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Retirement and forum shutdown (17 Jan 2022)
Hi,
John Howell who has managed the forum for years is getting on and wishes to retire from the role of managing it.
Over the years, he has managed the forum through good days and bad days and he has always been fair.
He has managed to bring his passion for fish keeping to the forum and keep it going for so long.
I wish to thank John for his hard work in keeping the forum going.
With John wishing to "retire" from the role of managing the forum and the forum receiving very little traffic, I think we must agree that forum has come to a natural conclusion and it's time to put it to rest.
I am proposing that the forum be made read-only from March 2022 onwards and that no new users or content be created. The website is still registered for several more years, so the content will still be accessible but no new topics or replies will be allowed.
If there is interest from the ITFS or other fish keeping clubs, we may redirect traffic to them or to a Facebook group but will not actively manage it.
I'd like to thank everyone over the years who helped with forum, posted a reply, started a new topic, ask a question and helped a newbie in fish keeping. And thank you to the sponsors who helped us along the away. Hopefully it made the hobby stronger.
I'd especially like to thank John Howell and Valerie Rousseau for all of their contributions, without them the forum would have never been has successful.
Thank you
Darragh Sherwin
help, lost a tetra this morning
- fourmations (NIall SMyth)
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05 Sep 2008 09:35 #1
by fourmations (NIall SMyth)
help, lost a tetra this morning was created by fourmations (NIall SMyth)
hi all
came down this morning and one of my tetras
was drifting around at 45degrees with its head up
just under the surface (head up, tail down)
it was breathing but clearly unwell
and i watched it for 10mins or so
and it was dragged towards the filter
so I decided to do the right thing
It appeared to have internal bleeding
(there was red around its head and belly)
one of the other tetras is looking a bit odd too!
it is circling around in a very small area
and its body is at 45degrees too, still active though
yesterday all water readings were good
but i'm getting ammonia at .75 this morning
(cant see why?)
i can get home at lunch and do a water change
(will i go with a fairly substancial one? 40%)
Im worried about this
any thoughts?
thanks
4
came down this morning and one of my tetras
was drifting around at 45degrees with its head up
just under the surface (head up, tail down)
it was breathing but clearly unwell
and i watched it for 10mins or so
and it was dragged towards the filter
so I decided to do the right thing
It appeared to have internal bleeding
(there was red around its head and belly)
one of the other tetras is looking a bit odd too!
it is circling around in a very small area
and its body is at 45degrees too, still active though
yesterday all water readings were good
but i'm getting ammonia at .75 this morning
(cant see why?)
i can get home at lunch and do a water change
(will i go with a fairly substancial one? 40%)
Im worried about this
any thoughts?
thanks
4
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- monty (monty)
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05 Sep 2008 10:03 #2
by monty (monty)
Replied by monty (monty) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
Sorry about the loss....
I'd suspect the Ammonia is the problem - need to get it to 0.
The water change will help and yes do a substantial one but the issue of where the ammonia is coming from will need to be addressed. Has anything else died which is causing the ammonia spike? Have you recently added more fish? In a recently cycled tank this needs to be done slowly to allow all the bacteria pick up the extra bioload.
Any chance you put untreated water into the tank or cleaned all filters ? The chlorine could have caused this.
What are your nitrite readings ? Best provide all reading information.
Sorry, loads of questions but if you answer it might help people pinpoint the problem
Monty
I'd suspect the Ammonia is the problem - need to get it to 0.
The water change will help and yes do a substantial one but the issue of where the ammonia is coming from will need to be addressed. Has anything else died which is causing the ammonia spike? Have you recently added more fish? In a recently cycled tank this needs to be done slowly to allow all the bacteria pick up the extra bioload.
Any chance you put untreated water into the tank or cleaned all filters ? The chlorine could have caused this.
What are your nitrite readings ? Best provide all reading information.
