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About Michael Freynet
Expertise
I can answer most questions on freshwater aquariums involving the biological cycle, live plants, fish compatibility, stocking quantity, feeding, filtration, aeration, water chemistry, and cleaning. I am still learning about some certain diseases and parasites but am more than willing to research any questions that I do not know.

Experience
I have owned multiple freshwater fish tanks over the years. I also help maintain other people’s freshwater fish tanks. I am currently a college student at Minnesota State University Moorhead for a major in Biology and a minor in Zoology. I'm also currently employed at Petco.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Freshwater Aquarium > guppies with flat stomachs?

Freshwater Aquarium - guppies with flat stomachs?

Expert: Michael Freynet - 11/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: hi,

i have been owning and breeding guppies for about 3 years now and every couple of months some of them get a flat stomach, stop eating, and eventually die. When they die the bodies go pale white... i have changed the water, cleaned the filter and have used 'mela fix' but nothing helps.

i'm really worried about it because no one i have asked knows what's wrong or how to help, and there is nothing on the net.

there are no other fish in the aquarium, and i have had this batch for about 6 months now. My plants are also alive, and none dead or dying

thanks,
Adva

ANSWER: Have you actually gotten your water tested for toxicity? How often do you do water changes? How much to you usually take out? How large is your tank?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi,

no i haven't tested toxicity, the aquarium is about 24 liters and has 3 fry in it. i do water changes about once a month and empty a bit less then half of the water

Answer
You need to do weekly water changes of 25-30%. The reason some of your fry are getting flat stomachs and dying is because they are being poisoned by toxicity which results in them not eating. Keep up on your weekly water changes to keep your toxicity levels down!

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