My new Ram is not doing well...

rsanz

rsanz

The Peacock Gudgeon Guy
Aug 22, 2006
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I had to keep the tank lights off all day today, because I don't have a timer and I wasn't sure if I was gonna be home tonight, so I just left them off to be safe. My new ram arrived today, so I acclimated him (slowly, 1/2 of tank water every 4 minutes for an hour, after floating his bag for 15 minutes). Well, he just lays on the bottom of the tank, it looks like he's struggling to breathe. The tank params are:

Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 10ppm
pH: 7.6 or so

I know rams need a lower pH, but I alos know it's better to give them a consant pH rather than use a buffer or other product and have the pH fluctuate. What should I do?! I did a water change, and he didn't perk up at all. It's almost like he's trying to swim, but he can't move anywhere. I'm afraid I'm gonna lose him. :(

Is there anything else I can do for him? He's been laying on the bottom for like 4 hours now.
 
I'm sorry - I know you were excited about his arrival. :( I don't have any advice other than to keep the lights out and make sure he's left alone by the other fish, to recover. Rams are sensitive fish, so he may just need some time.

I hope he's doing better in the morning.
 
Well, he's still alive this morning, so at least he's a fighter. He seems to perk up a bit when I turn the light on. Should I still leave the light out, or should I turn it on?
 
Alas, the new/sick ram syndrome. It may be nothing you have done or are doing... they are not healthy fish when they come home from the stores.
Is your water hard? It's not the pH which is the problem - unless the lfs's pH was much lower - you should call and ask them. The problem is the water hardness/softness. It's TDS or Total Dissolved Solids. Rams can tolerate that pH if the water is very soft.

As I mentioned in your other post, bump up that temperature. Rams are hot water fishes thriving in 86 degree water. (I know you have other fish in there, so at least go to 82).

Give him more time to adjust, does he have any other ram friends in there with him? Rams also open their mouths and have the appearance of breathing heavily in comparison to other fish, so perhaps he isn't as bad off as you think. If you have a very good tank maintenance routine, with weekly large water changes, then give him time and see if he pulls out of it. If after a 3-4 days you don't see improvement and you have been doing water changes, I'd add PraziPro for gill flukes. It is mild and safe for rams, so in case he is being bothered by them, it might help. If you use it, after 3 days do a water change and dose again to kill emerging flukes.

Cathy

Just saw your question - leave the light off but if you have a lamp or overhead light in the room your tank is in, leave that on.
 
He starting to swim around!!! This is my first time owning a ram, so maybe I was just seeing his rapid breathing as a problem. I wasn't aware that that was their normal breathing. That isn't exacytly the most forthcoming information when you're reesearching a species to add to your tank. :p

I'll keep a very close eye on him. If he doesn't improve, I'll try to add the medicine you mentioned.

Do they usually rest on the bottom, or are they usually active?
 
Yay! :)

My severum has been hiding in the rocks since I got him, too. I have a 55 w/ two hoods so I just turned the light off on "his" side. I think it's more restful for them to have the lights out. If he seems to be acting normally and isn't breathing heavily like before though I don't see why you couldn't leave it on. I probably would. It's driving me crazy that my severum won't come out so I can enjoy him. lol
 
rsanz said:
Do they usually rest on the bottom, or are they usually active?
Click to expand...

For the most part, they stay on the bottom level of the tank.
 
He's back to just laying on the bottom. It's almost like he can't keep his balance. This is bad, he's gonna die :(
 
Did you get him from a fish store - it almost sounded like he was shipped from your first letter.

What is your gh/kh and what was the pH of the store? Did you bump up the heat any. I'd go to 84 now...

Cathy
 
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