Help determining how Firemouth is going to die

[kab012345]

Hello,

I think my Firemouth Cichlid of 3-4 years, Gertrude, is getting ready to die, but I would like to know if anyone can help determine how he/she (don't know gender) is going to die.

I woke up this morning and saw it laying on its back on the bottom of the tank, so it is kind of swimming upside down as of right now, and it is still breathing, but very slowly.

The tank is 20 gallons, and I just changed the water yesterday night. I took the fish out to clean the tank well this time. It was 82 degrees when I woke up, and I know it is supposed to be 76-78, but my mom wanted to take the black rocks out and clean it some more, and I should have checked the new temperature before I put my fish back and the chemicals in since she added more water.

I am not sure if he ate the food I put in, but I noticed there is like a film around him and it looks like his scales are worn or coming off. I put in some Lifeguard since that is what I have always used when I felt something was wrong.



Thanks...

[Heyguy74]

Welcome to the forums,

What type of filteration do you have? Was that cleaned as well. You have to be careful with cleaning afish tank too much. Removing the fish and cleaning the tank very well, is probably the cause of your problem. Are you familiar with the Nitrogen cycle? Did you us ea declorinbator when adding teh new water? Did you match ph and temp. I know teh temp was a little high but 3 to 4 degrees wont kill a fish. The filter media should only be cleaned in declorinated water. Usually you use water from the tank to clean it. That water is then dumped and you add new water for the water change.

[HmoobVaaj]

Maybe you clean your tank too much...how do you clean your tank? It should be once a week and water change 20-30% only..these kind of fish needs good filteration..their not BETTAs, Im thinking your died from STRESS from clean too often and the tanks too small..I notice you said you had him for 3-4yrs, how big was it? I betcha your tanks was too small for it..the scales coming off or peeling..thats signs of STRESS. Goodluck next time

[kab012345]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll put him in a plant.

Anyway, no, I didn't use that, I use Cycle, EasyBalance or AquaSafe (can't remember right now), and one other one.

It was longer than I usually take to clean the tank out. I'll keep the weekly change in mind for future fish.

Based on the replies, I think my mom caused this when she took all of the rocks/pebbles and changed all of the water, but I should have watched her when she said she wanted to clean it some more when I was adding more water...

Anyway, thanks again. Oh, I would say he was about 6 inches more or less, and the tank was a 16 gallon-Tetra Water Wonders, and I don't see the demensions on the box right now, but here is a picture:

[badmojo6768]

Originally Posted by kab012345

Based on the replies, I think my mom caused this when she took all of the rocks/pebbles and changed all of the water

Anyway, thanks again. Oh, I would say he was about 6 inches more or less, and the tank was a 16 gallon-[/img]

You have stated your exact problems...

NEVER a need to change all of the water! Also, i have never taken the rocks out and cleaned them, just us a siphon to pull up what you can. Fish tanks develop an algae base which is healthy, taking everything out and "cleaning" it with tap water will pretty much destroy all beneficial chemicals and completely reset your water to well, tap water, which fish dont like...

2. 16 gallons is far too small for a 6 inch fish, that tank is built for gold fish, tetras, ect... there arent many cichlid's that i would put in a tank that small... they will almost all eventually out grow that size tank and/or get depressed and die! so for that tank i say stay away from cichlids! Or better yet, get a bigger tank, the later seems like more fun!

either way, good luck in the future, we all learn from mistakes!!!

[HmoobVaaj]

Originally Posted by kab012345

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll put him in a plant.

Anyway, no, I didn't use that, I use Cycle, EasyBalance or AquaSafe (can't remember right now), and one other one.

It was longer than I usually take to clean the tank out. I'll keep the weekly change in mind for future fish.

Based on the replies, I think my mom caused this when she took all of the rocks/pebbles and changed all of the water, but I should have watched her when she said she wanted to clean it some more when I was adding more water...

Anyway, thanks again. Oh, I would say he was about 6 inches more or less, and the tank was a 16 gallon-Tetra Water Wonders, and I don't see the demensions on the box right now, but here is a picture:

I'm surpised you actually had it for that long and that big. Whatever the case is we all learn from our mistakes and learn to improve it. Cichlids are very easily STRESS when you don't have the right mind and tools for them. Anywase sorry 4 ur loss..better luck next time

[kab012345]

Thanks again everyone.

I'll remember it for next time since I've had so many now.

He is in a plant now.

[Heyguy74]

Sorry for the loss. If you have any question please keep asking.

[mgab]

This is a sad occasion but could have been prevented. Next time you're considering buying a fish, go home and do some research. Find out what that fish needs to be happy and healthy. Often times, buying a fish on a whim with no knowledge of it's requirements will be a death sentence. Had you learned about this fish and provided it with a proper habitat, it would have lived to eight or ten years old, possibly more. This situation would be similar to keeping a great dane in a studio apartment, it's far too small.

I don't mean to be rude and I apologize if you've taken offense but any time you take a living being in you need to be sure you have the means to care for it.

[kab012345]

Yes, I have had other fish before, and I do know a little bit about carrying for them from searching the internet, fish magazines, clubs, and talking to people that own/sale fish.

And, I understand what you mean. I'll just have to look deeper into the specific fish that I get when I get other fish in the future and continue to keep learning more about them.

[mikeinco]

Is the fish dead in a plant? This is the strangest post ever.

[Glaive]

I believe the fish is acting as fertilizer now. I know a few people that bury their poets under trees.

[kab012345]

Yes, that is correct. I got the idea from a website.

[onebettarepublic]

"16 gallons is far too small for a 6 inch fish, that tank is built for gold fish, tetras,"

Actually, 16 gallons is too small for goldfish.
Look into guppies or endlers,
shelldwellers,
Betta with pygmy cories, or small school of neons....
A 16 is a good tank for the right fish

[kab012345]

OK, thanks for the tip.