Please help! Inexperienced aquarium keeper is in trouble!

[pollywog24]

I am new to keeping fish of any kind and ended up with what we think may be a weather loach. The fish was left in a rental house when the tenants moved out and as an animal lover, I was asked to take him (her?). This is a pretty large fish that appears to be between 8 and 9 inches in length and is housed in a ten gallon tank. It was in the tank with an equally large pleco that had died. The fish I have is experiencing buoyancy problems (when lying on the bottom, sometimes it's back end will rise up in the water) and it has an alarming number of large black spots on it's body. The spots look like large bruises just under the skin. The fish is highly active and eating well, it's not rubbing it's body on tank decorations, but it's anus looks like it's black too. The thing is these spots are on both sides of the body and my guess would be the damage or infection or infestation or whatever it is goes pretty deep. As soon as I got the tank, we did a water change and careful cleaning so I do not have any idea what sort of chemical or ammonia levels were in the water. I'm scared the little guy is not gonna survive and desperately need help or advice. I'm trying to borrow a camera so I can post pics. Can anyone offer any kind of suggestions at all to help him? Thank you so much! Amy

[zenins]

Hi pollywog, and welcome to the Loaches forum

I suggest continue with 20% partial water changes every few days.

Weather (Dojo) loaches are a cooler water species, so no heater required, room temperature is fine at 21C (70F).
If it gets too hot, over 23C (74F) then move the tank to a cooler location, like a basement or on the floor in a shady corner.
The buoyancy of the rear end could be trapped gas that will eventually work its way out.
What are you feeding this loach ?

[pollywog24]

Hi and thanks so much for replying:) He seems to like sinking shrimp pellets best so he gets a couple of them a day. I was giving him 4 a day but cut it back when I saw his rear end rising up seemingly beyond his control. I was afraid he might be getting constipated or something, if that's even possible. The black patches on him are worse today and getting bigger. I'm starting to fear a bacterial infection and am learning there are few people in my town, including vets, that know much about this sort of thing. I will continue with water changes and that's what I was getting ready to do right before I sat down to check this forum. Thanks again for your advice; it is really, really appreciated:) Amy

[zenins]

Keep us posted on the progress and Good Luck

[chefkeith]

If you did a 100% water change initially, then you probably caused some osmotic shock to the fish. Osmotic shock from large water changes can cause black spot outbreaks, along with numerous other health related ailments.

The loach needs a larger tank if you intend to keep it. At least a 30 gallon tank. Also, loaches should be kept in groups with their own kind.

Shrimp pellets are not a good staple food. They are more like treats.

If you live near me, maybe I could help you get started with a better set-up. I have a spare 30 gallon tank in my garage that I'd be willing to sell for cheap. Ebay might have some good local deals also. Good luck with whatever you do. Starting out is the hardest part because there is so much to learn and so few people who you can really trust for good advice. You'll get the best advice from the people at LOL, especially about Loaches.