Hey guys I recently got a 3 inch rtc for my 100g about 1 week ago and I've been feeding him cut up shrimp and tilapia because he won't take sinking pellets and I've noticed he has been breathing heavy and fast like if he's choking the ammonia reads at 0 nitrIte 0 and nitrates below 20 I have a aquaclear 110 penguin 250 and diy wet dry trickle tower with a return rate of 600gph what do you think is wrong with him? Thanks for the help and also never leaves spot under pvc overflow
rtc breathing heavy and rapidly
- Thread starter Oscarito
- Start date
does he do this particularly right after feeding? I found my hybrid did this if he cramed more food then he should... I just started taking my time feeding him so he couldn't gourge himself to bad.. ie every 5mins or so between chunks of food until he was full... he actually learned to pace himself now. Otherwise I would suspect parasites.. but 99% sure hes just over-eating... very common in big cats when they are that little. You should have enough flow that I seriousely doubt it would be an O2 issue.
I sounds like the tank's well stirred. I agree with MonsterMinis (who is not a man but a very pregnant MFK vixen at the moment 
) that he is either overeating (I saw this IME too) or he has an illness but if his appetite is great, it must be just overeating.
Often, small RTCs would refuse a meal or two after way too big of a meal or a couple of such.
) that he is either overeating (I saw this IME too) or he has an illness but if his appetite is great, it must be just overeating.Often, small RTCs would refuse a meal or two after way too big of a meal or a couple of such.
The only other question I don't see answered here is what is the tank temp? to high or too low can cause this as well.. but I would try fasting him 2 days and see if his breathing gets better. It won't hurt him and will answer weather or not you should consider de-worming ect.. ( I try to avoid this in very young fish but if hes gasping 24/7 its bad and should be addressed sooner rather then later)
vixen..lmao i'll have to tell hubby that next time I ask for craveings food!
vixen..lmao i'll have to tell hubby that next time I ask for craveings food!
It's also a possibility the test is inaccurate and good info as well... I always cross check a reading such as this with my local lfs if my fish are noticeably sick/something Is wrong. it will either confirm that your water is fine or make you question the need for a new kit.
I mix in Praziquantel powder in their food. Amy adds the same med as a solution in a glycol (usually stocked by LFSs) and lets it dry. See this for more info: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?539025-RTC-TSN/page2&highlight=glycol
If your thermometer is off and it is like 84-85 F, that may be too much. I'd slowly lower it to 78-80 F and see what happens.
If your thermometer is off and it is like 84-85 F, that may be too much. I'd slowly lower it to 78-80 F and see what happens.