my fish are dying one by one

[AQman]

last week my coral beauty died overnight...it was on the ground breathing heavily and tattered fins...it was fine the day before. I'm not sure whether or not the tattered fins came from fish picking on it after it was sick or from an infection of some sorts. This morning my Moorish idol is the same way...not swimming on the ground and tattered fins.

Anyone know what's going on...i have several fish left in the tank and i don't want this to happen to all of them. The tank has been healthy for years...

Thanks

[vtec si]

AQman,

Have you tested your water? If so, what are the results of it. We need a little more info about your water quality and about your tank. Please do not take this the wrong way but I think you should take a good look at your water. The reason I say this is that your Moorish Idol will not take a drastic change in water quality. Give us more info so we may be able to help.

Good Luck,

VTEC SI

[Bughead]

Also, how long has your tank been running? The more info you can give, the better. Tell us ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH, temp, etc, etc. Tell us stuff even if you don't think it has any bearing. Also, what other inhabitants in the tank? What kind of salt do you use--more important, what kind of water? Anything you can think of. Hopefully, we can get on top of this before you have any more losses.

[AQman]

My water parameters are 0 nitrite and around 1-5 ppm nitrate if any...most of the time it is zero, sometimes it creeps up a little. The tank had been running for over a year, and before i moved the tank it had been going for around 5 years. I know the idol doesn't do well with quick water quality changes and it had been doing well for quite some time...it even ate dry food!!! I can't believe i lost it . i may try another one later...but for now, i'm just worried about my current residents. I can see nothing wrong with the idol now that it is dead...nothing but tattered fins (very lightly tattered) and dark coloration, but that is normal of a dead fish. I'm just worried because of the quick acting death of both the idol and the coral beauty (who is a hardy fish that i had for two years). Do you think maybe feeding some medicated food might help keep the other fish healthy. i know any medication isn't the best idea, but i have still my clown pair, achiles tang and imperator to worry about. They all appear healthy now and are eating, but of course, the idol was appeared healthy yesterday as well...man this sucks

Thanks

[Bughead]

Nix the medication. You have no idea what you're fighting. If you want to add something to the food, make it vitamins. Vit C is essential for the immune system. You can soak the food in Zoe for that. Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential, and that can be found in Zoecon. Selcon has that with vit C, I believe.

I'd suggest you do a water change immediately. Right now that's your only line of defence. You may want to repeat the water change every other or every third day for a few changes.

OK, here's another thought. What's your electricity situation? Well grounded? Errant current can be devistating to a tank.

Keep us posted. Very sorry about your losses. The clowns and tang will probably be the hardiest, but I hope you can get this fixed for the Emperor. Good Luck.

[AQman]

i usually feel the same way about medication...but mysterioulsy loosing fish isn't helping my stance on the subject. Of course, my inverts wouldn't like and meds anyways so that really isn't an option. Water changes are being done...every day in very small amounts. Hopefuly there will be no more losses, although i'm still very upset about my idol. I don't believe i will get another one that will eat like such a pig.

[mrok12]

Get some garlic elixr to boost the immunity of the fish.

I use minced garlic weekly and the fish love it

[Reefland]

How are you making out? Are the other fellas making it ok? I noticed Bughead mentioned it, do you use a grounding probe to prevent stray current in the tank?

Scott Z.

[pennpal]

Have you added any new fish lately( like a trigger)? An aggressive fish can make life unbearable for its tank mates.