My fish are dying mysteriously!!! Help! [Archive]

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WinterWind

03-13-2005, 4:12 PM

I had 3 serpae tetras, 3 zebra danios, and 1 cory cat, and now, all of the danios + 2 of the serpaes have died. I don't know why they are dying. Before they died, they had a red patch on their sides. The day before or so nothing is noticeably wrong, but before they die, they have a red patch on their side and lie around lethargically. They all died within days of each other. Is this a disease, or some toxin in the water? My cory cat seems to do fine. But I'm not sure what will happen to my last serpae.

Might it be the water cleaners in the water? My city added chlorinimate (sp?) to the water. It's been at least 3 months, and I didn't get any conditioner that gets rid of that. Do you think that it might be that toxin that is killing the fish? Or some disease? I did add a bunch of anacharis that was in a tank full of feeder goldfish, but the anacharis is doing fine. Maybe it's carrying disease?

Can anyone help me please?!

Aqualung

03-13-2005, 4:16 PM

What are your water parameters?

*Just noticed your edit - you need to get some water conditioner that removes both chlorine and chloramine, and treat your water ASAP!

WinterWind

03-13-2005, 4:19 PM

Well, I'm not sure, but I've been using the same water source (the bathroom faucet) and there has been no problem for more than 2 years. What disease does the red patch indicate?

If it is a plant carrying a disease, do you think it would have affected the fish sooner rather than in a few weeks?

And if it's the chlorinimate (sp?), would it affect the fish right away or kill slowly?

Aqualung

03-13-2005, 4:28 PM

I assume you mean chloramine. Whether it kills slowly or quickly depends on the amount in the water, but any amount is bad for the fish. The redness could very likely be caused by this. Ammonia will also cause red patches or streaks. It is known as hemorrhagic septicemia.

Do you have a water testing kit? If not, it would be a good idea to get one. If you can't afford one right now, take a sample of your water to your lfs and they should test it for you.

WinterWind

03-13-2005, 5:03 PM

Thanks for your reply. I'm hoping that the problem is the chloramine, since I wouldn't want to disinfect the whole tank because of a disease. I'll try to get some de-chloramine solution this week.

How much would a water test kit cost? Is there one that does everything like metals to ammonia to nitrates and pH, or are they sold seperately?

Kasakato

03-13-2005, 5:08 PM

Just waht you need Click Here (http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19383;category_id=3111;pcid 1=3233;pcid2=). This is the best kit I have ever used, and its super cheep. It includes everything you would need for a non planted tank.

WinterWind

03-13-2005, 5:14 PM

Aqualung

03-13-2005, 5:21 PM

Would it be accurate if I had a planted aquarium? :confused:

Yes, it just doesn't include everything that many people like to test for in planted tanks.

Kasakato

03-13-2005, 5:23 PM

IF you had a planted some people like to test for: "KH" and "GH".

WinterWind

03-13-2005, 5:33 PM

So do you guys think it's the chloramine not disease right?

SCU33ZE

03-23-2005, 2:49 PM

look here add a grandma sue type dose(exggerated) of Aqua Safe from tetra ,,its soo effective ,,i had ur same problem because i was saving allowance buying "El Cheapo Maximo" dechlor but it wouldnt neutralise the whole shmear they put in tapwater,,,,try aqua safe u wont regret it (ur gonna have to eat pork & beans all the time cus its not cheap)