Assorted african cichlid Breathing problems! Help!!!!

[Fishfriendz2]

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]

i would definitely do a water change or two and also test the water with a good liquid test kit

 

[Fishfriendz2]

I did one but nothing changed... what % of water change should i do????

 

[jjbtexas]

if its that bad 30 to 40 percent, also i would add an air stone if you don't have one already

 

[Fishfriendz2]

okay thanks for the help, i'll inform you on any changes of problems!

 

[Coler]

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]

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]

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]

Weekly 50% water changes are a must for Mbuna also make sure your O2 is great.. How many fish and what size tank?

 

[efors]

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?