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
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- 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 would like to post a picture but he doesn't turn...and my camera isn't a good one so i guess i will borrow from someone, i will see what can i do~
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Agnate
- Former Staff Member
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(Captain Abe) - Location: Ontario, Canada
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Re: my congo is breathing heavy
If he had a larger wound, I would advise using Melafix AND Pimafix. Melafix helps with the healing process by speeding it up a bit, and Pimafix will help protect against secondary fungal infections.
How does his stomach look? My guess is that it's a combination of the wound on his tail and the ammonia/nitrite that are causing him grief.
Like Pufferpunk said, I would get a second tank set up and start emergency cycling it (don't move the puffer yet). Once you're sure the tank is cycled (Ammonia: 0, Nitrite: 0, Nitrate: between 5 to 15), then move the puffer over.
Pictures would also definitely help, so I'll wait until we see those to suggest anything else.
How does his stomach look? My guess is that it's a combination of the wound on his tail and the ammonia/nitrite that are causing him grief.
Like Pufferpunk said, I would get a second tank set up and start emergency cycling it (don't move the puffer yet). Once you're sure the tank is cycled (Ammonia: 0, Nitrite: 0, Nitrate: between 5 to 15), then move the puffer over.
Pictures would also definitely help, so I'll wait until we see those to suggest anything else.
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40 gallon - Future home of Abei Puffer
28 gallon - 1 Abei Puffer (Captain Abe)
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- Paul
40 gallon - Future home of Abei Puffer
28 gallon - 1 Abei Puffer (Captain Abe)
5 gallon - 1 Betta (Frederico)
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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 Agnate. I will go to the fish shop and look for those medicines. his stomach is curved in a bit but i'm not too sure whether it's because his read fin curved up so cause this problem since his read fin doesn't seem to function well. i will go to fish shop and get those medicine ASAP.
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katty
- Figure 8 Puffer
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RIP. Lumpy & Spazzy (African Dwarf Frogs) - Location: WA, NV, CA
- Contact:
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
It your congo's belly is curved in a bit, it might be internal parasites. 
Please try to get some pics! It'd be super helpful if we can see what you're seeing!
Please try to get some pics! It'd be super helpful if we can see what you're seeing!-
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
Hi I bought the melafix and put it in the tank. do I still need to do water change everyday? because on the description it says i will dose for 7 days to do a water change. and maybe his stomach is a bit curved in so if i buy medicine for IP, which brand would you recommend? and does congo need to eat it? he doesn't seems to eat at all. i bought some ghost shrimp and put the congo into the breeding case with ghost shrimp in but congo doesn't eat at all...i'm not too sure what to do now...
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LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
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- 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
Definitely keep doing the water changes. Don't worry about the Melafix directions where the water changes are concerned.
First thing about the IPs: be sure he does have them. If he doesn't, the meds will just make things worse. A picture of his belly would help us to help you make sure.
If you're going to treat for IPs, you really need to get a hospital tank, or another display tank. You need another display anyway for the Congo. I would get a 40g for the red-eyes, since they're a pair and need maximum space to prevent conflict, and keep the Congo in the 22 until you can get a bigger tank for him. The reason: you want to avoid getting meds into the healthy fish. It's not good for them. You can leave them together if you can get the puffer to eat the meds, but it sounds like this won't happen, since he's already refusing food. Therefore, you will probably have to treat the water, which will affect all inhabitants.
The best brands of IP meds are...
1. Gel-Tek Ultra Cure PX - taste is appealing to fish, unlike most meds, and seems to be extremely effective. However, some people have had trouble getting ahold of it. Look for it online, as well as at the LFS.
2. PraziPro seems to be quite good. It's hard to get the fish to eat it, so it usually has to just go in the water, but this is probably what you'll have to do anyway.
Some other types...
3. I used Jungle brand Parasite Gaurd. It worked for me, but not everyone likes it, and it only goes in the water, though I suppose that you could try soaking food in it. It does have praziquantel in it, which is the main ingredient in PraziPro. If you get this, don't worry about the medicated food mentioned in the directions. They won't eat it anyway. Puffers just don't go for that sort of food, in general.
4. Jungle Parasite Clear fizz tabs also get good reviews in general, but, once again, these must be added to the water, although some some people have had success with soaking food as well.
