Help Me Please - Page 3

boyzerk · 11-30-2008, 05:55 PM

Hello,

Thank you Judge for your help in this matter.
I have lost three more fish recently and I just don't know why they are dying? They seem to be ok one day and dead the next or should I say gone the next as I haven't found any of the three bodies.

IhaveaGuppy,
I don't know what prompted for you to say that about the table salt but I asure you that I do not use table salt. I use API Aquarium salt and would be happy to change to a different kind if everyone is in agreement that is what I should do. I asure you that I would never do such a test that A) I have no idea about and B) that would surly kill my fish.

Judge · 11-30-2008, 06:34 PM

Frankly I am a little shocked by several things. First, where/why the animosity? That kinda came from left field. It has been a few days since we even had any discussion about salt..to use or not use. Second, why in the world would you suggest to a newbie, who is trying to learn, that they set up that kind of experiment to prove some point you think you are making. Please have enough care and concern for others feelings and their experience level to not suggest doing something so inappropriate. I am so sorry you feel the need to vent but would appreciate it very much, as I am sure so would others, if you could tone it down some. It is fine to disagree and have a differing opinion but let's not get mean and angry about it. Thanks.

Loman · 11-30-2008, 07:58 PM

Kyle,
Apologies for neglecting your questions while I vented regarding the poor advice. I tried to reread most of this to reacquaint myself.

One thing I noticed that I do not think was discussed was a comment back several posts

Quote:

While searching on the net last night I read something about pH balancers being harmful to fish and to not use them at all.
What do you guys think.

Generally I do not like to alter the pH with chemical mean. There are a coupel related thoughts that bring me to that opinion. First fish will adjust to and thrive in a wide range of pHs so getting to a specific number is usually not that important. Fish do not handle the pH changing dramatically very well. In order to change the pH you have to over power the buffering which usually results in wide pH swings so I think it is generally more harmful than good. Hiope that was not too confusing but wanted to share the logic as well as say I agree with what you where reading.

That said your water parameters do not look to be that far off. What kind of fish do have and what have you lost? You mentioned some cyst like things and ick as well what is the current condition there. If you are seeing cysts that are buldging near the eye I am wonderign if you are seeign popeye. Do a couple searches for pictures and let use know if that looks like what you see? Without being able to see the fish it is difficult to offer too many opinions other than things to try. If there are large protrusions I would lean toward trying a broad spectrum antibiotic something like marcyn but it is hard without seeign them

boyzerk · 12-01-2008, 09:26 PM

Loman,
Thank you very much for taking interest in this and offering some advice.

My most recent losses are: 1 Suckerfish, 1 Balloon Mollie, 1 Tiger Barb.

I still have: 1 Black Mollie, 1 Balloon Mollie,
1 Marble Mollie, 2 Platties, 1 Shark, 1 Cory Cat, 1 Catfish, 1 Bumble Bee Cat, 2 Kuli Loaches, 7 Assorted Tetras, 1 Blue Gourami, 2 Angelfish, 1 Tiger Barb (still left), 1 Placostamus, 1 Oto, 1 Guppy, Several Unwanted Snails.lol.
Also Three plants (that aren't doing very well)

I think that is everything.

I have taken a few pics of the cyst that is on the angelfish and if I can figure out how I will upload it here.

I wouldn't say it is a big cyst or that it has became any larger and the angel still seems to be doing well and it has been three or four weeks. I don't think they have ich as I haven't seen any white salt like things attached to them.

Thanks again and I will be in touch.
Kyle

Loman · 12-01-2008, 10:11 PM

Wow that is a lot of fish for that tank size. I suspect that over crowding is at least part of the problem.

boyzerk · 12-02-2008, 11:20 AM

This is my angelfish. I hope you can see it ok.
The white spec on it's eye is what I've been taking about.

Judge · 12-02-2008, 12:25 PM

Sorry, are you saying you have 25 fish in a 29 gallon tank????!!!! OMG that is unbelievable.

boyzerk · 12-02-2008, 02:30 PM

Yes I went over board and got way to many.
Guess I didn't realize that would be such a problem. I will not do that again but I do hope I can save the ones that are left.

BTW: How many fish do you think would be ok for a 29gal.?

Thanks
Kyle

boyzerk · 12-04-2008, 02:00 PM

I hope that everyone is doing ok.
I haven't heard from anyone in a long time.

I am wondering if because of my over stocked tank how often should I do water changes to keep all fish healthy.

I haven't had any more loss lately, knock on wood. Lol.

Kyle

Loman · 12-04-2008, 04:19 PM

Kyle,
What I would suggest is picking a target level for Nitrate. Maybe 20 ppm (which is IMO on the high side). Test the water till it reaches that level. Then do a naormal water change whatever amount you normally do say 20%. Immediatley after the water change (assuming the source water has no nitrate) you should have 80% (the amount of water left of 20 ppm Nitrate due to dilution. So something like 16 ppm. You want to keep remeasuring the Nitrates till they get back to 20 ppm. Watch how long it takes for this to happen a couple times and that gives you a good sense of the proepr routine. You can adjust the numbers as desired