 year old Oscar, Harry who I fear is very ill. He is in a 400 gallon tank with a couple plecos and a two clown loaches. I'm an experienced fish person and have had this tank for nearly Harry's entire life. I know there is nothing wrong with the tank: temp, water, lighting, etc...
Harry has been sitting on the bottom of the tank for the second day now which is not normal. He is usually very active and follows me around, especially if it's time to eat. Last night, he didn't eat when I put in his pellets. I fear he is getting close to the end of his life.
I know enough to know that most diseases can be easily mis-diagnosed and treatment can cause more pain than just letting nature take its course. If he is dying, I need to let him go but he deserves whatever I can do for him.
His flesh tone is lighter than normal but he seems to be swimming fine and isn't listing. He is breathing maybe a bit harder than normal but still has no problem nipping at the plecos if they come close. I've increased the stress coat and the aquarium salt level is added when I do weekly water changes. I've moved some plants around him as he wants to hide behind a rock on the floor of the tank. I'm thinking this gives him some more peace with the increased privacy.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Angie