Lab caught in powerhead sump!!!!

[Overawed]

My new little Lab. Car. got stuck in the intake of my Rio 1100 powerhead last night. :nervous:

I had it set to reverse flow, but something happened and it fell of its base into the ugf.

I release him out of the sump area and he swam away. He immediately went to the bottom of the tank and lay there breathing heavily and flapping his pectorial fins.

His dorsal fin is kind of ripped up and his body has blood spots on it.

Is there anything I could do for him?

I think he has already expelled his last waste as well.

Now he is swimming in place underneath the penquin 300 intake. Every once in awhile he will swim out into the open. None of the other fish seem to be bothering him.

I have not removed him because I do not want to stress him out more.

His breathing is now fine. He seems to be ok, but I don't think he can survive being sucked up like that.

Water quality: Ph 8.0 Am:0 Nitrite:0 Nitrate:.15 temp 82F

[SGypsyMermaid]

if he's improving, maybe he'll make it.

[Overawed]

:) he's doing ok so far, I keep the lights off on the tank so he can be more relaxed. My reason for doing so: when the lights are on, my Red Zebras chase him. They leave him alone when the lights are dim. I don't want to risk stressing him by moving him. He seems to be doing fine. Hes eatting too, so I have to wait and see what happens.

I thought he was a goner for sure.

[merlyn2221]

Maybe try some Melafix to speed fin repair and keep fungus at bay.

Poor little guy! :(

[Overawed]

yes, I've wanted to do melafix, but it would cost 10 bucks a day to treat a 90g. I don't want to stress him by catching him now. I have added salt and dimmed the lights for less stress. If he still hides at water changing time, I will remove him and treat with Melafix. Hopefully he will be out and about again.

[Overawed]

Just to update: Little rover has had his name changed to Trooper because he survived this affair. He is back to full health and chasing around the Placidochromis pre-juvies :D

I am looking for him some females now.

[merlyn2221]

OA, man, we have to move closer to one another...we could trade all kinds of fish!
:rofl:

I've got a tankful of Lab. caeruleus fry! My Labs breed like crazy. You could have your pick.:lol:

I am really glad to hear Trooper made it through ok. They are some tough little fish!