My Girl "scar" Is Breathing Hard

My big, female black skirt is breathing hard. I just did a water change. My PH is still high at 8.2, but she has lived in this water for 2+ years now. My ammonia is low, temp 78. I recently upgraded to a 20 gal. I have lots of plants, so just watched my cycle gas levels every day. Only 2 small ammonia spikes the whole month. Is it just maybe her time? Should I put an air stone in?

 

It may just be that she's getting old- but I can't say for sure. I would put an air stone in. Good luck!

 

Can you get a better pic? Might be my imagination, but I see some white specks on her body. Does it look like ich to you?

 

Ammonia is highly toxic at 8.2 pH. Why not dose prime every day to neutralize the ammonia? Also, you can Stability to supplement your beneficial bacteria and biofilter. I would aI'm to get ammonia (and nitrite) to 0.

 

I didnt know PH could effect the ammonia like that. My water has always been really hard. I put a bit of drift wood in, and started using petrified water. Its actually lower then it was! I will buy some prime this weekend.