Sudden loss of appetite...

[tacks]

I've had a Green Chromis for about two and a half months. Tank mates include 2 perculas, 2 blennies, and another Green Chromis all in a 125 that has been set up since Nov 2000. Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 10, PH 8.2, Salinity 1.021, and Temp is 77-78. Today I noticed the chromis hanging in the corner and breathing heavy with no visible signs of parasites or bacterial infection. It also is not eating. I just recently added my 3rd powerhead for circulation. Wet/dry trickle filter and in the sump I run carbon. I also have a 15watt UV. Any ideas on what's going on? The others look fine and are eating. Oh yeah, 25lbs of live rock and some decortations. One more thing. I just started soaking food in garlic for disease prevention. Could this have anything to do with this??????
[ May 03, 2001: Message edited by: Tacks ]

 

[tacks]

What should I do? If anything...

 

[beth]

I know the garlic theory, but personally, I'm not convinced that this is the best idea. Garlic is a terrestial food source, not an aquatic....however, I have heard of people feeding their dogs garlic to get rid of flees!!!
Sometimes fish just get sick [and die] for unknown reasons. 2 chromis together might be causing some aggression which you haven't noticed yet. Keep an eye on tank activity, including when the light are out and everyone is supposedly sleeping!

 

[tacks]

Today, the chromis doesn't look any better but not any worse. Once in a while, he joins the other fish and hangs out for a little bit, then goes back to the corner. Hope he makes it!

 

[tacks]

He didn't make it Oh by the way... My tank still looks like crap! I hope this gets better soon...

 

[pufferlover]

The one time I tried garlic it didn't work for me and the fish involved after 2 or 3 days did not eat again for close to 4 weeks. The tank looked horrible at the water line from the garlic and all the filters became a mess. Now I used special garlic that was recommended on the board here but frankly I will never try that again. Oh yes I will admit that I think I used too much but the fish did not like it one bit.