Ich Problem

[bunty82]

I brought an aquarium (11g). And just like other newbies i made a mistake of fishcycling instead of fishless cycling.
I started of with 15 differenct varities of gold fishes(small). Two iridecent sharks and 1 3 spot gourmis. Just as the seller tells you
this is a good fish buy it . I did the same.
Now as the water was not cycled , the process has started and its showing its true colors on all fishes. An 11g tank with 18 fishes
it was a horrible mistake done by me
They have started dieing now
3 black more dies two days back
2 orange gold fish dies 1 day back
Now there is a new problem arises
"ICH"
Not all but the remaining fishes showing the sign of ich
white spot on all
i added mthylene blue to water and raised the temperature
also some fishes showing signs of redness near fins
what is that
After the ich is over do i have to clean the whole tank and re fill it

 

[WILDER]

Sorry got to say it i'm shocked at your stocking list for a 11 gallons tank.
Irdecent sharks grow massive and should not be in a 11 gallon tank, you have two.

Goldfish are massive waste producers, the first goldfish alone needs 20 gallons, then 10 gallons for every other goldfsih added.
The need excellent filters because of the high waste.

Not surprised there dying, I would take them all back to the lfs, there dying of ammonia poisoning.

Whitespot looks like the fish has been sprinkled it salt.


I would research stocking of a tank, cycling of a tank.
Research your fish before you buy them.
http/freshaquarium.about.com/cs/beginner.../a/fishcalc.htm

 

[rdd1952]

The problem you are experiencing is all related to too many fish in an uncycled tank. High ammonia levels bring on stress and stress triggers diseases. Goldfish are some f the most hardy fish you can get and they are dying bof high ammonia, it must be way off the chart.

If at all possible, as Wilder suggested, return the fish, if they will take them back. Since you may have an ich problem, they may not. If you have to keep the fish, you need to start doing daily water changes (several times a day if needed) to get the ammonia and nitrite below .25 ppm (do you have a liquid test kit, strips are too inaccurate) and get a product like Ammo-Lock or Prime to detoxify the ammonia. I'm definitely not a proponent of using chemicals but your case calls for it. Even if you are able to get through the cycling process, as mentioned, you need a much larger tank. General rule of thumb for goldfish is 20 gallons for a single fish and 10 additional gallons for each additional fish so your 15 goldies should be in a 160 gallon tank.

The shark is actually not a shark at all but a catfish and can grow to over 3 feet long. You should definitely return those unless you plan on having a moster tank later on. IMO, they really should not be sold in pet and fish stores as they require such an enormous tank.

Another problem you have is that I'm pretty sure methylene blue will wipe out what ever bacteria you had developed so your tank will be back to square one again meaning you start the whole process over. Returning the fish is definitely the best and easiest option.

 

[bunty82]

I guess you are right Two of the gold fish died last night. I did a 50% water change,raise the temp to 30'c and added salt to the aquarium. Will salt and temp also kils the bacteria of the filter.

 

[rdd1952]

They won't have any effect on the beneficial bacteria. I think you've got a situation that may be too far gone to fix.

 

[bunty82]

I have seen one thing in this forum people speak a lot in riddles

I think you've got a situation that may be too far gone to fix.

Atleast you can tell any prevention measures , the mistake had been done
now the problem is how to prevent it

 

[rdd1952]

The best way to prevent (or solve) your problem is to get a larger tank or return a lot of fish. With the tank & stock you have, you will have constant problems as the filter simply can't handle the huge amount of waste your fish will produce. An 11 gallon tank simply isn't large enough for goldfish. About the only thing you can safely keep in it is small (less than 3" adult size), community fish like tetras, corys, etc.

 

[bunty82]

The best way to prevent (or solve) your problem is to get a larger tank or return a lot of fish. With the tank & stock you have, you will have constant problems as the filter simply can't handle the huge amount of waste your fish will produce. An 11 gallon tank simply isn't large enough for goldfish. About the only thing you can safely keep in it is small (less than 3" adult size), community fish like tetras, corys, etc.

Sorry but for been rude before, but i am kinda a upset, I made a mistake and i an very sorry for it. Also that ich thing is still there,I am from Delhi, India. And i am unable to find the ammonia test kit here. So sort of more upset.

 

[rdd1952]

Not a problem. The only thing I can say for the ammonia is to just keep doing water changes to keep the nitrite levels low and to get some Prime or Ammo-Lock to detoxify any ammonia that is present. When you get to the point that you don't have nitrite any more and the nitrate levels are rising, you should be cycled and not have to worry about ammonia any more. That will be a while yet as the Methylene Blue you are using will wipe out any bacteria ou already had so you will be back to square one. That is the main reason I think you will have to return the

Ich will take some time to clear up. I am certainly no expert on it but I believe it usually takes a couple weeks. My understanding is that you should continue to treat the tank for an additional week or 2 after the ich apprears to be gone just so you can get rid of it for sure. Hopefully, someone else can she more light on that.

 

[bunty82]

Well guys Ich has disappeared from the tank, both the two iridecent are dead. And i am left with 8 gold fishes. I 3 inch and the others are 2 inches. I used malachite greeen, also raised the temperature and added the salt.

 

[WILDER]

R.I.P.
Once you clear the whitespot up, I would rehome them.