Black molly concerns

[pondera]

My Black Molly has been acting weird lately, kinda sluggish and not eating much. Tank is a 20 gallon, parameters are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's at 78F, got a sponge filter and some Java Ferns. Anyone got ideas?

[RiverBite3]

My Black Molly has been acting weird lately, kinda sluggish and not eating much. Tank is a 20 gallon, parameters are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's at 78F, got a sponge filter and some Java Ferns. Anyone got ideas?

Yep, sounds like stress. How often do you do water changes? Mollies can be picky about water quality, even if params look good. I'd bump changes to twice a week for a bit, see if it helps.

[Flynnite]

Might wanna check the pH too. Mollies dig harder water, like 7.5–8.2. If it's too low, they get sketchy. You got any crushed coral or salt in there?

[pondera]

Thanks for the tips. I'll test the pH today and grab some crushed coral if it's low. Gonna up the water changes too.

[RiverBite3]

Might wanna check the pH too. Mollies dig harder water, like 7.5–8.2. If it's too low, they get sketchy. You got any crushed coral or salt in there?

Good call on the pH. Also, what's the feeding routine? Sometimes they're just bored of the same flakes. Try mixing in some frozen brine shrimp or algae wafers.

[Flynnite]

Yeah, variety's key. Mine go nuts for spirulina flakes. And if the pH is low, a pinch of baking soda can help in a pinch, but coral's better long-term.

[RiverBite3]

How's the tankmate situation? Mollies can get stressed if they're crowded or bullied. You got any fin-nippers in there?

[pondera]

Just a couple of peaceful Tetras and a Cory. No bullies, but I'll keep an eye on interactions. pH tested at 7.0, so I'll grab coral tomorrow.

[Flynnite]

7.0's on the low side for sure. Coral should help. Also, make sure the temp's steady—big swings can mess with 'em.