Albino Rianbow Shark Behavior Change and Salt

[eylk]

Hello...




I have a albino rainbow shark with 5 guppies, 1 betta, 10 cardinals and 10 neons in a 20G tank with ammona 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate at 10.

At first the shark was very happy and was always swimming around looking for food..

Now it hides in my driftwood most of the time, rarely comes out.. When it does, it will just sort of make a quick tour of around the tank and swim back in. It has become very very shy! Also I have seen it gasp. (Almost like a fish taking a very very deep breath.)

My previous adult albino had the same problem and it died on me.. What could be wrong?
Can the buildup of waste buried in the gravel be causing this?

Thanks


-------------------------

Another question..
I add a small amount of aquarium salt and black water when ever I do water changes.
I read that the salt will help to disinfect the water a little... Is that okay?
Any links to read on aquarium salt and so on?

thanks

 

[deadxero]

For one, a 20 is significantly under-sized for the shark.

Also, you should be vacuming your tank... I'm assuming you do not do to your concern of wast built up in the substate.

Have you noticed any behavioral differences in your other fish? What's you temp, PH, hardness? How old is the tank? How long have you had this fish?

The more information you can give, the more likely someone can help you out.

 

[eylk]

Im thinking of moving it to another tank when its bigger..

I take out all the gravel and to do spring cleaning once every 2-3 weeks...

My PH is 7.5 I do not know about my Temp and Hardness..

The other fishes are behaving well... Very active and very alert to food...

 

[Lupin]

Another question..
I add a small amount of aquarium salt and black water when ever I do water changes.
I read that the salt will help to disinfect the water a little... Is that okay?
Any links to read on aquarium salt and so on?

Aquarium salt and blackwater extracts are a waste of time and money. You could have used table salt at a fraction of price of the aquarium salt however I do not recommend adding salt unless necessary. No need to add it.

Any reason for using blackwater extracts? This is not necessary as well unless you are attempting to breed your fish.

 

[eylk]

I've read that Blackwater provides a better environment for fishes to live it.. Enriches and enhances colour too..

Also I put salt to 'sterilise' the water to minimise unfriendly bacteria growth and stuff.. When is it neccessary? During a salt treatment?

 

[Lupin]

I've read that Blackwater provides a better environment for fishes to live it.. Enriches and enhances colour too..

Driftwoods, Indian almond leaves and peat leaching tannic acids work the same and are cheaper than that bottle of tannins. As far as the label Enriches and enhances colour too, it is because they were intended for fish that originated from blackwater or shall we say soft acidic waters.

Also I put salt to 'sterilise' the water to minimise unfriendly bacteria growth and stuff.. When is it neccessary? During a salt treatment?

Onset of diseases, not preventive measures.

 

[eylk]

you know what? that little piece of information just saved me some money!

thanks!