False Perc Gasping...quite fast

[Rtam3185]

I noticed my clownfish gasping near the bottom and mid level of the tank. I observed him for a hour daily since it started 48 hours ago. I don't see any signs of external parasites. What could be causing the problem? There is also a 6line wrasse and a small Coral Beauty in there with him. None of them appear to be gasping so I do not believe it's the oxygen level in the tank. Please help!


Parameters:

SG 31 (Refractometer reading)
Nitrite/Ammonia: 0
Nitrates: 20
Phosphates: .05-.1

 

[mray]

What's the temperature in that tank? Oxygen is less soluble in water as temperature rises.

 

[D1J8Z]

is he eating?

 

[Rtam3185]

Mray, I was just about to post the temp. The temp shot up to 84 last night. It remained at 81 with the ac on since then. Yes he is eating, but not as much as before. He used to hog the food and meet me at the top of the tank. Now he just darts from his rock, eats, then returns.

 

[Lenny718]

What's the temperature in that tank? Oxygen is less soluble in water as temperature rises.

Ditto, what's your temp? oops a little late lol

 

[mray]

Do you have a picture of him? Can you describe how he looks?

 

[Rtam3185]

Picture will have to wait until tomorrow, turned off the lights to reduce stress. He looks perfectly normal.. nothing has changed since I first received him. If anything his coloration is a lot more enhanced than before. I feed him a mixture of Frozen Brine soaked in Zoe, Forumla 1 and 2 Pellets, Formula 1 Frozen food, Spirulina Flakes, he eats them all. I was reading several Faqs to attempt to diagnose the problem and I came across a case which almost matched mine. An individual had the same problem, clown hovering mid to lower level of tank gasping, no signs of disease. They told him it was a bacterial infection but then.. Shouldn't there be red blemishes on his skin?

 

[Rtam3185]

And, Could he be stressed because of the temperature fluctuation? Over the past 3 days when we started to have 90+ degree weather the temp of my tank has went from 76-84 (Slowly). I had to play around with the fan and ac to get the temperature I desired.

 

[mray]

Gasping of air is usually brooklynella caused by stress. They would usually develop a white mucus coating which is why I asked for a picture. I don't think they would gasp from an infection.

 

[KathyC]

How long have you had the fish?

btw Mray..Brooklynellosis is caused by a protozoan, not by stress.

Usually fish will hang in the upper area of the tank with their nose oriented toward the ceiling with a bacterial infection, and no, red steaks don't always accompany bacterial infections.

For now please just observe the fish and keep the temp as stable as possible. It is best to offer no treatment rather than to treat for the wrong ailment

 

[Rtam3185]

I would say about 3 months. What is visible to my eye, I notice nothing wrong. No ick spots, no mucus to indicate signs of Brooklynella. I'm going to try to maintain the temp at 78-80 for now. Or is a 2 degree swing too much? I started daily, food soaked with garlic and Zoe..hopefully that will help.

 

[mray]

Did you add anything recently. I am pretty sure you introduced something into your tank.

 

[Rtam3185]

Latest intro was a coral beauty, about 2-3 weeks ago.

 

[mray]

I think you should chat with the person you bought it from. I bought something from someone who I won't name and I didn't quarantine it. A week later I find flatworms all over. I guess it was my fault though.

 

[Rtam3185]

I work at a local fish store, I observed him for about 3 weeks before taking him home. Just an update, I lowered the temp to about 80, his gasping seem to have slowed down. I'll try to get it to 78 to see what happens.

 

[KathyC]

What temp did you lower it to 80 from?

I would wait until tomorrow to lower it more yourself..it will more than likely come down slightly tonight itself.

 

[Rtam3185]

from 82. It's at 80.3 now. Should I unplug the fan tonight? I'm worried that the temp will climb back up to 82. He started to swim around now.

 

[mray]

I would leave the fan on but check your water level.

 

[KathyC]

I agree ..leave the fan on. If it drops any further it will do so slowly enough as not to impact his/her health any further.
But if you happen to get up in the middle of the night..take a peek at the temp..if it gets to 78..you might want to turn the fan off then

 

[Rtam3185]

Alright, thanks so much for the help! He's the sole reason why I got into this hobby! I'd really hate to lose him