Bala Died....

[Behold]

Ammonia and nitrite 0
Nitrate 80 (This is tap water level)
and PH 8.2 (Normal)

No signs of distress before and had a tender slightly red stomach on examining after.

Other bala's are fine from there looks, eating habbits and activities.

The bala was introduced 2 months ago.

Ideas or should i not worry and put it down to an unexplainable mishap?

 

[WILDER]

That a high nitrate reading is that from the tap.
Whats your tank nitrate reading.
The tanks to small for bala sharks the need larger tanks of 90 gallons.

If the bala shark had a red stomach the fish died of septicemia, which also the bacteria from the fish can enter the tank.
I would do some daily water changes just to be on the safe side.
Septicemia hard to cure once it has progressed even with antibiotics as its blood poisoning.
R.I.P.

 

[kewskills]

80 out of the tap, holy crap. your fish can not be happy with that level, you need to find away either by plants or chemicals of reducing that if possible.

 

[WILDER]

I think you can report the water board if he nitrate level that high is unexceptable.
What test kiit are you using.

 

[Behold]

I know the bala's need a bigger tank. there not very big and im activly seeking a 5ft tank at the moment.

aim using an API kit to test water and it turns the brightest red.

I seem to not have altering nitrate count. it never really goes up or down almost like the tank is well balances on removing and adding.

My tank has a range of plants. (All Aquatic not sure of there names but can find out if you really need to know)

I belive the water board are allowed 100ppm in the water before its too high.

My gouramis have lived in this condition for about 5 months with no issue.

As to septisima. what signs should i see as there were none.....

 

[WILDER]

Api liquids test kits are good but not the nitrate it dodgy in the reading.
I use the tetra liquids test kit it gives more of an accurate reading in nitrate.
Septicemia signs are.
Red streaks in the fins or body.
Red edging to the tali.
Red patches, red on the belly of the fish.
Red spots like pinheads on a fish body.

 

[WILDER]

Septicemia- A condition where bacteria gains entry into the fish's body through wounds or the stomach. The bacteria can cause failure of the internal organs, damage to body tissue, blood vessels, and result in recognizable symptoms. This often results in internal bleeding, due to the fluids filling the fish's abdomen. Dropsy may occur as a result. The problem with this type of situation is that the bacteria is present inside the fish and safe from the antibiotics you would place in the water. It could be the result of another infection or caused from dirty water. Symptoms: Clamped fins, bulging eyes, red bellies, eroding, reddened fins, lack of appetite, and fish showing signs of being sluggish or exhibiting sluggish behavior. Treatment: It is best to feed the fish antibiotics rather than using the kinds you place directly into the water. Placing the ill fish in a hospital tank is advised while administering treatment. Check your local petstore for some good medicated food or check for antibiotics if necessary. Septicemia is fatal if not treated immediately! top

Taken from this link.
http/www.goldfishinfo.com/ailment1.htm

 

[Behold]

Interesting that thanks.

There was no signs up to it happening and im really paranoid!!!

i might need to investigate some bits for nitrate testing.

Thanks

 

[andywg]

API nitrate test kits are awful IME giving high readings on anything.

Also, science research journals state that nitrates are not a problem until they go above 400ppm, so 80 is certainly not the end of the world for a fish such as the bala shark.

I have found that some balas do die as they go along. If my 9 one of the perfect healthy ones died for no apparent reason. The redness may be a result of some post mortem actions, so I wouldn't go just on that.

Best advice is to do a couple of water changes and keep an eye on the fish. In the medium term consider a better nitrate test, such as the seachem one.

 

[chipper_222]

I work in a water testing laboratory and 80ppm Nitrate straight out of a tap doesn't sound right to me. The local water here would have 0.05ppm at the most.

 

[andywg]

I work in a water testing laboratory and 80ppm Nitrate straight out of a tap doesn't sound right to me. The local water here would have 0.05ppm at the most.

Different countries have different rules. London water is often at 40ppm. I know the Us has lower levels.

But I would put the high test down to the massively inferior quality of nitrate test kits available to most hobbiests compared to professiojnals monitoring potable water.