White skirt tetra hiding

[Deathstar31]

Hey ya'll. My white long skirt tetra (always a mouthful) has been hiding in decor recently, and didn't come out to eat. Help!

P.S. I only have two in there (I know!!!) but they have been in there for quite some time and have not acted like this. For a while they did keep away from each other though, so yeah thought I'd mention that!

 

[fishywoo]

Is he stuck or heavy breathing? I don't know anything about the situation or tetras in general. If it's not a minor episode of stress, please fill out the emergency template, that will help.

 

[Deathstar31]

He is now resting on leaves! Struggles to swim. It could be fin damage, I will work on photos.

UPDATE: He is moving now 6 minutes after the last post. But he is being chased and nipped by the other white long skirt tetra. His fins are in shreds! How do I keep them apart? The only other tanks I have are a 2.5 and 1.5 both are not active and collecting dust. I will try to add more things to block the line of site. Fingers Crossed!

Will Tetra LifeGuard help? Please respond, I really need help!

Gave them a huge meal to try to keep nips to themselves. Should I still feed them later like I normally do? Unfortunately, the one who is injured did not eat. The fins have been nipped right in the big rip before but he was fine, now it looks worse. He was hiding when I got these. Other tetra not nipping as much anymore, but gold barbs getting in on the "fun".

 

[Mermegan]

My thought is that he’s experiencing stress because he’s not in a group and his fins are being nipped. Not sure there’s a medical treatment for that, other than to think about a more suitable living arrangement for him.

Filling out the emergency template in full would help others help you better.

 

[Deathstar31]

Thanks, I was asking about medicine for the nipped fins.

TANK SIZE: 10 gallon, tall.

MAINTANANCE: About once a week.

PARAMETERS: Checked earlier and were pretty good. Hardness in the middle. Low nitrate. One notch below medium in acidity.

FEEDING: Typically once a day, about one or two pinches, they have a big appetite. I did give them a bit more than that earlier today. Should I feed them again.

SYMPTOMS: He has hidden a lot, he isn't eating, he was laying on a leaf earlier today his fins are getting nipped, and he was getting messed with by other fish.

Thanks please respond soon.

 

[fishywoo]

Medicine won't help if the nipping doesn't stop. For treatment you can use api aquarium salt in the tank, you can try seachem safeguard, or methylene blue drops on the fin area especially if it get infected. But make a plan to separate or re-home any fish being single out or causing the issue.

 

[Fishfur]

So there are only two and in a 10G tank, right?

Can he swim normally?

Is eating or not? If not, when did he last eat?

 

[Deathstar31]

Medicine won't help if the nipping doesn't stop. For treatment you can use api aquarium salt in the tank, you can try seachem safeguard, or methylene blue drops on the fin area especially if it get infected. But make a plan to separate or re-home any fish being single out or causing the issue.

Can't do that, sorry. I can only put him in a 2.5 and a 1.5 and I don't know if he would do well there.

So there are only two and in a 10G tank, right?

Can he swim normally?

Is eating or not? If not, when did he last eat?

Two of the species, there are 5 barbs (also different species 2,2,1).

Not really, but then again he hasn't really for a while. He was doing fine though, but it is kind of worse.

Not much, probably a few days ago. Thanks.

 

[Deathstar31]

Just had a thought, the one getting chased is bigger and has bigger fins than the other. I am thinking that the one getting chased may be a female and the other the male, and the female can't drop the eggs so the male gets mad and nips.

 

[Fishfur]

Just had a thought, the one getting chased is bigger and has bigger fins than the other. I am thinking that the one getting chased may be a female and the other the male, and the female can't drop the eggs so the male gets mad and nips.

They don’t usually nip during courtship but their courtship consists of the males chasing ripe females and bumping into them to stimulate the release of eggs.

But courtship behaviour isn’t usually endless. Though I suppose the odd male might be relentless.

 

[Deathstar31]

They don’t usually nip during courtship but their courtship consists of the males chasing ripe females and bumping into them to stimulate the release of eggs.

But courtship behaviour isn’t usually endless. Though I suppose the odd male might be relentless.

But do you have any advice?

 

[Fishfur]

But do you have any advice?

The main issue is likely they there are only two of them. They do far better in groups with as many as possible but a tall 10 hasn’t got much swimming room.

Tall configured tanks don’t suit all that many species for this reason.

But having only two of them is not good.

 

[Deathstar31]

The main issue is likely they there are only two of them. They do far better in groups with as many as possible but a tall 10 hasn’t got much swimming room.

Tall configured tanks don’t suit all that many species for this reason.

But having only two of them is not good.

Is there anything I can do?

 

[Deathstar31]

Update: I see white spots on his tail. I am concerned on what it is. Unfortunately, the tank is covered in algae, but I will clean within the next day, after that I will get pics. Please help!

