Can a Male Apisto Die of Loneliness

[JohnnyBlaze]

I recently purchased a male n female Apisto and the female died same night. I took her back got a new one. She lasted for a week and he was trying to follow her around constantly and she died 4 days ago and he has changed. Hides all the time, doesnt really eat anymore and just is sadddddd. Can loneliness happen and possibly lead to his death? I have 3 stores looking for a female RN, but because of Corona, some arent taking fish shipments for now. What do i do? ANY INFO WILL BE APPRECIATED!!!

 

[OB Guy]

I doubt the male Apisto will die from being alone in the tank. It sounds like you may have a water problem have you checked the parameters?

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

Yes when both females died i had to bring a water sample...everything seems perfect..ammonia 0, Nitites 0, Nitrates are what i call more yellow than orange...very low under 5 ppm..hardness was at 2 maybe 3..so i agree its a bit soft....but from what ive read thay should be able to adapt to water conditions......and i do water changes every week faithfully...
Now when i just started mixing my tap and RO together, to add minerals back that were removed by the RO....but i did water tests on... A. Tap, B. RO water, C. The mixture...the mixture seems to be the best.....

Whatda think?

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

I also started feeding bloodworms since ive had him...he used to gobble them right up...could they be the cause...but all the fish eat the worms, the gourami, the corys, the harlyquinns, even the cardinal tetras do and everyone else seems ok

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

 

[OB Guy]

How long has the aquarium been setup? If your nitrates are 0 either the tank isn't cycled or it lost it's cycle. The fish looks likes it's gasping also. I'd recommend getting some Aquavitro Seed or Seachem Stability to boost the beneficial bacteria and add as directed on the bottle ASAP. It looks like there's no water movement which could cause low oxygen. You might want to add a air stone or sponge filter to get the water moving on the surface along with using the Aquavitro Seed or Seachem Stability.

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

Been set up about amonth and a half now...
nitrates are there its just i do water change evry 3 days or so..
I have the Seachem Stability for my other tank...i will add some ASAP!!!
Water movement should be ok...i hv a Fluval 307 good for 40-70 gallons on a 29 gallon tank should cycle water plenty...i also have a sponge filter in the opposite corner with an airline in it
Ill defin add the bacteria ASAP.....
Btw thanks for the help dude...hope i can save him!!!

 

[OB Guy]

No problem at all I hope you can save him to. Nice looking tank you have. What your water temp? Good luck and keep us updated on how the fish is doing.

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

Currently 77°F

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

So ive added the Stability, as well as a 2nd air stone and turned it up...i also moved output from filter closer to surface for more agitation...
He is hanging out at the surface and breathing faster today : (

 

[OB Guy]

Are any of your other fish showing any signs of this? Keep adding the Stability as directed on the bottle.

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

Nope...thats why i dont understand...he was the last i added i dont feel its overstocked, specially doing changes as often as i do but let me tell you what i have..
In a 29 gallon long..
2 bronze Corys
2 otto cats
2 amano shrimp
3 harleyquinns
4 cardinal tetras and
3 Honey Gourami..
And JohnnyBlaze..
The last 2 additions are supposed to be the 2 apistos..i figure that would be max for that tank..
They are all doing well....amanos, corys n ottos are fat as hell from constant cleaning, tetras, and gourami are eating the same worms, matter of fact they keep sucking up the ones im trying to feed him...so ive ruled the worms out
It said 1st day 1 cap for every 10 so put in 3 caps...then cap and a half every day after...i also had this other live bacteria that comes in a bottle for ponds i put some in there as well

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

Ive had some stores keep the fish for a week b4 selling othets do not...i dont believe this store did so considering both females died if they came from the same bunch im assuming theres a problem...however...the day i bought the 2nd female back the 3rd they had was still there....she wasnt doing anything much but sitting on the bottom....
But still..what could it be and is there a way to fix it...im hoping some of what i am doing is helping!!!! More bacteria, more oxygen.

 

[OB Guy]

I wouldn't use the pond bacteria I would stick with the Seachem Stability. It's very possible the fish were sick when you bought them or stressed out. I keep a 10 gallon and 20 gallon quarantine tanks setup for that reason. Has the fish eaten since you've had it?

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

Yes was eating great...right out in front...would wait for the worms to drop then nail them...
Now my goal is seeing him eat everyday...i know usually any animal..when it stops eating...is trouble...
So far hes had at lease 1 worm a day when i see him out i drop a bunch by him and he usually can get 1

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

This is when i first got him...and the 2nd female

 

[JohnnyBlaze]

Unfort....he did not make it.. : (

 

[OB Guy]

Sorry to hear that.