Angel Help

[Airwolf767]

I have 75gal tank, already cycled and set up. We have 3 angels and added another 2 days ago. After acclimiting the new angel it went straight to the bottom, got stuck in plastic plants, and now is hovering on the top of the tank almost lifeless. The new angel is black. The older angels have bred (unsuccessfully) before but are acting different since the new angel has been put in the tank, they as well are hanging out near the top somewhat lifeless but not as bad as the new black one. The only change to the tank was a cucumber near the bottom for the clown loaches. Ph 6.9. Any help

Thanks in advance

 

[Kissifish]

You didn't say, but do you have an airstone or curtain? If not, they may need O2. Also, check water parameters. Are any of them new additions?

 

[Airwolf767]

No airstone and since I do not know what a curtain is I would so no to that as well. 75gal with 2 Emporer 400 Hang on filters. Do you think I need an airstone to oxygenate the water?? The fish (2 of 4) are not "gulping" air just lethargically hanging near the top and rear of tank.

Thanks

 

[smb]

2 Emperor 400's are more than enough filtration and perfect for a 75g, imo. That's what I recommend for 75gallons and cichlids as long as the Angelfish aren't getting caught in the current and flailing about. They don't like as much current as most. Try turning 1 400 off and see if you see an improvement. Don't worry, 1 Emp. 400 turns enough water over per hour for a 75g. I wouldn't add an airstone tho.

Is there anyway you could provide ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings like kissifish asked? That would help a lot on what way to turn in the elimination process.

 

[Kissifish]

I'd keep a close watch on them. There seems to still be some sort of disease going around with angels. I lost one recently. LFS says they aren't buying any more until they can get disease free ones. How, I don't know.

Mine got lethargic too and finally developed fin rot. Saved one, lost one.

Had to get drastic and use antibiotics.

 

[smb]

What disease and what antibiotic did you use?

 

[Kissifish]

(From a previous post I made under Cichlids). No name given to the disease. Just a discription of the symptoms and how to treat.

I used Tetracycline. I didn't want to but............none of the obvious and less stressful things worked.

Found much of my info on Angelfish Forum II

 

[Airwolf767]

Amonia is 0. I do not have a nitrite/nitrate tester, do you recommend I purchase one? Other fish act normal, clown loaches, rams, corys, 1krib, I introduced a black angel and then things changed. Although the other angels come out to eat I notice nothing wrong with them other than there behavior. The black angel has some fin damage (from where I do not know) and (forgive my description) has a whitish look to it back behind the dorsal fin (scale damage???) and has not eaten in 3 days and has stayed at the top of the tank all day. I expect him to expire. Although I have no idea as to why, should I remove him/her as there may be a disease transpiring???

Thanks for the help, I am new to the board and greatly appreciate the help.

 

[smb]

Although I have no idea as to why, should I remove him/her as there may be a disease transpiring???

Absolutely. If you have a hospital tank available and he's obviously under the weather and we're not sure what the problem is then I highly recommend secluding him. Not only will this prevent him from transmitting the disease to others if it is contageous, but being alone with no stress will help him better fight any disease he might have. Leave the lights off also and make sure there isn't too much current in the tank. He needs all his strength to fight this disease.


I do recommend a nitrite kit, but as long as you do water changes regularly a nitrate kit is unescessary. If you have the money, then by all means, it's worth it, but, imo, not necessary.


When you say "fin damage" if you mean ragged fins, then this might help us in the process of eliminating other problems. Is there any way you can post a pic of this? This might help a lot and keep us from guessing so much.

 

[missyintx_99]

SMB, out of curiousity, why would you not want an airstone or bubble curtain? I've been under the impression that pumping air into the tank for any type of fish, with the exception of a betta, was required. Would you mind explaining this to me? Thanks! I always feel that if I don't learn something new every day, its been a wasted day!

 

[Airwolf767]

How do you post a photo???

 

[smb]

SMB, out of curiousity, why would you not want an airstone or bubble curtain? I've been under the impression that pumping air into the tank for any type of fish, with the exception of a betta, was required. Would you mind explaining this to me? Thanks! I always feel that if I don't learn something new every day, its been a wasted day!

NP, missyintx_99. Of course, this is only my opinion which like any post I make, might or not be correct.

I was thinking not to add an airstone because with 2 Emperor 400's that that is enough filtration and turbulence for a 75g. Especially for just a couple Angels. One Emperor 400 can turn a tank over enough in a lightly stocked 75g.

Having 2 Emp 400's, which I recommend we all have with cichlids, is more than enough to have to add any airstones which add more turbulence than oxygen to a tank in this situation, imo.

 

[smb]

How do you post a photo???

If you aren't within the 2 forums here that allow attachments, then you have to have a host site then upload it to that and then if they allow hotlinking you post the URL here in your post.

 

[Kissifish]

Hope this gets to you before you lose your angelfish. I'm assuming you added a new fish to the tank. I quarantined some recently for two weeks before mine got sick and began to affect the other fish in the tank.

So......Immediately! Remove the sick fish to another tank. What you describe as fin damage is how this so-called "angelfish plaque" starts. They first appear listless and lethargic, then you see "fin damage" which becomes fin rot regardless of water parameters, etc.

IME, you should start treating with Tetracycline or some other antibiotic that will stop fin rot. You should follow the instructions on the box. Usually, you treat every other day for 5 days and then, do a water exchange.

You should see improvement by the 3rd day. But, also watch your other fish for the same symtoms. If they have been exposed?? contaminated?? you may need to treat the whole tank.

HTH

 

[Airwolf767]

The black angel passed on late last night. I did a 20% water change this morning and added some stress coat. As of now everything seems okay, even the angels are acting better since the removal of the black angel. I do a somewhat suttle 20% change so as not to stress the fish too much in hopes of not losing any fish. All of your help was greatly appreciated. I do not have a hospital/quarantine tank but will be picking one up soon. What size would you recommend. 20gal?

Thanks