3/11 Tiger Barbs Dead

[SamB]

Tank size: 29 Gallons
pH:  ~7.6-7.8
ammonia: <0.25
nitrite: slightly over 0
nitrate: Waiting on results, but not drastically high
kH: ?
gH: ?
tank temp: 78.9 F

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior): Dead. One fish has what appears to be puffed out eyes, but was on filter intake (unsure if related to eyes). One fish head missing (presume eaten). One fish appears healthy but dead. Yesterday noticed one barb hanging in a cave, but thought he was just hanging out.

Volume and Frequency of water changes: Weekly, 25-30%

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: Ceramic media, filter sponge.

Tank inhabitants: Previously 11 young tiger barbs and 1 young albino bristlenose pleco

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): BNP - 2.5 weeks ago

Exposure to chemicals: None

Digital photo (include if possible):
 
*********************************************************************DEAD FISH BELOW*************************************************************************
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Other fish i dont know where he was - floated up while retrieving the other two.

 

[SamB]

Bump? Pretty worried here guys

 

[PlecostomusPerson]

well puff eye or "popeye" can be caused from high levels of everything you were saying or dirty water, half-eaten fish well was probably eaten, and popeye can spread fungal and bacteria so the other fish might have caught something....... sorry, but that's terrifying. Lol, not really, I feel bad for you though

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Not sure SamB.
 
 
Have you done a water change since?  SOP is a 50% water change when something like this happens... 

 

[SamB]

yeah.. i guess i'll just see what happens pretty alarming when a quarter of the fish die without any warning or apparent water quality issues

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Indeed.  Did you notice any increased activity ahead of time, or some of the barbs chasing each other, or separation?

 

[SamB]

I did see one barb separate. I was wondering if it was just them settling down and spreading out naturally (like my rasboras..) was that maybe them being picked on? 

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Could be a sign of getting picked on...  Tigers don't spread out as much as many other fish, even when settled.