Another guppy about to die

[Dasmms45]

I've now got another very sick guppy, I think the others, guppies and glowlights may have nipped his tail or its fin rot or part of the bacteria infection the last guppy died of. His tail is virtually gone, it's happened very quickly.
Can someone tell me what to do, I've vacuumed gravel, done 50% water changes the last 2 days, dosed with salt.
Hes very sick and at the top of the tank a lot.
This is the 3rd guppy in last 5 days, I only put them in 7 days ago

 

[AmyKieran]

I’m sorry I don’t have an answer for you

@Wills
@Colin_T
@PheonixKingZ
@Essjay
@Byron
@itiwhetu
@wasmewasntit
@GaryE

I dunno I’ve called in everyone I can who’s 1000x more knowledgable than me

Hopefully someone can help

 

[Dasmms45]

I’m sorry I don’t have an answer for you

@Wills
@Colin_T
@PheonixKingZ
@Essjay
@Byron
@itiwhetu
@wasmewasntit
@GaryE

I dunno I’ve called in everyone I can who’s 1000x more knowledgable than me

Hopefully someone can help

Thank you much appreciated

 

[Dasmms45]

I've done some water tests and have some ammonia present.
Ammonia 0.25 ppm
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20 ppm
PH 7.6
2 snails definitely died and I took those out yesterday and bave done 50% water changes for 2 days running

 

[Dasmms45]

I've done some water tests and have some ammonia present.
Ammonia 0.25 ppm
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20 ppm
PH 7.6
2 snails definitely died and I took those out yesterday and bave done 50% water changes for 2 days running

I think my filter may be blocked as its still overflowing and backing up over the sponge.

 

[Deleted member 149562]

OK....although not alot of experience with Guppies....certain things come to mind

The filter backflowing, can you make sure that the media is installed correctly and in the right order and get an unused toothbrush or small bottle brush and using old aquarium water scrub out the inlet/outlet, impeller and its housing and the case inside & out...fish poo and other detritus will build up over time. Doing this in old aquarium water will not harm it or the good bacteria. Make sure the media is well rinsed and squeezed in the same water. When reinstalling the media its very easy to put it in the filter wrong and even the slightest amount of incorrect installation can cause backflow.

As for the fish in question.....I would be catching it and euthanising it. It seems very skinny and with that tail damage its unlikely to survive.

In regard to what to do with the rest of the Guppies recently bought and the aquarium itself I would be inclined to do 75-80% water changes every day for the next 7-10 days, hoover the substrate alternate days and when changing the water, I would also be inclined to rinse off (not scrub but wipe with gloved hands) all decor and clean the glass on all four sides.

It is always difficult to advise when not standing beside the aquarium since diagnoses by photo is virtually impossible in many cases.

That said, a full on clean up repeated over several days is often the starting point. Some thing upset the balance of the aquarium, you just have to work through the options and eliminate the possibilities.....from the fish bringing in an issue that they had before you placed them into your aquarium to a water chemistry or additive type issue to an whole car crash shopping list of issues

Check your water company, use your post code to see if they have flushed the pipes or done any work that may have affected your supply....many people forget that the water from the tap is not always consistent in its clarity or chemistry.

 

[Dasmms45]

Thanks for the reply, I've just taken the filter box out and did find a load of those clear squishy aquarium balls I used to put in, rinsed the media in tank water and took filter intake/impeller assembly apart and swished that around too. Also did 50% change, shouldve done more I guess.
I did clean 4 sides with an aquarium sponge just now, before I saw your post.

Those guppies must've had infections when I bought them, I've since researched a bit and the store I bought them have a reputation for dying fish, wish I'd known the new independent seller then but will never go in there again.

How do I euthanize the little guy?

 

[Dasmms45]

Did test tap water for ammonia also but will check water company website now

 

[AmyKieran]

Thanks for the reply, I've just taken the filter box out and did find a load of those clear squishy aquarium balls I used to put in, rinsed the media in tank water and took filter intake/impeller assembly apart and swished that around too. Also did 50% change, shouldve done more I guess.
I did clean 4 sides with an aquarium sponge just now, before I saw your post.

Those guppies must've had infections when I bought them, I've since researched a bit and the store I bought them have a reputation for dying fish, wish I'd known the new independent seller then but will never go in there again.

How do I euthanize the little guy?

Clove oil is the most humane killer, but take the fish out and put it in a separate tub your just going to put in the bin after. Like a washed out ice cream tub. Then add a few drops of clove oil into the water in the ice cream tub and he should pass away peacefully

 

[Deleted member 149562]

Buying fish can be a bit of a minefield. I have bad experience with one supplier (I always buy online) but have since found a superb supplier.

To euthanise....get a mug, put warm water about 2 inches deep into it and add a few drops of clove oil. Mix thoroughly til the mixture goes cloudy, then gently place the fish into the mug of mixture. It takes seconds for the fish to go to sleep and not wake up. Do not be alarmed if the fish thrashes a bit initially, it will pass very quickly.

 

[Dasmms45]

Oh God this is awful.
Are there any type of glove recommended for tank cleaning etc or just marigolds?
Thanks for all your help.

 

[Deleted member 149562]

I use blue disposable nitrile gloves (hospital grade ppe type) that I buy in bulk from Viking Office Supplies, single use - one pair each time and throw away to prevent any potential cross contamination

Marigolds are just as good as long as you use a new pair to start with and, have a different pair for each aquarium and rinse them off after each use

 

[Dasmms45]

I've got black nitrile gloves but wasnt sure if I could use them, cheers

 

[Deleted member 149562]

I've got black nitrile gloves but wasnt sure if I could use them, cheers

They are absolutely fine for aquarium use.

I have used nitriles for years without issues.....it is now quite funny cos when the fish see me approach the aquarium, their reactions are "Oh heck....she's coming AND she has those blue gloves on....everybody....HIDE!!!!"

 

[Dasmms45]

They are absolutely fine for aquarium use.

I have used nitriles for years without issues.....it is now quite funny cos when the fish see me approach the aquarium, their reactions are "Oh heck....she's coming AND she has those blue gloves on....everybody....HIDE!!!!"

Thats hilarious

I best go and get clove oil then, dreading doing this but hes suffering and looks uncomfortable