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Keeping their snouts down

2K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  miagrrl 
#1 ·
Hi!
Does anyone have a clue why tiger barbs sometimes swim with their noses down? Are they OK? Maybe they are too hot or cold? They look healthy otherwise... :?
 
#3 ·
That is an abnormal behavior. Nitrite poisoning is the likely cause for this behavior. What are your water parameters?
 
#4 ·
If that were poisoning they probably wouldn't eat but there is no problem with their appetite. I have never heard of nitrites. And I'm afraid I can't measure the water parameters. I know that we do not hard water, and it is very clean. Maybe they need aeration?
 
#5 ·
Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate occur naturally in an aquarium when fish waste breaks down. Amonnia and nitrite should be 0 and nitrate should be below 40ppm. To test your water all you need to do is buy a test kit from your lfs. Avoid test strips if possible as they can be inaccurate and are bad value for money in terms of how long they will last.

If you detect nitrite or ammonia, or a high level of nitrate do a 20-30% water change immeditaely and do this every day or so until, measuring carefully, until they are what you should be.

A partial water change just now wouldn't do any harm at all, as it seems like Blue might be right.

Is the aquarium new? This is more likely to happen in a new aquarium, but it can happen anytime.
 
#6 ·
Thank you Julie for the explicit information. I suspected that but didn't know it for sure. I have already changed the water partially. I will look for the test kits as well in the pet shops.

The tank is not new. We have bought a new tank, 80 gal and are setting it up now. It's a long way till we let fishes in yet.
 
#7 ·
i have a 30 gallon full of tiger barbs and my water parameters are fine. on occasion, they swim that way, only for a few seconds. i wouldn't really worry unless it was frequent. tiger barbs swim in all directions, very active little fish. also, mine tend to float or lean that way when the lights are out, like they are sleeping- they sit upright once the light comes on in my bedroom
 
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