Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male | unneutered
I went on vacation and put a vacation feeder in the tank when I came home his tank was a sandy color. After cleaning his tank complete I put him back in and after that he hasn't been the same going on a week with out eating. What did I do wrong? Now I have bought a different tank and rocks, add water and a water heater and added stress coat. Is there anything else I can do to help he's breathing really fast? I have seen a change since I've put him in the other tank, he is swimming more.
1 Answer
Published on December 3rd, 2017
Check the water chemistry. Confirm ammonia and nitrite levels are 0.25ppm or less and nitrates are 40ppm or less. Use a liquid test kit or submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a small fee. Partial water changes, about 30% can be done to decrease high levels. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. My preferences for water conditioning are AmQuel Plus and NovAqua in addition to StressCoat. Confirm water temperature between 78F and 80F. You can soak pellets in some garlic juice to stimulate his appetite.
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