Need Some Help, Fast!

They are less then 2 inches each. The problem is that I will have to tear up the tank just to find them both. And since they love hiding spots, they will be nearly impossible to find. If I lose, that's ok (I guess). They didn't cost much and are not what I expected anyways.

Back to the ram, if that is a fungus developing on him, how can I treat it without harming the kribs and kids??? I took a look at him this morning and he seems better, his breathing is not nearly as hard and his gasps have slowed some. He became really agitated when I flipped on my bedroom lights and tried attacking the fake amazon sword I have in with him. I just continue to hope he gets better. Thanks for the help and support.
 
Hi, Silver Shark,

The 37-gal is apparently still cycling. A week of nitrite readings is probably not unusual if that's the phase the cycle is in--I think. Experts: how long DOES the nitrite phase last?

As to what caused the second ... er ... "reboot" on your tank (second cycling): several things can cause it. Meds, something new and unknown in the tapwater when you do a water change, using housekeeping cleaners in the room that somehow make their way into the tank (fumes), etc. It's happened to me, and it always caught me by surprise because something affected the tank that I didn't expect. It will continue cycling. I have no idea how this will affect the raphaels.

Re: the ram freaking out when you turned on the lights. Are they full-room lights that flood the room? That will freak fishies out momentarily. It would be better if you've got a small lamp in there that you could turn on first, so they don't get full daylight all at once, so to speak.

How's the ram's mouth? It was scary for me when I once had to use an ich med while baby kribs were in the tank. Be very careful about which med you use--one that's safe for all fish--and the krib babies will be okay. As to which one, it depends on what the ram's got, and you may have to use it half-strength. Try this link to figure out the diagnosis ... http://www.2cah.com/pandora/Disease.html#External

The site also has additional links at the bottom of the page if the symptom isn't listed here.

I'd watch him for a day or so, see if he can kick it by himself. If not, you'll have to dose the tank. I'm hoping that once we know exactly what he's got, some of the very knowledgeable people here can suggest a safe med.

Hang in there!

-- Pat
 
Well, just woke up a little bit ago and noticed that he is on his last fin (????). He is swimming at a 45 degree angle at the top of the water. I squirted some Novaqua Fish Protector on him hoping it would do some good. I don't expect him to live much longer, SHOOT!!!! Because of what he has gone thru, is there any chance that the kribs and kids my get infected too, or will it be just the ram??? The appreciate everyones support. Thanks!
 
I was reading that aquarium salt help improves gill function. If I added enough for 20 gallons to my krib and kids tank with the ram, will it hurt the kribs and kids??? I was thinking that if I gave the ram a salt bath that maybe he would be mor likely to pull thru.
 
You should be able to safely add some salt.

As far as the fungus spreading...it really would depend on specifically what it was. If the kribs and kids are healthy, I think I'd probably euthanize the ram before I tried anything beyond salt...sounds like he's in pretty bad shape. Unless you have something separate to medicate him in that is...I wouldn't medicate the whole tank if it were me.

And...last but not least...the length of the nitrite spike is kinda hard to guage...especially in this somewhat strange situation. I typically tell people that the nitrite spike lasts 1.5-2X the length of the ammonia spike...and it's usually pretty close to that. So if it took a week and half for ammonia to spike and crash...it'll probably take 2-3 weeks for the nitrite.
 
I just got back from petco with some meds. I did finally find a suitable q.tank for the guy. This is what I got>

AP Stress Coat
Melafix
Ampicilliex

I already added appropiate doses and it seems that there is already a little improvement. He has stopped gasping at the top of the water now. I just hope he gets better. When I found the white fungus developing in the 20 gallon, I immediately did a 25% water change to clean up the depris and such. It hasn't come back, so I'm hopen it is gone. Thanks for the help all!
 
As far as the cycling of the 37 galon is concerned, I have never had a problem with ammonia since I hav owned fish, it is just the nitrites spiked and have been having a real problem coming down. This recycling has me really baffled.
 
Have you taken a sample to the LFS to confirm your readings?

EDIT: Another thought, have you added some of your filter media from the established Krib tank to your filter on the 37G? You have such a small bio-load as it is...even a small amount of media should make a big difference. I'd be curious to know if the added colony would die back or not...
 
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The rapheals will do OK but not great with the nitrite spike, but water change it down quickly before you hurt them. Look specifically for damage on their long wiskers.
It is clear you had a mini-cycle due to immaturity of the bacteria colony or adding fish, or disturbing the substrate or something.
Your ram will not recover fully, sorry. It is up to you to see if he recovers enough to be happy.
If you re-innoculate daily from your good tank, your nitrite spike should go away in a week or less.

A nitrite spike usually takes twice as long as the ammonia spike to go away.

good luck
:)
 
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