Toxicity Question

[alh]

So ok , first off let me say im no longer doing salt/reef systems, but I thought I would ask here anyway.
I hvae built myself a spillway of sorts for the fish I currently keep, I used plexi to build it and the acrylic cement that I used was a tapp formulation, told that it was in reality Weldon #3 and also some Weldon #16, they worked fine, however I noticed the fish are not to impresed with the new system, I see them clamping fins, hanging out at the top, also laying around the bottom, they do eat, At least temperalrily. then they don't and die.

Anyway, whats the stand off period before you can use the equipment, I know it was at least overnight, and then washed and cleaned, But I'm concerned that there is some toxicity ,, maybe I didn't let it sit long enough but its been in use for two weeks now. and no changes, any reccomendations? or is this stuff usually safe and I am just seeing another issue.

Thanks ,

[scubadude]

You may be seeing another issue....Any water test done recently? I would check your nitrates, worst case scenario do some water changes....definately check yer levels though. Usually weldon only requires a 24 hr period as long as you didnt gob the Weldon 16 on too thick.

[gregony]

You could throw a big bag of carbon directly in the tank. Ammonia may be coming off the adhesive, you could try ammo-lock to temporarily remedy that problem. It's been 6 days since your post though, so I'm guessing your fish either made it or they didn't.

[alh]

Hi, well yes its been a few days, but no change at all, the fish seem to be doing exactly the same thing, Note of importance, I change the water daily, its a closed system of sorts , its a drip system with a constant over flow, the water is constantly in flux, 100 percent water change daily, Sounds like it could be something else, have done my water tests, ammonia 0 nitrate 0 nitrite 0 ph 8.1 kh/gh 8/16 very hard water. lime , calcium.

It maybe just a coincedence as I did get a few more fish about the same time. ??

[gregony]

With saltwater, I've only had fish die when I've added other fish, or when I overstocked the tank. Since your tests are all good, it would either be a disease or a toxicity problem. Do you use tap water, or RO/DI water? Either way, I think carbon may be the next best step, don't change more than 20% of the water per day. First though, Check the water temperature (which you've probably already done), it will cause the described symptoms if it is too low or too high (you probably know this but you'd be surprised how often this is the problem). I don't know how precious the plants are, but if they're not too valuable get them out. They only complicate the situation at this point. The water column needs to be stable, even for bettas (though they're trickier to keep in well fitered tropical tanks, I've found). If none of that helps, you may have to try a wide spectum antibiotic.

[alh]

Plants are gone, the temp right now is running around 76/78, I do have RO/DI but only use that for the breeding, This is straight well water. preheated and added. I don't hve a chlorine adding system on the well.
I suspect tht I may have to drain / jar the fish and let it air out again for a few days or so, I don't think under water the weldon can weep out the gases, I am about to use a broad action antibiotic. I prefer maracyn plus. but I tried antifungus, coppersafe for parasites, and treated also for HITH, I did another ammonia check , nothing at all.

I suspect that I picked somehting up from the fish i just got, and its spread into the tanks, my frie are doing fine, and seperat tanks with angels is fine as well as some other species. If the anti don't work its drying time. this is probly getting off topic now, i was mostly concerned with the toxiicy of the adheasives, but I'm thinking that isn't the problem, I did a test with removing the fish from the barracks system, they didn't improve, so it must be disease. I'll treat, with antibiotic, thanks for your help. I'm open to more suggestions but if its disease it should be in another topic. ..

[Bloodydecks]

The pH is pretty high for a beta fish (thats what it appears to be in the tanks). I may be wrong, but I thought Beta fish like a low pH, and acidic water.

Disease could be the cause...but with a 100% water change daily, it seems unlikey it could spread that fast. I also don't think it is an off gas issue, for the same reason, 100% water change.

Try putting some gold fish or Danios in the water. If the Danio's die, or show the same signs, then you have a serious issue....

Look forward to your follow up posts.

[alh]

True they do prefer a slightly less PH, 7.6 is fine but they have been raised in this PH for several years, And they do very well. This is completely off from there usual, I've raised them for many years, this seems just too strange, new system, they started this for lack of a better word, behavour, Like I said though I didi get six new fish, all seemed healthy enough till they were put in this system. now of course I have lost one of them, and nearly 30 adults. they all seem fine till they go in that unit. Its like the unit carries the problem, thats why I worried about it leaching off , I'm thinking isolation for each, and sterolizing the system (bleach) letting it sit for a number of days, I also will be picking up some maracyn plus today. and trying that also. Its really got me stumped, there droppings are fine, and they eat till the last, then turn over and in two days gone?? I really need to find a solution. These are a line I've kept for nearly 12 years. I'll try a couple feeder gold fish or a danio.

[Bloodydecks]

Man that is a bummer. I hope you manage to save a few so that you can continue the line. Try the tester fish first....I am curious to see if they are affected....especially the danio, as they are bullet proof.

Is it possible that something has change in the chemistry of the well water? How about the O2 level...I know beta fish don't need a lot of 02, but maybe there are some issues with the well water. Just tossing out some thoughts. Maybe try putting a air stone in the system, just to see if will make a difference. ???

[alh]

Well this is just a guess, but for instance I have some angels in another tank, and a few albino cories, with three golden sailfin pleco's, same water straight from the tap, no issues, and the fry in the other tanks are fine, however if I move a single fry from the healty tank , and I did to test it, in about a week they show the same symptoms. darting around, sinking down , clamping fins, stop eating, then roll then die, takes about two weeks, I thought from the flashing it was parasites, But no amount of treatment works, thats why the gases concern. But I was dong some research and I think perhaps???? it could be a gill disease, and IM gong to treat with tri sufa drug. I'll let ya know how it works.??
O2 isn't really a problem for betta, labrynth gland gets air from above the water, although they do use there gills. If a betta can't get to the surface and gulp once in a while, they willl drown. ..

[Bloodydecks]

labrynth gland....I forgot about that.

I agree...It has to be a disease issue. I wish you luck and look forward to your updates. Wish I could have been of help.

[alh]

I truly do appreciate your imput. We fish folks do stick together to help each other. Thanks for your help. I'll let you know one way or the other.