My Fish Are Dying!!

[Sasha]

Last week 4 of my platies started getting sick. They were always hiding, fins were clamped and they looked very thin. I bought some Melafix and started treating the whole tank. During the week, I've lost one of the platies and now there are 3 platies that don't look so good. One of them is VERY thin! The other two are laying on the bottom, not eating. This morning, I noticed my black Balloon molly on the bottom face down, breathing hard. I don't want to lose anymore of my fish, but I don't know what to do or how to help! Should I use Melafix with Jungle Parasite Clear? Please somebody help!

Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
pH - 7.0
Nitrate - 5.0 (it's always been like that ever since I started!)
Temperature - 78 degrees F.

 

[wuvmybetta]

It could be an internal parasite or an internal bacterial infection, you'll have to decide which.

A bacterial infection is common, the fish will be bloated or swollen and lethargic.

Internal parasites aren't too common, they're usually introduced to the tank via a new fish. Lethargy and emaciation are the best ways to diagnose a parasite. Also worms coming from the anus are another sign.

So...if they all seem thin and you're certain it's not a bacterial infection, treat with the Fungus med. You may want to follow up with an anti-bacterial med to prevent a secondary infection.

 

[Sasha]

Thanks. My Balloon molly died just minutes after I added the medication. I haven't added any new fish into the tank since June. Hopefully, the platies would survive.