guppy plague

spencypoo1 · 02-16-2009, 04:59 PM

so i was hoping to find some clarification on why my smaller guppies seem to die after a couple of months of what seems to me normal, happy lives. i use the quick dip test sticks, on a 10gallon which i thought gave me a good idea of how my parameters are. water temp is a consistent 76 to 78 degrees. is this too high of a temperature? just performed a small water change yesterday. overall water quality seems great. i still have an african frog, a couple of adult guppies and now 1 or 2 smaller ones. they don't seem to show signs of anything then POOF, they lose strength in swimming then check out. if there is anything i am not thinking of... i would appreciate the help!

thanks in advance!

spencer

spencypoo1 · 02-16-2009, 05:07 PM

one more observation is the little guppy feeling down right now has a black color to him, as opposed to the rainbow variety colors he has had in the past.

Jay · 02-16-2009, 06:19 PM

I would be willing to wager it's GH Spencer

What are the numbers when you say water parameters are great?

Guppies need water that is high in trace minerals, mineral salts (electrolytes) to thrive. Those trace elements are essential for cell function & osmotic regulation. Without them the patient often goes into decline and dies. There are some good products on the market that will boost the quality of your GH. You might want to look into them.

Jay

spencypoo1 · 02-16-2009, 07:14 PM

thanks jay! GH is the water hardness correct? is it a problem that i use water i buy from the store, typically i stick to the drinking waters in gallons. and at weekly water changes add Prime Conditioner. i would gladly start boosting for the water quality, i don't have specific numbers for the parameters since i have only been using the quick dip test sticks. what would be the best sample kit to get?
thanks for the help!

-S

louistheloach · 02-19-2009, 02:02 AM

S

But when you say drinking water, exactly which do you mean....there is distilled water, spring water (which should have the minerals etc) and one other but I cant remember what it is called, but it should have the minerals too. I think it is purified water with the minerals added back in (one label is Kandiohy, probably different in your area). The distilled water would be deplete of the minerals.

Also the quick dip 5in1 should give you a general idea of the hardness....maybe just not as precise. For actual test kits, I tend to use Red Sea, but I have used API and tetra.....I dont like tetras test tubes. I prefer Red Sea over the other two.

good luck with it.

ltl

Jay · 02-19-2009, 08:27 AM

Louistheloach is spot on...distilled water and RO (reverse osmosis) filtered water will not support life. They must have their GH restored. Seachem makes an excellent product for this called "Equlibrium". They also make a product called "Live Bearer Salt" (not to be confused with aquarium salt or table salt both NaCl) The product contains the mineral salts and electrolytes specifically matched to guppies, mollies, etc. I had the same problem in my wife's

guppy tank. I could see the difference in the overall vitality of the fish after only a week. You might want to check it out.

Jay

spencypoo1 · 02-19-2009, 05:33 PM

very cool. thanks folks. i have always grabbed the spring or drinking water... never the distilled because i think i had heard somewhere where it was not suitable, but this Equilibrium sounds like something I have used in the past... i will talk to the lsf and see if i can incorporate it in my next w/c with the Prime