Treatment for my Clown Loach

[clstewart]

I currently have three clown loaches who live in a 55g tank with about a dozen other (mostly small) fish. Within the past week, my largest clown who is normally very active and robust has become lethargic, breathing hard, has no appetite, and is flashing occasionally. I've tried using a half dosage of parasite clear fizz tabs by jungle, which didn't seem to help. I've also purchased some medicated fishfood for parasites that he won't eat. I'm not sure what else to do. Even though there is no indication that he has ick (haven't seen any spots whatsoever), I can't think of nothing else but to turn the heat up to 88 degrees (it is normally set at 82). I normally do a small partial water change of approx 10% every day, and a gravel vacuuming every other day. My ammonia and nitrate levels are at zero. Any ideas about what might be wrong with my sick loach, or how to treat him?

:help:

 

[Nolapete]

Internal parasites or bacterial infection. Turn your heat back down to your normal temp and treat with an internal parasite or bacterial med safe for loaches. I'd most likely use Pimafix and Melafix, but ask around to be sure they are safe with loaches. There's no need to do water changes every day. Do 25-50% weekly and vac the gravel while doing that.

 

[H3D]

If it is breathing hard then lack of oxygen is my first guess. Turning the heat up to 88 is a very bad idea IMO.

 

[H3D]

I would also suggest a different water change regimen. I would do 50% twice a week. What are your NO3 readings?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i would lower the temp down also. the higher the heat less o2 in the water. try 80.

 

[discus3]

treat with metrozol,keep the heat up and some mor oxygen to the water vis airstones when clears up go back to normal heat

 

[Cerianthus]

Since what you described maybe symptoms few diffrent types of infections, that is if an infection, I would not know what to recommend at this point.

What is pH? Is your pH constant?

Since you already started increased heat method, why not continue for few more days and observe? When did you increase temp?

Provided your water condition are within reason/steady, I would not increase frequency of water changes. I would just stick to your routine maintenance schedule.
Fish under stress have to utilize more energy (energy which can be used to combat intruders) to cope with sudden/constant water changes thus fish in question may weaken faster with time, especially when not eating. Well, this is with an assumption water parameters are within ideal conditions.

It may be difficult but pic/vid possible?

 

[fishorama]

3 year old thread guys

 

[EmilyMarie85]

lol - how'd that happen?