Fish help.......serious thread.

[Chuckus]

Ok.

I have a problem (I think) in one of my tanks. I have 2-55 gallon tanks with African Cichlids and 1-20 gallon with a couple of regular fish (barbs, etc...)

In one of the 55 gallon tanks, I have had two fish just up and get sick, then die. For no apparent reason that I can figure. For instance, the one fish was fine then an hour or two later, he was hugging the side of the tank, then a coupla hours later he was disoriented and swimming (trying to) and sustain himself sideways;rather I should say on his side rolled over. Both the fish that died did the same thing.

Nothing has been changed lately in either tank, usual cleanings and gravel siphoning and water put back in (I use PRIME with my water changes). No different food, etc.....I am stumped.

Has anyone else had a problem similar to this?

I would appreciate any help or input or advice.

 

[Chuckus]

Oh and the fish times of death were within 2 to 3 weeks of each other. No lesions, etc....or noticeable sickness on the exterior. I even looked to see if maybe the other fish had "attacked" either of them and to no avail.

 

[lovetoread]

I lost 5 fish in 2 weeks. So I decided to get drastic.

My idea was to remove the fish to another place,a fish bowl, and bleach everything in the tank (of course making sure to rinse really well),including the water filter sections. I did this and saved my very last fish. He is still swimming after a month,so I must have killed whatever was in there.

 

[Chuckus]

Thanks LTR, though I don't think I need to do anything that drastic yet..........I think I actually made a mistake by putting the time frame from 2 to 3 weeks, I think in actuality it was like a couple of months between fish biting the bullet.

It just is strange, maybe they got old? Too fat? All the other fish are fine and have been fine. I have had all these fish in the tank for over a year and a half, heck they even survived when I moved the tanks from my previous dwelling to my house. I mean I emptied the tank, kept a portion of the water, then refilled it, etc....and put them back in and they survived...........I test the water every once in a blue moon for bad stuff and nothing shows........

I am just stumped as I have had fish for quite a while and this appears odd to me.

 

[Southern37]

i'm more of a redneck than an aquarium guy..but if you'll throw them in a pan with a little butter and garlic you can make the best of a bad situation.

 

[Chuckus]

i'm more of a redneck than an aquarium guy..but if you'll throw them in a pan with a little butter and garlic you can make the best of a bad situation.

LOL..........they are NOT eating fish............well maybe when they outgrow my tank and I give them to friend with a 200 gallon tank........and damn that boy has some HUGE Cichlids, I mean HUGE HUGE HUGE.

 

[lovetoread]

I not an expert or anything,but have you tried any of the antibioitics that I see on the shelves? I've looked but have never used any.

As far as age is concerned,how long are fish supposed to last? I have a goldfish. I won him at the fair 2 years ago and he is still here. I have wondered why he has made it,but the ones I paid for didnt.

I do know of a place you can ask for help though,its at:

http://boards2.ivillage.com/messages/get/ptfish28.html

 

[Chuckus]

Thanks LTR, I will check it out and see what stirs.

I just hate losing fish that are that expensive ($15-$30 a piece if I sold them) and plus they are my pals. I dig my fish and enjoy watching them and all that stuff.

Goldfish are pretty hardy, they don't need heaters (they adapt to the temp of water they are in) and are pretty rugged fish (from what I know of em........)

 

[Chuckus]

Shamelessly bumping my own thread..........hoping someone might have some ideas................(and Thanks LTR)

 

[KillerMuffin]

http://www.versaquatics.com/tropical_fish_disease.htm
http://www.tropicalfishcentre.co.uk/Diseases1.htm
http://www.notcatfish.com/health/

The only thing that it sounds like is Costia. I like Notcatfish the best because the access to information is a lot easier and more comprehensive. Of course, it's a soothing grey in color so that might be it for me.

 

[RudeNastyAssBitch]

You Should Pm Starfish!

She's Got The Handle On The Marine Life Thing. I Am A Total Fish Killer Trying Again Now Though

 

[Chuckus]

Thanks KM, I will check it out.

I quickly went to the notcatfish.com site about Costia and that has to be ruled out since the water is well above 84 degrees always.......this has me stumped.

I will continue looking though...........Thanks again KM. Your a doll.