Clownfish breathing fast and laying down

[clownfishluvr123]

So I have 2 clownfish whom I had for some time now. One is much bigger than the other. I did a water change yesterday and they seemed completely normal up until when I got home earlier today. This morning they were completely fine, but later in the afternoon I noticed that they were staying in the middle of the tank and swimming a bit slower than usual, I also noticed they were breathing a bit faster too but I didn’t mind it at all. I got home 3 hours later and found my smaller clownfish on the sand leaning against a rock struggling to swim and still breathing fast. The bigger clownfish moves up and down the tank but in a slow manner and when she goes to the bottom she too tends to lay against the sand a bit. No visible signs of any disease but I did notice the smaller guy’s face is kind of discoloring. Besides that they seem to be completely fine physically. What do I do?

 

[reefsaver]

Check Water Parameters: Ensure that your water parameters are within the ideal range for clownfish. Key parameters to check include:
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: <20 ppm (preferably lower)
pH: 8.0-8.4
Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
Temperature: 24-27°C (75-81°F)
Oxygen Levels: Ensure there is adequate oxygenation in the tank. Increase surface agitation or add an air stone to improve oxygen levels.
Observe Behavior and Appearance:
Breathing Rate: Fast breathing can indicate low oxygen levels, high ammonia, or nitrite.
Discoloration: Could be a sign of stress or early symptoms of disease.
Swimming Patterns: Lethargy and abnormal swimming can also indicate stress or illness.
Monitor for Disease: Although you mentioned there are no visible signs of disease, keep an eye out for:
White Spots: Indicating ich.
Fuzzy Growths: Indicating fungal infections.
Frayed Fins or Red Spots: Indicating bacterial infections.
Conduct a Partial Water Change: If water parameters are off, consider doing a partial water change (10-20%) with well-mixed, temperature-matched, and dechlorinated saltwater.
Check for Contaminants: Ensure no chemicals or contaminants have entered the tank during the water change. Contaminants can cause immediate stress and harm.
Provide Hiding Spots: Ensure there are ample hiding spots and a stress-free environment for your fish to feel secure.
Consult a Professional: If the condition of your clownfish does not improve or worsens, consult a professional aquarist or a veterinarian specializing in fish.
Monitoring closely and maintaining optimal water quality are key to resolving this issue. If you have any specific test results or further observations, feel free to share them for more advice.

 

[gbroadbridge]

So I have 2 clownfish whom I had for some time now. One is much bigger than the other. I did a water change yesterday and they seemed completely normal up until when I got home earlier today. This morning they were completely fine, but later in the afternoon I noticed that they were staying in the middle of the tank and swimming a bit slower than usual, I also noticed they were breathing a bit faster too but I didn’t mind it at all. I got home 3 hours later and found my smaller clownfish on the sand leaning against a rock struggling to swim and still breathing fast. The bigger clownfish moves up and down the tank but in a slow manner and when she goes to the bottom she too tends to lay against the sand a bit. No visible signs of any disease but I did notice the smaller guy’s face is kind of discoloring. Besides that they seem to be completely fine physically. What do I do?

Did you mix the replacement water yourself or obtain premixed from LFS?
If you made yourself was it using city tapwater or RODI?

Did you check Salinity of the mixed water.

 

[clownfishluvr123]

Did you mix the replacement water yourself or obtain premixed from LFS?
If you made yourself was it using city tapwater or RODI?

Did you check Salinity of the mixed water.

I mixed the water myself. I moved the fish last night and when I woke up this morning they were perfectly fine. But when I checked the fish tank it was completely white and everything is covered by some white stuff. What could it be? I also found out that it could be scraped

 

[clownfishluvr123]

Check Water Parameters: Ensure that your water parameters are within the ideal range for clownfish. Key parameters to check include:
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: <20 ppm (preferably lower)
pH: 8.0-8.4
Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
Temperature: 24-27°C (75-81°F)
Oxygen Levels: Ensure there is adequate oxygenation in the tank. Increase surface agitation or add an air stone to improve oxygen levels.
Observe Behavior and Appearance:
Breathing Rate: Fast breathing can indicate low oxygen levels, high ammonia, or nitrite.
Discoloration: Could be a sign of stress or early symptoms of disease.
Swimming Patterns: Lethargy and abnormal swimming can also indicate stress or illness.
Monitor for Disease: Although you mentioned there are no visible signs of disease, keep an eye out for:
White Spots: Indicating ich.
Fuzzy Growths: Indicating fungal infections.
Frayed Fins or Red Spots: Indicating bacterial infections.
Conduct a Partial Water Change: If water parameters are off, consider doing a partial water change (10-20%) with well-mixed, temperature-matched, and dechlorinated saltwater.
Check for Contaminants: Ensure no chemicals or contaminants have entered the tank during the water change. Contaminants can cause immediate stress and harm.
Provide Hiding Spots: Ensure there are ample hiding spots and a stress-free environment for your fish to feel secure.
Consult a Professional: If the condition of your clownfish does not improve or worsens, consult a professional aquarist or a veterinarian specializing in fish.
Monitoring closely and maintaining optimal water quality are key to resolving this issue. If you have any specific test results or further observations, feel free to share them for more advice.

Pls look at my other reply

 

[reefsaver]

My guess would be a bacterial bloom which can reduce oxygen levels in the tank, leading to the symptoms you described (fast breathing, lethargy).
Increase aeration by adding an air stone or increasing surface agitation with powerheads or filters.
Calcium Precipitation: If the white stuff can be scraped off and the water is cloudy, it "might" be a calcium precipitation event.
Test your water for calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels. If they're not too out of whack I would assume it's a Bacterial Bloom which should sort itself out as you manage nutrient parameters and with water changes.