Sorry, loads of questions but if you answer it might help people pinpoint the problem
Monty
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- fourmations (NIall SMyth)
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05 Sep 2008 10:14 - 05 Sep 2008 10:19 #3
by fourmations (NIall SMyth)
Replied by fourmations (NIall SMyth) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
hi monty (and all)
the tank was re-setup recently with new water and tetra safestart, it was done a week ago, i had two tetras anyway
and added another 7 last sunday, all levels were good with the safestart and the lfs said work away on the extra tetras
the filter has been running for over a month
(i made a bit of a mess of a fishless cycle
and started again with safestart)
there have been no other deaths in the tank
so i dont know where the spike is from
unless its classic newb overfeeding but
i go by the recommended action
before i re-setup the tank
my original two tetras were in the tank
with similar levels of ammomnia for a few days
while i tried to control it and they were fine
i use stresscoat on all waterchanges and have not slipped up on that (i hope)
Nitrite is 0, nitrate is 2ish, ph is 7.4
I'm wondering if i should remove the other suspect fish
but i have no quarantine tank, i could house it in a bucket
with a pump and heater
I have no emergency meds
any other advice welcome
rgds
4
the tank was re-setup recently with new water and tetra safestart, it was done a week ago, i had two tetras anyway
and added another 7 last sunday, all levels were good with the safestart and the lfs said work away on the extra tetras
the filter has been running for over a month
(i made a bit of a mess of a fishless cycle
and started again with safestart)
there have been no other deaths in the tank
so i dont know where the spike is from
unless its classic newb overfeeding but
i go by the recommended action
before i re-setup the tank
my original two tetras were in the tank
with similar levels of ammomnia for a few days
while i tried to control it and they were fine
i use stresscoat on all waterchanges and have not slipped up on that (i hope)
Nitrite is 0, nitrate is 2ish, ph is 7.4
I'm wondering if i should remove the other suspect fish
but i have no quarantine tank, i could house it in a bucket
with a pump and heater
I have no emergency meds
any other advice welcome
rgds
4
Last edit: 05 Sep 2008 10:19 by fourmations (NIall SMyth).
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05 Sep 2008 18:00 #4
by mickeywallace (Michael Wallace Cath Woods)
Mickey Wallace & Cath Woods
Replied by mickeywallace (Michael Wallace Cath Woods) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
Hi fourmations,
Sorry to hear this! which type tetra is this?
has the fish lost colour?
maybe spine curved or the body looks lumpy bloating?
Sorry to hear this! which type tetra is this?
has the fish lost colour?
maybe spine curved or the body looks lumpy bloating?
Mickey Wallace & Cath Woods
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- fourmations (NIall SMyth)
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05 Sep 2008 19:53 #5
by fourmations (NIall SMyth)
Replied by fourmations (NIall SMyth) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
thanks mickey
it was a silvertip
no colour loss
no curves or lumps
i have taken out my cobbles and roots
as there is a possibility either or both are causing problems
its unusual though, i now have eight fish and seven of them
seem absolutely fine and fully active and interating as usual
whereas one has not looked good since this morning
and still doesnt, i dont know if i should do the right thing?
she has been acting the same way (described above) all day
and thats similar to the way the doomed fish was acting
rgds
4
it was a silvertip
no colour loss
no curves or lumps
i have taken out my cobbles and roots
as there is a possibility either or both are causing problems
its unusual though, i now have eight fish and seven of them
seem absolutely fine and fully active and interating as usual
whereas one has not looked good since this morning
and still doesnt, i dont know if i should do the right thing?
she has been acting the same way (described above) all day
and thats similar to the way the doomed fish was acting
rgds
4
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05 Sep 2008 21:21 #6
by mickeywallace (Michael Wallace Cath Woods)
Mickey Wallace & Cath Woods
Replied by mickeywallace (Michael Wallace Cath Woods) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
Hi Fourmations,
Yes it is very strange and annoying but the fact so many changes in a short space of time makes id the problem very hard.
It is quite possiable that the two are the originals and its just to much for them.
if it stops at this i would suggest that this the case but because of all the variables i would still treat this with concern. plenty of water changes and stress coat and stress zyne. or similar products.
esha 2000 would be my next purchase fairly good all rounder.
take this opportunity to treat the root boil three times the cobble as treat as serratus suggest.
i am sorry to have to say this slow down your making to many changes to fast conpare it this way you have made a hundred years of climate change in a few weeks.
small steps are better it takes time to get the type of tanks we see in photos and even at that there is still heart ache.
you have a very good eye for detail and some good ideas but time it takes time so relax enjoy were all here to help you
Mickey
Yes it is very strange and annoying but the fact so many changes in a short space of time makes id the problem very hard.
It is quite possiable that the two are the originals and its just to much for them.
if it stops at this i would suggest that this the case but because of all the variables i would still treat this with concern. plenty of water changes and stress coat and stress zyne. or similar products.
esha 2000 would be my next purchase fairly good all rounder.
take this opportunity to treat the root boil three times the cobble as treat as serratus suggest.
i am sorry to have to say this slow down your making to many changes to fast conpare it this way you have made a hundred years of climate change in a few weeks.
small steps are better it takes time to get the type of tanks we see in photos and even at that there is still heart ache.
