ILLNESS: HYPOXIA

Other names: None Type of disesase: Hypoxia is not a disease. It is actually a breathing issue.

Causes: Low dissolved gases in water caused by:
1) Overstocking fish in the tank.
2) The bacteria involved in the decaying processes of food and other organic matter consumes all oxygen. More organic matter to consume = less oxygen.
3) Reduced water surface area causing less gas exchange
4) Reduced light which reduce photosynthesis from plants.
5) Insufficient aeration
6) Over heated tank. Warmer water holds less gas than cooler water.

Symptoms: Flared gills covers, reddened gills, rapid breathing, gasping at the surface of the water, loss of body color, nervousness and lethargy.

Medication: Procede to a 25-50% water change and provide vigorous aeration immediately. Inspect your filter and make sure it's not clog. Gravel should be vaccumed, and all decaying matter should be removed from the tank.