New Member

Posts: 7
From:Greensboro, NC, USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 03-10-2004 03:17 AM         

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I have eight 2”-2.5” Red Belly Piranha’s in a 55 Gal running a large Wet/Dry with a Rio 2100 sump, Under gravel filter with two 802 power heads and a Magnum 350 with a micron Filter.
Recently (for about a week now) I’ve noticed one of the Piranhas is breathing very heavily with his mouth wide open at all times. He continues to eat normally and shows no other visible signs of disease or stress. No other tank member is exhibiting this problem.
The water Ph is 6.9 – 7.2, temperature is 78-80, Nitrate, Nitrite and Ammonia all test in the “Good” range. The only additive to the water is Salt, which is kept at about 1.0 specific gravity (or 3%).
Has anyone seen or dealt with this problem? Have you had success in curing? If it is a parasite or some other disease, should the Piranha be put down before the others “take matters into there own hands” and possibly get the same thing?

Appreciate any information.

Tim

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New Member

Posts: 1
From:
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 03-12-2004 12:26 AM         

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this may seem like a easy fix. it worked for me i have 4 red bellies in a 75g. i noticed that they would be breathing real heavy, and the levels in the tank were fine. so what i did was a 40% water change. it seemed like they would deplete the oxygen in the tank.after about 1 1/2 months. i also put in a 18in bubble bar and havent had any probs since.hope this helps.

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New Member

Posts: 7
From:Greensboro, NC, USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 03-12-2004 05:24 AM         

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Thanks, I have added a 26" wand before the pre-filter and a 9watt UV just before the return. Did a 30% water change last night and he seems to be doing better (coincidental?).

[This message has been edited by Tim Wilson (edited 03-12-2004).]

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