Clownfish breathing fast need help

[drummerdude1242]

This is my first post here so dont be too hard on me. I have a 55 gal FOWLR with a clown, pajama cardinal, blenny and fire and cleaner shrimp. This afternoon I noticed that my clown's mouth was wide open and he kept goin to the top of the tank trying to get air. I moved one of my powerheads to the top to try to get some more oxygen exchange and it didnt help much. He also has some red on the tips of his gills. What could this be? I need responses ASAP because I am leaving for vacation in a few days and my friend is going to watch my tank. Thanks!

 

[drummerdude1242]

Bump

 

[NaclH20freak]

what are your parameters, temp?

 

[drummerdude1242]

Nitrate-0-5
Nitrite-0
Amonia-0
pH-8.2
Temp-75.3

 

[drummerdude1242]

Its starting to look like his lips are detereoration or puffing out. Could he have a bacterial infection?

 

[rcypert]

When was the last time you did a water change? It sounds like bacteria. What are you using for filtration? How much live rock do you have?

 

[drummerdude1242]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11861536#post11861536 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rcypert
When was the last time you did a water change? It sounds like bacteria. What are you using for filtration? How much live rock do you have?

I did a 10% water change last week. I have about 80lbs of live rock and I use a power filter and a protein skimmer. I am also in the process of constructing a refugium.

 

[rcypert]

The fish sounds like he is in bad shape if he has red gills and his mouth is all messed up. I would put him in a QT and treat him with an antibacterial medication. But this is going to require lots of attention and water changes. You should probably put the fish in the care of someone else while your on vacation. Someone who will treat him. Maybe just give the fish away to someone with a good hospital tank. Get a new fish when you get back. It is better then letting it die while your away.