dying fish

[pikachu]

My yellow head goby is dying, don't know what happened. water quality is perfect in my 55g tank. Just saw a shrimp molt this morning, but don't see the shrimp, can this be related? no sign of ick on this fish, just heavy breathing. also, do you net the fish out right away even tough it's still breathing? I feel sad to do it while it's still alive. your opinion please. sigh..i feel like a loser.

 

[adrian]

How long have you had this fish? Are you refering to what may also be called a golden headed sleeper gobie?

 

[playtime]

The cleaner shrimp may just be hiding until he hardens up after his molt, don't worry until you havent seen him after a few days. I know that I personally take my sick fish out right away and put them in my hospital tank, just in case it is contagious and I don't want to get the other fish sick. I guess my next question would be, do you have a hospital tank? If not, this is a good idea. I found out the hard way. I think it is better safe than sorry. Don't feel like a failure, it happens to the best of them. Good luck.
Playtime

 

[burnnspy]

What are your perfect water conditions?
BurnNSpy

 

[pikachu]

thanks all the input. My Golden head goby is officially dead at around 2 a.m. I had it for 3 1/2 months. According to my Tetra test kit, ph is 8.0 nitrite 0 nitrate 0, water salinity .024 and temp is 80. just 4 days ago i had 20% water change. the water were drinking water from store (30cent/gallon) and I mixed them days before change, and tested the water quality before added in, something i have done last half year. maybe it's time for a uv sterilizer? I do have a hospital tank but not in use, month before last PG&E electric bill was $580. it's sad to have fish died on me, especially since I have been saving all the power just for this fish tank. what is a good brand for a sterilzer?