Blood parrot normal behavior and possible illness

[clm08k]

Would be as ur nitrates may have been even higher.

Would do a wc about fin level. That would be better.

Done and done, sir! I think this time instead of doing too many WC, I let it get too dirty. Also I rinsed the sponge and carbon in a bucket of dirty tank water and it was filthy! Hoping this solves the problem. Know how right you are about water quality. Trying to get on that pristine game that you are on! Thanks again for your help man!

 

[kno4te]

I think if you can setup for about two of those a week, large wc's (fin level). Then lot of these problems will be stopped and prevented.

 

[magpie]

Yes, you can get to a normal water change schedule now that it's on the cycled end.

After you get these nitrates dipped back down, I'd do at least 50% once per week, re-check nitrates always right before you do a WC to see what they are.

With that bioload and plants you shouldn't have nitrates that are all that high on a normal water change schedule. Do parrots have a high bioload?

I personally think you should heal those parrots up and rehome them. But if you're attached to them, I get it.

 

[jaws7777]

Noticed you said you washed the carbon. Are you keeping the carbon in the filter all the time ? Really only needed to removed meds. If you arent treating or trying ti remove something from the tank no need to run carbon

 

[kno4te]

Like jaws mentioned if you got carbon it will take out medication from the tank.

 

[magpie]

How's everyone doing, C?

 

[clm08k]

Noticed you said you washed the carbon. Are you keeping the carbon in the filter all the time ? Really only needed to removed meds. If you arent treating or trying ti remove something from the tank no need to run carbon

Yep. I've been keeping it in the filter the entire time. Had no idea it could be removed! Thanks! Teaching me something new every day. Are there any benefits to running carbon if not treating? Haven't treated in the main tank for anything. Did take out the carbon in the QT and added prazipro yesterday.

Like jaws mentioned if you got carbon it will take out medication from the tank.

Okay cool. Thanks! I did a 75-80% WC on Saturday. Did fin level on the QT (for polys) then and yesterday. And added aquarium salt to both. did buy some chemical free "treatment " for dropsy and other bacterial infections at petco, but haven't put any meds in yet. Still have the maracyns, paraguard, and prazipro on deck if needed. Watching parameters

 

[clm08k]

How's everyone doing, C?

The blood parrot that wasn't eating, finally ate part of a large hikAri floating pellets.

Still havent QT them yet, but Ive been watching the water a lot. Not allowed to get a 2nd QT tank. Still debating on the Rubbermaid tub. Idk I'm getting kinda frustrated because it's been almost 2 months and they still don't swim around. The one hides at the bottom, and the other (who might have dropsy) stays at the top in stressful looking positions most of the time. When it does swim around at the bottom or middle, it freaks out whenever I'm near and goes back to its place. They are really cute, but not sure how interactive they will be. Which is a big turn off. Plus since they are stressed out frequently, kinda leAning towards rehoming. Although I do really like them so idk. Just don't know if it is worth it to keep fish who are stressed all the time. I know I messed up with the water, but not sure if they will ever feel comfortable.

 

[magpie]

I personally would rehome. They've been off since day one, and could just have weird temperaments and health due to inbreeding.

We'll help you find another colorful fish to add in.

I'd wait to closely monitor the other fish in the tank though before adding the polys into it.

 

[clm08k]

I personally would rehome. They've been off since day one, and could just have weird temperaments and health due to inbreeding.

We'll help you find another colorful fish to add in.

I'd wait to closely monitor the other fish in the tank though before adding the polys into it.

yeah.. Rehoming is the plan as of today. Which I'm sad about cause they are goofy and cute, but just seem a little "off" like you said. Especially the one that stays at the top. Makes me really sad cause they were what I wanted, but I don't want to risk it for my polys. Maybe I'll try them again at another point in time. I have 3 tanks and a beta bowl and I'm not just allowed to run another tank right now.

thank you for helping!