Black Molly Isn’t Swimming Right

[molliesandmoreohmy]

Hi,
I have yet to test the water of my tank but my last male black molly isn’t swimming around anymore. He sits around at the bottom of the tank and uses the pebbles to push himself around. Anytime he tries to swim upward, it looks like he’s struggling. He does try to push himself to get food when we feed the fish. We cleaned the tank and added a pH regulator but I don’t think it helped. Is there any idea what could be wrong with him?

[mmfed01]

Test your water and let us know where things stand. If you haven't already, glance at Carl's writings on fish illnesses. Do you have any AAP medications on hand at home?

Mike

[devonjohnsgard]

Do you use salts for your mollies? They are actually a brackish fish, with cal, mag, poss, and some sodium.

Using pH regulators are a no no... They are too hard to keep a stable pH. Best is to just use the pH from your tap and then stabilize it with a 3-5 KH.

You need to measure KH and GH. And very likely need to add GH minerals if you haven't been. Otherwise, no medication will work long term and the fish just get sick again or the treatment will not be successful.

Here's some help.

Chemistry Basics:
www.fishbeginner.info/home/aquarium-gh-kh-ph-chemistry-what-to-know/

Molly Care:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Livebearers.html#molly

[Carl]

This article might be quite helpful too:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/10/mollies-in-aquariums.html

Definitely do not use pH regulators, but you do want to maintain a correct KH for Mollies and add mineral Cations regularly

The AAP Wonder Shell, both Regular & Medicated is a good way to do this
Resource:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/MedicatedWonderShell.html

Also check you ammonia and nitrites too

this article might be helpful too:
www.fishbeginner.info/home/what-makes-a-healthy-aquarium-or-unhealthy/

Carl