Problem with my clownfish

[jtib275]

For the past few days my False Ocellaris Clownfish have been down in the corner of my tank breathing heavy. Of of them eats and the other one doesn't. I've had them for about 3 weeks and they were doing fine up untill 3 or so days ago. I currently have a very non violent tank as well with 2 clowns, a firefish and a royal gramma. My ammonia is at 0, Nitrates 0, ph 7.8, gravity at 1.022-1.021 and my temp is 80F. I'm really praying that they don't die, but I'm starting to fear the worst. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[yellowtang]

Possible bacterial infection "Kani pro" in hospital tank for 10 days with 25% water change daily treat em both.
Thats my best guess without seeing them.

Total shot in the dark BTW,

Any stringy poo?

[ScottT]

Is there plenty of oxygen in the water?

[jtib275]

That would probably explain why they both had a string of feces for about 2 days. What should I do if I don't have a hospital tank? Yeah I definitely have enough oxygen in my tank.

[Linda C.]

if you don't have a tank a bucket will work just as well

do you have an extra heater available? a pump with airstone will also be needed.  PVC or plastic plants will help give them some places to hide to reduce stress.

keep up with water quality when doing a hospital tank as well...oh..and you may want to consider using garlic in the food. 

I also lower the SG...I figure it won't hurt and might help..it increases the oxygen levels in the tank and when brought down to 1.010 parasites usually can't survive.

[yellowtang]

Just pick up a 10 gal. They retail for $15. Maybe someone close to you can loan you one? You can borrow mine but I'm a little north of saratoga. Then feed small portions often. You can use other containers but they have to be clean and should be used exclusively for your fish. If your going to lower sg acclimate slowly you don't want to add anymore stress. Also act quickly.

[crx]

where you located I can try and help if you are close to me, main thing is increase oxygen and lower sg like everyone said, which with alievate stress, give them some pvc pipe and or some rock in the tank so they have some places to hide.  I use straight garlic extract (kind you get at gnc pill form is fine) and break it up and disslove it in a cup of water.  If you can get your hands on some selcon or some vitamin c use that as well, let the food soak in it before giving it to the fish.  I also like to have very little flow in my hospital tank, you dont need the fish fighting the current, it will only stress them out even more.  You can start with no flow the first night then add a small filter or something and then a small power head. 

I would get them out of the tank asap, this will help keep your other fish healthy in case they have a bacteria infection, or ich, and help get them treatment sooner.  Dont hesitate, just act, go with your gut it will almost always be right.  If you heistate to try and act then you will probably loose them.

BTW where did you purchase the fish from and what are you feeding them.

If you have any videos that may help us as well.

If you are close to middletown, I can lend you everything you need, plus help with some vitamins and the garlic.

[crx]

any luck man, how about an update.

[jtib275]

Thank you for all your responses everybody! I'm sorry it's taken me a while to respond, I have been working long hours. one of the clowns died :-(  I got the clowns from Healthy Pet, and I went and talked to Matt, the guy in charge of the fish there. He had said that the tank of clowns I had picked mine from were a batch of clowns from Cali that he took a random shot on. Also said that a few of them had died on him. I'm extremely upset that they even sold them to me to begin with after they knew that, but I guess you live and learn. I'm in a serious predicament though. I'm going on vacation tomorrow, and I won't be able to give this clown much care. He Isn't that bad, he just sits towards the bottom though with semi high breathing. If any of you live close and feel that you would be able to provide him with a good home and the treatment he needs then feel free to give me a call 518 428-4899

  Thanks, Justin.

[crx]

where do you live, If you are close I will see what we can do to help.

[Linda C.]

jtib275,

I'm not sure where Rob lives..but I am in Kinderhook.  You are in East Greenbush, right?  I might be more in your area, but I'm not sure.

If the clown is still hanging in there before you leave for vacation and want me to take a shot at it lmk.  I'll pm you my phone number.  It's a bit after 3AM now..so omg, hopefully you won't be calling at 7AM but whatever..if you are leaving in the morning and need to call go ahead.  I'll sleep when I'm dead.

I'm not thinking Matt sold you the fish knowing there was a problem with them..maybe after you go yours others in the tank started showing symptoms?  That is why that controversial word  'quarantine' comes up. 

Does Matt have any clue what the problem is?  has he been treating any successfully?

[yellowtang]

Not to be harsh but the clown has a bacterial infection (stringy poo) I told him 6 days ago. He went down to speak to Matt and didn't come home with kana-pro??? I also recommended that he not wait and start treatment right away. Its getting kinda late for any help.

[Linda C.]

I called Justin this morning..he was already on his way for his vacation.  He said the clown was swimming a bit more today and if the clown is still alive when he gets back he would give me a call....guess we will know in three days.

[Linda C.]

False Ocellaris Clownfish

does this mean it's an A. Percula since it's a false ocellaris?  hehe


(anybody that knows Tal would get a chuckle out of this. )

[ScottT]

False Ocellaris Clownfish

does this mean it's an A. Percula since it's a false ocellaris?  hehe


(anybody that knows Tal would get a chuckle out of this. )

I see what you did there Linda. Hehehehehehe.
Best of luck fishy fishy.

[fishtal]

False Ocellaris Clownfish

does this mean it's an A. Percula since it's a false ocellaris?  hehe


(anybody that knows Tal would get a chuckle out of this. )

LOL! The old "true" and "false" thing just kills me!

[kcstoker1]

False Ocellaris Clownfish

does this mean it's an A. Percula since it's a false ocellaris?  hehe


(anybody that knows Tal would get a chuckle out of this. )

LOL! The old "true" and "false" thing just kills me!

It's a good thing fish don't have a "self-esteem"...  we might have a few issues.

"My clownfish won't eat, he says he's not a false anything."

"My false percula hosts in a hairy mushroom, just a whole lot of mediocrity going around."

[Anemone1]

"My false percula hosts in a hairy mushroom, just a whole lot of mediocrity going around."
[/quote]

Now THAT made me grin! 

[jtib275]

I went to Walmart and got a complete 5gallon for $30 for a hospital tank. I'm completely unnclear what kani-pro is? Matt had sent me home with Formalin, and I've been treating him with it ever since. He seems to be looking a bit better, however he still isn't eating. Hopefully tomorrow I can get him to eat. Sorry if I haven't been able to respond much, I've been so busy. Thanks for the reply's.

  Justin.

[Linda C.]

Justin,

how is the clown?