Fish Dying For No Reason

[ribena]

Hi all

I have a small 35 litre tank with a filter, airpump and live plants. I do water changes every one/ two weeks and add tap safe and nitrate remover. I have tested my water and the nitrate levels are high and have been for months. I have always put in nitrate remover and the Aqu- tel I think it is called to remove the waste products. I originally had one simesse fighter, two diamond tetras, three black widow tetras, two rosy tetras and two cleaner catfish. Over a few months I have lost four fish which I haven't replaced. There is nothing on the fish to suggest any bacterial infections etc they just loose balance, or lay on the gravel and die. I also have a MAJOR problem with algae which I can't get rid of.

Please help as I don't want to loose them all.

Thanks

 

[ox5477]

well first... is there a heater? These all need atleast mid-70F water (except the beta who can stand a little lower temp's.

I've heard the tetra's can be nippy at the fins of the beta so be careful with that.

What are the 'cleaner catfish'? If they are plecos then they are prob creating enough waste to pollute the water enough to affect the health of the tetras. Tetras are sensitive to water quality and if they are the ones dieing then it is your water quality and you need to remedy the nitrate prob. Nitrate > 40-50 ppm is bad and will cause problems. What are your other water stats?

This what they should be for a healthy tank:

ammonia = 0 (anything more and you need to do daily water changes until your filter has the bacteria to consume all the ammonia, as any ammonia in the water causes many problems with fish)

nitrite = 0 (again, if anything besides 0 then do daily water changes until your filter begins to cope with the load)

nitrate = 0<your tank<50ppm (anything more and your fishes health will spiral down quickly)

pH = 7.0 to 7.5 (good for most all freshwater species)

 

[ribena]

Sorry yes I forgot to say of course there is a heater.

My tetras are fine with the simesse fighter it is him that chases them around.

The simesse fighter died, the two diamond tetras died and one black phantom tetra.

The cleaner fish I don't remember the name they are small and are defo cat fish not plecs. The are about 1 1/2 inches and black and white stipes they were recommended as being the best cleaning fish on one of the sites (can't remember which).

All other wastes levels are fine it is just nitrate. Any ideas on how to remove?

My pH I think was a little high how can I bring it down? (Sorry I don't remember exact figure maybe 8.0? )

 

[ribena]

My Cleaner fishes are Oto Catfish

 

[Underwurlde]

All other wastes levels are fine it is just nitrate. Any ideas on how to remove?

Regular water changes. (Also, adding plants).

My pH I think was a little high how can I bring it down? (Sorry I don't remember exact figure maybe 8.0? )

8.0 is not 'off the scale'& & I doubt this is the cause of your fish dying.
(Note, pH scale is not linear, it is logarithmic).

Andy

 

[ribena]

I have so much algae that my cleaning fish just don't eat. Would too much algae kill my fish? I don't know what else to do with it, it just gest everywhere.

 

[Underwurlde]

If its BGA, kill your algae - completely black your tank out for 3-4 days.

NO lights.
NO feeding.
NO peeking.

Worked for me when I had a small outbreak. I used the old box the tank came in. Don't worry about the fish, they'll be ok. At the end of the blacking period, your tank will still be green, just clean everything & it should be OK.

Algae caused by:
Direct sunlight.
Too many fish.
no water changes.
Over feeding.
Imbalance in tank.

Prevent algae:
Regular water changes
Add plants (but not for the light hearted)
Correct lighting
Correct lighting period. Include a lighting siesta (i.e. 4hrs on, 2hrs off, 4 hrs on)

Andy

 

[ribena]

Thanks for your reply. What does BGA stand for?

 

[Underwurlde]

Blue Green Algae (actually a bacterial form)

All you wanted to know but would be considered boring if you asked:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=106371

ID your pet algae:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=95077

Andy

 

[ribena]

Thank you that ws very helpful! I will try those ideas.