Tired Blackmoor

M

meggles72

Small Fish
#1
Jan 7, 2006
18
0
0
Brisbane, Australia
#1
Hi all

Here are some stats before I ask the question

60L tank
One blackmoor, one goldie
Approx 30% water change and gravel vac once a week
Charcoal change every 2-3 weeks with filter rinse in old tank water (not tap)
Fish fed every morning.
One plant that is growing out of control
One air curtain.

This morning when I went to feed the kids, my blackmoor was immobile under the filter. This is not usual as he is usually waiting for breakfast up the top with the Goldie. Was very lethargic when I asked him to move, no strength, was even pushed around the tank by the filter stream. So I spent 20 mins making sure he ate something, then had to go to work hoping he would still be with us when I got home.

12 hours later after work, he is fine. No problem. So I made sure he ate some dinner too. I don't usually feed them dinner but was worried he might be the same way tomorrow morning......

What do you think????????????

Megs :confused:
 

prettypleco

prettypleco

Large Fish
#3
Sep 8, 2005
860
0
0
#3
Sitting on the bottom of the tank immobile is a sign of stress. I would start by checking your water parameters. The fact that he is still eating is a good sign. What do you feed him and could he be constipated?
Have you noticed any flashing lately?
 

Big Vine

Big Vine

Elite Fish
#6
Feb 7, 2006
3,895
9
0
47
Florida
#6
"Flashing" is when a fish quickly rubs itself against aquarium decor, etc., in order to sort of "scratch" themselves. Often times a fish will flash a lot if it is being bothered by some sort of parasite.
Some flashing is normal for even the healthiest of fish, so unless it is excessive, I wouldn't worry.

Big Vine
 

Seleya

Seleya

Superstar Fish
#7
Nov 22, 2004
1,384
3
0
59
Cape Cod, MA
Visit site
#7
Your maintenance schedule sounds good -- your tank should be fine for them for now but you'll eventually want to upgrade. I wouldn't bother with carbon and use some other media such as filter floss or lava rocks/biomedia noodles/Matrix.... you do throw out some of your biofilter each time you toss your carbon.

Have you checked your water parameters? Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH wouldn't hurt. How long has the tank been set up? Have you had the other goldie the same amount of time? What is the tank's history?

Flashing is a pretty descriptive term -- they pretty much flick their bodies, typically against things (the bottom, ornaments....) Once you see it, you'll know why they call it that.
 

M

meggles72

Small Fish
#8
Jan 7, 2006
18
0
0
Brisbane, Australia
#8
As of this afternoon my little blackmoor is still back to normal. Pottering about as per usual. With no signs of flashing.

The tank is a couple of months old. His goldie flatmate was moved into the tank at the same time, and have had him since a little thing now for a couple of years and must be near 15cms nose to end of tail.

Thanks for all your help so far!

I need to buy myself a test kit for ammonia, nitrate etc. Any suggestions for a good brand here in Qld, Aus?
 

M

meggles72

Small Fish
#9
Jan 7, 2006
18
0
0
Brisbane, Australia
#9
This is a little wierd. I am sitting here watching this blackmoor losing it. Gone downhill again. He is not sitting immobile on the bottom of the tank but is just drifting, not trying to swim, the filter is pushing him around again. He is trying to eat with no success.
Why would he come good for over 24 hours, then show symptoms again.
There is nothing wrong at all with the goldie.
I will get a pet store to test the water tomorrow.
:confused:
 

homebunnyj

homebunnyj

Superstar Fish
#10
Jul 13, 2005
1,299
4
0
Western NC
#10
Can you isolate him? Might be a good idea in case he has something the other fish could catch. If you can't, I'd go ahead and do a pretty big water change, just in case the water parameters are not as good as they ought to be.
He hasn't got a swollen belly, with fins sticking out like a pinecone, has he? Have you had a really close look for anything unusual?
Have you been to this site?
http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/disease.html
There are also links to other sites which may be helpful. Good luck with your fishie.
 

M

meggles72

Small Fish
#11
Jan 7, 2006
18
0
0
Brisbane, Australia
#11
Absolutely no signs of any of the diseases that I know of. Just had decided to pack it in. Have done a 30%ish water change. Isolated him this morning, and even though he is curling up and dying, he will also respond to stimulation and has eaten everything I fed him this morning and perked up a bit. Added the smallest touch of salt to the isolation tank (its not very big at all) and hope that he hangs in there.
This is just leaving me stumped!
 

M

meggles72

Small Fish
#13
Jan 7, 2006
18
0
0
Brisbane, Australia
#13
12 hours later........

Well it's now 12 hours later. After isolating the little dude and offering him heaps of feed for the day, (honestly thinking I would come home from work to find him dead), with the teensiest little bit of salt added - he seems to be OK (for now).
I picked up a 3 gallon tank, some pebbles and a mini filter. Used some water from the big tank and he is doing OK. Eating well.
Which is a far cry from the sad little individual who was curling up this morning.
I may keep him in the "rehab" tank for a little while. I am wondering if he wasn't getting enough food in the big tank. But I am just guessing.
Time will tell.....
Any other thoughts from wise fish peoples out there???
 

M

meggles72

Small Fish
#17
Jan 7, 2006
18
0
0
Brisbane, Australia
#17
I am so proud of the little dude! He loves his new little tank and is thriving! Will leave him in there for a few weeks until he is a bigger stronger fish. Will also get some sinking food as he seems to be a keen bottom of the tank grazer. *BOUNCINGS
 

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