DEAD FISH!

[Jbaize]

Everything seemed okay yesterday then I woke up today To two dead zebra danios. I have recently used water algae killer but that shouldn't affect them right? As I was getting them out I saw the area Inbetween their mouth and underbelly was blood red.

I had 8 zebra danios in a standard 20 gallon with a large Italian Val plant several fake plants, a rock and a small log. This has been In since the beginning of January

Please any insight offered is greatly appreciated

 

[Deleted member 149562]

First step...what are your current water chemistry figures please and your maintenance routine

 

[Oblio]

My guess is that the anti-algae chemical was the root cause. Do check/report the params as suggested above.
Less (or none) is always more when it comes to adding chemicals to your tank. You should treat the root cause of the algae (light, water parameters etc.), which can be difficult but much safer for the fish.

 

[Jbaize]

I only tested for ammonia this morning it was barely any probably .07 or somthing

 

[Jbaize]

So what was the red area about

 

[Oblio]

I only tested for ammonia this morning it was barely any probably .07 or somthing

Ammonia should be zero. Do a 75-80% water change with conditioned tap water.

So what was the red area about

Likely ammonia poisoning, were the gills also red?

 

[Deleted member 149562]

Reason for asking your test results in full and maintenance routine is due entirely to the fact that it all potentially can kill fish if not done correctly

While we are at it, how long do you keep the lights on, how much/often do you feed the fish...again this will add to the probability of algae growth if too much light for too long and too much food too often...

 

[Jbaize]

I do a 5 gallon water change every weekend feeding once a day (small amount) 12 hours of light now down to 9 the gulls were relatively red not as noticeable as the underbelly

 

[connorlindeman]

I do a 5 gallon water change every weekend feeding once a day (small amount) 12 hours of light now down to 9 the gulls were relatively red not as noticeable as the underbelly

you do dechlorinate the water correct?

 

[Jbaize]

Yes I dechlorinate the water

 

[Oblio]

I do a 5 gallon water change every weekend feeding once a day (small amount) 12 hours of light now down to 9 the gulls were relatively red not as noticeable as the underbelly

I don't think your tank is cycled and ammonia/nitrites is killing your fish.

Change 15 gal water per change.

Do one ASAP, and then whenever ammonia or nitrite is greater than 0.

Test daily, change if > 0 until they are stabilized to zero each time.

Gravel vac substrate each water change.

Do not change or wash filter media at this time.

Fresh water or algae won't kill your fish, ammonia, nitrites and unnecessary chemicals will.

Apologies for the directness, trying to help

 

[Oblio]

Feed every other day until tank is cycled (consistent 0 ammonia/nitrite), they won't starve.

 

[Jbaize]

Thank you so much for the help. I will do my best to keep the rest happy and healthy

Oh, should I replace the two fish that passed

 

[Oblio]

Thank you so much for the help. I will do my best to keep the rest happy and healthy

Oh, should I replace the two fish that passed

Not an expert on Zebras, nor stocking levels. but unless they are overly aggressive and bullying, wait until you get tank chemistry settled before adding more. Others can advise on adding more once things stabilize.

 

[Deleted member 149562]

I suggest that you also drop the lighting to a maximum of 6-7 hours as having them on 9-12 hours is an open invitation to algae.

Get the aquarium's water chemistry settled fully and stable for at least 3 weeks before adding fish. You may lose more of the fish that you have during the cycle process so it would be pointless adding more at the moment.