Help sick ray

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NikkiC

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 2, 2007
394
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UK
I have a retic that was fine until last night when he didn't eat. Know rays can be picky at times so did not worry too much. Today he has got progressively worse. Both his eyes are dilated so niether has the v part showing. His breathing is fast and he has gone dark in colour. Also noticed his fin is slightly curling at the back. I tested the water and it was ammonia 0 nitrite 0 and nitrate 25ppm. Temp is 28 c. I have done a 50% water change and turned off the lights. He is swimming about a bit but he looks greyish on his underside rather than pure white. Other rays are fine all pupils normal and breathing as normal.

Has anyone seen this before? Is there anything I can do to help him?

For info I have had the ray since september and no new fish added to the tank for at least a month.
 
Water change and lights off are a good start.

Ummm what have you been feeding? Have you increased temp. and added some salt? Tank mates?
 
He usually just eats bloodworm. Other rays and fish eat earthworm, prawns, pellets and mussel.

Tank mates are a female retic, 4 geophagus, a fire eel and 2 spotted gars. Added male and female motoro a month ago. Have read the other threads about motoro stressing out retics but he was the dominant one in the tank and did not compete for food with the motoro as they didn't eat the bloodworm.

Only thing I can think is that I did a water change on Monday which is a bank holiday over here and wonder if the water company put something in the water. The pH is stable and the tank has been running for over a year. Normal water change routine is 40% once a week.

I will up the temp. Don't have any aquarium salt but have got some table salt if that is any good.
 
Do not use table salt!

If you think its the water call your water company and ask if they did anything unusual.
 
I thought that about table salt, will get some aquarium salt tomorrow and call the water company on Monday.

Anything else I can do for him?

It seems odd about his pupils has anyone seen this before?
 
table salt is fine as long as it is non iodized kosher salt.... this is what I use a lot cheaper and you get more salt for your money....
 
Thanks Anders. That is certainly what his eye looks like. Can this cause stress and be why his breathing is heavy and the disc curl as well or do you think he has other problems as well?
 
NikkiC;1780384; said:
Thanks Anders. That is certainly what his eye looks like. Can this cause stress and be why his breathing is heavy and the disc curl as well or do you think he has other problems as well?
Click to expand...

I cant tell you.. :irked: It may.. I have never seen this with my own rays.. Try the sun trick.. If it dosent work, go for the salt.. :)
 
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