New Member

Posts: 3
From:NJ, USA
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-12-2004 11:57 AM         

---

Maybe someone can give me some advice on my bala shark. This morning I noticed that he was frequently gaping for air at the top of the tank. It seems like his 'nose' (or upper lip?) is swollen and reddish. labored breathing. Any ideas? my other fish (tiger barbs, rainbow shark, two plecos, and another bala) all seem fine. water conditions are good (0 NH3, pH=7.0, T=79)
Thanks

------------------
<<NWN>>

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-12-2004 12:18 PM         

---

What are your nitrite/nitrate readings? How large are your tank and fish? Have you seen him bang into the glass or ornaments? I noticed PH is exactly 7.0 - do you use a PH modifier?

IP: Logged

New Member

Posts: 3
From:NJ, USA
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-12-2004 12:37 PM         

---

I didn't check my nitrate/nitrite readings this monrning, but I've never had a problem with them. I do a 20% water change every week, which seems to keep everything pretty stable. when I add new water, I condition it with neutral regulator, which is supposed to take care of chlorine and chloranimine, as well as keep the pH at 7.

after searching online for a bit, I've found something that seems possible: septicemia. What do you think?

to answer your other questions, my tank is 37G, and the balas (both the sick and the healthy) are about3.5". I know I'll have to eventually get a larger tank for them, but for now they seem OK. Neither has been swimming into the glass.
Thanks again for any advice

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-12-2004 01:03 PM         

---

Septicemia, or blood poisoning, might be a possibilty - although it usually shows up along the fins and gills, where blood vessels are close to surface. It may be a bacterial infection but I'm not confident in saying that without seeing the fish. Some things to try that won't hurt are aquarium salt (NOT table salt) at a ratio of 1tsp-5to10 gallons. (I would start off low 1:10, and add a little more each day) 1rst day - 3 or 4tsp, 2nd day 1 etc untill 7 tsp are added. I personally don't use salt, but it's fairly harmless at low concentration and might help in the case of an infection. Also I would add an airstone just to be sure that there is as much oxygen avaiable as possible for respiration.

IP: Logged

New Member

Posts: 3
From:NJ, USA
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-12-2004 02:05 PM         

---

The Bala shark wasn't swimming anymore by the time I got home

I am going to add some salt. I hear that kosher salt is OK...it's just NaCl (no iodine or other ingrediants added). Do you agree? Also, how tolerant of salt are plecos? I have a clown and a highfin.
Thanks

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 501
From:Missouri
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-12-2004 02:43 PM         

---

I agree with kantana. It does sound like it could be a bacterial infection. Could you possibly post a pic of his 'nose'? And yes, kosher salt is the same as aquarium salt (and a lot cheaper too!). If anything it might help with the labored breathing.

One thing to note, though, is you may want to keep an eye on the plecos since some tend to be a little sensitive to salt.

-Chelle

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)