established tank (6yrs) temp problem

[Steve Jones]

I had a problem with an established 55 gallon tank that has 1 large
angel and 1 large pleco and a bunch of plants for 6 years. The heater
went on the fritz while I was away and when I came home was in the
high 90's (F).

I did multiple water changes (with dechlorination additive) over 4
hours to reduce the temp back to 80 and by the time I got a new heater
in it had dropped to 74. temp is now stabilized at 78.

This morning - 5 days later (from initial hi temp incident), the pleco
appeared dead, on his back, but tonight when I returned home he was
right side up and when I touched him he moved. Angel (and pleco)
appear stressed, clamped fins, no interest in food, but no signs of
rapid breathing or gasping.

Help ! any clues what to do?
Thanks,
Stephen

[Geezer From The Freezer]

Steve Jones wrote:
>
> I had a problem with an established 55 gallon tank that has 1 large
> angel and 1 large pleco and a bunch of plants for 6 years. The heater
> went on the fritz while I was away and when I came home was in the
> high 90's (F).
>
> I did multiple water changes (with dechlorination additive) over 4
> hours to reduce the temp back to 80 and by the time I got a new heater
> in it had dropped to 74. temp is now stabilized at 78.
>
> This morning - 5 days later (from initial hi temp incident), the pleco
> appeared dead, on his back, but tonight when I returned home he was
> right side up and when I touched him he moved. Angel (and pleco)
> appear stressed, clamped fins, no interest in food, but no signs of
> rapid breathing or gasping.
>
> Help ! any clues what to do?
> Thanks,
> Stephen

Stephen,

You could try adding some aquarium salt, this will help ease the
stress on the goldfish. I'm not sure of the recommended dose
so you may want to look this up.