They're All Dead

ray767 · 10-09-2008, 11:11 PM

Hey all,
First post, and a desperate one at that.
43 gallon hex tank, community fish (around 30-35) some driftwood, and live plants.
Been set up for 2.5 years, and had other tanks prior to this one.
Recently put in two plecos (wife bought them by accident).
Week later, most fish are dead, remaining ones are stressed and diseased, and I still see 1 of the plecos, healthily swimming around. Water quality test shows nothing out of the ordinary. Prior to these plecos, I had some until a year ago.
Any ideas what could've started it? Should I start over, rebuild, let it sit for a while?
Thanks all

gregpape23 · 10-09-2008, 11:46 PM

First, I would be nice to know your water parameters, at least the following: Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, PH. Thats a start.
I am confident to say that 35 fish in a 43g tank is overstocked.
Did all the fish die at once?
Maybe the pleco brought in some disease.
I would definately not have soo many fish next time. (in one tank)

kurtfr0 · 11-26-2008, 04:53 AM

Just like Greg said, Way over stocked, and always quarintine your Fish, ALWAYS. SPecially when introducing them into a community. Also, You might of needed to give it a good cleaning if its that old.

Judge · 11-26-2008, 08:17 AM

Welcome Ray 767 and so sorry for your troubles. I have to concur with the previous posts in that you were way over stocked. However, if you had that many fish for 2.5 years you must have been doing something right! I can only assume you were maintaining some really good upkeep pratices ie; water changes, good feeding habits, etc.. Yes, it would be very helpful to have some water params buit until then I have some questions. It would seem all was well until the Plecos came home. Logic would dictate that they must have brought some disease with them. I won't fuss about quarantine because it is moot at this point. What I am interested in is what do the fish look like? You stated some are still alive but are sickly? Does it look like Ich? Could you provide some pic's? If it is Ich then you can treat with a simple non toxic way to rid your tank and save not only any remaining fish, but also you would not have to start over from scratch. So, if you can please provide some more info so we might can help you prevent a total loss.