cardinal tetra is having trouble swimming straight?

Little-Fizz

Have you checked your water stats? If its all good then you know theres something wrong with the fish. It could just be that the water from the fish store finally took its toll on the little guy. I wouldn't be so quick to euthanize just yet.

wendex

Apart from the nitrates being about 30 which it's been suggested is quite high the water is fine. To be honest I don't think it's the nitrates cos they've been about the same for a long time now.

It's just the oddest behavior. He lays on the bottom completely still for ages and I keep thinking he's dead then swims off and joins the others but not for long before he goes to the bottom again. His colouration looks fine. I've tried looking closely to see if he's a fin missing but can't see anything. I was thinking maybe the filter sucked him in a bit.

I'm going to fish shop to ask their advice and see if they can recommend anything today. Really appreciate all ur help.

Whatever it is I really don't think he will live. I don't think I can let him go on like this if he's still behaving the same tomorrow.


Luckily all the other fish seem fine.

wendex

They're not new fish I've had the cardinals in the tank for nearly 4 months now.

1077

I am sure the fish store will be more than happy to recomend a plethora of medications for you to try. Your nitrates ARE high for fish such as cardinals who are sensitive to them. Regular vaccuming of the gravel and water changes performed regularly will improve the fishes enviornment. this in turn improves the long term health of your fish.

wendex

hi

I thought I'd already posted a reply?

I've got live plants, did another 20% water change and cleaned the excess food off bottom of tank. Also got pad for filter which reduces nitrates and helps plants.

All the other fish are behaving normally.

the little guy is still alive. he is just laying on the bottom of the tank upside down most of the time now, I haven't seen him swimming at all today I only know he's moved cos I couldn't see him this morning.

I've read the kindest way to end the misery is clove oil and vodka. I really don't know what to do, whether to just leave him a bit longer and let him pass quietly of his own accord. Is it cruel to not intervene.

Little-Fizz

I don't like to euthanize fish, thankfully I've never had too. But if there was something seriously bad and the fish looked like it would be suffering for a while then I probably would end the misery. But if you think hes going to go then I would just let nature take its course. Theres not much you can do for him and it would be easier for him and you if he just went when he was ready to go I guess.

wendex

I really would like to just leave him, he's not moving about so I'm hoping he's not suffering greatly. I'll just have to keep an eye on him, a worry is if his illness/injury isn't going to end it soon I don't think I can let him slowly go hungry.

One thing's for sure I've learnt my lesson and wont be missing any water changes in future, and I'll watch the nitrates closely.

The other fish are really liking the real plants

wendex

sadly there was no helping him, but thankfully he's gone of his own accord over night.

Thanks for ur advice and I'll keep a close check on the nitrates in future.