Something is VERY wrong with my fish

[Breakthecycle2]

I feel like im doing something wrong in my QT tank. The other dottyback is on its way out now. My API test kits are registering ammonia, but others have said I can get a false positive. No LFS's have those ammonia badges in my area.

 

[ca2or]

poly fiber filter.....I think that is what they are called. They change color depending on what is detected in your system. Prime will reduce amonia.....

 

[Cleo642]

poly fiber filter.....I think that is what they are called. They change color depending on what is detected in your system. Prime will reduce amonia.....

They say not to use prime or Amquel with copper because it had a toxic reaction.

 

[ca2or]

oh right....my apologies....I would check into the filter pad though. You might have something leaching into your water.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

Well, according to my API tests, nothing by slightly high nitrates. The fish appear to be breathing a little heavy. What can I do about that? I lost two more wrasses in my main tank.

 

[Cleo642]

Well, according to my API tests, nothing by slightly high nitrates. The fish appear to be breathing a little heavy. What can I do about that? I lost two more wrasses in my main tank.

Frequent water changes I would think. Idk..

 

[ca2or]

What's your salinity, do you have a skimmer, is it lacking air transfer? API will not show you metals or toxins.....for example, when we had our first born I started losing stuff and it took me almost 3 months to realize it was the purell on my hands doing it.

 

[4FordFamily]

Frequent water changes. This.

Your fish are going through this with very damaged gills from whatever parasite, so this is a risky endeavor. Good chance they would all have died regardless of what you did at the level of infestation you showed.

That said, keep good water params as best you can. Buy ammonia badge online if you have to. My LFS all carry them now they're pretty commonplace but that's here.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

I need to know how to do a freshwater dip please. I filled about 2.5 gallons of RO water and added some PH buffer to match. Heater is on to match temp. Anything else?Can I use the same water per fish? Is it OK if it sits out for a bit...the water I mean.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

What's your salinity, do you have a skimmer, is it lacking air transfer? API will not show you metals or toxins.....for example, when we had our first born I started losing stuff and it took me almost 3 months to realize it was the purell on my hands doing it.

1.022. I have an hob filter. No skimmer and a power head

 

[ca2or]

Hmm..... I know it's different freshwater to saltwater fish but saltwater fish still need oxygenation in the water I'm just curious if that might be part of this

 

[melypr1985]

I need to know how to do a freshwater dip please. I filled about 2.5 gallons of RO water and added some PH buffer to match. Heater is on to match temp. Anything else?Can I use the same water per fish? Is it OK if it sits out for a bit...the water I mean.

I hope this helps answer your concerns. Good luck sweety, I'm root'n for you! This is by Humblefish:
Freshwater Dip: Provides temporary relief for Brooklynella, Flukes, Marine Velvet disease (Amyloodinium); possibly even Ich & Uronema marinum (both unproven). Can be used to confirm the presence of Flukes.

How To Treat - Fill a bucket with RODI water, and use a heater to match the temperature to the water the fish is coming from. Aerate the water heavily for at least 30 minutes prior to doing the dip, then discontinue aeration while performing the dip. Fish aren’t overly pH sensitive for short durations like this, but you can squirt a little tank water into the dip just before the fish goes in to help bring it up.

Place the fish in the freshwater (FW) dip and observe closely. It is not unusual for them to freak out a little at first. Also, tangs are notorious for “playing dead” during a FW dip. The important thing is to watch their gills; they should be breathing heavily at all times during the dip. If breathing slows, it’s time to exit the dip. Dip the fish for no longer than 5 minutes. Multiple dips may be done, but it’s important to give your fish a day to recuperate in-between dips.

For flukes, use a dark (preferably black) bucket so you can see if tiny white worms fall out of the fish (especially out of the gills) at around the 3-4 minute mark. The worms will settle to the bottom, so you can use a flashlight to look for them there as well.

Pros - Provides temporary relief for a wide range of diseases in a chemical free environment. Can “buy you more time” until a proper treatment can be done.

Cons/Side Effects - Not a permanent “fix” for any disease, as FW dips are not potent enough to eradicate all of the parasites/worms afflicting the fish. Some fish can have an adverse reaction to a FW dip by appearing unable to maintain their equilibrium once returned to the aquarium. If this happens, hold the fish upright (using latex, nitrile or rubber gloves), and gently glide him through the water (to get saltwater flowing through the gills again). It is also a good idea to place the fish in an acclimation box until he appears “normal”.

 

[4FordFamily]

I need to know how to do a freshwater dip please. I filled about 2.5 gallons of RO water and added some PH buffer to match. Heater is on to match temp. Anything else?Can I use the same water per fish? Is it OK if it sits out for a bit...the water I mean.

Yeah that should work, humble has protocol for freshwater dip. I match temp ph and such as you said. Length of dip is where people differ. Most I've done is 15 mins. Fish will lay on side as long as breathing still and if you poke them they move around you're fine.

You will want a bubbler or something to keep oxygen up. Frequent water agitation with hand will also work.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

Yeah that should work, humble has protocol for freshwater dip. I match temp ph and such as you said. Length of dip is where people differ. Most I've done is 15 mins. Fish will lay on side as long as breathing still and if you poke them they move around you're fine.

You will want a bubbler or something to keep oxygen up. Frequent water agitation with hand will also work.

Can I do multiples at a time?

 

[Breakthecycle2]

Also, are fairy and flashers ok to dup?

 

[4FordFamily]

Can I do multiples at a time?

Yeah

 

[4FordFamily]

Also, are fairy and flashers ok to dup?

Never done them but I don't see why not. It's riskier to allow the parasite to suck the life out of them for another few days until copper kicks in

 

[ZoaCollector]

Wrasses don't tolerate freshwater very well. They almost go into shock from it. I would be very careful dipping fairies and flashers if at all.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

Well, I went and bought a 40 breeder. $63 at Petsmart. Petco's $1 a gallon ended Saturday and they wouldn't give it to me for that. The regular price was $130 from them...screw that. I got 5 more out. I could not catch the last 5. I just couldn't get to them. I did not do a fresh water dip yet. One of the wrasses originally in QT is on it's way out.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

Also, I've been thinking about hypo salinty. To those who have done it, is it worth it? I'm beyond desperate.