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labored breathing
Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 5:19 pm
by lopinto
My dojo has been very healthy and has had no problems. It is about 9 years old. We have recently changed the tank - to a much better size and environment, but there has been a low level of nitrates which is getting lower but not completely resolved yet.
I"m wondering what the life expectancy is of these guys, so maybe it's old age, or is the low level of nitrates finally getting him sick?
Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 8:28 pm
by Diana
Low level of nitrAtes is common in an aquarium, and generally not stressful, as long as it is under 20 ppm.
NitrItes are very stressful and could sure lead to labored breathing.
Labored breathing
Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2009 3:48 pm
by lopinto
No nitrites...I took a little water out of the tank and the biowheel started moving a lot faster and there was much more splash/flow. He perked up right away and has been active until now...he even ate heartily. Now he's doing it again. That's why I'm curious if anyone knows what the lifespan of the average dojo is. Mine is about 9 years old...
Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 1:40 am
by Diana
I know they are considered long lived, but I do not know what that life span is.
That he perked up when the water flow increased suggests that there may be a gas exchange problem. Perhaps adding a power head or air bubbler can help move a little more water, so increase the rate at which oxygen is circulated and CO2 removed from the tank.
We have had quite a heat wave this past week. Is the tank warmer than usual?