Fish people - what disease is this?

[Pareeeee]

I've had two fish die in my aquarium in the past month, and both exhibited the same symptoms. I need to prevent this asap.

It's almost like a combination of pop-eye and dropsy. Both fish became slightly 'unstable' swimmers, their bodies bloated (but not to the extreme like with dropsy) and scales looked deteriorated. Eyes were enlarged, but not to the extent of pop-eye. The first fish was treated with Maracyn-Two (antibiotics) and raised aquarium temperatures, the second with Pimafix. Both fish died.

The second fish became sick soon after a water change. The illness did not affect its appetite until the very end.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I cant seem to find any info online about these symptoms.

[Terranaut]

Wish I could help sorry :(

[lady_bug87]

Which type of fish?

[Pareeeee]

One was a Congo Tetra and the other a Roseline Shark.

[lady_bug87]

Hmmm it could have been something causing a problem with the swim bladder. I think there is some sickness that makes it fill with gas so they stop being able to swim right, not sure if that would contribute to the bulging eyes.

Other than that little tidbit of information I cannot help. Good luck!

[Pareeeee]

Yeah, I've seen swim bladder disease and this isn't it. I can usually diagnose and medicate fish diseases on my own but this one's got me stumped.

[Jinxygirl]

are the scales kind of red or bloody looking? Could it be Septicemia? The symptoms seem similar.

[Deva]

I don't know much, but I lost two Roseline sharks myself, shortly after I got them, probably within two months. I didn't notice anything wrong except a slight fading in color the day before. I have kept fish for many years and this was extremely disappointing because they are quite beautiful. I concluded I would not try to keep any Roseline tetras again. They also required a larger tank than I had them in, but I don't think that was the reason they died, since they were quite small.

I don't have any experience with the Congo Tetra.

Other than water changes and medication, I am afraid I would not know what to do.

[swolek]

What are your water parameters? What's the set-up like (size, fish, etc.)?

Might be worth a shot to try a different antibiotic since you're going that route. Maracyn 2 isn't going to take care of all bacteria. Try Maracyn Plus or something else. Of course, none will be effective if this isn't bacterial.

[Pareeeee]

are the scales kind of red or bloody looking? Could it be Septicemia? The symptoms seem similar.

Didn't notice anything red on the scales, or anywhere for that matter.

I don't know much, but I lost two Roseline sharks myself, shortly after I got them, probably within two months. I didn't notice anything wrong except a slight fading in color the day before. I have kept fish for many years and this was extremely disappointing because they are quite beautiful. I concluded I would not try to keep any Roseline tetras again. They also required a larger tank than I had them in, but I don't think that was the reason they died, since they were quite small.

I don't have any experience with the Congo Tetra.

Other than water changes and medication, I am afraid I would not know what to do.

Roseline Sharks are stinkin' expensive too! Probably not going to be replaced, they were a gift.

What are your water parameters? What's the set-up like (size, fish, etc.)?

Might be worth a shot to try a different antibiotic since you're going that route. Maracyn 2 isn't going to take care of all bacteria. Try Maracyn Plus or something else. Of course, none will be effective if this isn't bacterial.

Yeah, I keep thinking bacterial, but it could be viral I don't know. Definitely not parasite or fungal.

My tank is a 33gal, fully planted. Co2 injector, heater and large aquaclear waterfall filter. Gravel substrate. Plant ferts dosed a couple times per week.

Our well-water quality has declined over the last few months and I'm thinking it may have something to do with the problems. Landlord is going to be putting a new filtration system in, but not sure when. :/

Fish include 2 Rainbows, 3 Yoyo Loaches, 2 Angels, 2 Doctor Fish, 3 SAE's, 3 Otos, now down to 1 Roseline Shark, a female betta, and a small catfish I've had for about 7 years.
I've always overstocked for years with no problems, but with the decline in water quality I think it's causing problems. You have to have pristine water conditions to overstock successfully.

[Pareeeee]

Water quality has affected the plants as well. It's gone from this
http://i.imgur.com/UZfyhf3.jpg

to this.
http://i.imgur.com/znTsKyQ.jpg

:(

[swolek]

Ah, yeah, that's definitely overstocked. Have you tested ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, pH, etc.? What were they?

Maybe give distilled water (add a product designed to put the right minerals and such back in, don't use it straight) a try until that new filtration system is implemented. Or get something like this: Aquarium Water Quality: Tap Water Filter (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4484)

I've personally used that filter, it gets the job done.

[Pareeeee]

http://www.labspaces.net/pictures/blog/4e5466b7dc69f1314154167_blog.jpg

The landlord is putting in a UV system and iron filter on today. We will have clean tapwater, finally!

Can't wait to do a nice water change on the aquarium and get things back to 'normal'.

Also, we can drink our tapwater after this!

:) :) :) :) :)

[Deva]

Yes, you better believe those Roseline sharks are expensive! I know I paid $25 apiece for them and when they died a month later it was a big shock!

[mistersprinkles]

Yes, you better believe those Roseline sharks are expensive! I know I paid $25 apiece for them and when they died a month later it was a big shock!

Try keeping haps and peacocks. $ 40-70 per fish. When one of those dies you just start to think about all the other things you could have done with the money. :hmm:

[swolek]

That's nothing, try $150 coral :(. Man, reef tanks are expensive, haha.

[Deva]

Oh yes, saltwater fish and reef tanks are far more expensive than almost anything for a freshwater tank. Roseline sharks are still expensive for fresh water. I also read that they are best kept in groups and need a large tank (over 55 gal.). Disappointing, since they are so beautiful.