Dying Fish

[Cajun]

Prior to going to bed tonight, I checked my tank. I noticed my black saddleback clown lying on the sand with what looked like a bad case of popeye. He wasn'tmoving much and it has me a little concerned. He was doing just fine earlier today. A yellow tang as well as a flame angel resides in this 40 gal tank and they seem fine. I did a water change yesterday. All the fish seemed fine earlier this evening. The tank is almost 3 yrs old....never had any problems with any of my animals. I checked all the water parameters and everything seems fine. Im worried he may not make it through the night. He wouldn't move unless I nudged him. I don't have a Q tank unfortunately. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

s.g.-1.025
temp-78
ammonia-negligible

CAJUN

[Bughead]

I'm sorry about your clown I hope he's still hanging in there.Things like this can be so puzzling and frustrating. It sounds like the clown received an injury, perhaps some time ago and it was not noticed. Now he may have a bacterial infection.

I would highly recommend that you get a ten gallon tank (these can often be gotten at Petco or Petsmart for around $10. Get a little Whisper filter and heater and set up a hospital tank. Use water from the main tank and perhaps some filter material too for quick cycling. Leave the bottom bare and put a piece of ceramic flower pot or mug in so the fish can hide. I'd medicate with Melafix in this case.

You can medicate the main tank with Melafix, even if it's a reef. But the q.t. is a better way to go.

Also you might continue to do frequent water changes on the main tank.

I know every one else is going to ask you for more info on your water params, etc. and as much information as possible is always the best. But with what you said, I gave it my best shot. Good Luck.

[the_blue_tuna]

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pop-eye.htm

Hope the little fellow pulls through