We moved our bichirs from a smaller tank to a 90L recently. The larger stone gravel I swapped after a few days to sand. After a week I noticed one Bichir was unhappy slight red markings on one side, lethargic, not swimming as well. Water test show nitrates were too high. I did a massive water change, swapped the filter as the one in current use wasn’t doing a great job. Hovered gravel etc. Found the Bichir to get worse not better after a few days. Started using melafix treatment 4 days ago. Bichir is still eating, surfacing for air etc but not as active as her companion.
Tanks only got two bichirs in that have been together now for over a year. Running tank at 26deg C. Two ornaments to hide in and fake grass plants to swim in. Internal filter, norm heater & bubbler as no natural plants. Using natural light and occasional hood light when it’s very dark.
Been feeding a mix of bloodworm & pellets since we had them.
Worried we are going to loose our girl. Any advice would be appreciated. We can’t work out if it was temp problems, nitrate or perhaps an abrasion. More likely I think that it’s an internal bactaerial infection. Possible dropsy. TIA
