Bound And Determined!

[trumpteezer]

I am so frustrated and don't know what else to do. I'm tempted to try a different type of fish, but am truly addicted to the livebearers!


I have a 20gal tall that now only holds 2 dal fry, 3 gray fry(not sure what color they're gonna be someday) and an adolescent black/gold. The reason I only have fry in the tank is sadly because I've lost all the adults, they all have the same crippling symptoms and one by one die off. It's been quite awhile since I've lost one and thought I may possibly have this thing licked. Sadly, I think my adolescent is on her last fin.

I've had this tank up and running for about 4 years now, and truthfully didn't know much about water parameters, etc when I bought my 1st molly trio two months ago or so. There was a rainbow something in there before, I gave her to my step-daughter, so the tank should have been completely cycled.

When I lost my 1st molly due to this crippling ailment, I had the lfs test the water- all is perfect. I had them test the water with each passing fish- all is perfect. I've lost 6 adults and 1 pleco, unkown number of fry.

I did a 20% water change once per week, laid off to every other when I lost the pleco (3 weeks ago). I keep the temp at 82F, dropped it down to 80F when I lost the pleco.

I have since purchased my own testing kit (only dip strips for the time being) and here's the scoop:

ammonia-0
nitrites-0
nitrates 40 (only after a 20% wc last nite and a 30% wc today)
PH- over 8.4
Very hard- don't remember the exact number- but hardness is all the way to the far right on the dip strip.

Initially I added aquarium salt after water changes, possibly too much, but have not added any in over a week.

My lil adolescent wasn't doing so hot prior to the water changes, but now she's hiding and laying on the bottom. Other fry seem to be unaffected.

I used de-chlorinator when I did the water changes and added Molly Brite- both doses based on the amount of water removed during the water change. Molly Brite only used on 2nd water change.

I'm in the process of setting up a new 55, and now wonder if I should even bother putting Mollies in there or go with a totatlly different type of fish. The entire reason I bought the 55 was for the Mollies.

The ailment starts with a clamped rear fin, then tail bends down, soon they are "paralyzed" and barely able to use any part of their tails. This has only happened to my adults (and now apparently my adolescent), my fry have never shown any of these symptoms.

I can't understand if it's something in the water, why the fry wouldn't be the 1st to go? I've added air stones, changed the filter pad, etc. I don't know what else I can possibly do.

Any feedback-suggestions- moral support is much needed at this time.

Thanks for listening!

Trumpy

 

[Annastasia]

Okay, so your conditions seem pretty good, as does the salt addition. I'd continue adding that in, as it's best for them.

I'd suggest you read this post, and see if it helps you at all: Molly Requirements

I'm in a hurry now, but I just wanted to give you something to go on. I'll read through it again thoroughly and rack my brain in the morning. For now, hang in there, and don't feel bad! *hugs* And hopefully someone else will reply with more ideas.

 

[cujoho78]

Hi. It's hard to say why you keep losing your fish. Is it possible that you were overstocked? That may have contributed to some of your problems. Are you sure your tank is cycled? By the looks of your numbers it is, but that also is hard to say. Maybe there is some other disease in the tank that is not apparent. Things i would suggest that you do or keep doing are weekly water changes. 15-20% per week to keep the nitrates down (assuming you don't have high nitrates in your tap water). This will also help to dilute anything bad that is in the water. I would try to keep your nitrates down as low as possible, such as 10 ppm or less. I personally would slowly over the course of a couple of days lower the temperature to 77 or 78 degrees. Warmer water holds less oxygen so poor water conditions in addition to not enough dissolved oxygen could become a problem. 80 degrees is on the higher end of the scale and i'm sure they would be fine a couple degrees cooler. Your pH seems way high to me. I myself have high pH but i don't think it's that high. Is your tapwater that high naturally or do you have some decorations or gravel in the tank that is raising the pH of the water? Limestone, and corals will do this. The hardness of the water probably isn't causing your problems, but excessively hard water isn't desired. I have taken steps to lower my water hardness by mixing in some reverse osmosis water. Perhaps you would have access to some water that isn't as hard. As for the salt, i am not sure what type of Molly(s) you have but are you sure you need the salt? I realize that there are some species of Molly that may be brackish, but there are also others that are freshwater fish that do no need salt added to the water. Salt can be used to help deal with some parasites and bacteria, but generally, fish in good condition in clean water don't need salt added to keep them healthy. Other than a dechlorinator, i wouldn't add any other chemicals to the water. Clean water that is getting regular changes and has dechlorinator shouldn't really need any extra chemicals added under normal circumstances.

Is your filter capable of filtering all the water in your tank 4 or 5 times per hour? A filter with a 100 gallon per hour filter rate (at least) should be used. More filtration is better, as long as the current doesn't get too strong. Right now that is about all i can think about. Just try to keep the water as clean as you can, keep the gravel vacuumed reguarly as well, and you should be able to keep your Mollys alive. I hope this has been at least some help. It is not my intent to lecture or to talk down, but rather to offer some advice as i wish you well. Good luck with your fish.

 

[WILDER]

I would take a look here to be on the safe side.
http/www.4qd.org/Aqua/disease/tb.html

 

[Jayrod7]

if they kinda look like a hook it is because of old age. i have had the same probelem

 

[trumpteezer]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm affraid I may have to euthanize the little gal, she's just laying on the bottom, waiving a fin here and there.

At this point, with only the 5 little fry left, I'm wondering if it's best to find a new home for them and completly tear down the tank and start all over? What if there is some toxin in there?

I have one decoration in there that I purchased at the lfs as an "aquarium safe" decor, but it's getting kinda ragged looking. I'm going to take that out and see what happens to the parameters.

Thanks again,

Trumpy