Please Help My Honey Gourami

[Cfremont23]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If I did not test my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

If I do not change my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

My Honey Gourami is laying down at the bottom of the tank still alive but it seems he just can't swim. I've tested the water and the PH is 6.0, ammonia and nitrite are at 0, but unfortunately nitrate is 40ppm I've tried everything from Aqua Detox to I believe a fluval nitrate removing filter inserts but nothing works. I do my water changes every week to every other week. If anyone knows what is happening to my fish and/or what I can do to lower nitrates please let me know

 

[dr exum]

more water changes -

what else you got in there? tank size?

 

[Cfremont23]

more water changes -

what else you got in there? tank size?

2 other honey gouramis a bichir that won't grow and 2 baby convicts and 40 gallon breeder.

 

[dr exum]

additional water changes should reduce your nitrates

 

[Cfremont23]

additional water changes should reduce your nitrates

What about the fish... He just got sucked on to the filter and is still alive but after pulling it off it's eye seems to be bulging out of it's socket

 

[tlindsey]

What about the fish... He just got sucked on to the filter and is still alive but after pulling it off it's eye seems to be bulging out of it's socket

Sorry to hear that. I suggest putting the fish in a holding tank keep isolated until it gets better. Turn off filter if this ever happens again so fish won't damage anything.

 

[Deadeye]

Sounds like popeye (as for the eye part), dose an antibiotic like melafix to help, it may resolve itself but it is just as likely that the eye falls out.
I agree with removing the gourami until this sorts itself out. IDK why but it seems to be a problem with Gouramis (or any labyrinth fish) where they just start getting sick randomly.
pH could be an issue, I know Gouramis tend to prefer more neutral water, but I doubt that is the problem because it isn’t too far off from neutral, they are adaptable fish, and I keep mine around that pH.

 

[Cfremont23]

Sounds like popeye (as for the eye part), dose an antibiotic like melafix to help, it may resolve itself but it is just as likely that the eye falls out.
I agree with removing the gourami until this sorts itself out. IDK why but it seems to be a problem with Gouramis (or any labyrinth fish) where they just start getting sick randomly.
pH could be an issue, I know Gouramis tend to prefer more neutral water, but I doubt that is the problem because it isn’t too far off from neutral, they are adaptable fish, and I keep mine around that pH.

Thanks! But I am unable to remove it as the only other tanks i have are an axolotl tank and a 125 predator tank soooo that is unfortunately not an option.