you have a very good eye for detail and some good ideas but time it takes time so relax enjoy were all here to help you
Mickey
Mickey Wallace & Cath Woods
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- fourmations (NIall SMyth)
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05 Sep 2008 21:59 #7
by fourmations (NIall SMyth)
Replied by fourmations (NIall SMyth) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
hi
i have been more than pro-active on getting the tanks the
way i want it (its taken over my life)
and i agree a slow down would do no harm!!
btw. the tetra i lost is not an original and either is the poorly one,
i can recognise the originals, no clues there
heres a few more observations of the sick fish...
she is now threading water in the same spot
and seems to sink if she stops, i put in one crushed flake
a little while ago to see her reaction and she was straight after it
along with the others, zipped around for the morsels and then
returned to the same spot and continues threading water,
she seems quite fat but i would not consider her bloated
is this anything to do with the dreaded swim bladder isssues
thanks for the advice and support
(i may need a therapist soon!)
rgds
4
i have been more than pro-active on getting the tanks the
way i want it (its taken over my life)
and i agree a slow down would do no harm!!
btw. the tetra i lost is not an original and either is the poorly one,
i can recognise the originals, no clues there
heres a few more observations of the sick fish...
she is now threading water in the same spot
and seems to sink if she stops, i put in one crushed flake
a little while ago to see her reaction and she was straight after it
along with the others, zipped around for the morsels and then
returned to the same spot and continues threading water,
she seems quite fat but i would not consider her bloated
is this anything to do with the dreaded swim bladder isssues
thanks for the advice and support
(i may need a therapist soon!)
rgds
4
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- umm (karen baker)
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06 Sep 2008 08:32 #8
by umm (karen baker)
Replied by umm (karen baker) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
hi there. sorry about your fish. know what its like(lost two torpedo barbs-never found out the reason)is your fishes scales protruding?(dropsy). just keep the water parameters at correct levels. check ph. you say its taken over your life, can relate to that some what- ive gone checking the water mad. had a slight ammonia and nitrite spike a while back cos had a power failure and it affected the bio filter. it took about 3 water changes to get it right and i was really annoyed about it until i got it sorted. kept worrying about the fish every min they were in the tank. it could be just one of those things although when it happens its very frustrating if you cant find the reason. you'll get it sorted though. dont worry
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- fourmations (NIall SMyth)
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06 Sep 2008 09:51 #9
by fourmations (NIall SMyth)
Replied by fourmations (NIall SMyth) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
this morning...
i came in and turned on room lights and all the tetras
were still resting around, tanks lights went on 10mins later
and the dodgy tetra got active with the others
and then straight over to the exact same place
and started doing the exact same thing
i wonder if a swim bladder thing, she is fatter than any of the other
i might try feed peas and see if its constipation,
i am hopeful for this fish and there has been no depreciation
overnight, we'll see what happens
thanks again for your help all,
i came in and turned on room lights and all the tetras
were still resting around, tanks lights went on 10mins later
and the dodgy tetra got active with the others
and then straight over to the exact same place
and started doing the exact same thing
i wonder if a swim bladder thing, she is fatter than any of the other
i might try feed peas and see if its constipation,
i am hopeful for this fish and there has been no depreciation
overnight, we'll see what happens
thanks again for your help all,
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10 Sep 2008 09:03 #10
by fourmations (NIall SMyth)
Replied by fourmations (NIall SMyth) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
hi all
any further thoughts on the symptoms above?
(threading water in the exact same spot, head pointing up)
the fish in question was a bit more lively a couple of days ago
but only for a day,
it is back to doing the same thing constantly
and am sure the fish will suffer exhaustion,
her vent (arse, bum, whatever) looks red and agitated!
it will still get active at feeding time and eat
the ammonia is pretty much out of the tank now
ammonia - 0.1ppm, nitrite - 0ppm, nitrate 5ppm, ph - 7.5
I will try and take a video clip later
rgds
4
any further thoughts on the symptoms above?
(threading water in the exact same spot, head pointing up)
the fish in question was a bit more lively a couple of days ago
but only for a day,
it is back to doing the same thing constantly
and am sure the fish will suffer exhaustion,
her vent (arse, bum, whatever) looks red and agitated!
it will still get active at feeding time and eat
the ammonia is pretty much out of the tank now
ammonia - 0.1ppm, nitrite - 0ppm, nitrate 5ppm, ph - 7.5
I will try and take a video clip later
rgds
4
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10 Sep 2008 12:14 #11
by mickeywallace (Michael Wallace Cath Woods)
Mickey Wallace & Cath Woods
Replied by mickeywallace (Michael Wallace Cath Woods) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
could be internal parasite or infection after wards. i strongly suggest separating this fish from the rest. a photo would be a big help
Mickey Wallace & Cath Woods
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11 Sep 2008 11:17 - 11 Sep 2008 11:18 #12
by fourmations (NIall SMyth)
Replied by fourmations (NIall SMyth) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
hi all
here a (poor) video showing the tetras
behaviour
I have had constipation / swim bladder suspicions
she had a big poo yesterday but this morning
there was a bloody poo on the bottom
I show the rest of the fish at the end
they are all happy and active
Regards
here a (poor) video showing the tetras
behaviour
I have had constipation / swim bladder suspicions
she had a big poo yesterday but this morning
there was a bloody poo on the bottom
I show the rest of the fish at the end
they are all happy and active
Regards
Last edit: 11 Sep 2008 11:18 by fourmations (NIall SMyth).
