Poorly fish

Nanty32 · Post by **Nanty32** » 22 Aug 2003, 23:15

Hi Everyone

We are distressed to see our Albino is poorly. If anyone could help please

Our 3 year old albino developed a sore eye which was raised for several days, then became very poorly while also swimming upside down. The eye now has sores around it which have started to bleed. We dont know how to solve this problem and are worried about treating the water as we have very young Guppy fry in the tank.

I would be greatful for any advise.

Many thanks

Nanty

DeLBoD · Post by **DeLBoD** » 22 Aug 2003, 23:19

Albino what?
Water paramiter would help if you have the test kits.

doctorzeb · Post by **doctorzeb** » 23 Aug 2003, 08:41

Hi Nanty

If it is an albino cory, then we had similar. It could be an internal bacteria infection. If it is you will have to act quite fast.

These are the symptons.

Inactivity, loss of color, frayed fins, bloated body, cloudy eyes, open sores, abscesses, red streaks throughout body, reddening or inflammation of the skin, fins or internal organs, bulging eyes, difficulty breathing.

Here's a good diagnosis chart as well.

http://www.klsnet.com/files/fishchart.htm

If there is an infection you "HAVE GOT TO" treat him. Do you have a hospital tank that you could set up.

Check your nitrates in the tank, if you don't have a kit then take a fresh sample to you local fish shop.

We really need alittle more information however, if you don't know what type of fish it is, describe it or take a photo.

good luck

rob

Nanty32 · Post by **Nanty32** » 23 Aug 2003, 09:35

Hello there

Thank you for your advise, unfortunately (and slightly to our relief) the poorly albino cory died overnight leaving it's partner rather lost and alone. Once we are sure that the remaining fish is healthy we will put it into the other tank which currenty houses 5 healthy corys.

We have, I admit, always had a nitrate problem in tank one which has been hard to cure and with so many fry in the tank I am worried about doing another quarter water change at the moment. I also note that the plants, although dense and perfect for the fish, is black in a lot of places and I worry that this may contribute towards the high nitrate. Again my instinct is to pull the plants, trim them back and put them back in the tank, but again the fry stop me from doing this incase I pull one out with the plants!

Again, thanks for your advice which I will keep for future reference.

Best Regards

Nanty

doctorzeb · Post by **doctorzeb** » 23 Aug 2003, 12:03

Sorry to hear about your cory, I hope the other is OK

Chances are the rotting plants will contribute to high nitrates. if you have too many fry this will also contibute. Unless you want to get yourself something that will eat the fry

, I suggest a larger filter may be in order.

What size of tank do you have?
What size of filter, internal or external?
What other fish are in the tank.

good luck rob

Post by **Barbie** » 23 Aug 2003, 17:12

As nitrates are the end product of the cycling process, a larger filter will have little effect on the nitrate levels. The only thing that will lower them is water changes and plant growth. If a 25% water change is cause for worry with the fry you have in the tank currently, try 10% water changes daily. Most of the types of fry that I've raised benefitted from that regimen.

Hope that helps,
Barbie

Nanty32 · Post by **Nanty32** » 23 Aug 2003, 21:41

Hey, great advise from all. I especially like the thought of a 10% daily water change and have already changed the first 10%.

The thought of re-introducing the killer angel fish to the tank to clear the fry a bit was a bit of a shock!! Just cant do that one

Tank 1 is very bare at the moment on account that all the large or aggresive fish are in tank 2 which is doing very well and there have been no deaths or infections in the 8 months it has been established. Tank 1 currently houses 10 neon tetras, 15 guppy fry (parents sadly did not make it), 1 newly widowed cory and 1 orange coloured loach (widowed some months ago). Until we are happy, no new fish are going to be introduced to this tank. Tank 1 is 36 litre tank with medium sized filter and pump. Tank 2 is 40 litres with built in filter and pump system which seems to be very good. The only minor problem in tank 2 is the hair like algae which has to be removed weekly.

I must add though, that it is great that I have found this forum as we have had several problems in the past and it isnt like you can take a fish to the vet so we often have no way of finding solutions.

Plus, all my mates think I am SO sad when I get exited at the birth of fry or cry at the death of a fish and the words 'girl, you need to get a life' have been said often!

Nanty

Post by **Barbie** » 23 Aug 2003, 22:52

Ummm, nanty, not to rain on your parade or anything, but that tank 1 basically is a 10 gallon tank, that you list 12 fish that exceed an inch, minimum, and 15 more guppy fry of indeterminate size. That tank is DEFINTELY overstocked, and adding additional fish at any time shouldn't be an option, IMO.

The daily water changes will definitely help maintain your water quality, until you can look into larger tanks to help with your stocking issues.

Barbie

Nanty32 · Post by **Nanty32** » 23 Aug 2003, 22:57

Hi Barbie

I meant 36 & 40 gallon tanks not litres as typed - sorry

Nanty

doctorzeb · Post by **doctorzeb** » 23 Aug 2003, 23:53

Good Luck nanty

And Don't worry I think one of the pre-requisits of being obsessed with fish is that your mate give you hasstle about it.