Freshwater Aquarium/Fish behavior

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Expert: Nathan - 4/20/2009


Question
My angelfish and peppered cory are hanging around the spout of my filter where the water cascades down into the aquarium.  They look fine and do not appear to have any skin lesions.  I can tell you the water pH is around 6.8 and I had two moon snails die suddenly.  I don't know if the behavior and snail death are related, but all other water qualities such as ammonia are within normal ranges.  They have been acting like this for about a week, but will swim around the tank as well it just seems as if they are staying in that one spot more and more.

Thanks,
Meredith

Answer
Hi Meredith,

If there's no outward signs, then I wouldn't worry about it. If their gills are moving very fast, then I would add an airstone attached to an air pump in increase the oxygen level. When fish hang around the surface, it's usually due to a lack of oxygen.

I would also recommend to do 20% water changes every 2 days, until the problem resolves. Other than that, there shouldn't be a problem!

Good Luck and best wishes!

Freshwater Aquarium

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Nathan

Expertise

I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out. I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!

Experience

I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible. What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!

Education/Credentials
I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.

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