I am relatively new to fish keeping (just about a year or so), but have done avid research. I have 2 GSPs, and need help. First I will give history, and symptoms, then peramaters of tank. My two GSPs were perchased from walmart about two months ago. Their names are "sonic" and 'shadow". Obviously, from the get-go, one (Sonic) was more dominant. But Shadow has always seemed content. They have loved their space and have always had bright, white bellies with very prominent florescent green patches on their heads, and have been pleasingly active. I've always fed them a varied died of frozen bloodworms, brineshrimp, and snails. They've never had a single problem or seeming complain. They've always greeted me at the glass, shared food, rarely bickered, etc.. My husband knows how to take care of them, and did everything he was supposed to while I was away for a week. But now, they are very lethargic, often puffed, sometimes yellowish and faded in color, and have not eaten for several days. I am so worried. I have tested the water, and everythng seems fine, as far as my knowledge can see. Here are my current paramaters, routines, etc.:
Nitrates: 20ppm
Nitrites: 0ppm
GH: 150ppm
KH: 180ppm
PH: ~8.0
Salinity/Gravity: 14, 1.014
29 Gallon tank. 2 GSPs, (assuming) juvenille)...roughly 2 inches/ fish. Coral substrate, densely planted (silk plants) w/ adequate hiding places.
Routine: Rotation daily of brine shrimp, bloodworms (both frozen). Fed once daily. Once a week or so fed live snails. 25% weekly water change. Aquarium salt added w/ water changes. Vacuumed every other day, or when uneaten food. Occasional melafix added at signs of damage or illness.
In the past week, I have done a 25% water change, and added a dose of melafix for two days.
Tank originally cycled with stresszyme. Current tank has been set up for approx. 2 months.
Hope that helps. As a final side note, while still not eating, sonic is back to normal mostly. Active and inquisitive (but still not eating!). Shadow has moved a little bit and swam around. As he does, his color returns almost to normal, with the exception of stresslines across his body. Sonic's color when he moves around is perfect. When I purchased them, they were in freshwater, and have slowly transfered them to brackish water. Little at a time. These fish are my best buds (that sounds so rediculous!)....can anyone help? I have done as much research as I have been able to find on the internet, and try to adhere to that....but if I'm doing something wrong, or not doing something I should... please let me know. PS - I know the tank is small. I plan on getting a bigger one relatively soon. I'm in a trailer right now, so it's hard. Could they be stressing each other out? Or sick? Or depressed? Or am I just paranoid (I doubt).
thank you! and my puffers thank you too!
Billysgirl4e
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