Help!! Sick balloon molly

S

SKAPSYCHO

Skafunkrastapunk! Senior Member
Apr 14, 1999
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0
0
43
Collegeville, MN
Hello!
I was on vacation for 4 days and when I got back, one of my balloon mollies was having trouble swimming. Eventually, it appeared that the fish lost its ability to swim entirely. I had treated the tank with Maracide (for ich) a week ago, so I don't know what it could be. The guppies in the tank look fine, as does the SA bumble bee catfish.

I just lost the one sick balloon molly I had, and now my other one is exhibiting similar symptoms. It isn't swimming very well and seems to be unable avoid "hitting" the bottom when it is floundering around.

Any help would be awesome! I'll be doing a large water change after I write this, so I've got that covered. MY water specs look good, so it isn't ammonia/nitrites/nitrates or anything like that in the water.

Thanks,
~Matt
 
Have you put any salt in the water lately? Mollies love SOME salt, and it helps stress level. Are there any mean fish in your tank? Your fish could have been harassed. Are there any visible "odd" looking parasites on your fish. My mollies almost always have anchor worms on them when i get them from the fish tank. I hope that this info. helps somewhat. GOOD LUCK!! :D :D
 
more info

Thanks for the reply!

No, I don't have any salt in there. I would put some in, but I don't think my bumble bee catfish would be too happy about it. I suppose I could put in a small amount and see how it goes... As ar as bullies, my other balloon molly (the one who also seems sick right now) is kind of a bully, but mostly during feeding time. They like to keep their bellies, I guess!

~Matt
 
My pleasure! No, I don't think the catfish would like the salt. What you could do is go to the pet store and buy somthing along the lines of " PARASITE CLEAR" that should help, if you have parasites. Also, I just remembered, have you check your water levels, such as amonia? I do a 20% water change every weekend and that seems to help with the water levels. Once again, good luck, i hope this helps! :o
 
old reliable

Just a bump ^

Thanks for the help and let me know if anything else comes to mind. My lone balloon molly still seems like it cannot fight gravity at times and just kind of drops to the bottom or sits still on the gravel, plants, and other decor. She used to be so lively...

Cheers,
~Matt
 
I hate to butt in but I think I can hopefully solve your problem, the same thing happened with my mollies. Anyway mollies may be able to survive without salt but that is most likely what is wrong. Most are brakish but can be converted to salt or freshwater. But in freshwater it is highly recomended you add 1 tble spoon per gallon. In your case it would be safe to add about 1 every 10 gallons. If you have 30 or over you can add one per 20, but I wouldn't keep adding zero. make sure you add aquarium salt for freshwater and it shouldn't harm your catfish. Salt has many benifts including treating disease so I highly recomend adding a little in your case. Good luck! :-)
p.s. Salt is recommended for all livebearers, including your guppies!
 
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