Sick Guppy

[bjmagik]

Hi there guys,

I have a 2 foot tank of around 10 guppys and it seems as though they are slowly dying one by one. They still eat like maniacs but seem very lethargic and sit down the bottom of the tank unless it is feeding time. Can anyone off any help. The ph of the tank is perfect. I do fortnightly water changes and normally use Pimafix or Melafix as a preventative and it has worked up until now.

 

[zoekin8yg]

what are the water parameters? Not just the pH? What size water changes do you do? Do you add dechlorinator? Any other symptoms?

 

[bjmagik]

I normally don't measure anything other than the ph. i have 2 tanks and don't normally have any problems up until now in the livebearer tank. What else should i be measuring and what do i need to buy. Other symptoms include quick breathing (a hundred mile an hour).

 

[zoekin8yg]

a kit that tests ammonia, nitrate and nitrite, most people use the API kit, would you like me to get a weblink for you? Quick breathing sounds like they possibly arent getting enough oxygen from the water maybe? What size water changes do you do? Anything new added to the tank?

 

[bjmagik]

Nothing new added to the tank. I normally do a quarter of a tank water change. They're definitely getting enough oxygen though my filter puts o2 into the water and then i have a bubble stone that runs along the whole back of the tank. Anything else you can think of? I'll drop into the aquarium and see if i can get one of those kits.

 

[zoekin8yg]

I'll find you a link so you can see what you are looking for. I do water changes weekly, so doing an extra water change may help for now, is it just the guppies in the tank?

API Freshwater Master Liquid Test Kit (http/www.first-choice-aquatics.co.uk/acatalog/API_Master_Liquid.html) is the best one.

 

[bjmagik]

3 mollies aswell and 2 bristlenose catfish that tend to mind their own business.

 

[zoekin8yg]

Just did a quick search at the main thing that seems to pop up from fast breathing is ammonia posioning, so def try a big water change! Also do you add dechlorinator?

 

[bjmagik]

Always add the water conditioner and normally a natural preventative such as pimafix/melafix. I did a water change only a couple of days ago. Will I do another one you think.

 

[zoekin8yg]

Its unlikely to hurt to do an extra water change. And get the test kit asap.

Forgot to ask if you have a filter, and if you do, have you cleaned it?

 

[bjmagik]

Just found an ammonia test kit that i used when i set up the tanks some time ago. I just tested the water although it says it takes 20mins for the results.

 

[zoekin8yg]

20 minutes! Bloody hell, well I'll be here so let me know what it says! the API test kit will still be a good buy, it lasts for ages!

 

[bjmagik]

Says ammonia is not detectable.

 

[zoekin8yg]

Hmmm, its possible that the test isnt working, so you should def get a new kit, however if that reading is true then Im stumped! It could be the sign of an underlying problem though, so keep an eye on the fish. Someone else may have some better advice so keep checking back. What temperature is the water?

 

[bjmagik]

temp is 28