Geophagus is spinning out of control. Help!

[EDKexotics2003]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

0

If yes, what is your nitrite?

0

If yes, what is your nitrate?

25 ppm

If I did not test my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

41-50%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every week

If I do not change my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out for help with a strange case involving one of my Geophagus sveni. For context, I recently moved across the state for college and brought my fish with me. My breeding colony of G. sveni was temporarily moved from their 180-gallon tank to a 75-gallon holding tank while I get the larger setup running again.

After 10 days in the holding tank, my largest and oldest G. sveni suddenly started spinning and flipping uncontrollably. From past experience, I was ready to lose him within hours, but here’s the twist: it’s now been 4 days, and he’s still alive, eating enthusiastically, and showing no loss of color, weight, or appetite.

Here are the tank parameters:

• pH: 7.2
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: ~25 ppm
• Temperature: 80°F
• No new fish introductions or visible signs of disease in the rest of the colony.
• Weekly WC.

Has anyone seen something like this? Any advice or treatment recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

 

[duanes]

The average nitrate concentration in the Rio Tocantins where sveni are found is less than 1 ppm, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.2.
If the pH and hardness to where you have moved, are much higher (along with your 25 ppm nitrate ) these factors may account for the changes.
To me a much more strict water change schedual to reduce nitrate concentration might be in order.

 

[kno4te]

Move to a quarantine tank if you can. Lower the water level so the fish can lay on its side and just stop moving. Add some epsom salt 3tbsp per g and prazipro. Keep the water pristine and consistent.