Hi LilGreenPuffer, OK i won't move him.
i got this multi-purpose bio-support from the LFS, it says 300 million live bacteria per teaspoonful, use to set up and maintain a fgresh or salf water aquarium, helps eliminate toxic ammonia and nitrite and helps clean a dirty aquarium
my congo is breathing heavy
Forum rules
Read this before posting!!
Since this board has been up, we have found there are several questions that routinely get asked in order to help diagnose problems. If you can have that information to begin with in your post, we'll be able to help right away (if we can!) without having to wait for you to post the info we need.
1) Your water parameters - pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrates and salinity (if appropriate). This is by far the most important information you can provide! Do not answer this with "Fine" "Perfect" "ok", that tells us nothing. We need hard numbers.
2) Tank size and a list of ALL inhabitants. Include algae eaters, plecos, everything. We need to know what you have and how big the tank is.
3) Feeding, water change schedule and a list of all products you are using or have added to the tank (examples: Cycle, Amquel, salt, etc)
4) What changes you've made in the tank in the last week or so. Sometimes its the little things that make all the difference.
5) How long the aquarium has been set up, and how did you cycle it? If you don't know what cycling is read this: Fishless Cycling Article and familiarize yourself with all the information. Yes. All of it.
We want to help, and providing this information will go a LONG way to getting a diagnosis and hopeful cure that much faster.
While you wait for assistance:
One of the easiest and best ways to help your fish feel better is clean water! If you are already on a regular water change schedule (50% weekly is recommended) a good step to making your fish more comfortable while waiting for diagnosis/suggestions is to do a large water change immediately. Feel free to repeat daily or as often as you can, clean water is always a good thing! Use of Amquel or Prime as a dechlor may help with any ammonia or nitrite issues, and is highly recommended.
Note - if you do not normally do large water changes, doing a sudden, large water change could shock your fish by suddenly changing their established water chemistry. Clean water is still your first goal, so in this case, do several smaller (10%) water changes over the next day or two before starting any large ones.
Read this before posting!!
Since this board has been up, we have found there are several questions that routinely get asked in order to help diagnose problems. If you can have that information to begin with in your post, we'll be able to help right away (if we can!) without having to wait for you to post the info we need.
1) Your water parameters - pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrates and salinity (if appropriate). This is by far the most important information you can provide! Do not answer this with "Fine" "Perfect" "ok", that tells us nothing. We need hard numbers.
2) Tank size and a list of ALL inhabitants. Include algae eaters, plecos, everything. We need to know what you have and how big the tank is.
3) Feeding, water change schedule and a list of all products you are using or have added to the tank (examples: Cycle, Amquel, salt, etc)
4) What changes you've made in the tank in the last week or so. Sometimes its the little things that make all the difference.
5) How long the aquarium has been set up, and how did you cycle it? If you don't know what cycling is read this: Fishless Cycling Article and familiarize yourself with all the information. Yes. All of it.
We want to help, and providing this information will go a LONG way to getting a diagnosis and hopeful cure that much faster.
While you wait for assistance:
One of the easiest and best ways to help your fish feel better is clean water! If you are already on a regular water change schedule (50% weekly is recommended) a good step to making your fish more comfortable while waiting for diagnosis/suggestions is to do a large water change immediately. Feel free to repeat daily or as often as you can, clean water is always a good thing! Use of Amquel or Prime as a dechlor may help with any ammonia or nitrite issues, and is highly recommended.
Note - if you do not normally do large water changes, doing a sudden, large water change could shock your fish by suddenly changing their established water chemistry. Clean water is still your first goal, so in this case, do several smaller (10%) water changes over the next day or two before starting any large ones.
-
beapeman
- Puffer Fry
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 11:26 pm
- My Puffers: 2 red eye puffers(R.I.P)
1 congo puffer(R.I.P) - Location: Toronto
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
I just did the water test again
ph 7.4
ammonia 0~0.25
Nitrite 0
nitrate 5
ph 7.4
ammonia 0~0.25
Nitrite 0
nitrate 5
-
LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
- Posts: 5301
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:26 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: Dwarf puffer - Thumbelina (only mine in my heart now; she lives in CT with my friend)
RIP Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizinni.
RIP James Bond. - Location (country): United States
- Location: Kentucky
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
This is great! It means that your cycle is almost over! As soon as ammonia and nitrites both read 0, you're done!
Don't add any more Bio-Support. The bacteria has died since it was packaged, and the bodies only increase the amount of ammonia. Unfortunately, Tetra SafeStart, Bio-Spira, and Dr. Tim's are the only formulas that contain live bacteria. Another way you can tell that it's no good is that it says it's good for either SW or FW. Bacteria from FW would die if put into SW so quickly, and vice-versa. So, even if the bacteria was live, that's something else pretty fishy about it.
Don't add any more Bio-Support. The bacteria has died since it was packaged, and the bodies only increase the amount of ammonia. Unfortunately, Tetra SafeStart, Bio-Spira, and Dr. Tim's are the only formulas that contain live bacteria. Another way you can tell that it's no good is that it says it's good for either SW or FW. Bacteria from FW would die if put into SW so quickly, and vice-versa. So, even if the bacteria was live, that's something else pretty fishy about it.
