Floating and Gasping

[Cshbirdy]

I could really use your help as I lost one axy and my new juvenile is showing signs of gill deterioration also now as well as floating on the top of the tank.
I feed her earthworms. she is alone in the tank. I think she gulped an air bubble since I saw poop a few days ago but now she is floating on her side, and wont eat- almost tries to take the worm but GASPS instead of eating. I have put her in the fridge.

I tested the water-
Ammonia = 0
PH- 7.4 to 7.5
Nitrates- 0

I clean the tank twice a week by syphoning the grime. and I do a 20% water change with dechlorinated water (of course). I want her gills to be nice and fluffy but also now I want her to stop floating and start eating again. she is in a 20 gallon long tank with about 7 inches of water and two filters but very low flow with plenty of hiding places. the substrate is sand. also the water is 65-70 degrees and I have put ice bottles in previously if its a hot day....

any advice would be greatly appreciated-

 

[texa]

Hi there, a few things...

Do you know what your NitrITEs are testing as?

If your nitrates are coming through as 0, that usually means your tank isn't cycled. I would also recommend filling the tank to full capacity (if it can be filled higher than 7 inches), having it lower than that is reducing your water volume and potentially allowing ammonia/nitrites to build quicker.