About Christy Expertise I can answer some questions regarding freshwater fish ranging from their care to diagnosing common diseases or problems with the fish. I can also answer questions regarding the care and maintenance of an aquarium. I haven't had much luck with live plants, so can't help in that area very much. Not real good with explaining salt water or brackish set ups too well either. Also regarding goldfish, I have some comets, and have a little experience with them but mostly just general info on them. I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THE FANCY VARIETIES OF GOLDFISH. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER DIRECTING THOSE QUERIES TO AN EXPERT MORE FAMILIAR WITH THEM. If I can't answer or don't know something, I'll let you know, so don't be upset if I reject your question, I'll always explain why. I would just rather not answer then give an answer I'm not confident about.
Experience All personal, first hand, general fishkeeping experience. I've had fresh water aquariums now for about 7 years. I've had tropical/community fish tanks, African cichlids, South American cichlids, brackish water puffer fish, and a lot of other varieties in between.
Education/Credentials None, all personal experience
Question I have a pretty longwinded question for you concerning my 20 gallon tank.
Several months ago, I went away for several days immediately after adding
new tetras to my tank, which had two gouramis and an angelfish in it. When I
came back, one tetra had died and the whole tank was covered in a white film
(presumably fungus), including the other fish. Shortly after, all of the fish
died and it was very difficult to remove the film from the rocks. I ended up
scrubbing the rocks several times (as well as everything else in the now
empty tank) and even boiled them- everything final looked fungus free.
Eventually I set the tank back up and after running it for several weeks and
testing the water repeatedly, I felt confident in getting fish. Over three
weeks, I added 5 tetras, 3 dwarf gouramis, 2 blue gouramis, and 2 danios.
The danios died immediately, but I (perhaps in denial) brushed it off as new
fish syndrome. I performed regular 10 % water changes and tested the
water- everything seemed very healthy. I have also been careful not to
overfeed. I did one of the routine water changes on Monday night, and by
Tuesday night the 5 tetras and 3 dwarf gouramis were all covered in fungus
(mostly on the front half of their bodies/faces), however the blue gouramis,
which are substantially larger, look perfectly fine. By this morning all but the
blue gouramis died, and these fish continue to look and act healthy. I just
tested the water and the ammonia is a significant 0.75. Phew, yes this is a
long winded explanation, but this situation feels quite hopeless. I would truly
appreciate any advice you can give me!!
Answer Hi Heather
Ehh, not long winded, I've seen longer :) But thank you for the details, it does help.
The stuff that covered the fish the second go around, was it cottony like mold or like a cotton ball, or was that filmy as well?
And what's your ph reading? Any idea what it was before when the problems started? Do you know if it's staying stable or is it fluctuating around currently?
Are you using any "bacteria in a bottle" products-stress zyme, cycle, etc.?
