Sick Molly, Help!

[scooterchick]

Hi,

I thought 2 of my male mollies were being bullied and had went into hiding. One of them has completely vanished, haven't seen him for a couple of days, the other is toiling at the bottom of the tank, struggling to keep upright. He's been very quiet for a couple of weeks but always came out at feeding time. I bought him about 2 months ago along with 2 females who died within 2 days, but he seemed fine. The other one who's vanished I've had around 4 months, he was the randiest male, always chasing the females, think he had a chip on his shoulder cos he was the smallest.

Wha could it be?

Ammonia - 0ppm
nitrite - 0ppm
nitrate - 20ppm
PH - 7.5

Water change 2 weeks ago, top up 1 week ago. Tank is in a very difficult position, hence why I'm getting rid of it and plitting the fish between another 2 tanks, so it doesn't get cleaned as often as I like, it's impossible to vacumn the gravel unless you're ona pair of ladders. However the nitrate is only 20ppm so it can't be that bad.

I've just added some stress coat and aquarium salt this morning to try and help my wee molly, other than that just the usual stress coat at water changes. Temp is stable at 24.

He's my favourite, I hope I don't lose him.

 

[scooterchick]

He's just lying on the bottom of the tank now, looking knackered. He's upright though. Think he'll pull through, anyone? Anything else I can do?

 

[Nikai]

Any other symptoms other then him being tired and staying on the bottom of the tank?
Also check this part of the forums out, you might be able to find something similar about mollies
http/www.fishforums.net/Common-Livebearers-f91.html

ill molly info

I had a quick scan through but theres quite a few pages (241 to be exact) Hope this helps you

 

[WILDER]

Mollies do better in brackish water.
How many fish have you lost in all.
Check the gills over to see if there pale with excess mucas or red and inflamed.
What does it look like when the fish go to the toilet.

 

[scooterchick]

Hi,

Yes, his gills are very pale and he's just lying on the bottom gasping for breath. His fin is ripped a bit where obviously the other fish have been haivng a nibble. The kindest thing would be to euthanise but I can't do it!!! I feel awful. The aqurium lights are off so hopefully the other fish will leave him alone and he'll die quickly, I know he's not going to make it. Please pray he dies quickly. I feel terrible.

 

[Nikai]

Don't feel bad, fish can't live forever. Tomorrow you should do a water change to rid the tank of any waste, also carry out a test to find out the ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels. Although he's passing away the other fish still need to be watched closely. Good Luck and so sorry for your loss

 

[scooterchick]

Don't feel bad, fish can't live forever. Tomorrow you should do a water change to rid the tank of any waste, also carry out a test to find out the ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels. Although he's passing away the other fish still need to be watched closely. Good Luck and so sorry for your loss

Thanks Nikai, I feel so bad cos I haven't got the guts to put him out of his misery. This is the most horrible part of fish keeping. I tested the water today and it was fine, nitrates are 20ppm which is higher than I would like but not too bad. Nitrites and amonia both 0ppm. The 2 females I bought along side him both died within 2 days of coming home, maybe they were already sick. He was the best looking molly I had, a real cutie. Another small male I had has vanished also, the tank's in such an awkward place to clean thoroughly, I have a 17 gallon tank currently cycling specifically to put the mollies in so I can make it completely brackish without worrying about the other fish. There were supposed to be 6 going in, looks like it'll only be 4 now, 3 females and 1 male. The last male will be happy!

Thanks for your kind thoughts. xxx

 

[WILDER]

Look into flukes for now.
http/article.dphnet.com/cat-02/flukes1.shtml

 

[scooterchick]

Thanks Wilder, I'll keep a close eye on them and give the tank a thorough clean tomorrow. The other wee one who disappeared didn't show any signs of anything being wrong and all the other fish look perfectly healthy. Hopefully the 17 gal will be ready soon and I can push on with my plans to get that big tank down from the stupid place above the telly. My video and DVD player have already blown up after a water change. This was the tank my husband brought home as a surprise with neither of us having a clue about keeping fish. Naturally I'm the one who's had to learn! At the time the space above the telly was the only space available, but I've since moved the PC but bought another tank!!! Moving the tank is going to need careful planning, I fall asleep goign over the logistics of it.

 

[WILDER]

Blown video and dvd player up did you get some water on them.
Becareful of tanks around electric goods in the house.
Keep a look out for signs of flicking and rubbing and increased breathing.
Good luck.