My clown fish is not floating.

[Koolkat130]

Please help I have a 19 year old clown fish that is laying on its side! He is breathing hard. He swims up to get food and then he can't seem to stay a float he then falls down on the sand upside down. Not sure what to do. He is still eating. Ph 8.0 8.2/ammonia 0ppm. My salt level was low and I've gradually got it back up to 1.021 it was down to 1.014 not sure why or how it go that low. I had him for 19 years and I don't want to lose him now. I tried to attached a video but not uploading.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Sorry for your fish. I don't know if it could be swim bladder problem or even if saltwater fish have that. It may just be old age. I wish you well with him. That's a long time to have a fish, he's part of the family. Maybe someone else will know what to do.

 

[Koolkat130]

Thank you so much Bogue Chitto for your quick reply. I looked it up and yes clown fish get it, I hope I'm not over feeding him now. He really thinned out. I will go to the pet store in the morning and get antibiotics to try to save him. I'm so sad for him and I don't know what else to do. At least he's eating, but I hope it's not harming him. I'm so sad but working towards saving "Nemo". Thank you!!

 

[Bogue Chitto]

I hope for the best, let me know how it turns out.

 

[Koolkat130]

I was afraid to get any medicine for him so I got him an isolation tank so he's not struggling to swim to the top, some garlic Xtreme for his food and mixed 5 tablespoons of Epsom salt in water and added in to the tank. Poor little guy. Thank you so much for asking. I'll keep you updated.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Good, I know you are doing all you can so maybe he will start perking up.

 

[Koolkat130]

Saving Nemo.

Saving Nemo.

So happy to say that Nemo is doing better. He is floating and swimming normal as of today. He is not on the bottom anymore nor laying on his side. I'm still keeping him the isolation tank and have been feeding him frozen n flakes soaked in the garlic extreme. I am not sure if I should do another Epsom salt Mix, I read repeat in 72 hours but I didn't yet. So happy to see him getting back to normal.