Sick Guarami

Question
The tank (40 gal) has been set up for about 5 months, I have a guarami that is listless, there are about 8 fish in the tank. The PH (7.5), nitrites (0 ppm), and ammonia (0 PPM) levels are fine. I have another guarami and the other fish are fine. I tried a salt bath but don't know the correct salt to water proportion for a sick fish. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Steve

Answer
Hi Steve;

A "salt bath" is when you add salt to the main tank for a period of days or weeks. A safe dosage for most fish is 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon per gallon. Leave it in the tank  until disease is controlled and then let it naturally reduce as weekly maintenance water changes are made.

There might be other causes for the gourami not doing well. Gouramis often don't live together very well. If the one that seems okay is a male, that might be the problem. They are very territorial and will chase other males away or will try to breed with females and just stress them out.

What you might try is putting the sick one in another smaller tank. If it is a small enough fish, you could even put it in one of those breeding nets or boxes that hang inside the tank. It will keep him in an established tank with heat and air. Just be absolutely certain it can get to the surface for air. Gouramis will drown if they can't take gulps of air directly from the top.

Let me know what all his symptoms are. Things like bloating, redness, torn fins, being "bottom heavy" or scooting on the bottom of the tank, sores, spots, etc. are very important. Does he eat? Does he hide away from the other gourami? Is he able to get to the top okay?

Let me know.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins