AboutBenty Expertise GOT A QUESTION ABOUT:
Basic needs for specific fish, illnesses, best tankmates, breeding, water chemistry, tricks to safely cut corners, and/or “stupid” questions? Maybe I can help! :)
I like to explain why you do things in aquariums (like why to use spring instead of distilled, or what pH numbers mean, ect.) so you understand why and not just taking someone’s word for it. I also like giving answers where you have two choices so you can choose which is best for the time and money you can commit to your fish. I understand how tight money can be and how expensive fish related things get.
I will NEVER leave you with an “I don’t know.” Ever. I hate that. That would waste your time and that's just mean. :)
Puedo contestar tus preguntas en español también.
Experience I have had tropical fish since 1999. I currently have: a 55gal, ten 10gal, 3 five gallons, three 2gal, and a bunch of jars and bowls. At the time I'm typing this, I have: 14 angels, 13 goldfish, 73 bettas, 12 barbs, 5 catfish, too many guppies, 4 gouramis, 2 plecos, 10 loaches, bunch of swordtails, and probably a few others, lol.
I love to rescue fish. I've had everything from mutant danios, to one eyed goldfish, to my newest adoptee, a 2 year old betta with a MASSIVE tumor problem. He was brought to a pet shop and left there because the lady didn't know what to do with him. He's pretty scary looking. One of the guys at the store there I know let me have him. :D YAY! Elephant Man lives in a gallon bowl with pretty stones in my bathroom.
Plus!!!
I sell: veil, delta, halfmoon, plakat, and crowntail bettas as well as halfblack and blonde tuxedo fancy guppies. Ask me about it sometime.
Expert: Benty Date: 11/14/2007 Subject: Our black moor looks sick
Question Hello. We got a new black moor named Flipper last night and he was fine until tonight. He's swimming kind of sideways and his black color has faded. We moved him into his own bowl. I'm not sure what to do for tonight until the pet store opens up in the morning. Any ideas? Thank you so much.
Mat
Answer Awe, man! I love little black moors! I had three and two of them died so now I have only one. :( I know how it is.
Your little guy has one of two things...
He is constipated or he is starting to have a swim bladder disorder. Both are VERY serious.
Has he been eating? Don't over pollute the water but let him have access to the food he wants. Is he pooping? Watch him when he's eating (if he is) and he'll poop during or just after. If he's not he's constipated. For constipation just take a few unsalted, cooked green peas. Tear the shell part off and break/cut the inside into tiny, bite-sized pieces. Peas are a mild laxative to fish and they generally like to eat them too. So feed him as many as he'll eat today.
If he is NOT eating... it is probably a swim bladder disorder. Goldfish are FAMOUS for this. They are so inbred to be so... well... really deformed from their natural shape they have their organs cramped.
The swim bladder is a sack on the inside of the fish that fills and releases air to keep the fish upright when swimming. It's VERY important! When the swim bladder is acting up... they float on their side and can't control swimming well. The stress usually kills them. I've heard it helps if you prop them up with plants or stones or whatever to keep them upright. As long as they keep eating they have a chance for the bladder to right itself. They CAN pull out of it... but it's not likely. :(
Now because you are touching the fish (with the plants or stones or whatever...) you are removing his natural slime coat that protects him from infections. Products like Stress Coat and Stress Zyme put it back in the water and protect against infection.
For tonight... add some extra salt and keep the water at a stable 75*F. The salt helps with stress and helps them breathe (which is important in a bowl with no circulation).
When you go to the store, ask where Maracyn is. It's an antibiotic. If your moor is not constipated, and not getting better in a day or two... he has a swim bladder infection. VERY BAD! Follow the directions on the box and add it to the water. It's wise to add it as soon as possible so it can start working so put it in now.