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
-
beapeman
- Puffer Fry
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 11:26 pm
- My Puffers: 2 red eye puffers(R.I.P)
1 congo puffer(R.I.P) - Location: Toronto
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
OK! I will not put in the bio-support in any more. i will go home and double check the water condition and hopefully congo will get better soon. it seems like he has short back fin if i wasn't mistaken. yesterday he seems like he is trying to swim but can only swing the fins only. i'm not too sure what's going on but he seems more active that's for sure.
-
LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
- Posts: 5301
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:26 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: Dwarf puffer - Thumbelina (only mine in my heart now; she lives in CT with my friend)
RIP Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizinni.
RIP James Bond. - Location (country): United States
- Location: Kentucky
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
That's great. Just keep doing what you've been doing, and keep us updated.
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
-
beapeman
- Puffer Fry
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 11:26 pm
- My Puffers: 2 red eye puffers(R.I.P)
1 congo puffer(R.I.P) - Location: Toronto
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
somehow I feel like the congo can't swim, he is trying really hard to swim now but i'm not too sure but something happened to his back fin so he can't swim i think so what should i do?
-
LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
- Posts: 5301
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:26 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: Dwarf puffer - Thumbelina (only mine in my heart now; she lives in CT with my friend)
RIP Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizinni.
RIP James Bond. - Location (country): United States
- Location: Kentucky
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
Ummm. This might be out of my league. Does it look damaged?
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
-
beapeman
- Puffer Fry
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 11:26 pm
- My Puffers: 2 red eye puffers(R.I.P)
1 congo puffer(R.I.P) - Location: Toronto
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
I just checked the water,
ph 8
ammonia 0.25
nitrite 0.25
nitrate 5
ph 8
ammonia 0.25
nitrite 0.25
nitrate 5
-
Dadof4
- Tech Team
- Posts: 2862
- Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 5:50 am
- Gender: Male
- My Puffers: 1 GSP (Microfiche) RIP, 1 Monotrete Turgidus (Leon) in a 30gal. 1 Monotrete suvattii in a 40 gal FW. 120 gallon BW with 3 juvenile Dragon Gobies (so cool). 55 gal with a 2" GSP named Hank. 180 gallon being set up for a Fahaka in the next few months!
- Location (country): United States
- Location: North Wisconsin
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
You're still in mid cycle, keep up the water changes!beapeman wrote:I just checked the water,
ph 8
ammonia 0.25
nitrite 0.25
nitrate 5
"Darwin swings...annnnnnd a miss. Boy Jim, Chuck's suffered at the plate tonight. He's 0 for 3 and I'm not sure he's recovered from that shoulder pull a few weeks ago. I'll bet the front office is re-thinking that contract."
-
LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
- Posts: 5301
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:26 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: Dwarf puffer - Thumbelina (only mine in my heart now; she lives in CT with my friend)
RIP Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizinni.
RIP James Bond. - Location (country): United States
- Location: Kentucky
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
By the way, you don't need to keep checking ph. Might save you some time and test solution. 
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
-
beapeman
- Puffer Fry
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 11:26 pm
- My Puffers: 2 red eye puffers(R.I.P)
1 congo puffer(R.I.P) - Location: Toronto
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
Thanks everyone for the advise. the congo wouldn't survive until now without you guys. I just did the water change again. the congo doesn't move so much and i'm a bit afraid since when i brought congo back, he has bite at the rear end of body which i believe was by fighting between the congos in the LFS. I'm afraid if the poor water condition infect his read end and cause him not be able to move so much afterward. I'm not too sure if this is the problem and would like to know if I need to medicate him or not, does anyone have any thought?
-
LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
- Posts: 5301
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:26 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: Dwarf puffer - Thumbelina (only mine in my heart now; she lives in CT with my friend)
RIP Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizinni.
RIP James Bond. - Location (country): United States
- Location: Kentucky
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
Melafix! Do you have any?
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
-
beapeman
- Puffer Fry
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 11:26 pm
- My Puffers: 2 red eye puffers(R.I.P)
1 congo puffer(R.I.P) - Location: Toronto
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
if that's the case what kind of medicine should i give it to him? i was checking his read end and part of his read end colour is different than the rest of the body. I just took him out of the tank with a container try to see if he eats anything and he doesn't even look at the food and has really hard time swimming so to prevent the infection what's the best medicine to give? if you have any idea please let me know thanks.
-
beapeman
- Puffer Fry
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 11:26 pm
- My Puffers: 2 red eye puffers(R.I.P)
1 congo puffer(R.I.P) - Location: Toronto
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
no I don't have melafix. I will have to buy it tomorrow. how should i treat the congo when i use the melafix?
-
LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
- Posts: 5301
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:26 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: Dwarf puffer - Thumbelina (only mine in my heart now; she lives in CT with my friend)
RIP Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizinni.
RIP James Bond. - Location (country): United States
- Location: Kentucky
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
The dosing directions are on the bottle.
Can you post a picture? That would help a lot to see if there's something wrong with his rear.
Can you post a picture? That would help a lot to see if there's something wrong with his rear.
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi
Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!