Finally, remember this: don't underdose IP meds. If you do this, some worms may survive, and these will be resistant to the meds, and then you'll have to use another brand, with different ingredients.
First thing about the IPs: be sure he does have them. If he doesn't, the meds will just make things worse. A picture of his belly would help us to help you make sure.
If you're going to treat for IPs, you really need to get a hospital tank, or another display tank. You need another display anyway for the Congo. I would get a 40g for the red-eyes, since they're a pair and need maximum space to prevent conflict, and keep the Congo in the 22 until you can get a bigger tank for him. The reason: you want to avoid getting meds into the healthy fish. It's not good for them. You can leave them together if you can get the puffer to eat the meds, but it sounds like this won't happen, since he's already refusing food. Therefore, you will probably have to treat the water, which will affect all inhabitants.
The best brands of IP meds are...
1. Gel-Tek Ultra Cure PX - taste is appealing to fish, unlike most meds, and seems to be extremely effective. However, some people have had trouble getting ahold of it. Look for it online, as well as at the LFS.
2. PraziPro seems to be quite good. It's hard to get the fish to eat it, so it usually has to just go in the water, but this is probably what you'll have to do anyway.
Some other types...
3. I used Jungle brand Parasite Gaurd. It worked for me, but not everyone likes it, and it only goes in the water, though I suppose that you could try soaking food in it. It does have praziquantel in it, which is the main ingredient in PraziPro. If you get this, don't worry about the medicated food mentioned in the directions. They won't eat it anyway. Puffers just don't go for that sort of food, in general.
4. Jungle Parasite Clear fizz tabs also get good reviews in general, but, once again, these must be added to the water, although some some people have had success with soaking food as well.
Finally, remember this: don't underdose IP meds. If you do this, some worms may survive, and these will be resistant to the meds, and then you'll have to use another brand, with different ingredients.
"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
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- 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 all the help.
I just checked the water
ammonia 0
nitrite 0~0.25
nitrate 10
which i still need to get rid off nitrite
i tried to take some pictures but it's too blurry which the picture you can't see anything at all.
i'm looking for the tank these days and hope i will get some luck on those.
I just checked the water
ammonia 0
nitrite 0~0.25
nitrate 10
which i still need to get rid off nitrite
i tried to take some pictures but it's too blurry which the picture you can't see anything at all.
i'm looking for the tank these days and hope i will get some luck on those.
-
LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
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RIP Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizinni.
RIP James Bond. - Location (country): United States
- Location: Kentucky
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
Just keep those water changes up!
"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 did the water change again and congo was moving extremely fast, i think he was frighten. but at least i know he is still alive which is better than before since he moves a lot more than past couple days. i put in the melafix and prime in the water and thanks for the help so far, you guys are really helpful, thanks a lot.
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LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
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- 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
Good to hear that he's more active!
"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!
-
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
How is he doing?
"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
Hi Everyone,
I'm sorry to say that congo passed away last Sunday morning. the tank water was fine but the fungas attacked the tank then he died couple days later with white hairy attached on his body. the red eyes also died from this disease...
I'm sorry to say that congo passed away last Sunday morning. the tank water was fine but the fungas attacked the tank then he died couple days later with white hairy attached on his body. the red eyes also died from this disease...
-
katty
- Figure 8 Puffer
- Posts: 107
- Joined: Tue Apr 14, 2009 3:14 am
- My Puffers: 1 Fahaka Puffer (Puffy), 1 Red Claw Crab (Crabby), 2 Gold Inca Snails (Jerry & Larry), 5 Goldfish (Frankie, Biggy, Koi, Orange, Tiny).
RIP. Lumpy & Spazzy (African Dwarf Frogs) - Location: WA, NV, CA
- Contact:
Re: my congo is breathing heavy
I'm really sorry to hear that. What was the fungus?
What was the fungus?-
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
I'm sorry.
"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
Hi katty,
it was mouth and body fungas. I think the reason it's because i putted in some feeder snails hoping they would be happy and the water got polluted...they died with ick and fungas on their body.
there was a bit of nitrite and i wasn't sure why...but anyway i'm really sorry
it was mouth and body fungas. I think the reason it's because i putted in some feeder snails hoping they would be happy and the water got polluted...they died with ick and fungas on their body.
there was a bit of nitrite and i wasn't sure why...but anyway i'm really sorry