Disease Diagnosis required urgently please

[MatthewShaw]

I've just lost two dwarf gouramis. They didn't show any signs of being unwell apart from lying on there sides on the bottom of the tank, then floating vertically (mouth to the top) in the water before dying. There gills appeared to be ok and had no sign of any external disorders.
My nitrates are 5ppm, Amonia 0ppm and Nitrites are 0ppm. PH is 6.6.

Anyone any ideas before I lose any more fish.

Thanks

 

[The-Wolf]

it sounds like one of two things
swimbladder disease/problem or internal organ disease.

Were they eating and pooping as normal?
could they swim normal but returned to the odd positions?

 

[MatthewShaw]

they were off there food but seemed to crap in long threads.
If they were disturbed they could swim out of the way in a normal manner.
Could it be contageous? - what are the reasons for this??
Thanks

 

[The-Wolf]

I'd say that it is a swim bladder problem,
possibly an internal bacterial infection rather than damage or blockage.

personally I'd do a 50% water change now and observe all other fish to see if any others start showing the same signs, if they do treat the whole tank with a good anti-bacterial medication.

 

[WILDER]

Can the fish maintain it's balance in the water, is their any swelling in the stomach area, also try a shelled pea and some daphnia.

 

[MatthewShaw]

In the early stages the fish can swim normally when disturbed, until it becomes so ill that it just lies on the tank bottom. I've been to see my ifs who's said it is unlikely to be swim bladder as all four fish have died and it is not contageous only in very very rare cases.
He basically advised me to cut down on my water changes as he said 20% once a week was too much, and to mybe get the heat up to 26 degrees (from 24) as we have had some cold weather in England in the last week, and the room where the tank is is quite cold.

He's advised me to do a 20% water change every four weeks. Everyone is telling me different things! I really need to know what is right and what is killing my fish. I've lost a small black and red shark today from the same symptoms. At this rate I'm not going to have any fish left. On appearances the shark looks fine, - shiny eyes, gills and fins all look ok and no white spots or fungus. I'm puzzled!

Some more advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Thankyou

 

[WILDER]

how big is the tank and how long have you had the fish, every tank needs different maintanance as some people feed more than others, big fish that produce alot of waste it depends on the tank and fish you keep,

 

[MatthewShaw]

details of my fish and tank are on my signature.

 

[Joviella]

Everything you read and get told about water changes are mostly just guidelines,and what people do personally.
My advice would be to do water changes to suit you and your tanks needs. I do my water changes,mostly fortnightly....approx 20%.My biggest tank,however,sometimes needs doing weekly and my smaller tanks can sometimes go 3 weeks without needing a water change.
I think it all really depends on how well you know your tank and fish.....then you can judge for yourself what needs doing and when.
The way you describe your fish health does indeed sound like some sort of internal bacterial infection.......I would suggest treating the whole tank for this.
HTH.


Edited to say: I believe that gouramis are very suseptible to internal infections.

 

[MatthewShaw]

what do you suggest I treat it with as I do not have a diagnosis, is there a general medication I can use and get hold of in the uk?

 

[WILDER]

I don't no if I would add the med, I would do a few daily water changes first, their is a med by interpet called anti internal bacteria.

 

[SarahBravo]

How about some Melafix and some Pimafix as a general antiseptic/antibacterial treatment before any medication if you're not sure what the problem is? I don't think they can do any harm, and might well do some good.

Sarah

 

[pnyklr3]

Sounds a little bit like what happened to me. My fish was swimming (or floating rather) with it's mouth at the water surface, and at a downward angle.

Here's a link to the thread with some pic and a description of what happened.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=63896

Hope this sheds some light.