Red devil sick

Question
QUESTION: Hello, My red devil just started laying on the bottom of the tank on his side, swimming into stuff pretty violently, when he does swim. Now he is floating at the bottom with his head pointed down and tail up.almost looks like he's upside down. recently moved him to larger tank like 3 1/2 weeks ago. has been fine until today. PH level was good, temp of water good. I have had fish for many years, and know how to care for tanks, this guy has been round for a while, need some help please.

ANSWER: Hi Renee,

I don't know what's wrong with him, but I'm thinking chemical poisoning of some kind, so let's start with ammonia and nitrates.  How is your filtration working and what are your filter's specifications?  What size tank is it filtering?  How often are water changes being done and last, but not least, have you introduced any new fish to the aquarium?

Please let me know and I will get right back with you.  

Thanks!

Renee

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

QUESTION: Hello Renee,
 Unfortunatly, he died just shorlty after sending you that question. I took a water sample to petsmart the very next day, and everything tested fine. now if it was some sort of chemical poising would it have shown up in those tests? Recently put him in a larger tank, from a 40 gallon now to a 75. The filtration system i feel was good also, i dont remember the spec on it but it was a BIG one.Had not changed the water in this yet, as he was only in there 3 weeks. I have had to add a little water a few times due to evaporation. And no new fish added, as he eats them or kills them because he is a carnivore, been a while for live food. Ammonia and nitrates tests fine. What is life expectancy? I think we have had him for 10 years Very bummed! He's been around w/ us for a while, moved 3 times w/ him and once in late november,Burrr. Thanks for responding,looking forward to your thoughts on this issue. Renee

Answer
Hi Renee,

10 years is pretty long in captivity.  I'd guess that he might have died from old age.

The move may have made things a bit more stressful.

Chemical poisoning will not show up in a strip test, and the most common killer chemical which kills freshwater fish is chloramine.  People know about Chlorine, but not chloramine.  Cities are using it now, because it prevents parasites.  They use both at one time.

Now, our water dechlorinator also kills chloramine, and it takes days for a fish to die from chloramine poisoning.  Often, it will jerk around fast, show signs of fast gills, and then it will show signs as your fish did.

My question would be whether water was added to the tank, or during his move, and if it was pre-treated or not.  If there is no chance of chloramine poisoning, then he probably died of old age.

I believe the life expectancy of a Red Devil Cichlid is around 10 to 12 years.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Renee