How can I tell if my fish has nitrate poisoning?

Answer by  worker5526 (32)

Fish with nitrate poisoning will often appear very sluggish. It will looking like they are working very hard to "breathe", often swimming at the surface of the tank, moving their gills very rapidly. Occasionally you will be able to notice brown or yellowish discolorations of the gills. Nitrate poisoning reduces the ability of the fish's blood to carry oxygen.

Answer by  cjd411 (36)

Nitrate poisoning is a major killer of pet fish, and knowing the symptoms can help you prepare to deal with this. A nitrate poisoned fish will try to breathe through the water's surface and gasp for air. It will not move as much, and its gills may change color.

Answer by  withsmluck (793)

The best way to check for nitrate poisoning is using a test kit to test a sample of the water. Fish will be lethargic and may remain close to the top of the tank, or try to get air from the surface from the surface by darting up.

Answer by  kakoe (989)

Fish that have nitrate poisoning usually have very specific symptoms. The first sign you may notice is your fish hovering near the top of the water, seeming to struggle to get oxygen. Fish also become sluggish and lethargic. One of the most obvious signs, usually when it is too late to save it, is brown blotches appearing on its body.

Answer by  cmcguire (143)

Nitrate poisoning can occur after an initial jump in ammonia. Your fish will have brownish gills, be gasping, appearing sluggish and spending time near the top of the tank.

Answer by  nairjula (559)

Nitrate poisoning in fish could at times be alarming. If you are serious about keeping the fish in your aquarium healthy you must be watching it carefully and seriously. If the fish has nitrate poisoning, they will be gasping for breath at the water surface. Fish may hang near water out-lets or may have rapid gill movements.