Potential Nightmare?

[jpedersen024]

Ok, here goes...

Tank size: 55g
pH: 7
ammonia: I don't know... eeeep. I thought a nitrite test kit was as good.
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 20
kH: don't know
gH: 120
tank temp: 80 F
total alkalinity: 100

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior):
Silver Molly died 5 days ago... septicemia? popeye visible. Marigold Platy now resting on bottom of tank. gills moving rapidly, but do not look red or inflamed. Rather white-ish actually. he's not eating. other platies rousing him every so often, but he returns to hide on bottom.

Volume and Frequency of water changes:
min 15% weekly, with water treatment, and gravel vacuum.

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank:
water treatment with change, fresh charcoal in filter cartridge. Laterite and liquid ferts used for plants. Added melafix tonight. Figured it couldn't hurt. Didn't take charcoal out though. just in case.

Tank inhabitants:
numerous. See profile

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration):
8 live plants - 1 week ago. 4 ottos - 2 weeks ago. 2 german rams - 1 week ago.

Exposure to chemicals:
none. only vinegar used to clean/ dust both rooms and tank glass.

Now I am getting quite concerned. The molly died quickly... within 24 hours of noticing something wasn't right with her. Noticed one otto also (newly) dead in the tank today while looking at sick platy. Ottos will do that though... Just really hoping this isn't a trend... don't want to be losing now that I'd finally reached the population I'd wanted!! So far everyone else looks ok... but I did see one platy quickly (and only once) flash against a sword plant... an indication of gill troubles? or a swish of aggression while swimming with another male..?? I don't know. Did the usual water change/ cleaning tonight as well.... fingers crossed.

 

[WILDER]

Sounfs like you have a bacterial problem if i molly died of popeye and septicemia, white pale gills can also mean parasites, plus they can have laboured breathing with internal bacteria infections.
I would try maracyn one and two for now, a it's going o be hard to tell if its bacterial or parasites.

 

[millym]

sorry to hear about your fish....how long has your tank been running for& was your tank cycled before you started adding fish??
you really need to get an ammonia test kit as ammonia can cause similar problems as you've described & will harm your fish if they are exposed to it at ANY level. if you can give us these other details im sure we can have better idea whats wrong & try to help more.

 

[jpedersen024]

Tank has been running for almost a year. The current population has been added and acclimated slowly over that time. It's definitely not a cycling issue. I could be wrong, but I really doubt an ammonia issue as well. Considering my nitrites are 0, and have been for as long as I can remember, I'm running a cultured biowheel, and I don't add enough fish at once to upset the balance. Plus I am doing regular 15% water changes and gravel vacs (at least weekly).

I hate to add antibiotics to the tank at this point, but will look into getting some maracyn 1 and 2 to keep on hand. Affected platy has been isolated, and is still acting the same. Not better, btu not worse I forgot to add that he has a slight wobble to him as well (top to bottom, rather than side to side 'shimmy' as commonly seen in mollies).

Thanks for the help! I'll update as things change.

 

[WILDER]

Ok good luck.