day 2

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jaymie-
Fin is still in his "funk" and has not eaten.  he moves a bit more on his own but still hangs out on the bottom and lists a little to his left, this is not like the Fin we know.  I still see nothing physically wrong with him, I am worried about him not eating.  Is there something I can do to encourage him to eat?
would an under sand filter be a good idea?  
He seemed active and happy with the hang on the back filter we have for him and he always ate and moved around. I have it out of the tank now but worry about ammonia and nitrates.  will the weekly 25% water changes keep those poisons in check?
thank you for your help, we are still hoping Fin will make it.
Dana

ANSWER: Dana,

I would try adding a little bit of aquarium salt to his water until he is back to normal. Only add the salt to the new water during the water change. The easiest way to do this is 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. This you add when doing the water changes only. Make sure his water is 80 degrees at all times. Under gravel filters are a lot of trouble and, in my opinion, do more harm then good when cleaning it. He really does not need a filter but if you think he was happier with it then go ahead and put it back in and see what he does. Just remember, the filter will cycle the tank and can cause some problems with him during this time. The weekly water changes will help with ammonia and nitrites. Even if there is a filter in the tank the weekly water changes will still need to be done. As for trying to get him to eat, that is not easy. You can try giving him some blood worms or brine shrimp. I prefer the frozen over the freeze dried. Please, keep me informed on how he is doing.

edit: Have you tried adding an air stone to the tank? If you do, just keep it very low. This will add oxygen and keep the water moving.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I added the salt to Fin's tank yesterday and he was hovering just off the bottom of his tank this morning with his dorsal fin up a bit, encouraging, I think.  he still has not eaten.  I did get an air stone, but need to get a control valve for it, I think that will get some O2 into the tank for Fin and will help keep the algae down.  His water seems a bit cloudy though, not sure what that means.
When should I do my next water change and how much should I change out?
Do I need to do 100% water changes if algae comes back so I can get the algae off rocks and the sides of his tank?
I will add the salt to the water changes until he is his old self, then stop, correct?
will salt help with the algae issue?
I am cautiously optimistic, thank you for your help.
Dana

Answer
Dana,

Yes the air stone will help with oxygen and will keep the water moving a bit. The control valve is a good thing to have on it. I'm happy to hear he looks a little better. I would add the salt every other time you do the water changes. This way he still has the salt but it doesn't get to high.Do not do 100% changes very often but since you do not have a filter going it is ok. Maybe once a month for right now and see how Fin does. Keep the light on only 8 hours a day to help ward off algae. Yes, only add the salt until he is better. As for the eating just continue to give  him food everyday and wait about 5 mins. Whatever has not been eaten, remove it. This will help keep the water cleaner. Please, continue to keep me informed on how he is doing.