AboutNathan 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, breeding, 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.
Question I have a Flower Horn (which i guess is also a cichlid species) who was completely normal until 2 days back.
He was the most active fish ive ever seen. He always followed my finger and always knows when someone's watching him....so tries do something funny.
Small white specks started appearing on the tank glass......when looking at them closer they tend to move(some sorta worms i guess).
Did water change yesterday and cleaned some of those worms out
So the main issue here is .......my Flower Horn, has completely lost all interest in food and does not responed to any of my hand gestures(like he used to). He is slimming down by the day (that scares me big time.) Instead the only thing he does is have a slow movement and takes pauses at certain areas in the tank. Sometimes rests at the bottom......which he never did before.
Could someone pls let me know whats goin on and urgently in need of a solution before something bad happens.
Thanx
Answer Hi Ariane,
The small worm specks on the tank glass were most likely Planaria. These are small organisms that cannot harm your fish. They are brought on by poor water quality and an abundance of food and nutrients.
Perform 20% water changes daily along with a gravel vacuuming using a gravel siphon (available at your local fish store, if you do not have one, for about $8). This will keep toxin levels down, and will prevent any ammonia poisoning or a similar problem.
Did you test your water? Testing is very important to a fish's health, and aquarists are actually more of 'water-keepers' rather than fishkeepers. If you have not already done so, I highly recommend that you purchase a test kit set or multiple tests that test the following: Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, and pH. Testing will allow you to prevent some of the major problems related to fish health.
For now, perform the 20% water changes and gravel vacuumings. This will greatly improve the water quality of your tank.
Is your Flowerhorn showing some physical symptoms (red marks, white spots, etc? If you, please tell me, and I can diagnose your fish's condition and provide a treatment plan.
