Common Pleco Oddly Dies!

[Sheridanp]

Well, for the first time ever my common pleco was out yesterday. He was just sucking away. I came in there today, and he was right at the top of the tank. I thought he was sucking, but he was floating. Now that I look, he has alot of white stuff on him. Is that Ich? What do I do? I have fed him algae wafers, so I have no clue why he just died.

Although, it's kinda at the right time because I was taking him to the pet store tomorrow. But, I still feel bad. Please help.

 

[Torrean]

would you call the white stuff cotton or salt. also what are your water parameters?

 

[Sheridanp]

It is fluffy, cotton. What do you mean by water parameters?

Edit: Oh, well I did a water test and it was probably the nitrite. It has been high for quite some time, and people have told me to wait it out. I did several water changes, but nothing helped. The last time I checked it was between 0.3 and 0.8. Should I do a water change now?

 

[Torrean]

yes...fluffy is probably fungal
take a look at some disease websites and see if you can find a picture of what your disease looks like.

 

[Sheridanp]

Well, should I do a water change? Should I add Melafix or Aquaplus?

 

[Torrean]

that's what I meant by yes...yes you should do a water change. Don't know what aquaplus is. Do the fish have shredded fins or wounds...if not then skip the melafix.

 

[Sheridanp]

Well, the pleco sure does. There shredded alot. I was waiting to get a camera, but my brother is not home. So, I guess I'll flush him and look it up later.

 

[Torrean]

how long have you had him?
you can freeze him.

 

[Sheridanp]

Already flushed him. I don't think it's a disease.

I just tested the water, the nitrite was 3.3.

And, I just changed it!! What do I do!!?

 

[Sheridanp]

Update:

Nitrite 3.3
Black Ruby Barb's(1 of them) fin is rotting (it's happenned before...)

This is a disaster. What do I do? The ammonia is 0.

 

[Torrean]

50% water change and melafix. If you have a stronger medication you might consider that...although with such high nI I might be reluctant. I hope someone more experienced with finrot comes along.

 

[Sheridanp]

I will do a water change tomorrow. Thank you. And, you seem to know what your doing.