My cichlid is lying on tank bottom after water change. What to do?

Leaving the hospital tank on the floor is fine if that is less stressful for your sick dish. Be sure the top is secured to prevent her from jumping out or other pets from getting in. Survey the area around it for any negative stimuli, such as loud noise, cool drafts or strong vibrations. Make sure the water is sufficiently heated as well. Treat with a combination of a broad spectrum antibiotic and plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt). You can find an antibiotic in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess Leela's condition. Be sure to maintain pristine water quality and keep her as stress free as possible. If you don't want to medicate, you can try a combination of Pimafix, Melafix and StressCoat or similar conditioner. Follow label directions carefully and maintain clean water and a stress free environment.

Cichlids can become aggressive when breeding, so if you have more than one male in your tank the spot in question may be an injury. As long as the aggressive behavior stops, the fish should heal. Minor infection can usually be managed by maintaining water quality and water parameters. Test the water to rule out elevated ammonia or nitrite levels. Partial water changes can be done if levels are above 0.25ppm (parts per million). A bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used as a general tonic to improve gill function, treat minor infection, reduce stress and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days adding just enough salt to replace the water being changed. If the condition spreads, separate the fish out to a hospital tank and use a broad spectrum antibiotic. You can find one in the aquarium section of the local pet store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert if indicated.

Check the water temperature and chemistry. The slime could be algae or bacterial overgrowth. This occurs when there is inadequate filtration, overfeeding, too much light or if water is too warm. It cam also happen when there is a lot of plant debris. Perform a water change, rinse the filter media with tank water and adjust temperature and light if necessary. You can also separate the affected fish out to a hospital tank and treat him using a broad spectrum antibiotic and plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt). The antibiotic you can find in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store. Erythromycin or tetracycline are good options. Follow label directions carefully. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water into a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. You can treat with both for 10-14 days. Return him to the main tank once symptoms resolve.

Those could be copepods. They are typically harmless and difficult to completely eradicate. On the good side, they are a sign of a healthy tank and are useful in eating decaying matter in the aquarium. The brown algae can be due to insufficient lighting or lighting periods. You can wipe down the glass and plants, perform a partial water change and increase lighting. It can take weeks to month to resolve. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Confirm stable water chemistry and quality. Make sure the water temperature is correct as well. Too warm or too cold can cause stress. Look the Jack Dempsey over for signs of injury or infection. Ich, bacterial infection or fungal infection can cause the fish too twitch or shiver. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or Epsom salt) dissolved at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water is a great general tonic that can reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in any recovery. The eels should be fine, but the snails should be moved temporarily. You can relocate both to a separate tank to be completely safe. Treat the tank for 10-14 days then reassess the condition of the fish. Perform a partial water change afterwards to reduce salinity before you returns the eels and snails to the tank.

Since the others in the tank are behaving normally, this one may be sick or injured. Ideally, it should be separated into a quarantine or hospital tank Check water chemistry first, even if you've done it already. You can use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0ppm) of ammonia and nitrites, with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to correct or stabilize water chemistry. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent additional stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 68F and 74F. Change no more than 30% of the volume at one time. In the absence of other symptoms or injury, medications cannot be recommended. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Kosher salt) as a general tonic to decrease stress, increase gill function and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 gallons of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then perform partial water changes to decrease salinity.

Check the water chemistry and quality first. Elevated ammonia or nitrite levels can be toxic. Partial water changes can be done to stabilize and improve water chemistry. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. For goldfish, a range of 65F to 72F is recommended. Check the filter and rinse the sponge with tank water, not tap water, to spare beneficial bacterial populations and to maintain water quality. The tank may not be large enough to support 5 goldfish. Generally, 20 gallons should be allowed for the first goldfish then a 10 additional gallons should be provided for each additional goldfish. This is due to the larger than average bio load (wastes) they produce. Consider a larger tank or decrease the number of fish in one tank. Use a filter that is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank and add an airstone and pump for increased oxygenation. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt). Can be used as a general tonic. It will reduce stress, improve gill function, aid in any recovery and may treat or prevent minor infection. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days. When performing water changes, add salt only to the amount of water being replaced, not the entire tank volume.

Thanks for reaching out about Tank. A radiograph or blood work could help provide answers. Radiographs could show a fluid/pus filled swim bladder. Injectable antibiotics could assist. There is little that can be done at home. Good luck.