Help with trimac

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Beardogg85

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Feb 17, 2018
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I have a trimac that is having what looks like a swim bladder issue. He eats and looks normal will even bang the glass. His tail just floats up when he stops swimming was fine this morning. Any help appreciated thanks
 
Charney Charney
kno4te kno4te
tlindsey tlindsey
 
Probably would have gotten better attention in proper section but somone will come help soon enough. I would give some shot in the dark answer but have never had to deal with any swim bladder issues before so not sure...sorry
Edit: Actually I don't think it would hurt to be adding epsom salt @ 1 tbsp per 10 gal for now. that is pretty dilute but a decent start.
 
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definitely a bouncy issue. Can't say for sure whim bladder or not. What are you feeding him right now and is he still eating? I would do epsom salt soaks to start. One tabletspoon per five gallons. Put him in a 5 gallon bucket with an air stone for about an hour as long as he is handling it well. do this three times a week to start. Also feed only sinking food incase any gas stuck in the intestines. Can't tell from the pictueres but does he appear bloated at all or have a bump on one side?
 
Many of these kind of issues are bacterial infections, accelerated by water conditions.
Either not enough water changes, not enough cleaning of filters, that result in producing high nitrate (20ppm or above) and sometimes water temps too warm.
Many normally benign bacteria become problematic at water temps at or above 82'F, especially for species like trimacs that come from Mexico (as far north as north of Acapulco) where water temps vary quite a bit day/night, seasonally, where rain fall in the mountains brings cooler waters down stream, and heavy winds reduce water temps.
I kept mine at temps in the mid 70s, with enough water changes to hold nitrate to 5ppm.
What is your water change schedule, amount changed, and filter cleaning routine?
What is your average water temp?
 
Some weeks I can get a extra water change in. He goes to the top of the tank and snaps at the water during feedings. I'm wondering if he gulped in tons of air maybe
 
He doesn't look bloated but he is a chunky fish loves to eat. Everything looks the same on him the usual fish just floats up tail end first. Looks the same today
 
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