 

[Deathstar31]

It may be difficult to see, because I just changed my water, but on the fin there are white specks. The other one has the same dots, but wouldn't let me take a picture, such a deva! Kidding he is just shy of cameras!

 

[fishywoo]

It's hard to see, I can't confirm, but the stress may have caused an ich outbreak or epistylis.

If you can get a plastic storage tote, doesn't have to be big and they tell you how many quarts it holds, and jump start it with media for a quarantine. I would do that right away.

If you don't have an extra filter you just need an air pump and a jar to make a custom one. Just take a little media from your current tank and add that in.

Here's a video on how to do this:

Even if this isn't a type of white spot disease, you should separate this fish until he's on the mend and begin to consider the requirements this fish needs to thrive with others. As mentioned before, they need to be in a group, not alone and not single. If you can not provide that I strongly suggest rehoming.

More clear pictures without water stains on the glass would be helpful and monitor the behavior and appearance of these white spots.

If this is that, which I am not diagnosing just providing information, it can be treated with something like ich-X or paraguard.

 

[Deathstar31]

It's hard to see, I can't confirm, but the stress may have caused an ich outbreak or epistylis.

If you can get a plastic storage tote, doesn't have to be big and they tell you how many quarts it holds, and jump start it with media for a quarantine. I would do that right away.

I don't really know who to give them to. Both have it. What is a tote? What treatments do I use? Tetra lifeguard? Will a 2.5 work as quarantine for both these fish?

 

[fishywoo]

The place you got them might take them, but probably not in the state that they are in now. You should separate and treat separately because of the nipping.

This is an example of a tote:
Walmart tote

Rubbermaid and sterilite are brands that are food safe. If it's food safe it's fish safe.

I don't know what tetra life guard is. The medications I recommended are suitable if and only if that is the problem which I am not certain.

It would be easier if you thoroughly filled out the emergency template for I feel we are missing details that would help better help you. Clearer pictures of the fish and their tank would help more.

Everyone is trying to give you the best advice we can.

 

[Deathstar31]

The place you got them might take them, but probably not in the state that they are in now. You should separate and treat separately because of the nipping.

This is an example of a tote:
Walmart tote

Rubbermaid and sterilite are brands that are food safe. If it's food safe it's fish safe.

I don't know what tetra life guard is. The medications I recommended are suitable if and only if that is the problem which I am not certain.

It would be easier if you thoroughly filled out the emergency template for I feel we are missing details that would help better help you. Clearer pictures of the fish and their tank would help more.

Everyone is trying to give you the best advice we can.

So I can't put one in a 2.5? And could I use a filter for a 2.5 in the said tote if no?

 

[Deathstar31]

 

[fishywoo]

I don't know what's in your 2.5 gallon, but if it's just a hospital tank/tub that's fine.

Look up ICH and epistylis. They look and behave differently. If the dots multiply and disappear then reappear with more dots then you have ich.

Both can be treated with ICH x.

The emergency template can tell us how long you had them, what's in your tank, what's newly added.

Just click the link, copy the post, and past it into the comments answering the questions on the list.

 

[Deathstar31]

Tank
10 gallons of volume of the tank.
How long has the tank been running? A several months.
Does it have a filter? yes
Does it have a heater? yes
What is the water temperature? 75-77.
What is the entire stocking of this tank? (Please list all fish and inverts.) 1-2 snails, 2 gold barbs, 2 cherry barbs, 1 checkered barb, and a couple of white skirt tetras.

Maintenance
How often do you change the water? Around once a week.
How much of the water do you change? Anywhere from 30% to 45% but typically the former or a little higher.
What do you use to treat your water?
Do you vacuum the substrate or just the water? Both, but mainly the substrate.

*Parameters - Very Important
Did you cycle your tank before adding fish? Don't quite know what that means, I pretty much just let them adjust to temp and then put them in.
What do you use to test the water?
What are your parameters? We need to know the exact numbers, not just “fine” or “safe”.
Ammonia:
Nitrite:0-.5
Nitrate:0-20.
pH:7-7.5.

Feeding
How often do you feed your fish? Once a day, typically.
How much do you feed your fish? It depends, for mysis (freeze-dried) just a little bit, for staple two pinches, bloodworms are probably half a cube.
What brand of food do you feed your fish? Hikari vibra bites.
Do you feed frozen? Yes. 2-3 times a week, possibly more. Will cut back on that for sure.
Do you feed freeze-dried foods? Yes. Treats.

Illness & Symptoms
How long have you had this fish? A few months.
How long ago did you first notice these symptoms? Since near the time I started this thread.
In a few words, can you explain the symptoms? Torn fins, getting chased, and white spots. Hiding a lot.
Have you started any treatment for the illness? No.
Was your fish physically ill or injured upon purchase? Not to my knowledge.
How has its behavior and appearance changed, if at all? More torn fins, but I am used to that because it started a while ago and stopped, then got worse.

