FishProfiles.com Message Forums

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

Ammonia: unknown
Nitrite (note the “I”: between 0 and .5
Nitrate (note the “A): between 20 and 40
pH: 7.8
Temp: 77 – 78 degrees Fahrenheit

TANK INFORMATION

Tank Size: regular 10 gal.
Stock List (Quantity/Species): 4 Tiger Barbs
Fish size: each fish is about 1” long
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additives
One of my fish has white spots on him so I have been using Cure-Ick for 3 days. I removed the carbon insert from my filter and used one capful of Cure-Ick every 24hrs. Also, last week I noticed that the nitrite levels in my tank were rising so I changed about 20% of the water and added 1 and ½ tablespoons Aquarium Salt. In addition, 1 tsp. of Stress Zyme was added when I added 2 new fish 2 days ago. Wow, this seems like lots of chemicals.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SICK FISH

(My fish is now dead, but I will describe the behaviors he displayed before he died.)

Note: My fish was a Tiger Barb. He was purchased only 2 days before his death. For this reason, I don’t think it is something in my tank that killed him. However, I would still like to know what kind of disease he had so that I can make sure it doesn’t spread to my other fish if it is contagious.

Appearance: My Barb appeared to be pretty normal compared to my other Barbs. He had good color and swam with the others just fine (for a while). However, he did have a dark red spot on what I would call his “chin” (the area on his front bottom side). The redness was internal and looked like maybe it could have been something like a blood clot. This was his only noticeable appearance flaw.

Behaviors: Eventually he no longer swam with the other Barbs in the tank. Instead, he was hanging out mostly at the top of the tank and near the filter. In fact, my room mate said she even saw him stuck to the filter for a few seconds, but she wasn't sure. When at the top of the tank, his head was pointed upward. I later noticed that the fish would look somewhat paralyzed (not moving any of his fins) for a few seconds, then suddenly start swimming again somewhat disoriented. I fed my fishes a small amount of freeze dried blood worms and while the other fish went crazy for this snack this fish who eventually died did not even go near the food. When he died he did not float to the top. His body just drifted around in the tank.

Get ammonia checked.

Often when treating with medications you can experience a mini cycle. Fish such as yours that are obviously stressed are likely to suffer.

Tiger barbs are (as I'm sure you've noticed) very active fish. While they may be small now they still need the added room that a larger tank would provide. A 20 gallon long would be ideal if you don't have the money for a larger one. Tiger barbs are also known for being somewhat nippy especially in smaller schools. You may have never witnessed it firsthand but the other barbs may have been picking on the one that died. Causing that fish more stress before its demise.
I suggest adding an airstone to help combat against ill effects seen while treating with meds. Keep a close eye on ammonia (test up to twice daily even) and do water changes as needed. I also suggest looking into a larger tank so the school can be properly built up to a minimum of 6-8 tiger barbs (all the same too...no mixing up colors ).

^_^[hr width='40%']"Every now and then I get a little bit nervous that the best of all the years have gone by
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified and then I see the look in your eyes
EVERY NOW AND THEN I FALL APART.
And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you'll only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever..."