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Hi, I have a 5g tank which has been established for 6weeks with three guppies and two ottos. I originally got four guppies from a breeder, then this past week one of my guppies started laying on the floor and had clamped tail and dorsal fin. I went out and bought a med called Quick Cure and when I got home with the med he was dead. I treated the tank anyway for three days. I now have another guppy that is showing the same exact signs, sitting on floor and clamped tail. The water parameters are 7.0ph, 0 ammonia and nitrites, 10 nitrates, 80 degrees. I do not see any sign of external parasites or ich. The other fish are fine for the moment. Can anyone help me?

Did you use the guppys to cycle the tank with.

Yes, they are the original.

You've probably never read my "stuff" about small tanks...

My criticism about ten gallon tanks in the hands of inexperienced hobbyists has met with varied opinions.

But in reality, the smaller the tank, the more difficult it is to keep water quality at its best.

You seem to have a handle on the proper testing techniques and that is a real head start in this hobby. However, be aware that small tanks have a way of going bad real quick unless the hobbyist maintains perfect water quality and constant testing.

Eighty degrees is not favorable to Guppies. I'd rather see a constant 75-76 degrees which would slow down their metabolism. Remember to keep the water surface agitated to allow proper gas exchange and provide increased oxygen into the water.

If over-agitated, the Gups will expend too much energy trying to maintain stability and will stress out.

Right now, the best thing you could do for the Gups is to give them a larger tank, at least a 20 gallon that will maintain a healthy balance much better than a five gallon.

--garyroland.

Sorry, I do not have the money to get a larger tank.

A problem that is sometimes wide spread...

Follow what I suggested in the other post, except the larger tank, and post back.

Remember that dosing meds on a guesswork situation is not the way to go.

Your Gups may be sick/stressed from too high a temp and too much water movement inside the tank.

The water movement should be concentrated at the surface to allow the Gups to rest.

--garyroland.