The Puffer Forum

Hey,
My fahaka is swimming and now resting on his side. I can't figure out whats wrong. He has been in this 135g for about 6 months now.

pH 7.4
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0

If anyone has any suggestions, I would really appreciate it.

NItrate? Water change schedule? Tankmates? Feeding schedule?

Water Changed once a month, 15-20%. He gets fed every other day, but that depends on if he seems interested at feeding time. Diet consists mainly of frozen raw shirmp. His tank mates are a few gourami and a rainbow shark. Current temperature is around 82 degrees. I dont know what the nitrate level is as I dont have a nitrate test, but I will pick one up on my way home this evening. Last water change was on saturday.

well first off i would definitly increase the frequency and amount of water changed if you have other tank mates with him in a 135g im just gonna guess your nitrates are gonna be pretty high when you get a test kit.

Nitrate 20ppm

What size is your fahaka?

The frozen food is being defrosted for an hour?

I would be tempted to do a 80 percent water change.
Try getting fresh mussels, small crabs and ramshorn snails if you can.

Is he still eating?

he is a little over 5 inches. the frozen food gets defrosted for about 15 minutes. He hasn't eaten in a couple of days. I did a 50% water change after testing the water today. he isn't moving much, but his breathing seems to be stronger than it was earlier today.

Have you fed him anything different lately? Does he look swollen/constipated?

No, nothing out of the ordinary. He looks pretty normal other than being mostly immobile and being slightly on his side.

This is not good... Have you sprayed anything toxic in the room(hairspray, perfume, anything?)--painted a room nearby?

No, haven't sprayed anything or been doing any painting. He does seem like he is a little more aware of his surroundings though. How much water should I be changing, how often?

Edit: is there anything other then looking swollen that could indicate that he might be constipated?

Not deficating is a good sign.

If water changes seem to help, you can do 75% daily with no risk to the biofilter, more even. The biofilter is mostly in the gravel and filter.

Thanks for all the help everybody!