|
|
|
Why Do My Fish
Keep Coming To
The Surface To
Breathe?
Lack of oxygen in the water will cause your fish
to swim to the surface to breathe; the concentration of
dissolved oxygen is highest here. As soon as you notice that
most of the fish are gasping for air near the surface, act
immediately because this is a clear sign of distress. Ask
yourself the following questions:
Is the water polluted (or cloudy due to overfeeding)? If so,
replace up to one-third of the polluted water with clean water.
Remember to use the correct composition/ treatment and
temperature.
Are there dead fish in the tank? If so, remove them immediately,
and replace up to one-third of the water if decay has already
polluted it.
Are your aerators (airstones, bubblewands, etc.) working
properly? Did your airpump malfunction? Check your equipment and
tubing, and adjust, repair, or replace accordingly. Remember
that airstones and bubblewands have relatively short lifespans
and can easily get clogged with slime and algae. always buy
these products in twos or threes so that you will have enough on
hand when they cease to function.
Are the tank’s oxygen levels, temperature, and ammonia and
nitrate levels in an acceptable range? Any discrepancy can upset
the balance of your tank.
Has the tank been contaminated by toxic material like metal or
biodegradable (water-soluble) items that may have been
inadvertently introduced into the tank? If so, remove them
immediately and replace up to one-third or one-half of the water
as necessary.
With this season’s high heat, water changes may also be
necessary to replenish oxygen levels, and also temporarily cool
the water temperature to give the fish a rest time.
This is an article from Petco - (Reprinted from the September
2002 DVWGS Newsletter)
|
