Help: CK Acting weird

[jeep07]

I have had my CK for over a year. He just started spazzing. He was opening and closing his mouth repeadtly like he was trying to swallow something. He hasnt eaten since yesterday morning. His tail was also banging either the decoration or the side of the tank cuz I could hear it. He hasnt been wanting to eat the whole week either. I checked his gills and there is no redness or inflammtion. He also has been going up to the top for air alot more then he use to.

Tank size-125g
Fishmates: None
Water Temp: 78 (digital thermomter)
Ammonia: .25 due to me taking out ceramic rings to put in another tank. Will buy more.
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 20

 

[C L O W N K N I F E]

Maybe theres not enough oxygen in the tank? He might have a bacterial infection if hes swimming strangely and rapidly breathing

 

[Aquafreak]

Definitely work on the water parameters. I would increase aeration/oxygenation, add salt (my CK's always responded well to salt) and bump the temp slightly.

 

[jeep07]

Okay, I would need a deep air pump cuz of the height of the tank. I remember reading that salt is not good for fish without scales. CK dont have scales. Bumbing the temperature up will only increase his metabolism and make it harder for him to breath. Yes they can tolerate temperatures up to 82 but I would rather not put it that high. I'll bump it up to 79 or 80. But that would be after I get an air pump. If it is bacterial, how will i know? theres no white patches on him. Thank you for your input guys.

 

[Slippery K]

crank heat up to 85 degrees. my rck had gill flukes a year or so back. add some salt and airstone, treat with prazi pro. worked for me.

 

[C L O W N K N I F E]

So how'd the air pump work out?