How do you know if it's disease?

[madly99]

Hi again,

So as an offshoot to my danio bullying problem - I've lost two danios; I have a third that looks a little peaky, and two Buenos Aires tetras that look okay. I only had the danios for four days - how do I know if they were sick vs. new tank stressed?

It's a new 20H tank in its fifth day. I don't know all the parameters exactly off the top of my head, but when I tested last night:
ammonia was less than 0.25ppm
ph was neutral
water was soft
chlorine, nitrates and nitrites were all 0.

I have a kit with the drops for the ammonia and the 6-in-1 dip sticks for the rest.

If they were diseased, is there anything I can do to protect the remaining fish? The tetras look hale and hearty so far, but I would hate for that to change.

Thanks a lot for the help!

[Lady Hobbs]

Some fish can not tolerate any ammonia for long periods at all and others, like danio's, are more tolerable to it. I don't see that low ammonia as being a problem for them. However, the dry test kits are generally known to very pretty inaccurate and to get the test results the Master Test Kits are the way to fly. You could also have your water tested at your local LFS. (Licensed fish store.)

Are you seeing bullying issues at all between the two species? Sorry I can't be of more help and it very well could be that the danio's come with problems.

Sorry

[MeganL3985]

I lost a couple of my platys because I was using the dip sticks and they were totally off! I couldn't figure out what was going on b/c the tests were reading very low to no ammonia. As soon as I got my dropper tests (that everyone here so greatly recommended), I tested my water. The ammonia was outrageous! I know you said you have the droppers for the ammonia, but just an example for a test in general....I wouldn't even bother with the dip sticks for any of the testing.

As for the diseases, personally I would not treat your fish unless you can be almost positive that there was a disease going on with the dead danios. Just keep monitoring it and research different signs of diseases. That way you can know what to look for with different types. B/c if it is stress, unnecessary meds will only cause them more. Sorry I can't be of more help!

[madly99]

Thanks, ladies. I parked on the floor in front of the tank earlier today in search of the missing danio - still can't find him; still think the tetras ate him - and noticed the last danio looking a little matte, like he's covered in really tiny peach fuzz. The tetras, too, looked like a little less shiny.

I'm guessing fungus? Again, could be being paranoid, or maybe I just don't know what I'm looking at - can't say I trust any of the fish store people since the one that seemed relatively knowledgeable sold me the fuzzy fish.

I'm going to try a water change and see if that helps. The temp has also been a bit high in the aquarium - I think it was close to mid 80s today, so I'm going to try to keep it cooler, too. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

[MeganL3985]

If they are fuzzy that is probably fungus. And I know how your feeling about being paranoid. When I brought my betta home last week and go to inspect him really well I was paranoid about everything. Turns out he did have ich, got that treated. Also there was a white patch on the bottom of his chin and I suspected fungus. Got on here and talked to all the people here and most agreed with the fungus patch. I started fungal treatment with Maracyn, 3 days ago and already the white patch is fading and he is looking soooooo much healthier.
So anyway, with that said, I say if you think they look fuzzy and are paranoid about it...then I would go ahead and start treatment. We are not there to inspect and give a proper diagnosis....so if you feel more comfortable with treatment then I say do it.

Just my opinion though, I would wait to see what others say to make a final decision. I'm sorry I can't help you more :(

[gm72]

Thanks, ladies. I parked on the floor in front of the tank earlier today in search of the missing danio - still can't find him; still think the tetras ate him - and noticed the last danio looking a little matte, like he's covered in really tiny peach fuzz. The tetras, too, looked like a little less shiny.

I'm guessing fungus? Again, could be being paranoid, or maybe I just don't know what I'm looking at - can't say I trust any of the fish store people since the one that seemed relatively knowledgeable sold me the fuzzy fish.

I'm going to try a water change and see if that helps. The temp has also been a bit high in the aquarium - I think it was close to mid 80s today, so I'm going to try to keep it cooler, too. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

Start a treatment regimen targeted at a fungal infection. Mid 80s temperature is a bit high for a tank, I'd recommend dropping the temp to aroung 75 degrees or so.

So, large water change. Treat for fungus according to manufacturer's specifications, and keep us posted!

[madly99]

Just an update - I've done two nights of Pimafix after a scary episode where Jeff the danio kept sinking to the bottom of the tank like a deadweight. This morning, I noticed one of the Buenos Aires tetras just looking fantastic - bright colors, shiny, upright fins. Unfortunately, he was feeling well enough to bully around the other tetra whose fins are now looking a bit ragged.

Jeff was still looking grey and doing his sinking thing during the day, but this evening, he had fins! He had them clamped for days! He still looks greyish, but the appearance of the fins assures me he's doing better. I don't know, though, if it was the Pimafix, or the fact that the ammonia is dropping, or that the room has been cooler the past couple of days.

Btw, does anyone have experience with Pimafix? Would your recommend dosing as the packaging says - 7 days and then a 25% water change? Some things I've read say this is excessive. The oiliness does make me a bit nervous, though it seems to dissipate after a day. Also, should I use Melafix as a backup and to help the ragged-finned tetra or am I just overmedicating?

Thanks so much for your help!