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- Fishowner (Gavin fishowner)
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11 Sep 2008 12:20 #13
by Fishowner (Gavin fishowner)
Replied by Fishowner (Gavin fishowner) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
Firstly may I say you have a lovely tank.
Now the tetra,it certainly doesnt look well,swimming in the same spot would certainly be a conceren,regarding the swimbladder problem,I think it isnt actually a swimbladder problem,from my experience fish often lie on the bottom after a while of fighting to stay up if they are having problems with swim bladder. However the main reason why I suspect its not swimbladder is due to the bloody poo you mention. It sounds very much like an internal parasite / infection. If I was you Id isolate the fish in a quarantine tank if possible. Get up internal bacterial medicine and hope for the best. Anytime Im come across this,its only a matter of time before they become more withdrawn before eventually dying. Also if you are doing any meds remove the carbon from the filter. I hope this isnt the case but I have to be honest. A large water change may also help the existing tank.
Gavin
Now the tetra,it certainly doesnt look well,swimming in the same spot would certainly be a conceren,regarding the swimbladder problem,I think it isnt actually a swimbladder problem,from my experience fish often lie on the bottom after a while of fighting to stay up if they are having problems with swim bladder. However the main reason why I suspect its not swimbladder is due to the bloody poo you mention. It sounds very much like an internal parasite / infection. If I was you Id isolate the fish in a quarantine tank if possible. Get up internal bacterial medicine and hope for the best. Anytime Im come across this,its only a matter of time before they become more withdrawn before eventually dying. Also if you are doing any meds remove the carbon from the filter. I hope this isnt the case but I have to be honest. A large water change may also help the existing tank.
Gavin
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11 Sep 2008 13:08 #14
by fourmations (NIall SMyth)
Replied by fourmations (NIall SMyth) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
thanks fishowner
the fish does have periods of just sitting on the bottom
but spends 80% of the time treading water in that corner,
still feeding though
anyway, I dont have a quarantine tank I,m afraid
I have a friends rekord 60 tank but it hasnt
been running for ages and would be nervous that
its infested, (i dumped old gravel in it a week ago)
i have a 10 litre bucket, a spare heater and spare airpump
could i pop the fish in this and adminster the meds fairly quickly?
(the filter in the spare rekord 60 is fixed to the tank)
I have tetra contaspot and api fin and fungus repair
I will read up and see if these are suitable for meds
regards
4
regards
the fish does have periods of just sitting on the bottom
but spends 80% of the time treading water in that corner,
still feeding though
anyway, I dont have a quarantine tank I,m afraid
I have a friends rekord 60 tank but it hasnt
been running for ages and would be nervous that
its infested, (i dumped old gravel in it a week ago)
i have a 10 litre bucket, a spare heater and spare airpump
could i pop the fish in this and adminster the meds fairly quickly?
(the filter in the spare rekord 60 is fixed to the tank)
I have tetra contaspot and api fin and fungus repair
I will read up and see if these are suitable for meds
regards
4
regards
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- Fishowner (Gavin fishowner)
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11 Sep 2008 21:47 #15
by Fishowner (Gavin fishowner)
Replied by Fishowner (Gavin fishowner) on topic Re:help, lost a tetra this morning
Before you go adding the meds,please be sure you are doing more good than harm. People use meds sometimes when not needed. I bought some whitespot disease meds yesterday but hope I dont have to use it any time soon, I prefer to have a few meds just in case but to be honest Ive only being using melafix for the fins to repair along with a 40% water change. The fish seem to be flying it now 24 hours later. Just suss it out with a few people first before you add the meds to the tank. Yes a bucket would work. I personally use a small alyric tank of about 20 litres or so for the quarantine. Ive only used it a handful of times, and unfortunately didnt have success with it.But that was down the fish illness rather than the tank and treatment. Ask around,where are you located,if your in Dublin someone may be able to lend you a quarantine tank. A bucket would work I guess,as long as its clean,probably not ideal however.
Gavin
Gavin
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