Blenny in distress, video attached

maevepotter · Dec 2, 2018

My lawnmower blenny who is in a QT tank that is cycled is laying in a corner breathing very fast. He seems in distress. There was a water change yesterday, and my husband moved his rock, which may have upset him. I'm hoping the tank just sucks and he's stressed, but I'm not sure. Would it be better to put him in my coral only tank that is more stable? When I tested his water the other night the only problem nitrates, ca 20-30ppm. He is by a sink and although we've been careful, it's possible soap spray got in?

Thoughts?
Video:

Old Fritz · Dec 2, 2018

Was there a significant change in salinity? Can you post the rest of params please? It could be him adjusting to water changes

jabberwock · Dec 2, 2018

My LMB always seems to be breathing fast. He is a healthy fat pig with fins. Is yours eating? He looks ok with his dorsal all stood up.

jabberwock · Dec 2, 2018

You said it is possible that soap spray got in his tank, which means it is on your mind...
I would do a full battery of water quality tests. If he is eating I would offer him some cover, clean PVC, if he is not eating I might consider an acclimated move to a different system. I also might wait to do that. See how it goes. Don't react too quickly.

maevepotter · Dec 2, 2018

Just did some tests. All of my tanks are still horribly low in ph. Near 7.4/7.5. I've had my windows open all day but can't find the fan to pull it in. We've been doing a lot of cooking and the co2 is just too high inside.

His nitrates are .40 so I did a 25% charge and vaccumed again.

Salinity roughly the same as always, ca. 1.0024, should be very little ammonia, not detectable on test or on the seachem badge.

After the water change and using a powerhead to try to aerate the water, it seems to be perking up a bit. Still breathing a bit fast but better.

Tried offering mysis before the change but no interest. He has been eating nori well in past. He's been very afraid of where we have the tank, bc we walk by all the time. Generally he's always in hiding. We've had him over a month.

jabberwock · Dec 2, 2018

maevepotter said:
Just did some tests. All of my tanks are still horribly low in ph. Near 7.4/7.5. I've had my windows open all day but can't find the fan to pull it in. We've been doing a lot of cooking and the co2 is just too high inside.

His nitrates are .40 so I did a 25% charge and vaccumed again.

Salinity roughly the same as always, ca. 1.0024, should be very little ammonia, not detectable on test or on the seachem badge.

After the water change and using a powerhead to try to aerate the water, it seems to be perking up a bit. Still breathing a bit fast but better.

Tried offering mysis before the change but no interest. He has been eating nori well in past. He's been very afraid of where we have the tank, bc we walk by all the time. Generally he's always in hiding. We've had him over a month.

He won't eat mysis. He is a vegetarian.