Why Do They Keep Dying?

[Brouss29]

Wilder, thanks I'll try that. Maybe I can save this one. Is there anything else I can do to make sure this doesn't happen next time I get more fish? (besides quarantine and keeping up with the water changes)

 

[WILDER]

A good varied diet, and never slack off on maintanance. Don't over feed.

 

[steelhealr]

Are you using the same lfs to purchase your fish? SH

 

[Brouss29]

I've moved away from the chain petstores and only buy from the fish specialty stores. The one that started these problems came from petsmart.

 

[littleme1969]

Hi..
Sorry to here about your problems... but I agree with some of the comments made above.
One thing I would say, and I found this out by having many deaths to start with as you are having.. Find at what water conditions your fish are comming from. Ask about PH of the tanks that the fish are kept in. Also ask how long have they had their fish in.. do they import and sell on or are they buying from local breeders.
I say this as many shops sell fish that imported from the far east. The poor fish spend a long time in packaging and so are stressed to death by the time they reach the shop keeper. Often a fish will have been moved 3 - 4 times by the time you go to buy it. This has a dramatic effect on the fishes imune system, so when they are added to your aquarium, mild infections and problems that would not bother strong healthy fish can kill in a matter of days.
I have had the same problem with both angels and gouramis myself in the past, and all were to do with internal bacterial infections brought on by being overstressed as both these fish are particulaly suseptable to this kind of problem.
You need to find a shop that keeps their fish in cycled tanks and not trickled systems. I say this as the water they use in trickled systems is very pure, and then when you transfere into your cycled aquarium its just too much of a shock to the fishes system. Also try and make sure the PH in the shop is as near to your own as possible. PH shock on top of everything else when moving fish can be a quick killer.

Try Primafix.. its great for internal and external bacterial and fungal infections, Ive pulled many a sick fish round with this product .

Hope my ramblings help in some way!

All the best

Nikki

 

[silverdoller]

Here is the description of the antibiotic food I've been using:

Anti-Bacteria contains sodium sulfathiazole and nitrofurazone to help control internal bacterial infections as well as external infection, open sores, ulcers, columnaris and fin rot.

I've used melafix in the tank. Removed carbon filtration, used for 7 days, followed dosage on package.

Tank doesn't smell like rotten eggs or sulfer.

Should I try a stronger antibiotic?
Is it possible that the zebras, cat and pleco are hardier fish and this is why it doesn't bother them?

Thanks for all your help,
Jessica

 

[WILDER]

Antibiotic foods are only good if the fish is still eating and getting enough of it.
I would use the tetracycline, and like some members say find a different supplier, good luck.

 

[brooksie]

Wilder, thanks I'll try that. Maybe I can save this one. Is there anything else I can do to make sure this doesn't happen next time I get more fish? (besides quarantine and keeping up with the water changes)

It sounds like to me that something is wrong with your water quality. Have you gotten any cleaning products near your tank?. Did you wash your hands before you put them in the tank. Fish from bacterial infections don't die that fast. You probably had one to begin with then with all the meds you put in the tank I am sure you killed it. Alot of med's kill the good bacteria too. I don't usually do a 30% water change weekly. More like 15% or 30% every other week. I think you need a recycling. I use biospira and special blend. It sure sounds like your fish don't agree on your water. I am so sorry your fish died. I had the same problem a few months ago.I know how frustrating it can be. I transferred my fish to another tank and did a complete recycle of my tank. I hope your problems clear up.

 

[Brouss29]

Update:

The gourami is in my 10 gal and he's on day 2 of tetracycline. He's still eating and struggles to do anything but float on his side. Last night I noticed that he has a pill shaped bump on his side.

Should I continue treating him or is it time to euthanize?

Thanks,
Jessica

 

[WILDER]

I would give him a few more days, if no improvement recess the situation then, good luck.