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About Brit Brit
Expertise
I can answer your questions about Bettas, most Freshwater Tropical Fish, compatibility between tropical freshwater fish, tips on how to set up a new aquarium, what fish to add, what temperature your tank should be at, etc. I can answer questions about goldfish, and I know a bit about aquarium plants. I can't answer questions concerning anything marine, and I know next to nothing about ponds, and even less about Cichlid breeding. So please don't ask. If I am not sure about something, I will try to research it for you and get back to you very quickly. I cannot magically cure your fish over the web, unfortunately, so please remember your fish's health depends solely on you. Also, don't expect a detailed answer if I have not been given a detailed question. I can only do so much! Details, details, details!! (It does state what I need on the Ask A Question Page)

Experience
I take care of over 3000 fish daily. I worked at Petsmart for a few years, and have had training in many areas, including aquaria and all the basics to keep fish happy and healthy. I met quite a few experts in the hobby and have learned a lot from them, and they have learned a lot from me :) Also, I have done a lot of research and studying on my own time about not just fish but a lot of different house pets because I like to help people and help their pets.

Education/Credentials
Petsmart training Adult Diploma

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Fish > Mollies

Topic: Fish

Expert: Brit Brit
Date: 5/10/2008
Subject: Mollies

Question
HI
Well my molly just had swim bladder for about 3 days and this morning it was just fine so i let it back out of the breeder cage but now I'm noticing some red spots around its gill. I added some quick cure but I'm not really sure if that will help. What could it be?
Another one of my Mollies is acting very strange I put it in a 3 way breeder with nothing in it so it can still move around but its not really swimming its like it doesn't have the will to move any more it just lyes there and just does nothing. What's wrong with it? Please get back soon I'm afraid it might die!

Answer
Matt,
When your fish is sick, the last thing you want to do is stick it into a confined space, if you have a quarantine tank, now would be the perfect time to use it.
Make sure the water is at the correct temperature, between 76-85 degrees F, that you tank is big enough (should be at least ten gallons, based on the fact that you have two mollies) and that your water quality is up to par.
Test your water for Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH. Ammonia should be at 0, as well as nitrites and nitrates, though your fish can normally deal with nitrates up to 20.
If any of these are too high, that is the most likely cause of your fish's disease.
Have both of your sick fish in the same tank, and do lots of small water changes. Fresh, clean, dechlorinated water does wonders for any sick fish.
You will probably want to start adding aquarium salt, to help prevent disease in the future.
Are you adding tap water conditioner to your water every time before adding your fish? If not, then the chlorine from the tap water is burning your fish's gills. hence the red spots. If you are already adding this, then you do not have to worry about chlorine burns.
You can pick up a remedy all such as Lifegaurd to help your fish recover, and continue to use it for up to three days after your fish appear to be healthy again.
Remember, test your water weekly to make sure you are doing enough water changes!

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