sick catfish

Question
Our catfish is covered with a white film. He has been acting different, and is very lethargic. Last night he was going crazy all around the tank, and gasping at the top. Our test strip says that the nitrite is high. Is there anything we can do to save him?

Answer
Hi Chelsea
If you can, move the fish to a separate tank with better water quality.  The white film may be his slime coat thickening to combat the nitrites in the water.  A lot of times just improving the water quality is enough to get the fish to heal itself.

Start doing daily water changes on the tank, that will help dilute the nitrites.  Is this a newer set up tank that's going through the cycle process?  If so, you'll just have to ride it out till it's done cycling.  Continue doing the daily water changes until then.  If that's not the case, let me know so we can address why the nitrites are showing up.

Christy