[lirpa1]

Bertie seems to be at the top of the tank more lately, kind of gasping for air. He doesnt seem stressed or anything, just at the top a bit and it gets annoying. The water seems fine, I have 2 bubble wands as well as the filter taht put oxygen into the tank so I would assume there is enoug oxygen, but maybe I am wrong. There is also green algea on the rocks so that also adds oxygen i think???

I have read it could be gill flukes, but there are no other signs. and I leave and fly from Australia to America in just over a week, so I'd like to fix the problem before i go :-( because both fish will be with people who think I am way over the top with all of my fish care, tests, and water changes aaargh. i'm gone for three weeks, bit over so I am sure they'l be ok. I'd just like to fix this if i can first.

The other fish, Lulu, doesnt really go to the top for the air (as I assume is why bertie does) at all. she's fine just swimming around in the tank.

Anyhow, any tips are greatly greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

(Oh, bertie is just at being with me a year, and Lulu is 4 months less than a year with me, so I want to make it go much longer!!!!)

[*]Test Results for the Following:
[* 0-less than .25]Ammonia Level?
[*0]Nitrite Level?
[*0-less than 2]Nitrate level?
[*8 as always]Ph Level, Tank (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)?
[*]Ph Level, Tap (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)?
[*]Brand of test-kit used and whether strips or drops?
[*24C]Water temperature?
[*23g]Tank size (how many gals.) and how long has it been running?
[*eheim- for 42 g]What is the name and size of the filter(s)?

Bertie seems to be at the top of the tank more lately, kind of gasping

[*once weekly- 20-25%]How often do you change the water and how much?
[*2- Bertie 3 inches, Lulu approx 1.5-2 inches]How many fish in the tank and their size?
[*science complete water treatment]What kind of water additives or conditioners?
[*pellets, peas, once daily]What do you feed your fish and how often?
[*no]Any new fish added to the tank?
[*no]Any medications added to the tank?
[*no]Any unusual findings on the fish such as "grains of salt," bloody streaks, frayed fins or fungus?
[*yes]Any unusual behavior like staying at the bottom, not eating, etc.?

[MrsMohr]

Hi there:) Have you ever treated your babies for flukes? Usually any fish you buy is going to have flukes so if you haven't ever treated them I would suggest doing so. Do you have prazi-pro over there, it's a really safe fluke treatement...If not you could always pick some up at a LFS while you are here in the states (not all of them carry it in stock though). Also I think it would be a great idea for you to change at least 50% of your water every week if not more. Is your fish possibly a female that may be absorbing her eggs? I'm not a mod so i can't diagnose your problem for you but that's my http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/twocents.gif i'm sure a mod will be by shortly to help you out. Good luck!!

[Martha]

Hey April!!!!!!!!!! !! :bighug

didn't we treat Bertie and LuLu for flukes a while back? I seem to remember you did, or were going to when you had gotten LuLu but I can't remember back that far, lol. I'm so sorry you've got this issue to deal w/ before heading over here, I assume it's for the engagement?? :D

[lirpa1]

Hey Martha, yea its so Brett can finally meet all of my family!

and yep they have been treated for flukes. I did one complete round while they were stil seperated when i bought Lulu, and then I treated them again when I moved Lulu in with Bertie, and then I treated them once more probaby three months ago :-S

and nope, Bertie is definately a male. he's had breeding stars a few times :) and Lulu has never had them so I would say she is female...

Today he doesnt seem to be doing it, they're just staring at me like 'hey you, feed us some more pls!' so hmmmm so confusing!!!

[MrsMohr]

I honestly think that sometimes our babies think it's funny to scare the crap out of us. Glad to hear he's doing better!