My Pacu is going to die, please help!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
So what did you end up doing?
How is it looking?
 
Sorry, guys. I have 2 small children and am also trying to take care of Reggie so it's been quite a night.
I bumped the temp gradually to 82-ish. I added some aquarium salt and the Maracyn-Two. I have a 72 gal tank and the Maracyn called for 2 packets per each 10 gallons and I only bought 1 pack of 8 (figures) so I just used all 8 packets. I don't even think he's alive anymore. No gill movement and very subtle movements coming from inside the mouth. I think this is it for good ol' Reg.
He was a cool fish for the last 8 years and it was great seeing him grow, but I could kill the idiot that sold him to me those 8 years ago who didn't tell me that these fish can grow to 25-28 inches full grown. We found out the hard way. He probably could have had a better home with a bigger tank if someone would have taken the time out to educate a person buying a fish that they have no clue about and tell them how big it can get. It seems that happens all too often.
This website is great and all of you were very helpful and kind. Thanks for everything. And if for some reason he is swimming around tomorrow morn when I wake up, I will let everyone know. I wouldn't count on it though
:o( Heartbroken,
Shannon
 
good luck
 
Wow, I guess I'm too late here. Why are people telling you to raise the temp when you have an ammonia reading?! Higher temps make ammonia more toxic and deplete oxygen (not good when he is having trouble breathing, already).

Some salt will help gill function. I don't see higher temps being a good thing in this situation. Also, keep away from the meds. Mela and pima will help with the fin damage and prevent an infection. Lots of water changes will help with the ammonia.

For the long term, you will need to keep up on water changes and gravel vacs. Also, you have a monster in a relativley small tank. You need monster filtration to keep up. (4 to 5 times what the filters are rated for). Also, you need to think about a tank upgrade SOON.

Good luck.
 
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