Clownfish laying on side then swimming.

Brian W · 2024-10-16T19:16:53-0400

1 of my clowns is laying on her side..then will swim in circles..then lay down and breathimg fast. The male in the tank is fine. What do you think this may be? I don't believe ich or brook. I don't know what flukes look like. I have all different treatments just not sure where to start. She seems like she wants to fight this and win. I want to help her.

Uncle99 · 2024-10-16T19:18:47-0400

Her tail looks nipped…..
Being chased?
Is that possible?

If so, separate for the time being if you can.

Uncle99 · 2024-10-16T19:21:08-0400

I don’t see any parasites?
Will she eat?

Brian W · 2024-10-16T19:22:40-0400

Uncle99 said:
Her tail looks nipped…..
Being chased?
Is that possible?

If so, separate for the time being if you can.

Not that I have ever seen..Been in the tank with her may for about 2 years now. No other fish

Brian W · 2024-10-16T19:25:23-0400

Uncle99 said:
I don’t see any parasites?
Will she eat?

I tried to feed her and she shows no interest. She has been staying in the corner of the tank this week not seeming too interested in food. But would still eat. Just not like a normal clown eats though..would just eat very politely. Only way I can explain it. She used to come to the front of the tank every time when I walked I'm the room.

SlyPuffer · 2024-10-16T19:34:39-0400

When in doubt, water change! any flashing? Also could be something bacterial since the fins are frayed.

Brian W · 2024-10-16T19:35:28-0400

To me this appears to be 0

Brian W · 2024-10-16T19:37:02-0400

SlyPuffer said:
When in doubt, water change! any flashing? Also could be something bacterial since the fins are frayed.

Yes I'm making a big water change as we speak. Currently she seems to be doing better.

SlyPuffer · 2024-10-16T19:43:21-0400

How is the flow in the tank? Does she sleep at the bottom of the tank? sometimes if the water is stagnant you can get a mulm of bacteria at the bottom and when the fish sleep down there it makes them susceptible to infection, especially if there are injuries like torn fins

Brian W · 2024-10-16T20:41:02-0400

SlyPuffer said:
How is the flow in the tank? Does she sleep at the bottom of the tank? sometimes if the water is stagnant you can get a mulm of bacteria at the bottom and when the fish sleep down there it makes them susceptible to infection, especially if there are injuries like torn fins

The flow wasn't that great. I had a sponge filter that I slacked on cleaning. I believe lack of proper air exchange into the tank may have been the culprit. I cleaned the old sponge filter and added my other one from my other tank in and she is swimming around.

Brian W · 2024-10-16T20:47:46-0400

I also took the rock out. There should be 3 years + worth of biodiverse bacteria built up in both sponges in the tank now. Did a 5 gallon water change with my main tank water. Mixing up 10 gallons of fresh saltwater. Will do another 5 gallon wc tomorrow with it. Will access the situation of the fish tomorrow and see if it is still acting somewhat normal. If so wecare good. If not I may look into options for treating it. Hoping I don't have to put it through more stress and treat it with anything. I'm thinking I won't need to though.