I will keep watching him. Will probably leave in there unless instructed to change tank.

 

[fishywoo]

Tank
10 gallons of volume of the tank.
How long has the tank been running? A several months.
Does it have a filter? yes
Does it have a heater? yes
What is the water temperature? 75-77.
What is the entire stocking of this tank? (Please list all fish and inverts.) 1-2 snails, 2 gold barbs, 2 cherry barbs, 1 checkered barb, and a couple of white skirt tetras.

Maintenance
How often do you change the water? Around once a week.
How much of the water do you change? Anywhere from 30% to 45% but typically the former or a little higher.
What do you use to treat your water?
Do you vacuum the substrate or just the water? Both, but mainly the substrate.

*Parameters - Very Important
Did you cycle your tank before adding fish? Don't quite know what that means, I pretty much just let them adjust to temp and then put them in.
What do you use to test the water?
What are your parameters? We need to know the exact numbers, not just “fine” or “safe”.
Ammonia:
Nitrite:0-.5
Nitrate:0-20.
pH:7-7.5.

Feeding
How often do you feed your fish? Once a day, typically.
How much do you feed your fish? It depends, for mysis (freeze-dried) just a little bit, for staple two pinches, bloodworms are probably half a cube.
What brand of food do you feed your fish? Hikari vibra bites.
Do you feed frozen? Yes. 2-3 times a week, possibly more. Will cut back on that for sure.
Do you feed freeze-dried foods? Yes. Treats.

Illness & Symptoms
How long have you had this fish? A few months.
How long ago did you first notice these symptoms? Since near the time I started this thread.
In a few words, can you explain the symptoms? Torn fins, getting chased, and white spots. Hiding a lot.
Have you started any treatment for the illness? No.
Was your fish physically ill or injured upon purchase? Not to my knowledge.
How has its behavior and appearance changed, if at all? More torn fins, but I am used to that because it started a while ago and stopped, then got worse.

I will keep watching him. Will probably leave in there unless instructed to change tank.

First thing I see that I'm worried about is .5 nitrites, is this correct? You're going to need to do daily water changes to get that down. Your tank might be going through a mini cycle

Do you use a dechlorinator for the water?

Read up on the nitrogen cycle and a fish in cycle. That will help if you're not sure about your tank being cycle.

Because of the behavior of nipping they should be separated as previously stated.

I know nothing about these fish, their behaviors, or requirements, but it was stated that your white skirts should be in a group.

Had the appearance of the dots changed at all?

 

[Deathstar31]

First thing I see that I'm worried about is .5 nitrites, is this correct? You're going to need to do daily water changes to get that down. Your tank might be going through a mini cycle

Do you use a dechlorinator for the water?

Read up on the nitrogen cycle and a fish in cycle. That will help if you're not sure about your tank being cycle.

Because of the behavior of nipping they should be separated as previously stated.

I know nothing about these fish, their behaviors, or requirements, but it was stated that your white skirts should be in a group.

Had the appearance of the dots changed at all?

I do use a declorinator. I really can't separate them because the only other tanks I have are 1.5 and 2.5 gallon tanks. The nipping is getting better. The dots have not changed on one, possibly on the other but I did not get a good look. How much do I change it? 10%-20%?

 

[fishywoo]

I do use a declorinator. I really can't separate them because the only other tanks I have are 1.5 and 2.5 gallon tanks. The nipping is getting better. The dots have not changed on one, possibly on the other but I did not get a good look. How much do I change it? 10%-20%?

I would change 25 - 50 %. Maybe 50 the first time, then 25 daily. Do this until you can make sure the nitrite and ammonia stay at 0.

I'm not sure what else the white dots could be.

I'm sorry I can't help you with anything else.

 

[Deathstar31]

I would change 25 - 50 %. Maybe 50 the first time, then 25 daily. Do this until you can make sure the nitrite and ammonia stay at 0.

I'm not sure what else the white dots could be.

I'm sorry I can't help you with anything else.

So I can't put them in a 2.5?

 

[Mermegan]

So I can't put them in a 2.5?

You can use the 2.5 for a quarantine tank but not a permanent home.

 

[Deathstar31]

You can use the 2.5 for a quarantine tank but not a permanent home.

Thanks, how long should that be running before I put him in? How long do I keep him in? When (if ever) do I put the other fish in? Thanks once again!

 

[Deathstar31]

Hello again! I have an update, it seems to be spreading. I don't think its ich because it is in the same spot, and I don't think that it is epistylis because it is like a cotton ball (that is how it has been described). Other ideas?

 

[Deathstar31]

Another update: They are acting pretty good, still a little concerned. The main one is still hiding a bit, but the spots are multiplying. That is very dramatic, there are a few other spots that have formed. The original spots have stayed, so it isn't ich/ick. I changed the water a few days ago. Thoughts?

 

[Deathstar31]

UPDATE: Aggression is mounting between the two skirt tetras, please help.