I just lost three more fish :(

[SnowLady]

I lost two more serpae tetras and my clown loach. I've had the tetras since September and the loach for about a month.

Over night they died.

I tested my water and all was fine.

Inspected the dead for any telltale signs of problems and didn't see anything.

When a fish dies an untimely death - what should we do as fishkeepers to insure that the survivors do infact survive?

 

[noelberg]

Hmm, I think we might need a little more info to help you out.

What can you tell us about your tank, and have you made any changes (added fish or water changes, etc.) recently?

 

[crazie.eddie]

Also what type of filtration? Do you test for chlorine? Since you mentioned your water parameters are fine, what are they? What other fish are in the tank?

 

[SnowLady]

Well, with the help of my husband we determined that ICH killed my fish. So I rushed to the store tonight and bought medicine.

I'm very upset about this. The LFS that I've bought all my fish at is very reputable. But and I know that my clown loach was prone to ICH. Other than bringing the ICH with him, can stress cause ICH alone?

*sigh*

 

[crazie.eddie]

Stress can bring on illnesses or even death. Stress is usually brought on by overcrowding, too much aggression from another fish, poor water conditions. That is why it's best to give the best care as possible.

 

[noelberg]

Stress can also be caused by being introduced to a new tank, having other species introduced to a stable tank (not as common, but it can spread ICH just as easily), lonliness or fear, large rapid water changes, adding water that is way too cold, and basically any other change in environment.

And don't ever feel bad if you get ICH - sometimes it just can't be stopped. It only takes one stressed fish with a weak immune system. So sometimes even the best lfs' and aquarists get it.

Avoiding the stressors that crazy.eddie mentioned will considerably drop any Ich risk.