Sick clown

[mtiknoles]

I got a free pair of picassos on Tuesday from a guy in my local club who is getting out of the hobby. He's had these picassos for 4 years and they are a spawning pair. She is a wild caught picasso and he is an ORA picasso. He warned me that the female clown was sick. She is lying on her side and breathing rapidly. But said she eats well when there is food in the tank. He recommended I put her and her mate in a qt tank with copper even though the male is fine. This guy NEVER did water changes on his tanks. I setup a 10g qt tank and put them in it with copper as he suggested. The female eats well just like he said, but otherwise is still laying on her side and breathing rapidly. Her eyes are clear, I don't see any spots on her. Any ideas what could be wrong with her? And possible treatment?
You're help is greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your time.

 

[MarinaP]

Take her out of copper. She probably has burnt gills from ammonia exposure. Provide her with good water quality and a calm tank to recover. Keep the lights off for a few days, minimize stress and feed her well.

 

[mtiknoles]

Thank you Marina!