Urgent question regarding a healthy aquarium

[odwyer1980]

I have millions of small white things appear round the top half of my tank. You can barely see them. They look alive. There are small snails there as well. Hundreds of them. Could they be snail eggs? If not, any idea what they are?

Today I lost a guppy, and the catfish have been swimming to the top for air all day. The tetras have been as well. Something don't seem right. Especially after the millions of white things appeared.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[ClownLurch]

Have you tested your water for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates?

 

[Retired Viking]

I would do a 50-75% water change and also check you water as @ClownLurch asked. Can you post a picture. The white things may be showing up becasue you may have been over feeding your fish, same with the snails. You should do a good vacuuming of your gravel.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Sounds like oxygen is low in the tank. Do you have an airstone? A filter that agitates the surface? Also check the temperature. The hotter the water is, the less oxygen it holds, so a sudden lack of oxygen in the water can sometimes mean a problem with the heater.

 

[AbbeysDad]

Is your tank properly cycled? Do you have sufficient surface turbulence to promote proper gas (CO2/O2) exchange?
If it's not low oxygen, stressed fish gasping at the surface is often a sign of an ammonia spike as it literally burns their gills. This can be fatal.

As suggested, test for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Do a partial water change and/or treat with a product like prime that neutralizes ammonia/nitrites.