HELP! Banggai acting sick!

[DaktariEd]

I purchased 2 Banggai cardinals last Tuesday (LFS) and after slow acclimation, added them to my quarantine tank (10 gallon, w/ 10lbs LR and LS). All was well until earlier this evening. At least, that's when I noticed a problem.

I did a 3 gallon water change per plan, then noticed the Banggai was staying near the surface, seeming to gasp for air. It's respiratory rate is about twice the others. I see no fin damage... There are no obvious sores, nodules, flukes, etc. The other two fish in quarantine (the 2nd Banggai, and a Hippo Tang) are fine. No aggressive behaviors, no signs of illness.

Occasionally it will drift downward, but then returns to the surface. I believe it may also be showing a very slight imbalance when it encounters the (mild) filter return flow.

Any ideas or suggestions would be most appreciated!

Thanks,

Ed

 

[Anonymous]

Originally I wasn't gonna reply to this but......
You have those 3 fish in a 10 gl tank ? I'm surprised that they're not all gasping at the surface.
It could be suffication from lack of oxygen though all 3 fish would be suffering.
I would say it could be 3 different illnesses and hopefully you have the least dangerous, Ich from stress by overcrowding.
If that's the case start feeding foods soaked in Selco/Selcon, maybe do a freshwater drip ( I'm not a fan of this ) or treat with copper ( I'm also not a fan of this ).
Anyway 3 fish in a 10gl tank is stressfull whether the fish show it or not.
Hopefully this solves your problem but please don't overcrowd your tanks, quarantine or not.

Regards,
David Mohr