Sick guppy

[-KT-]

On Sunday I transported 2 of my male guppies to my dads fish tank. The next day one of them was hiding and resting on the ground. I was sure he was a goner but I moved him back to my tank which might have been a bad idea because of the stress. He looks normal, has good color, nothing wrong with his scales but he just rests on the bottom of the tank. When he tries to swim it seems like he is using all his strength and after a little bit goes back to the bottom to rest. He also appears to be breathing really heavy. This morning he seems to be trying to swim more then in the last few days so maybe he's getting better but he hasn't eaten anything since monday morning.

All the other fish and shrimp are fine and the Params are all normal, the other guppy I moved is as feisty as ever.

Any help is appreciated.
Katie

 

[ct-death]

Sounds like a classic acclimation issue. It could be a swim bladder issue as a result of the shock, disease, a whole number of things.

What are the parameters of each tank and how were the fish acclimated? Also too, how was this done when you took him back out and into your tnak again?

 

[shaggbark]

What are the water params in your father's tank vs. the params in your tank?

 

[-KT-]

Sounds like a classic acclimation issue. It could be a swim bladder issue as a result of the shock, disease, a whole number of things.

What are the parameters of each tank and how were the fish acclimated? Also too, how was this done when you took him back out and into your tnak again?

Yeah I was thinking swim bladder as well. I took both fish out and put them in a little critter keeper thing and slowly added water from my dads tank over a period of about half an hour and did the same when I moved the sick one back into my tank. I did 25% water change on both tanks before moving them which might have not been the best idea. 0 ammonia, 0 nitrIte, 15 nitrAte, PH 7.8 in mine 7.7 in my dads, temp 78*. I don't think I acclimated them long enough and the different PH might have been a problem and the nitrate might be a little high. Both tanks use the same water obviously but the only difference is that mine is heavily planted while his only has a few plants.

 

[ct-death]

Although everything seems okay, there can still be a big difference from tank to tank that we cannot see. Maintenance plays a big factor in this, as do plants. Hormone levels, other dissolved compounds, concentration of fertilizers come immediatetly to mind here as possibles... I doubt the pH was an issue at only 0.1 change.

However, the best thing that can be done is to provide a stable environment and very good water conditions. Oftentimes they will work their way out of this on their own if they are still eatting.

I would do alot of mini-PWCs as opposed to just the 1 a week (ie. 3x 20% each week), and try not to kick up any debris from the gravel/filter when servicing them as well. Mark his progress over the next 3-4 days and see if he improves.

 

[-KT-]

Ok i'll do that, thanks. How should I try and feed him since he can't come to the surface?

 

[-KT-]

Just thought i'd update and say the guppy pulled through and is as active as ever.