Posted by stubd38 on March 16, 2003 at 10:25:47:
In Reply to: still looking for answers.... posted by redtwirldawg on March 10, 2003 at 20:14:26:
It may be an issue with the mollies. I know I've read somewhere, but am unable to find it, that there maybe a competition of fancy tailed fish amongst mollies. The source of the problem may actually occur in the evening when you are unable to see what is occuring between the fish. Or it could be an issue of purchasing sick fish. Either way, once you see the ragged edges appear, it is extremely important to treat immediately as once the finnage are broken, infections occur, eventually causing death. If possible remove the infected fish and place in a quaratine tank. Treat with one tablespoon salt (non-iodized or aquarium salt) for every five gallons of water. Dissolve the salt as much as possible in aquarium water before adding to the tank and don't pour the solution on the fish.
You should probably treat both tanks then with a broad-spectrum antiobiotic. I strongly reccommend Mardel labs products as they don't destroy nitrifying bacteria. Maracyn, would be a great choice for antiobiotic to use.
You should also be checking the ammonia, nitrIte, and nitrAte, levels, and cleaning possibly 1-2 times per week. When was the last time the tank was cleaned?
Hope this helps. Let us know how things go.
Debra
:::Hi, I seem to have a problem keeping male guppies alive. I have a 55 gal tank with guppies, mollies, lemon tetras, scissor tails and catfish. I have a total of 22 fish in there. Every time I get a male guppy he is fine for several days then his tail begins to get ragged and shreds and then he dies within a day or two. I have had four female guppies since I set the tank in Dec. and they have long tails also. I haven't had any problem with any other of the fish. I never see any bullying until the male guppy gets really weak. I do weekly water changes and test the water weekly. Does any body have any idea what could be going on here. Thanks, Kim
::Are lemon tetras nippy? What catfish? My first concern is that your fish, especially the rasboras, are extremely active feeders. If you're introducing new fish, those new ones may be intimidated come feeding time for a while, there-by stressing him out.
:I never see anyone nipping on the other fish. They all eat like little pigs but I feed them several times a day and always vacuem the extra out of the tank each weekend. The catfish are very docile bottom feeders. I think they are green aneus not really sure of the name, but I bought four becaus they like a group. They are great to watch but are not mean at all they run from the ghost shrimp. I just don't know why the male guppies tails start shredding and then they die. kim
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