What Is Going On?

[Salam]

I am worried about my community tank.

It all started on Sunday morning when I noticed white patches on the top of one of my platies. After googling and researching I figured it must be a fungus disease. That platy has been harassed for a while by some guppies, they started nipping her for some reason so I thought ok, maybe she is stressed and hence developed a disease. (I might be sounding very naive and dim here if I am totally wrong...) I was already thinking of putting her into another tank so she won't get harassed anyway.

Anyway, so Sunday night we did a 50% water change and added Interpet anti fungus and finrot.

All good for a few days.

Last night we noticed that virtually all fish and shrimps were on top of the water, like gasping for air (shrimps sitting on top of floating plants). Me in panic mode, thinking it might be ammonia poisoning. Checked ammonia and nitrite and both came back 0. Ok, it was late night so we went to bed hoping it would get better.

Today not much better. Did a huge water change, like 90% thinking it might be the medication. While we changed the water we found two dead shrimps For a bit they seemed better, but now they are all back on the top and I have no idea what is going on. I don't want a total wipeout of this tank, they were my first fish and I really love them.

Some more info to help me determine the cause:
30 gallon
platies, guppies, cories, red cherry shrimp (don't know exact numbers there are a few juveniles in it, but about 15-20 fish in total, shrimps about 20)
Ammonia 0 - Nitrite 0 - Nitrate 10 - ph 7.4
Medium planted
Air wall

What could be wrong? What else can I do? Aquarium salt is the only thing I can think of at the moment.

 

[mhancock]

Doesn't sounds like you are doing much wrong, I'd suggest continue with large water changes, and if any fish need treating then put them in a smaller tank so you use less meds and only the sick fish get it.

I have used an ice cream tub with plants put in the airing cupboard overnight as an emergency hospital tank which works OK, just keep changing the water.

 

[Salam]

Thanks. Most fish seem better this morning, swimming around as usual. But there are still one platy and three guppies on the top. Will have to do another water change, that's the only thing I can think of at the moment. Another dead shrimp though

I have a tiny 14 l tank in the garage, I suppose that would do for the poorly platy. It isn't cycled, but maybe I can just cut some of the sponge media off and add it to the small filter. Would that be ok? The white patches are getting worse on her, just don't know how to help her. No other fish is showing any signs.

 

[Salam]

Well, another water change later and all are happy and jolly as ever. The cories are even getting jiggy

So, I assume it was the medication. Has anyone else had any problems with it? I can't believe that it made all the fish so poorly.

Still need to put the poorly platy in the hospital tank, but can't find the keys for the garage. Blame the child *goes back searching*

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

I'm glad things seem to be improving somewhat but I thought I would add that you shouldn't use salt with corys in the tank, they don't cope well with it

 

[Salam]

Thanks AA. Good job I haven't got salt yet, wanted to go out later.

 

[mhancock]

.... It isn't cycled, but maybe I can just cut some of the sponge media off and add it to the small filter. Would that be ok?

I would have thought so, you won't need much bacteria for just one fish and it will save it the stress of a fish in cycle which it would have if you did not put it in.

Any joy with the keys??

 

[Martha689]

much appreciated

 

[Salam]

Found the keys. In the toy box

She is in the hospital tank now. Her 'boyfriend' is missing her, they have been together from day one and he is the daddy of her children. He has never bothered about any other fish, just her. Awww Hopefully she can join them again soon, she seems to be perking up already.