Diagnostic help, sick mollies

[ZoeLC]

Two days ago, I noticed that my balloon mollies were behaving abnormally:
-lethargic and spending more time at the bottom of the tank
-spiting out some of their food, not foraging
-hiding behind the filter
...and...
-translucent/whitish feces
...
-I don't think that they're bloated, but they're balloon mollies and it's difficult to be sure; if anything, they may look skinnier

I'm a student, and as such I'm limited to a five gal (small) tank; in this tank, I have two female mollies and 4 danios (2 male, 2 female)...This tank has been in use for over a year. I have had the danios for, again, over a year; however, the mollies are a more recent addition (just about 3-4 weeks ago). The danios show no signs of disease or stress.

I have tried cleaning the tank (75% WC over three days; cleaned the gravel today), adding aquarium salt, and treating the tank with APIGeneral Cure (it seemed to me as though they had a parasite problem) and Metafix, but so far, they don't look much better. (I was also able to buy them a veggie-based food, and I've tried feeding them steamed veggies in the past without a lot of luck.) I'm really, really worried. Also, the pet stores in the area are very limited: I tried to pick up a decent water testing kit, but the store was out. I'll try again tomorrow if they haven't improved.

Also note that I don't see any white fungus near their mouths (cotton mouth), and I don't think that I see any white ICH spots (they're dalmatian mollies; it's hard to tell)...is an ich treatment likely to hurt them if they don't have ich? Please, please help; I really don't want to lose them =( ...

 

[NickAu]

I'm limited to a five gal (small) tank; in this tank, I have two female mollies and 4 danios (2 male, 2 female)..

First your tank is way overstocked, The tank is way too small for Mollies.

adding aquarium salt,

How much salt did you add, Your Danios may not like salt

Melafix,

I do not use or recommend the use of this product.

What are your water parameters.
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Have you got soft or hard water
What is the temperature of the water
How often to you change water
What additives do you use.

 

[FroFro]

Two days ago, I noticed that my balloon mollies were behaving abnormally:
-lethargic and spending more time at the bottom of the tank
-spiting out some of their food, not foraging
-hiding behind the filter
...and...
-translucent/whitish feces
...
-I don't think that they're bloated, but they're balloon mollies and it's difficult to be sure; if anything, they may look skinnier

I'm a student, and as such I'm limited to a five gal (small) tank; in this tank, I have two female mollies and 4 danios (2 male, 2 female)...This tank has been in use for over a year. I have had the danios for, again, over a year; however, the mollies are a more recent addition (just about 3-4 weeks ago). The danios show no signs of disease or stress.

I have tried cleaning the tank (75% WC over three days; cleaned the gravel today), adding aquarium salt, and treating the tank with APIGeneral Cure (it seemed to me as though they had a parasite problem) and Metafix, but so far, they don't look much better. (I was also able to buy them a veggie-based food, and I've tried feeding them steamed veggies in the past without a lot of luck.) I'm really, really worried. Also, the pet stores in the area are very limited: I tried to pick up a decent water testing kit, but the store was out. I'll try again tomorrow if they haven't improved.

Also note that I don't see any white fungus near their mouths (cotton mouth), and I don't think that I see any white ICH spots (they're dalmatian mollies; it's hard to tell)...is an ich treatment likely to hurt them if they don't have ich? Please, please help; I really don't want to lose them =( ...

It sounds like an internal parasite problem. Are there any worms in the feces? Your best bet, if you can conclude it IS a parasite problem and IF your water parameters are safe/balanced, is to medicate the tank with a parasite medicine from your local LFS. You'll want to carefully follow the dosing instructions on the package and make sure to remove your filter media so that the meds don't destroy your beneficial bacteria.

And another note. Mollies are piggies, they like to eat and they like to poop. Having 6 fish in a five gallon tank is asking for trouble. Such a small environment makes keeping stable water parameters tricky and it also makes it easier for fish disease/parasites to spread. I would suggest re-homing some of your fish if they recover if you absolutely cannot upgrade to a larger tank. An overstocked tank/fish with limited room to swim and live naturally builds stress, and a stressed fish will inevitably become sick fish. I've had success in the past with mollies using API parasite medication and I've also read malachite green can be used, but I've personally never used it. Make sure you keep your water and gravel nice and clean while you medicate and it wouldn't be a bad idea to fast them for a few days if they seem swollen or unwilling to eat as any uneaten food will begin to rot. Best of luck to you and your fishies!

 

[NickAu]

I've also read malachite green can be used

Malachite Green, also known as Victoria Green, is actually a blue dye, not green, It is mainly used in freshwater aquariums to treat some parasites like Ich and worms and can also be used to treat fungal infections on fish eggs. It is a toxic substances that is not safe for sensitive fish or invertebrates.

It can also kill live plants and will stain stuff like wood.

Before suggesting medications know the danger and side effects of using said medication.

 

[Byron]

We also don't know the water parameters. Mollies absolutely must have water on the hard side, more-so than other livebearers. This is why many will suggest salt, but this is not the same and will not suffice; mollies must have the hard minerals (calcium, magnesium) to be healthy. And a pH above 7. Lacking this means the fish is struggling to carry out its normal life functions, and mollies do not usually last long like this. I'm not suggesting this is the issue, the overcrowding is very much a problem, but all of these individual issues factor in to fish health.

And health brings me to another problem here, the molly variety. Balloon mollies are deliberately deformed to produce the "balloon" appearance, and this causes them serious internal issues. This makes the fish weak, unable to function the way it should, and thus more susceptible to other issues. There is only one way to stop this cruel practice, and that is not to buy "balloon" varieties of any fish. Several are now being produced.

Byron.

 

[FroFro]

It can also kill live plants and will stain stuff like wood.

Before suggesting medications know the danger and side effects of using said medication.

Jeez Nick, I didn't suggest it, I simply said I read it can work. I also told the OP to follow any dosing and care instructions of any medicines they do buy should they choose to use them. I didn't say "Use the malachite green. I promise it will work without and complications whatsoever!" Perhaps I read your responses to me out of context, but I can't help but feel a bit of snark whenever I read what you've quoted me. I thank you for your attempt at advising me, but it was not needed. Please don't respond to my post. I've mad my point, you made yours. Have a good day.