Humblefish
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That ordinarily would be a problem; however the ABX in the water could be throwing off the test kit.
Anthias in QT - round 2
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Bues0022
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There are no antibiotics in this water. Tank change was last night and I didn’t re-dose. Just tested pH with an aqua vital test strip - said 7.4. I did a 50% water change.
Edit: 2/3 are just laying their bellies on the bottom breathing heavier than I’d like. I’m worried about ammonia damage. I haven’t dosed anything in this water. Should I do MB to help them? Or the sulfa/neo mix because the other one died on me two days ago and the bugs may be on these three?
this QT stuff is stressful!
Edit: 2/3 are just laying their bellies on the bottom breathing heavier than I’d like. I’m worried about ammonia damage. I haven’t dosed anything in this water. Should I do MB to help them? Or the sulfa/neo mix because the other one died on me two days ago and the bugs may be on these three?
this QT stuff is stressful!
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Bues0022
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Tonight’s update. Earlier today fish were looking rough. Lazy, breathing hard, not swimming at all. I did a 50% water change after the ammonia test showed concerning elevated levels. I didn’t know if I should be treating with ABX or MB (former treating bacterial gill infection or other, latter to help with ammonia issues). This evening I noticed one was swimming pretty well, another moderately well, and the third looking stabile but rough. My assessment said that they were looking better because the ammonia level was cut in half today. So I dosed tank with MB - 5ml per 10ga. I’m planning on another water change tomorrow too, so we’ll see how things go by tomorrow. They still don’t have much appetite, but at least they are swimming better so it’s a step…
Humblefish
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@Bues0022 If these fish have been exposed to ammonia, I would treat with MB: Methylene Blue
Even the lower dosage (0.5 ml per gallon) is fine if you want to just keep the fish in the medication.
Even the lower dosage (0.5 ml per gallon) is fine if you want to just keep the fish in the medication.
Bues0022
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Morning update:
good news: breathing is getting better.
Bad news: now the one that had been my good swimmer has developed some frightening looking white fuzz overnight. I’m thinking I need to go back to the sulfa/neo added to the tank, but can I add this to the MB water? I’m also worried about their feeding - it’s been bad for a couple days now. Am I just in a death spiral?
good news: breathing is getting better.
Bad news: now the one that had been my good swimmer has developed some frightening looking white fuzz overnight. I’m thinking I need to go back to the sulfa/neo added to the tank, but can I add this to the MB water? I’m also worried about their feeding - it’s been bad for a couple days now. Am I just in a death spiral?
Bues0022
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Actually two tails look awful. One is almost rotted away.
Today’s plan: after church do 50% water change then dose sulfa and neo. @Humblefish - would you do anything different? Full dose or half dose? I’m still worried about them not eating.
I keep worrying about ammonia. I am doing water changes to keep it down - but that’s mostly because I’m worried ammonia reducer will mess with the medicines - but then I don’t know how to dose when I’m removing 50% water every day. How should I handle ammonia? Will reducer affect the ABX?
Today’s plan: after church do 50% water change then dose sulfa and neo. @Humblefish - would you do anything different? Full dose or half dose? I’m still worried about them not eating.
I keep worrying about ammonia. I am doing water changes to keep it down - but that’s mostly because I’m worried ammonia reducer will mess with the medicines - but then I don’t know how to dose when I’m removing 50% water every day. How should I handle ammonia? Will reducer affect the ABX?
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Consider doing the water change and then dose the Sulfa to lessen the load on the fish's immune system. MB can be really tough on a QT's water quality. Consider doing the MB treatments as a 30 min. bath.
Bues0022
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I did the 50% water change then dosed sulfa and neo at the recommended amounts. I also added a second hob “filter” (just using them as water movement devices, no media or bio wheels in them), I added two air stones, and two small 80gph power heads (one at surface for agitation, one down lower for flow low in tank). I figure the more O2 the better, and push that water past the fish as much as I reasonably can.
What is the best way to combat ammonia in this system now? Water changes or ammonia reducer?
What is the best way to combat ammonia in this system now? Water changes or ammonia reducer?
Are you using SeaChem prime as your ammonia reducer?
No problem using SeaChem Prime with their meds, in your case Sulfaplex & Neoplex, as long as ample O2 is supplied. I try to separate dosing of Prime and meds by an hour or two to allow each product to disperse into the water column.
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Humblefish
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How are your fish today? Any chance for a clear picture of how they are looking? If things are going stable right now don't worry about it, just keep them comfortable. I just keep thinking there may be aggression going on causing issues. If 2 fish are looking beat up and one looks fine, just makes me wonder..
Bues0022
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Monday update: two more dead. One late last night, one this morning. One lone gal left, and he looks to be knocking on deaths door also (won’t swim, get buffeted around by the water currents, won’t eat, no tail left, strings coming out of her after pooping.
This sucks. My first batch of 4 died within 3 days - going downhill from shipping issues. This batch took 2 weeks to die, but alas they are. I’m being refunded (so that’s nice), and they are telling me they have a really healthy batch in right now if I want replacements, but I’m so discouraged right now. I’ve spent countless hours watching them, water changes, sterilizing equipment, etc. I’ve spent close to $100 on additional medications and equipment to ensure I have what I need - and they keep dying. Should I try again or cut bait and forget anthias for the time being?
This sucks. My first batch of 4 died within 3 days - going downhill from shipping issues. This batch took 2 weeks to die, but alas they are. I’m being refunded (so that’s nice), and they are telling me they have a really healthy batch in right now if I want replacements, but I’m so discouraged right now. I’ve spent countless hours watching them, water changes, sterilizing equipment, etc. I’ve spent close to $100 on additional medications and equipment to ensure I have what I need - and they keep dying. Should I try again or cut bait and forget anthias for the time being?
Sorry for your losses.
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Any fish left in QT? I would definitely sterilize the tank + all equipment.
Bues0022
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Nothing is left. I’ve sterilized everything between every tank transfer. I simply don’t understand. Do I just have the touch of death for anthias, or are they just that hard? I really want some, but am quite nervous about try #3.
Humblefish
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Lyretails are typically one of the less difficult anthias species to QT. Are you getting them from the same source every time? The problem may not be you.
Bues0022
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Yes, they’ve all been from the same source. An online store. At least I’ve been given a refund, but I’ve also thought maybe it’s not me. Success rates this low sure make you question yourself though.
Yup... You may want to look into how I do my QT procedure. I know its not ideal with other folks in the house or children. If that is the case, maybe ordering them QT'd (I am not trying to make a sale as I don't have any) would be a good idea. Set up a fresh tank and get it cycled and ready for observation.
Humblefish
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^^ I second this. Quarantine the "easy" fish yourself and order anthias from @Vendors - QT Livestock.