Please help my Flowerhorn which is lying to it's side at the bottom of the tank

[Avanika_54]

My Flowerhorn which has been happily growing in my tank for up to 3 years I just woke up this morning and saw that it is now swimming upside down at the bottom of the tank and now it has arrested completely on its side at the bottom of the tank I have no idea what to do please help me this fish means a lot to me

It eats hikari food sticks the pic is in the attachments pls help

 

[phreeflow]

He might have hit his head or it may just be old age. Flowerhorns don’t often live long.

First thing is to dim the lights, do a water change, add a bit of salt. You could also lower the water level so there is not as much water pressure on him.

But honestly, it’s hard to tell what could’ve happened and there’s not much you can do but give him clean water and some time. Maybe others have a better idea

 

[Avanika_54]

He might have hit his head or it may just be old age. Flowerhorns don’t often live long.

First thing is to dim the lights, do a water change, add a bit of salt. You could also lower the water level so there is not as much water pressure on him.

But honestly, it’s hard to tell what could’ve happened and there’s not much you can do but give him clean water and some time. Maybe others have a better idea

I actually draped a cloth all over the tanks of the lights are dimed but can you please tell what salt to use some people are saying espom salt rock salt table salt what salt should I use it's been just 3 to 2 years though and yes I have cleaned the tank and I have reduced the water level as well

 

[phreeflow]

If you think he’s constipated, then you should use Epsom salt.

If you fell behind on water changes and you think your fish has nitrite/nitrate poisoning or you want to reduce osmotic pressure so the fish doesn’t have to fight so hard to regulate itself when sick or under stress, then add salt. It’ll help them “breathe” a little easier too.

You’ll want to use non-iodized salt, ice cream salt, rock salt, or kosher salt. I try to avoid ones with iodine, or anti caking agents like yellow prussiate of soda. Although, I know aquarists who’ve used them and don’t seem to have a problem. Nonetheless, if you have a choice, avoid them

 

[Avanika_54]

I had this aquarium Salt on hand and I added two spoons of it into the tank
Please give further instructions as I am clueless

 

[Rusty91]

My Flowerhorn which has been happily growing in my tank for up to 3 years I just woke up this morning and saw that it is now swimming upside down at the bottom of the tank and now it has arrested completely on its side at the bottom of the tank I have no idea what to do please help me this fish means a lot to me

It eats hikari food sticks the pic is in the attachments pls help

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„Happily“ is something I wouldn‘t say looking at the size of your tank.

 

[Randles]

Have you tested the water parameters? Also I would turn the lights completely off. And I have to agree that the tank looks a little on the small size?

 

[Gourami Swami]

Was there any strange behavior before this, or he was fine and then suddenly on his side?
What is your water change schedule, what size tank is that, what are your nitrate nitrite ammonia readings? If you don't have a test kit, you can bring the water to most fish stores for a test ,although some like petsmart may not give you accurate readings, better to have your own kit.
It does look like a bulky fish in a small tank, possible that water conditions are poor unless there are lots of water changes being done.
Flowerhorns are also inbred and often have birth defects which can pop up even later in life, could be a combination of factors.
It's hard to give advice with the information we have now, but if you answer the questions above it will be easier to tell what went wrong.

 

[FINWIN]

That tank looks like a 38/40 (correct me if I'm wrong).

If so, too small for a FH. With all that bare glass he may have spooked at a shadow and hit himself. Lots of glass = lots of reflection and glare. Like the others said, test water and increase changes. Give him something to rest behind to reduce stress. With active fish its best to have a longer tank so if they do spook there's less chance of a hurtful impact.

 

[Avanika_54]

Ummm the size, of the tank I cannot help it now I just have to save the fish please suggest what should I do and over the time the stomach part of it bloated up severely
Swimming upside on backbone has been bent
Suggest some meds