Please Help!

[BandE]

We need help!
Bought a new 30 gallon tank 6 weeks ago and cycled for the appropriate length of time. Started with Pleco, then added 2 3-inch Balas and a 4-inch Blood Parrotfish. Recently added a 2-inch Oscar and another Bala. (We're planning on a 100 gallon soon).
About three days ago, we added a glossy black backing on the rear of the tank to hide power cords, etc. Immediately, the Bala Sharks were swimming somewhat crazily against the back of the tank-we thought it was because of the reflection and Balas' natural schooling behavior. The next day, we noticed one Bala with cloudy eyes. This morning, we found two Balas dead and watched the third suddenly turn upside down and expire. No obvious external damage or signs of bullying. Now the Parrotfish and Oscar are somewhat lethargic and inactive....Help! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[LoveMyOscar]

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[Aquarian]

I'm so sorry that you lost your balas

The next day, we noticed one Bala with cloudy eyes.

Hmmm... look into that.

Is it possible that the Parrotfish or Oscar gave them heartattacks or staulked them to death? I know that any time my firemouth "nipped" at a bala they scooted quite suddenly and would crazily swim around until they calmed down.

 

[BandE]

Thank you for your comments, everyone!
The last water change before the deaths was about 25%, about a week ago. Our tank params seem to be okay, although the nitrite levels are a bit high, which is worrisome. We're currently keeping the oscar and the parrotfish in a hospital tank. We also did some gravel vacuuming and about 30% water change this morning, and added some StressZyme to the water.
As far as the the Bala deaths, we are highly doubtful of any bullying or nipping from the Oscar and Parrotfish. We watch very closely-and the bodies showed no external signs of distress. Hopefully we can get this figured out and under control soon! Again, thank you for your help! This is a great forum!

 

[BandE]

We've been keeping an eye on our nitrites, which seem unusually high...any ideas for quickly lowering them?

 

[Aquarian]

I haven't tried it, but I've heard Nitra-Zorb removes nitrite. Making partial water changes will also reduce the nitrites if they're high. Have you checked your ammonia levels lately?

 

[bgraber]

Your tank is still cycling.. The bacteria should turn nitrite to nitrate= not harmful.. It is most likely that the nitrite and or ammonia is stressing the fish to death.. THe hardier ones should survive... THe pl*co is probably next
I'd try some Bio-Spira if I were you.. Get that cycle going..

 

[Angel Lady]

that stuff really works i put that in my 55 gallon and added my fish the next day and it has been up and running for 2 months now with no problems I would recommend anyone buying that stuff it works great. by the way the high nitrites is what killed your balas they cant stand that usually they are the first to show signs of bad water they will be the first ones to die.

 

[BandE]

Thanks for your help, everyone!

We're still battling the high nitrites-and we'd like to get some BioSpira-but we can't find any! Everywhere is out of stock, and we've been reading that Marineland is out of stock until late March. Anyone have suggestions or ideas?

(We're also setting up another 10 gallon-so we'd like to use it in there, if we can find it!)

Thanks again!

 

[Aquarian]

I ordered online through The Fish Store - before he was out of stock.

I was told that this place sells bio spira... would you be willing to go for a drive or maybe check out ebay?

www.fishgallery.com

 

[BandE]

No luck with either of those options....
Again, we truly appreciate the advice-any other ideas, anyone?