can you I.D. problem

[finn]

I have a true percula in a 240 gal reef tank that seems to be having a problem. I'll give you information and maybe you can help me identify it.

The fish does't maintain a depth. It sort of lurches up about two inchws, then goes down two inches and repeats pattern constantly.

Time in tank: 3 days
Acclimation time: 1hr 30 min
No other symtoms
NO2=0
NO3=0
PH=7.9-8.3
temp=79-81
other fish= Rock blenny, False clown
Corals: Alvepora, Goniapora, 2 Acropora frags, golden crown mushroom
Lighting=8x95 power compac, 1x250 MH, 2x400 MH

I think it's a swim bladder infection.
Thanks in advance!
keith

[billsreef]

Percula's typically swim in an up and down undulating fashion, this could be easily what you are seeing and is the most likely.

Swim bladder problems usually manifest themselves in one of two ways:
1. Fish keeps floating up whenever it stops swimming and must actively swim downwards to keep from floating right up to the top.

2. Fish sinks like a lead ballon the minute it stops swimming, this usually causes the fish to maintain a heads up constant swimming pattern, typically in one corner of the tank.