New User With Swordfish Problems

[basstheram]

I have a lightly populated aquarium into which I introduced 5 swordfish around 3 weeks ago. Initially, there were no problems until I realised that 3 of my 4 cardinal tetra had disappeared. Following this, a swordfish developed problems in its' swimming pattern, seeming to roll and swim upside down, then right itself repeatedly. This happened for a few hours ending with his death. Subsequently a second swordfish has followed the same pattern. Can you help?

 

[hanny93]

I'm sure everyone who reads this will ask:

Is your tank properly cycled?
What are yoour water parameters? (ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate/pH)

I'm guessing that the addition of the 5 swordtails all at once was too much for the filter to handle and you've had ammonia poisoning.

More information would help us identify a problem and come up with a solution.

If you don't have a test kit the best thing I can suggest is do a 50% water change and see if they perk up a bit. If they do then it's most likely to do with your water quality and large, frequent waterchanges are the way forward from what I've heard.

 

[basstheram]

I have a 35 gallon tank which has 15/16 fish in it at present, all of which are small and there are a variety of species. I have an external filter. I performed a 30% water change at the weekend and have had no problems since, but I was concerned about what have caused the initial problems. What would you recommend to make sure we don't meet with similar problems in the future?

 

[hanny93]

What species are your fish?
Some fish are very aggressive (like angelfish and other cichlids - angels even eat neons) and will bully others in the tank.

When did you set the tank up/how long has it been cycled for?