Floating FH

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A

Andrewtfw

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Dec 23, 2005
1,044
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Maryland
My flowerhorn is floating at the top of the tank. I did my normal weekly water change on Friday evening and all was well on Saturday morning. I went out of town and returned this morning to find that he is swimming at the surface of the water. His color is fine and appetite is also fine, but he can't seem to stay at midlevel or at the bottom of the tank. Any suggestions?
 
I can't help you, but those that can will need more information.

Tank size? How long has tank been setup? Tankmates? Water parameters? (test ammonia / nitrite / nitrate / pH with API liquid test kit). Do you use dechlorinator? what kind? Water temp? Is it breathing hard/gasping for air? etc. The more info you give the better chance at someone being able to help. Check out the sticky in this forum for a guide of what info to post.
 
The tank is a 75 gallon. It has been running for three years. The FH is the only fish in the tank. Filtration is a Fluval FX5. I also have an air pump with small airstone. Ammonia and Nitrite are both zero. Nitrates are 5ppm. Temperature is 80 degrees. I use Prime as my dechlorinator. 50% water change weekly for the past three years. The FH is breathing normally, but hanging at the top with the top of his head out of water.
 
Is his whole body floating all the way at the top? Or is he pointed up at the top and gasping at the surface?

I'm guessing the first. If so I would start with at least salt. I'm guessing he has something similar to bloat or soem sort of swim bladder issue.
 
Ok so he is still at the top and is now showing that he has ick. The parameters are still good. I have added quick cure as well as a uv sterilizer.

Matt- how much epsom salt should I add to the 75 gallon?
 
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