Sick discus

[Ron Sower]

Good day!

This morning I found one of my melons swimming in a head-down position...then on its side and upside down...I have no clue what's wrong...temp is 85...belly larger than normal...I fed earthworm pellets yesterday...other 3 look fine...

Any ideas? I need help on this one...please!

[wsantia1]

Good day!

This morning I found one of my melons swimming in a head-down position...then on its side and upside down...I have no clue what's wrong...temp is 85...belly larger than normal...I fed earthworm pellets yesterday...other 3 look fine...

Any ideas? I need help on this one...please!

Ron check out this link from Simply Discus. It may give you an idea of what is going on.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/forumdisplay.php?34-Emergency-Room

[LizStreithorst]

I'm sorry, Ron.  I didn't even look at the computer yesterday.  It sounds like bloat which may have turned into swim bladder diesase.  If it's bloat and not too bad yet, try 1 tablespoon Epsom salt per 10 gallons of water in a BB QT tank (20 gallons is big enough)  also lower the water level to just above the fish's dorsal.  This will help with osmotic. pressure.  If you see no improvement after 24 hrs increase the ebsom salt concentration to 2 T per 10.

[Ron Sower]

Thank you both for the advice...right after I wrote you here I moved him to a 3g bucket, gently squeezed his belly releasing a few bubbles from his mouth, then added a stress reliever and epsom salts...

Within a few hours he was swimming and holding vertical again....

So far today he's looking good and I just replaced him in the tank with the others...

I will be doing a PWC in a few minutes...and will keep close watch!...

[LizStreithorst]

Thank goodness.  Bloat can kill a Discus once it get's bad.  Is he eating and pooping black again?

[Ron Sower]

He pooped black thru the night or this morning...haven't fed them yet...will do and watch a while after the water change is finished...

[LizStreithorst]

sounds like he dodged the bullet with your help.  Feed lightly for the next couple of days.

[wsantia1]

That's great news Ron.

[Ron Sower]

Yes...bullet dodged!

[Ron Sower]

The melon guy is still looking good!...I'm glad I saw him early in his discomfort!...