Constipated, Parasites or ticks on my juvenile Arowana

[Constipatedbutt]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

Unknown

If yes, what is your nitrite?

0 ppm

If yes, what is your nitrate?

25 ppm

If I did not test my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

21-30%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every week

If I do not change my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

I caught my juvenile 4-5 inch arowana rubbing his underside on driftwood and plants, he been hiding for few days and has not been nearly as active, I looked closely and can't make out anything.

I've been feeding live mollies, (bred by me) hikari pellets and he also ate some algae wafers and just recently started on frozen bloodworms

I caught it doing this only yesterday, i cant attach videos so please find the photos and screenshot of him rubbing on driftwood

 

[danotaylor]

Have you seen it poop or seen its poop on the substrate?
Looks a little thick around the lower part of his belly.
How big are the mollies you are feeding?

I would add 1tbsp/5gal of Epsom salt and not feed for a week so it can clear its gut properly

 

[Constipatedbutt]

Have you seen it poop or seen its poop on the substrate?
Looks a little thick around the lower part of his belly.
How big are the mollies you are feeding?

I would add 1tbsp/5gal of Epsom salt and not feed for a week so it can clear its gut properly

Hi danotaylor thank you for the reply

I witnessed him poop only once in the entire time i had him, the sizes if the mollies i fed him ranged from 2-5cm, thus was a few weeks ago and ive been switching to a more pellet focused diet please find attached a pic of my whole tank for more context,

Wouldnt adding salt harm plants or should i put the arowana into a separate tub for the salt treatment

 

[danotaylor]

Nice looking set up. Plenty of open swimming space.

I’d say 2cm mollies are fine but the body structure of the bigger ones may be too large to pass easily.

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. When I was a lead grower in a commercial indoor hydro farm we use pounds and pounds of mag sulfate in our nutrient blend. It’s different than sodium chloride. In the concentration I suggested it won’t have any adverse effect on your plants, especially in short term use.

All the best

 

[Constipatedbutt]

Alright will try that out, thanks a lot for your help.

 

[danotaylor]

You’re welcome mate