Cursed Tank? But seriously, HELP.

M

metaluna7

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Mar 30, 2018
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Six months ago I had two cory catfish happily living in a 5 gallon Fluval Chi. They had lived in the Chi for over a year.

I "upgraded" to a 9 gallon Fluval Flex. Took my time moving the catfish to the new tank. Waited until the nitrogen cycle was complete. Temps were good, levels were good, but the fish became lethargic almost instantly. They stopped swimming, stopped eating and eventually died after weeks of me not being able to figure out what the heck was going on. They exhibited no outward signs of illness.

An acquaintance of mine, a marine biologist that owns a local fish store, tried to help me troubleshoot what was happening towards the end. He said the stock filtration system in the new tank was awful and had me upgrade to the Penguin 100 Bio Wheel. He had me raise the temperature a few degrees. The water LOOKED better almost immediately after adding the Bio Wheel.

After a few weeks with the Bio Wheel running I re-tested the water then decided to add some new fish. I bought 4 guppies. For the first couple of days they seemed absolutely thrilled to be there. They were lively and eating well. Day 3 I noticed one of the guppies hanging out at the top of the tank, treading water so to speak. No longer interested in food. Within 24 hours it was dead. I figured it was just a fluke.

Two days later, a second guppy started behaving the same way. Stopped eating, stopped playing/exploring and just treaded water at the top of the tank. Dead within 24 hours after that.

Now a 3rd guppy is starting to exhibit this behavior. (I have a video of the behavior I can share if anyone would like to see it) Meanwhile the 4th guppy is still as happy and active as the day it arrived.

I re-tested the water. I have an API Master Kit. Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia levels, all test as being perfect. Our PH is a bit high (8) but that is typical for this area and I doubt the pet store's water is any different. Temp is spot on 76 degrees.

I feed Omega One freshwater flakes.

Does anyone have any idea what might be going on with this tank? I am beyond frustrated and I truly am starting to believe the tank is CURSED. I appreciate any and all suggestions/advice.
 
Where did you get them? How were they prepped?

What it sounds like to me is that something is leaching a toxin into the water.
 
OrionGirl said:
Where did you get them? How were they prepped?

What it sounds like to me is that something is leaching a toxin into the water.
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Everything came from Petsmart. For the initial prep I just rinsed everything really well with hot tap water.
 
Are you treating your fish when you bring them home. I have to treat all new fish for parasites and bacterial infections. If it is internal parasites it could take months before you notice the issue. I agree this sounds like some kind of toxin. Was the tank cleaned with any chemicals?

Have you tried a different food, fish flakes can give bloat because they swell in the fishes belly. Try Fluval Bug Bites for small fish. Honestly I had to throw out my omega food because my fish spit it out.
 
OrionGirl said:
Was it all from the fish/aquarium section?

How did you fill the tank?
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Yes, it was all from the aquarium section. When I originally switched from the Chi to the Flex I added a couple cups of water from the Chi and seeded the Flex filter with a piece of filter from the Chi. I then waited 4 weeks to move the fish, tested all levels before I added them and then tested frequently after adding them.

When I switched to the Penguin filter I pulled the decorations out and rinsed them with hot tap water. I did a 75% water change and seeded the filter with a piece of filter from the stock Flex filter. Waited another 4 weeks before bringing home the guppies.
 
metaluna7 said:
Yes, it was all from the aquarium section. When I originally switched from the Chi to the Flex I added a couple cups of water from the Chi and seeded the Flex filter with a piece of filter from the Chi. I then waited 4 weeks to move the fish, tested all levels before I added them and then tested frequently after adding them.

When I switched to the Penguin filter I pulled the decorations out and rinsed them with hot tap water. I did a 75% water change and seeded the filter with a piece of filter from the stock Flex filter. Waited another 4 weeks before bringing home the guppies.
Click to expand...
Did you have an ammonia source between seeding and putting fish in?
 
Award Aquarium said:
Are you treating your fish when you bring them home. I have to treat all new fish for parasites and bacterial infections. If it is internal parasites it could take months before you notice the issue. I agree this sounds like some kind of toxin. Was the tank cleaned with any chemicals?

Have you tried a different food, fish flakes can give bloat because they swell in the fishes belly. Try Fluval Bug Bites for small fish. Honestly I had to throw out my omega food because my fish spit it out.
Click to expand...
No, I never clean with chemicals or soap. I always just use hot tap water.

I haven't treated any of the fish for anything. It definitely seems like SOMETHING is happening with the tank because the tank is the only variable. The corys did great for a long time, up until I moved them to that new tank. I really thought it was the filter, but now the same thing is happening with the new filter so ???

The fish store guy that helped me before did mention bacteria. Is there any way to test for harmful bacteria? Do the fish show any visible symptoms at all when that is the issue? Could I treat the tank for bacteria even if I'm not 100% sure that's the issue?

I'm also wondering if I should pull all the decorations out just in case. Maybe there was a mixup at the factory or something and the driftwood decoration got contaminated. You just never know.

I will pick up some of the food you recommended. Thank you!
 
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