My dad has a 55g set-up which has been running for around 2 yrs. His stock was primarely africans (not sure on all species, but he had a pair of electric yellow Labs. and a pair of red zebra)with a pleco. He recently lost everything except the pleco over a course of a couple weeks. He is routine in his water changes and I gave him my test kit to check ammonia (0), nitrite (0), nitrates (30)and Ph was a little low. What could have possibly caused such an outbreak of deaths?
Multiple Deaths
- Thread starter stu027
- Start date
I agree what water is he using, tap or other source? Also nitrates can be cause by overfeeding, and excessive waste in the tank. How much of the water is he changing out each water change? Also is he doing a good gravel vac when he does the water changes?
He is on city water and uses start right water conditioner, Also he has had the same tank sucessfully for several years with tropical fish and made the switch to african cichlids roughly 2 yrs ago. I spoke with my dad again today and he had mentioned that his tenant had been taking care of the fish (as the tank is in a common area)and noticed that he was going through alot of food. I would lean towards blue2fyre's comment about blout. I myself have a 56gal with mbuna and have never experienced any such disaster.
Could have been bloat, no doubt, how were the fish beforehand? They usually start acting weird, seclusive, swimming on the bottom, not coming up for food, etc..
I would also check with the water company and see if any chloramines were added to your water.
BTW I've heard of tank crashes before where the only survivors were plecos.
I would also check with the water company and see if any chloramines were added to your water.
BTW I've heard of tank crashes before where the only survivors were plecos.