I my pleco acting strange? - MyFishTank.Net Freshwater Saltwater Aquarium Fish Forum

phin · 10-31-2009, 10:51 PM

My small pleco has been at the top of the tank for three days now. He looks healthy; had a bad case of ich he got over about 5 days ago but he looks alright now. I had my water tested by my LFS yesterday and he said everything looks good. My tests look good as well.

Mr. pleco hasn't been eating and keeps gulping air every now and again. Like I said, he's been at the same spot at the top of the tank (opposite the filter return) for 3 days now. Is this anything to worry about?

Water temp is 81F and I have an air stone for extra agitation so I don't think O2 levels are an issue.

Stillness · 11-01-2009, 01:20 AM

How old is the tank? Cycled? Parameters.

18 gallons is small for a common pleco considering they reach mammoth proportions.

It could just be getting to big for the tank and feeling a little squished, but assuming it hasn't reached full size (or anywhere close), my guess would be water parameters.

OrangeCones · 11-01-2009, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phin

I had my water tested by my LFS yesterday and he said everything looks good. My tests look good as well.

When you say the LFS said everything 'looks good' and that your tests are good, what are your readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? How long has the tank been set up? The common pleco needs at least a 50gallon tank, so the 18 will not work for him long-term, and the small size could cause stunting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phin

Mr. pleco hasn't been eating and keeps gulping air every now and again. Like I said, he's been at the same spot at the top of the tank (opposite the filter return) for 3 days now. Is this anything to worry about?

Yes, this is definately something to worry about. The fact that he's gulping air is a sign that he's not getting the oxygen he needs. You have the temperature set at the high end for them, and warmer water holds less oxygen. The agitation of the water will help, but may not be enough.

Another possible problem is nitrite poisoning. Symptoms include: gasping for breath at the water's surface, staying near the the water outlets, listlessness, and brown-gills. When being poisoned by the nitrites, the blood is changed in the fish and makes it less able to carry oxygen. So even if the tank is well oxygenated, the fish could suffacate.

My advice is to get the water tested to find the exact readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. Post them here when you find the numbers.

Until then, do 50% water changes daily.

Good luck.

Newman · 11-01-2009, 07:55 AM

I would also lower the temp to 76 F

phin · 11-01-2009, 10:31 AM

Tank is about 2 months old and fully cycled. I cycled it with the pleco. Ammonia = 0, nitrites = 0, nitrates < 5 ppm. This morning he moved down into the java ferns, he's not eating them, but just hanging out in them. He hasn't been gulping air as far as I've seen this morning so maybe he's aright.

I know he'll get to big for this tank, I wanted something that produces a lot of waste to start cycling the tank and I'll keep him in for another month before I find a new home for him and some new inhabitants to my tank.

Thanks.

10-31-2009, 10:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
phin Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 24	I my pleco acting strange? My small pleco has been at the top of the tank for three days now. He looks healthy; had a bad case of ich he got over about 5 days ago but he looks alright now. I had my water tested by my LFS yesterday and he said everything looks good. My tests look good as well. Mr. pleco hasn't been eating and keeps gulping air every now and again. Like I said, he's been at the same spot at the top of the tank (opposite the filter return) for 3 days now. Is this anything to worry about? Water temp is 81F and I have an air stone for extra agitation so I don't think O2 levels are an issue. __________________ 18 gallon tall began with 5 neon tetras, down to 2 (one lost a tail in transit, died the next day. 1 got stuck in the power filter - he was so tiny. 1 got wedged between the tank glass and some drifwood ) 2 ghost shrimp Anubias hastifolia Java Fern lots of driftwood

11-01-2009, 07:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
Newman Large Fish Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 815	I would also lower the temp to 76 F __________________ AQUARIUMS: 40 Gal 1 Female Orange & Black Oranda GF 1 Female Blood Red Swordtail 5 Otocinclus 3 Swordtail Fry 3 Cherry shrimp 1 Gold Apple Snail Java fern, Anubias, Anacharis, Cabomba, Marimo Moss, Flame Moss, Dwarf Hairgrass 10 Gal 2 Otocinlus 20+ Swordtail Fry 4 Cherry Shrimp Dwarf Sag HC 2.5 Gal Christmas moss 1 Female Deltatail Betta Credit goes to Lludu

11-01-2009, 10:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
phin Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 24	Tank is about 2 months old and fully cycled. I cycled it with the pleco. Ammonia = 0, nitrites = 0, nitrates < 5 ppm. This morning he moved down into the java ferns, he's not eating them, but just hanging out in them. He hasn't been gulping air as far as I've seen this morning so maybe he's aright. I know he'll get to big for this tank, I wanted something that produces a lot of waste to start cycling the tank and I'll keep him in for another month before I find a new home for him and some new inhabitants to my tank. Thanks. __________________ 18 gallon tall began with 5 neon tetras, down to 2 (one lost a tail in transit, died the next day. 1 got stuck in the power filter - he was so tiny. 1 got wedged between the tank glass and some drifwood ) 2 ghost shrimp Anubias hastifolia Java Fern lots of driftwood

11-01-2009, 01:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
Stillness Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 57	How old is the tank? Cycled? Parameters. 18 gallons is small for a common pleco considering they reach mammoth proportions. It could just be getting to big for the tank and feeling a little squished, but assuming it hasn't reached full size (or anywhere close), my guess would be water parameters.