Possible Gas?

[nanoreef16g]

My male seahorse that I've had for a number of months now suddenly can't stay upright. Water quality is good in the tank. I do run a skimmer. He is still trying to hunt and eat food but can't stop floating to the top of the tank as soon as he lets go of his hitching post. Any help would be greatly appreciated especially if I can do something for him.

 

[rayjay]

He has pouch emphysema if the pouch is inflated. You need to use a rubber tipped bobby pin to gently open the pouch and let the gas escape, while holding it upright, under the water.
If the pouch is not inflated, you have gas bubble disease and need to treat with Diamox from a vet.

 

[nanoreef16g]

Saved my *** again rayjay. Thanks so much brother! I just purged his pouch with a bobby pin. Quite a few bubbles escaped.

 

[rayjay]

If it repeats, as H. barbouri males tend to do, then the next step is to flush the pouch with new salt water matching the pH and temperature of the tank water, using a cannula and syringe.
If it keeps coming back after repeated flushes, then try flushing with diamox.

 

[senecadad]

I just logged on to RC to ask the same question. My male H. Erectus has been hanging around the top of my tank for a couple of days now, hanging on to one of the returns. When it would try to swim it would end up either sideways or upside down. The pouch appears inflated to me. RayJay, could you be a little more specific about how to open the pouch (like where is the opening, etc.). I'm nervous to try but want to help as soon as possible. Thanks.

 

[rayjay]

The male pouch opening is at the top of the pouch, right near the anal fin.
Open up the rubber tipped bobby pin and use one tip to gently coax the top of the pouch open enough so that the gases will rise upwards and out of the pouch while holding the seahorse under water.
Don't try to force the gas out by squeezing the pouch.

 

[SoLiD]

Wow... good to know RayJay! I will store that good piece of info in my memory bank.

 

[senecadad]

Just finished. Quite a bit of air bubbles came out and he is swimming much better. You are a life saver Rayjay (literally). Thanks.