Unknown Problem

[ninerman2002]

Hello,

I have a community tank that is about 2 months old. I have added a nice variety of fish but the last couple of days (after adding some fish) I am having a bit of a die off. Two of the new fish (one angel and one clown loach) both died and now my betta is sitting at the bottom not looking so good. I've check all major water chemicals (pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate) and all test in the normal range. There does not appear to be any ick or other visable skin issue and my mollies, neons, plecto, other angel, and other clown loach seem to be fine. Does anyone have any idea what is going on? I can't figure it out.

 

[rust81]

It could be some sort of internal bacterial infection if there are no visible signs. Are they all eating?

 

[ninerman2002]

Yes, although it appears that the betta has ceased eating. If is bacterial, what should I treat with? Are there any symptoms other than what I have described to verify the bacterial disease?

 

[calderfisher]

What are your water stats exactly??

CraigM

 

[-germ-]

Also be worth knowing how big the tank is....
Is it your first?

 

[ninerman2002]

This is a 25 gallon tall. This is not my first tank, I've had several in the past (although it has been years since I last had a tank). My stats are about a 7.0 pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate all tested at 0 ppm yesterday. My temp is about 78 degrees. I have a powerhead and a marineland emporer 280.

 

[rocknurworld2006]

your should have some nitrates in your tank ??
is the reading definately 0

is it a female or a male betta you have??

 

[ninerman2002]

No, you are absolutely right. My nitrate is not zero, but it is below 40 ppm. My apologies for the incorrect info. It is a male betta and gets along fine with the rest of my fish. I know a lot of people say you can't have a male betta in community tanks but I have done it before and now and has been fine for 2 months...but now he isn't

 

[Spooky76]

What are you using to test it ?
To me it sounds like you have water chemistry problems.

If its just the betta then I suggest you isolate him if you can and see what happens. He might be prefectly OK in there, but i've only ever heard bad things about bettas in community tanks, so many fish take a nip and chase them it stresses them out. I dont think bettas and angels are a good idea together either.

Is there a strong current from your filter ? I know most other fish like a nice current, but bettas dont like that either.