Neon blue acara health issues

[SLeigh24]

So I have had two neon blues before. One passed of unknown causes. The other did what my current one is doing - she's been listless and seemingly unable to get up off the gravel without a ton of effort. She does eat and does try to at least make it to the food but I have noticed the struggle lately. It does seem to be getting worse and she is thinner, possibly due to being unable to swim for food as much.

Everyone else in the tank is great. Lively, frisky, playful little things. Water parameters are mostly good. I had slightly high nitrates the other day but have done water changes and it seems under control, with no change in her health. The other one I had was like this for months before she gave up and died... what could cause this and how do I fix it? Is it too late?

 

[A201]

There are many possibilities, but since the illness took months to kill, my guess is Heximita. Since the noted Acara continues to eat, might try mixing Metroplex with the food. I would buy your next Acara from another vendor. Hope she gets better soon.

 

[kno4te]

Could try adding some Epsom salt 1 tbsp per 5g. Dose the tank with metro and feed hex shield.

Or can do as st stephen Claire has mentioned. It’s similar to what I’ve said.

 

[SLeigh24]

There are many possibilities, but since the illness took months to kill, my guess is Heximita. Since the noted Acara continues to eat, might try mixing Metroplex with the food. I would buy your next Acara from another vendor. Hope she gets better soon.

Thank you. I imagine it's not contagious if nobody else is affected? I will try to treat!