Help Please

[tom1987]

Bit of a strange question, but does anyone know any reason why my fish would be excessively crapping. Its all over the bottom of the tank and most of the fish have it hanging out of them. It's only just recently started but I can't think why. I've had the tank the same for the last 6 months at least and I only feed the once every 2-3 days.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Tom

 

[az9]

i had the same prob a while ago. soon after, all the fish died of ich.

 

[Noahsfish]

What size tank, how many fish and what type. What type of filter, what type of substrate. How often do you do water changes and vacuum the gravel? What type of food do you feed them. You only feed them once every 2-3 days!?!?! Fish can go a week without food, but not on a regular basis. You should feed them small amounts at least twice a day!!

 

[tom1987]

Tank size is 160ltr, approx 15 fish (assorted rainbows, a plec and 4 clown loach, substrate is gravel. Half water change every other week, full Water change and vacuum once a month. Food is sinking pellets and flake. I've only ever fed them that often and I've still got all original fish bar 2 since I got the tank over 2 years ago.

 

[snazy]

They are not feeling well whatever the reason. Do a largish water change.
 
When you say full water change once a month, what do you mean?

 

[tom1987]

Full water change, I change probably 75-80% of the water (not including water in the filter)

 

[Noahsfish]

Ok, your fish might be alive, but your schedule doesn't sound like the best idea for them...first off, for a tank with that many large fish I'd do at LEAST 50% a week, and with that 50% vacuum the gravel. Vacuuming once a month is not enough, once every 2 weeks at the least. Definetly feed them more often, one large meal every couple days is bad for their health, like I said at least twice a day. A lot of people do 4-5 small feedings a day. I don't see why you would do the full water change?? And you said 2 years like it was a long time, of course they should still be alive, but I hope you know clown loaches can live up to 40-50 years old. I'd say your tank is too small for clown loaches, and if the pleco is "common" it's way too small.

 

[tom1987]

Ok, your fish might be alive, but your schedule doesn't sound like the best idea for them...first off, for a tank with that many large fish I'd do at LEAST 50% a week, and with that 50% vacuum the gravel. Vacuuming once a month is not enough, once every 2 weeks at the least. Definetly feed them more often, one large meal every couple days is bad for their health, like I said at least twice a day. A lot of people do 4-5 small feedings a day. I don't see why you would do the full water change?? And you said 2 years like it was a long time, of course they should still be alive, but I hope you know clown loaches can live up to 40-50 years old. I'd say your tank is too small for clown loaches, and if the pleco is "common" it's way too small.

Thanks for the advise but your talking as if I'm in-experienced, which I am not. I've been keeping fish for over 15 years with the same regime. And yes I am aware of the size and age that clown loach can reach. I have 2 larger tanks that they will transferred into when they outgrow the current tank!

 

[the_lock_man]

 You should feed them small amounts at least twice a day!!

 
Don't agree with the twice a day bit. A small amount once a day is fine, IME.