Cherry Barb With Red/swollen Splotch

[espian]

Hi,
 
I have been trying to read through your archives, but as of yet, haven't come across exactly what I am seeing.
 
I have a 46 liter fluval tank that has been up for several months with 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrites, 10-20 ppm Nitrates, 8.1 ph (we live in a hardwater area and the RO system has not been installed in the new house, yet).
 
This is a planted tank with two cherry barbs, one black neon (his pal died about a week ago), two small cats, and a few cherry shrimp.
 
Around three weeks ago I purchased a few cardinal tetras.  Despite constantly checking water quality and doing frequent water changes, they all passed away one at a time.  These guys would separate from the rest and sit around, then hang around the top of the tank, then going into some very erratic swimming--very fast/jerky spirals top to bottom, until they would just lay on the bottom with labored breathing until they would die.  I didn't realize this was happening at first because the heavily planted tank hides the fish well at times.  
 
Around this same time I added a new clump of java moss to the tank.
 
My other black neon seemed to follow a similar demise as the cardinals.
 
Now, about two weeks ago, I noticed a red splotch on one of the cherry barbs back toward its tail.  This almost looked like it had bled under its skin.  This ultimately cleared up, but now their is another splotch which is very swollen closer to a gill on one side.  It seems to have to fight to stay upright.  
 
Does anyone have any suggestions as to this latest cherry barb issue?  I am concerned that I either brought something communicable with the cardinals or drug something in with the java moss.
 
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
 
-Keith

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Are you sure your readings are correct?
When did you last check them?
What kit are you using?
When is the expiry date?
 
The symptoms sound like ammonia poisoning, whenever you see this behavior, do a water change.
 
Also, all of the fish are schooling fish, that are happiest in a school of at least 6.
 
Your Cherry Barb's wound sounds like either an ammonia burn or a heater burn.
 
You will need to rehome some fish or upgrade your tank if you want your fish to be truly happy, your tank will be overstocked if you have all of your fish in schools of 6+.
I also think your current tank is too small for the Cherry Barbs and possibly the Corys (depending on type).
 
 
Also, to the forum, Keith.

 

[espian]

Thanks for replying.
 
I have been checking the ph, ammonia, and nitrite levels quite frequently over the past few weeks, including last night.  They have been steady ever since the first cycle of the tank completed.  I am currently using a brand new non-expired chemical set from API.
 
I did spend some time talking with my local aquarium store and we both agree that this sounds and looks like a bacterial infection.  I did a 2/3 water change last night and the swelling seems to be going down.  I also medicated the tank with Maracyn (after making sure that it was safe for the invertebrates).  I am hopeful that this will fix the issue.
 
I agree that the tank size and current occupants are not ideal.  However, I am going to wait for everything to completely stabilize before any adjustments or moving of fish.
 
I have suspected that the higher than optimal ph may have done in the Cardinal Tetras, but I may never know on this.
 
Thanks again for your response.  I will let you know how this all plays out.

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Okay, sounds good then!
 
Hope the Cherry Barb improves and make sure to update this thread with its recovery!