I have a 30litre maintained tank (biorb) which I have been running since August 2010. I had a few teething problems at the start but have had no deaths for a few months. The tank contained 4 mollys, 4 neon tetras & 4 harlequins. (and 3 leafy plants)
On Thursday night last week I noticed the biorb heater light flickering on&off. The temp had dropped to 21degrees (it is usually around 24) It was too late to go to the fish shop, but the following morning the water was 22 degrees. But to be on the safe side I bought a new
heater and installed this on the Friday night. The temperature instantly rose from 22 to 25. I then went away for the weekend and returned on the Sunday evening.
When I returned 7 of my fish were dead! (4 Harlequins, 2 mollys & 1 neon) Some of these fish had been in the tank for 6 months. We immediately removed all dead fish. I then tested the current water, all levels were fine except ammonia which was very slightly present (usually not present at all) I figured this was because there had been dead fish present in the tank possibly for up to 48hrs while I was away. We then performed a 35% water change. One of the surviving mollys appeared to be struggling and this morning sadly passed away after lying at the bottom just breathing for a few hours.
The remaining molly and 3 neon tetras seem fine.
I went to the local aquatic centre this morning and discussed this at length with the guy there and he just couldnt understand it. He assured me that most diseases would take much longer to kill off the fish and would usually show symptoms in advance, whereas all my fish were fine before I left on Friday night. We even had baby mollys surviving well in there.
I have just gone to package our original heater to return as it is covered on warranty, and I have noticed the glass tube appears to have condensation inside it and some white build up...I never noticed this while it was in the tank but believe this can be very dangerous when left...however when the fish actually died this heater had already been removed & replaced...so I cant imagine it could have electrocuted them..or could it?
If anyone can offer any help as I want the remaining fish to have a chance and hopefully establish my aquarium again in time.
Thanks,
Liz
P.S I have treated the tank today with a general tonic recommended by the aquatic store, just to kill any possible general diseases lurking in the tank.
On Thursday night last week I noticed the biorb heater light flickering on&off. The temp had dropped to 21degrees (it is usually around 24) It was too late to go to the fish shop, but the following morning the water was 22 degrees. But to be on the safe side I bought a new
heater and installed this on the Friday night. The temperature instantly rose from 22 to 25. I then went away for the weekend and returned on the Sunday evening.
When I returned 7 of my fish were dead! (4 Harlequins, 2 mollys & 1 neon) Some of these fish had been in the tank for 6 months. We immediately removed all dead fish. I then tested the current water, all levels were fine except ammonia which was very slightly present (usually not present at all) I figured this was because there had been dead fish present in the tank possibly for up to 48hrs while I was away. We then performed a 35% water change. One of the surviving mollys appeared to be struggling and this morning sadly passed away after lying at the bottom just breathing for a few hours.
The remaining molly and 3 neon tetras seem fine.
I went to the local aquatic centre this morning and discussed this at length with the guy there and he just couldnt understand it. He assured me that most diseases would take much longer to kill off the fish and would usually show symptoms in advance, whereas all my fish were fine before I left on Friday night. We even had baby mollys surviving well in there.
I have just gone to package our original heater to return as it is covered on warranty, and I have noticed the glass tube appears to have condensation inside it and some white build up...I never noticed this while it was in the tank but believe this can be very dangerous when left...however when the fish actually died this heater had already been removed & replaced...so I cant imagine it could have electrocuted them..or could it?
If anyone can offer any help as I want the remaining fish to have a chance and hopefully establish my aquarium again in time.
Thanks,
Liz
P.S I have treated the tank today with a general tonic recommended by the aquatic store, just to kill any possible general diseases lurking in the tank.
