Very Scared, Barb Hiding At Bottom Of Tank

I'm on the verge of panicking as I write this. My black ruby barb, Blackbeard, who I've had and who's been healthy for a year, had been acting strange all night. About half an hour ago I caught him just hovering on the gravel at the bottom of the tank. I tapped the glass to try to see if he would move, but he didn't. After a few minutes though, he did get up and swim around frantically before settling to hide underneath my driftwood.

After testing my water levels, everything seems to look good, except my pH is at 8.3 instead of it's usual 8. I have not checked the pH for a month or two, though, so I do not know how long it's been like this, sadly.

Then, I went to check on Blackbeard again and he's flapping his fins rapidly and opening and closing his mouth, as if he's struggling for air.

It's also worth noting that one of my endlers was hiding inside my driftwood for a good 5 minutes during these same events tonight. And my other barb has also been hovering unusually close to the gravel, staying still. I'd like to think that it's just because it's close to her bedtime, but in reality, I'm scared out of my mind.

If this is a disease, I can set up a quarantine tank in the morning I think, but will my fish be ok until then? Does anyone know what this is? Do you think I got a chemical in the water by accident or something? I just want them to be ok. Any information or advice is hugely appriciated. Thank you.

 

More Information please... Fish Emergency Template

 

I'm on the verge of panicking as I write this. My black ruby barb, Blackbeard, who I've had and who's been healthy for a year, had been acting strange all night. About half an hour ago I caught him just hovering on the gravel at the bottom of the tank. I tapped the glass to try to see if he would move, but he didn't. After a few minutes though, he did get up and swim around frantically before settling to hide underneath my driftwood.

After testing my water levels, everything seems to look good, except my pH is at 8.3 instead of it's usual 8. I have not checked the pH for a month or two, though, so I do not know how long it's been like this, sadly.

Then, I went to check on Blackbeard again and he's flapping his fins rapidly and opening and closing his mouth, as if he's struggling for air.

It's also worth noting that one of my endlers was hiding inside my driftwood for a good 5 minutes during these same events tonight. And my other barb has also been hovering unusually close to the gravel, staying still. I'd like to think that it's just because it's close to her bedtime, but in reality, I'm scared out of my mind.

If this is a disease, I can set up a quarantine tank in the morning I think, but will my fish be ok until then? Does anyone know what this is? Do you think I got a chemical in the water by accident or something? I just want them to be ok. Any information or advice is hugely appriciated. Thank you.

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I’m not sure if it’s a disease. If most of your fish are doing to the same thing it’s hard to tell if it’s a disease. I would say do a water change and just keep doing water changes every week. I will also go to a pet store or fish store near you and ask them about it.

 

I’m not sure if it’s a disease. If most of your fish are doing to the same thing it’s hard to tell if it’s a disease. I would say do a water change and just keep doing water changes every week. I will also go to a pet store or fish store near you and ask them about it.

Thank you for your help!! Luckily by morning they were acting normal again, so I'm going to assume a chemical might have gotten in the water accidentally that affected them, but they were strong enough to be ok

 

Why do you think you have a chemical in your tank? Radox. For anyone to help, you need to provide basic info like how long your tank has been running and it's parameters? Do you have a liquid API test kit to help you as it is more reliable than test strips. The PH is not the most important aspect of your water as fish will usually adapt to it if you've chosen the right fish! Water changes are always the first thing to do if something is up as suggested by NicksFishTanks. Glad your fish are doing better!

 

Why do you think you have a chemical in your tank? Radox. For anyone to help, you need to provide basic info like how long your tank has been running and it's parameters? Do you have a liquid API test kit to help you as it is more reliable than test strips. The PH is not the most important aspect of your water as fish will usually adapt to it if you've chosen the right fish! Water changes are always the first thing to do if something is up as suggested by NicksFishTanks. Glad your fish are doing better!

Hi! Sorry, I should have been clearer. I don't think that a strong chemical entered my water, but perhaps when I was moving around a rock or something something may have been on my hand that could have affected my fish. You're definitely right that I should have done a water change right then, so that's my fault. Whatever it was though, the fish are alright now, so that's why I'm not too worried about it being a disease.

I have a liquid API test kit. The reason that I didn't share any information besides the pH is because the other parameters were all stable (almost all were at or just above 0), but you're right, and I should probably get into the habit of providing all the information neccesary.

Thank you for your concern and your advice!