New German Blue Rams constantly moving their mouths

[JulioMtzC]

Hi! 
I recently got some GBR from a LFS and the from the first pair I got, one died overnight. Went back to the store and got another one, so my big concern is that they are swimming around, but they’re constantly opening and closing their mouths. They’re the only ones doing that, all my other fish (rice fish, endlers, and cories) are doing just fine. 
I tested the water and it’s good, there’s good agitation in the surface so not sure what’s wrong with them. 
I just learned that this LFS does get their rams from a wholesaler that pumps them full of meds, so not sure if I can do anything to prevent them dying. 
 

thanks!

[Fish Folk]

Hmm… are they breathing heavily? Is that what’s making their mouths move?

What’s your water temperature?

Soft or hard water at home?

pH?

Planted tank?

Do you have enough air going?

[JulioMtzC]

On 8/12/2022 at 4:49 PM, Fish Folk said:

Hmm… are they breathing heavily? Is that what’s making their mouths move?

What’s your water temperature?

Soft or hard water at home?

pH?

Planted tank?

Do you have enough air going?

Temp is at 82

ph is at 7.6

kh is around 7

I see them breathing somewhat hard. Just did a 20% wc and put stress coat.  
 

At times they are active, at times they hide and chill, then they find each other and chase each other around. 
 

I am just a bit worried that the fish I got have been heavily exposed to meds and their immune system is crap. 

[Fish Folk]

Hope they make it for you. If not… I’ll try to reserve some Rams I breed if you’re interested. That way you’ll know exactly how they were raised / treated before arriving in your tank. Here’s several photos from a recent batch…

[JulioMtzC]

On 8/12/2022 at 6:54 PM, Fish Folk said:

Hope they make it for you. If not… I’ll try to reserve some Rams I breed if you’re interested. That way you’ll know exactly how they were raised / treated before arriving in your tank. Here’s several photos from a recent batch…

Oh gosh! Yes!! Those are amazing!!

[Colu]

If they are   breathing heavily I would add an extra air stone just in case it caused by low levels of desolve oxygen and see if they start to improve 

[JulioMtzC]

On 8/12/2022 at 7:38 PM, Colu said:

If they are   breathing heavily I would add an extra air stone just in case it caused by low levels of desolve oxygen and see if they start to improve 

So I did add more air and there is certainly more waves at the top of the tank. I also raised the temp in the tank to 83.3 and they seem more relaxed and swimming together exploring the tank. 
 

they’re still opening and closing their mouths but I see them snacking on the moss and not stationary. 

[Colu]

On 8/13/2022 at 1:58 AM, JulioMtzC said:

So I did add more air and there is certainly more waves at the top of the tank. I also raised the temp in the tank to 83.3 and they seem more relaxed and swimming together exploring the tank. 
 

they’re still opening and closing their mouths but I see them snacking on the moss and not stationary. 

I would just monitor them closely for now if you notice any weight loss hanging near the surface rubbing on things in the tank then I would do a course of fritz Expel p active ingredient is levamisole 

[Tropicalfishkeeping201]

On 8/12/2022 at 4:54 PM, Fish Folk said:

Hope they make it for you. If not… I’ll try to reserve some Rams I breed if you’re interested. That way you’ll know exactly how they were raised / treated before arriving in your tank. Here’s several photos from a recent batch…

Wow, these are beautiful!