What happens when a fish gets old and dies?

[fishygurl]

I have had my Purple Firefish for about a year and a half or so I got it when it was around 4 inches It's one of the coolest purplefirefish i have seen, I like the adults better than the babies i see every where else. And lately i havnt been turning my tank lights on as much since i used to have them on for a really long time each day(and started to get some algae) But lately the firefish is hanging near a cave and doesnt come out NEARLY as much. I am just worried it is getting old, or it could be because the lights are off A LOT more now. What are you thoughts?

 

[michelle1981]

I don't really know how long fish live but I have two that are a little over 3 years old and another that is around 2 years old, so maybe the change in lights are affecting him.

 

[jmick]

If it isn't to big I will flush it down the toilet and it's a decent sized fish I will put in in a sealed baggie and toss it in the garbage.

 

[fishygurl]

ITS NOT DEAD YET!!! I dont want it to die ='( But it has been hiding a lot lately and i was just wondering if fish hide before they die, or if it is just because of the change in the light time.

 

[coral keeper]

Did you try to get the lights to work more?

 

[fishygurl]

Well i had them on for too long of a time each day, so i am limiting the amount of time the lights are on. The lights arnt broken or anything, just dont want algae and stuff.

 

[jmick]

Originally Posted by FishyGurl
Well i had them on for too long of a time each day, so i am limiting the amount of time the lights are on. The lights arnt broken or anything, just dont want algae and stuff.
Lights might help algae grow but they are not the reason you have algae problems. I think your fish is most likely fine, it's just getting used to the change in its enviroment. Has it been eating less or showing any other signs of stress?
Also, you might want to look into the source of your nutrient problem, which is why you have algae issues and if your lights are old you might want to invest in some new bulbs.

 

[fishygurl]

Nope he is eating fine, just thought it was odd that he hides more.
My lights are a bit old, do you think i will have a serious problem with them for a couple months, cuz then the tank is my moms. And i will be moving everything to my 125 i have (right now sitting empty) but i am buying metal halides (almost have all the money saved up) and then i have to save up for live rock and sand (which my mom and dad are helping by paying me for lots of things they want done and stuff) and then wait for the cycle, and i will put them in.