Sudden Fish Death

[ant57]

I have now had my aquarium going for about 6 months now all has been going well until last week when 2 of my neons suddenly died then yesturday one of my silver sharks dies and again today the most disturbing was one of my gourmi actually commited suicide it was laying at the bottom of the tank for about 10 minutes when it would all of a sudden shoot up and start driving itself into the sides of the tank repeatedly it done this for about an hour before it died. Anyone have any idea what could be going on is there some kind of disease in my tank? HELP!! Thanks

NEWS FLASH! i have now just this second discovered that one of my clown loach has also died. They are dropping by the second

 

[Cazgar]

Have you added anything new to the tank?
What are your water stats?

 

[ant57]

two weeks ago i added some new live plants to the tank but that's about it!

 

[Liz1993]

the same thing is pretty much happening to me, im losing a fish like every day

 

[ant57]

i really dont know what to do about it i have changed the water, treated the water what else can you do? or is it a case of cross your fingers and hope for the best?

 

[Tefex]

Test your water completely..

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

You have not given us a lot of info to go on, so all I can suggest for now is...

Put some of the current water aside to test in a while for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate

Give the tank a big (>75% water change) with similar temp dechlorinated water and see if fish behave more normal afterwards.

Plants sometimes are sold with nasty chemicals on them, which are toxic to the fish. Must confess this is something I need to address personally, giving new plants a good rinse before introducing them to a tank.

 

[Tefex]

Like.. ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. No point changing the water if its not actually that which is the reason

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Like.. ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. No point changing the water if its not actually that which is the reason

Dangerous sweeping statement, not everything harmful to fish is tested for eg. insecticides.

If there are no observable symptoms pointing to a definite diagnosis as to what is going on, a big water change is far safer than rushing in with the incorrect medication.

 

[ant57]

and will i need to put fresh water in at a certain temp, or just straight from the tap?

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

"Give the tank a big (>75% water change) with similar temp dechlorinated water and see if fish behave more normal afterwards."

 

[ant57]

ok i'll try that thank's

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Test your water completely..

^^^^ this.

If you do not have your own test kit (which every hobbyist should), then ask you local pet/fish store to do it for you. Write down the exact readings in this thread and hopefully, through process of elimination, your problem can be solved.

The other advice about a BIG water change is also helpful, a nice 'recharge' of warm, de-chlorinated water usually does the world of good in our tanks.

Terry.

 

[sadguppy]

and will i need to put fresh water in at a certain temp, or just straight from the tap?

Do what you would do normally ie heat the water. Of course if you don't do this the shock could be what's causing the problems or at least stressing the fish out. I agree, big water change needed. If in doubt, change the water.