Apisto C. not eating and hiding a lot - help please

[Drakken]

I apparently have no luck with cichlids. :cry:

My male Apisto C. has been in my 35G hex tank for over a month. Usually he is active, eats right away, explores the tank, guards his cave and changes colors. The last few days he has been hiding more and now he isn't eating. I checked the ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. The ph is 7.5, temp is 78F. I do regular water changes, use 1 tbl of salt per gallon and feed once a day alternating between frozen foods and prepared.

The only new changes were that I added Proper pH 7.0 from Aquarium Pharm. and put in a few neons and harlequins. Everything went in 3 weeks ago.

Am I doing anything wrong or is there something else I should do??? I don't want to loose this fish.

 

[farm41]

What is the salt for? Do some water changes without using salt. Salt is okay for some medicinal purposes, but should not be used as a regular addition to the tank water. These are all freshwater fish.

What is in 'Proper Ph 7.0'? Your cacs won't care if the Ph is 7.0 or 7.5.

What are the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings? What is your water change schedule and how much?

 

[Drakken]

I've always used a little salt. What I have read/heard is that it is good for electrolytes and fish health as long as it's not too much. Here's a link for the Proper pH info... http://www.aquariumpharm.com/catalog/aquarium/apaaq136.htm

Ammonia and nitrite were 0 and nitrate was barely 1 bar up on the Jungle test strip.

 

[farm41]

Here is a real good article on when to use salt and why to not use salt.

Salt of the Earth

BTW 1tbs salt per gallon is a high dose for any reason. I would do a couple of 30% water changes and leave the salt out.

 

[Randall]

Sick Fish?

Dear Drakken,

Farm41 and I are in complete agreement. It might be a good idea to perform a series of partial water changes to remove the salt and Proper pH from your system. Neither of these additives are necessary; and if you're Apisto's behavior is any indication, are not doing you or your fish any good. With a 7.5 pH, your water probably has all the electolytes that your fish need. Temperature may or may not be a factor here, but I'd lower it to 76 degrees. None of the fish you mentioned are "hot" water fish.

The additives notwithstanding, does your fish show any of the following symptoms:

1. Swelling in the abdominal area.
2. Fading coloration or puky brownish or grayish coloration.
3. Lack of appetite.
4. Long stringy white feces hanging from the anal pore.

Please respond to the above ASAP!

Thank you.

Randall Kohn

 

[Drakken]

I am doing a water change right now and I won't add anything to the water. Is there anything else I can do?

 

[vancat]

I was reading the thread and barely got through the first post when I went: huh? SALT? I don't even use salt for my mollies even though lots of sources say to.
Water change! Water change! Water change!
hope that helps.

 

[Drakken]

Sick Fish?

The additives notwithstanding, does your fish show any of the following symptoms:

1. Swelling in the abdominal area.
2. Fading coloration or puky brownish or grayish coloration.
3. Lack of appetite.
4. Long stringy white feces hanging from the anal pore.

Please respond to the above ASAP!

Thank you.

Randall Kohn

I haven't noticed any swelling or other physical changes. He usually is a brown color and sometimes turns yellow (which I beieve is normal).

He is not eating and is hanging out in one spot most of the time.

No stringy stuff.

I just did a water change and cleaned the filter. When should I do the next water change? Tomorrow?

Thanks for the help!

 

[farm41]

You can do those water changes either one or two a day, just keep them several hours apart.

 

[Neil]

I agree with all of the above. Wait a day to allow acclimation to the changing conditions and then do another.
Neil

 

[Drakken]

I agree with all of the above. Wait a day to allow acclimation to the changing conditions and then do another.
Neil

Thank you everyone!

He did eat a little tonight, so that is a good sign. I let you all know what happens.