I have a 20 gallon community tank and have had this little guy for over a month. He’s with four cory’s and six cardinal tetras. He’s never had any issues with nipping or anything, everyone gets along. Two days ago, I noticed he wasn’t eating or showing up. When he finally showed himself, his fins were clamped and he seemed to be gasping for air (as pictured). The water parameters are all normal, no ammonia or nitrites and a low level of nitrates. I’ve tried kanaplex, he’s on his second dose, and isn’t getting worse but also isn’t improving. Does anyone know what this is and what more I can do?
https://v.redd.it/p3yvi2wqqprg1
Posted by AlarmedWarthog8231
9 Comments
Hard to tell, but I suspect he’s getting picked apart by the tetras at night when you’re not watching, or he is just getting old? Sorry I don’t have any suggestions.
What about the filter and the flow or since you have other species, do you have an air stone that could possible exhaust him? What’s tank look like? Does he have rest stops on the way to the air at the surface? Tetras are mean though
It does look like he didn’t have a half of the tail ???? Could you post pics when you got him and what he looked like???
I’m not an expert but: I will try adding more air stones, he is gasping for air, sometimes medication makes the water it happened with my Betta when I use kanaplex
I feel like he needs a 2 to 3 week vacation in a med tsnk with some kanaplex doses and maybe some salt baths. He also might be constipated. Poor buddy.
Plz separate him with a hospital aquarium or tank add air stone and a bunch of plants. Add tannis and observe why he is gasping for air and treat accordingly. The key is to separate him from the Tetras and promote his healing and immunity.
Put him in a temporary tub see how he improves
Get a breeder net box. They suction cup to the glass and you put it at the surface in the water. This will give honk a break from swimming and protect him from the tetras as he heals.
Hi OP, What’s your water change schedule for the tank and GH if you can test for it? Is it water changes or top offs only?
Can you share your water parameters? There’s often clues with the pH for example.
What I’m thinking is possible alkalosis from build up of hardness if top offs only, or getting being kept at a super high pH. Alkalosis and old tank syndrome are slow killers, but betta are prone to both as a soft water species. Both start manifesting with gasping, lethargy, fin clamping. The metabolism and physiological organs of the fish just stop being able to cope.
Being with tetra won’t help as they are relentless overnight.