Fish Deaths...Need some help please...

[Djbetterly]

I posted on the forum about a week ago and didn't receive any feedback, so I thought I'd give it another shot to see if I can get any advice.

So I think my tank may have a parasite of some sort, not sure if its velvet or something else. Here's the story.

After cycling the tank, I added two wyoming clowns, waited a bit and progressed over time adding a pink bar goby, a melanarus wrasse and a tail spot blenny. All are fine and still fine. I later added a flame back angel - within a couple of weeks it turned white and died. I later added three reef chromis and a carpenters ferry wrasse , they all slowly died off one by one over a period of about three weeks. The carpenter wrasse was the last to die. It slowly got skinny, turned pail, was breathing very hard and finally died.

This morning I was looking at all the inhabitants in the tank and I noticed that the tail spot blenny looks fine, but is constantly scraping one side of his body, right near its gills, against the rocks. This of course has me a bit concerned. Blenny is eating fine and looks fine aside from that.

Some people have said its most likely not velvet because it kills so fast, but yet I've read about various times where fish can host it and not really be effected.

I do not have a QT as I simply don't have space for it and I'm pushing my luck with my fiance and management company with the new tank I have. Its unfortunate, but simply not in the cards right now.

If this truly is a parasite, then I most likely will have to give away these fish and start with treatment or going fallow to rid the tank of any disease. I'm not sure if anyone out there has a QT tank and would be willing to help me out, but if you did I would figure out a way to make it worth your while. I'm not looking to take advantage of anyone, just looking for a bit community help.

Thank you,
Dustin

 

[ScorpionSys]

What size tank what are the water readings Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate? What is the salinity? What are you using to top off the water? Are they eating?

 

[Djbetterly]

Sorry, I meant to include that earlier. The tank is 48G DT and 15G Sump.

Parameters:

SG 1.026
pH 7.9
Nitrate 1
Nitrite 0
Amm 0
Calc 440
Alk 8
Mag 1450
Temp 78

I use RODI for making salt water and for my top off. All filters have been replaced within the past 2 months. All current fish are eating and seem good.

 

[piranhapat]

To me it sounds like velvet. Actually I lost a few fish this winter from velvet and some fish fought it off and live. Heavy breathing and scratching is very good sign. Some fish can die in 24 hrs some can live with it for awhile. To me your gambling big time by not QT fish. But my advise is see if someone near you has a QT tank. That can help you out with the fish you still have. I would run the tank for about 6 weeks or better empty with no fish. See if your LFS will hold your new fish for a week or better to see no outbreak of some kind of disease. It will help if you tells where your from. So somebody might be close by to help you out.

 

[Djbetterly]

piranapat I totally agree with what you are saying. I am pretty sure its velvet based on everything I have read. What I'm hoping for is a good samaritan to help me out. Not sure if it will happen, but I'm praying for it.

I really wish I had space for one, but I simply don't. I see it happening in the future as I will probably only stay in Manhattan another year or so then off to the burbs some where. Then I will hopefully have space to do this hobby right!

 

[Mattl22]

I had an out break a few months ago once things start dying its a little late to start treatment IMO if several fish have it I'd let it run its course don't add anything till things improve

 

[Djbetterly]

I'm not going to add a thing for some time, probably at 2-3 months. Here's my question though, what IF all these fish do survive? Then what kind of action do you suggest?

 

[piranhapat]

How many fish you have in there. What type of fish too. If they hardy and still eating. Like stated let it run it course. Hardy species can over come it. But chances more will die if not treated. I would do weekly water changes and feed your fish and add supplement like vitamin c . That can build them up not treat them. Since you can't QT them you might want to add a UV light. It can't kill the velvet on the fish but will kill them when they jump off and multiple while flowing in your tank looking for new hoist. Other than like you said forget about adding fish to fall. Or you can start all over.

 

[Djbetterly]

I have 2 Wyoming clowns a tail spot blenny, pink bar goby and melanarus wrasse.

At this point even if I was to setup a QT by the time it cycles is prob lose everything. I was hoping I could find someone with a QT to help me out in exchange for something or some cash. It's not looking likely at the moment though.

I do have a sicce syncra 4 I could trade, I'm also building small wifi dosers right now. I have a post in the DIY section.

 

[Djbetterly]

Another one down...lost one of the wyoming clowns over night.

 

[piranhapat]

Sorry to hear that. Seem velvet is very much hoisting onto all your fish. How the other clown doing. Any signs of him have something. I know how you feel ... You can't set up 10 gal QT. Still cheaper than losing another clown. All you need is hang on filter and copper.

 

[Djbetterly]

Yeah it's not the cost. I might try and convince the ole'lady one more time. I feel like I might be at a loss either way with not having a cycled tank ready though.

 

[Djbetterly]

So I completely forgot that I have a very small 2 gallon tank here that has never been used. I was going to use it as a tiny fuge but never used it. Think that would be too small for three fish? I know I'd probably need to do a lot of water changes but it might be better than nothing. Here are some questions.

Could I pull a small piece of live rock from my sump to help with bacteria since it wouldn't be cycled (dispose of that piece after of course)?

Should I add any supplements to battle ammonia/nitrites?

Any thoughts on where I could find treatments locally?

 

[Reef lover24]

I am no expert in this since I am new... But I would tell you that I had 3 fish in a 12g that I was treating them for ich and it was small for them. But then again that was a Picasso clown, a melanaurus wrasse, and a firefish goby. I have it set as a barebottom with pieces of pvc. Yes live rock would help in the cycle, however that piece of rock would absorb anything you are going to use and the treatment may not be as efficient (from what I have been told). I wouldent add any supplements either. Its defineately a hard battle to win. To far you are in manhatten, I have a 12g QT set up and ready to go I woulda held some fish for you. GL with everything.

 

[Djbetterly]

Thank you @reeflover24. I'm actually kind of surprised you were the first person to offer your QT, wish I was closer. Thank you.

 

[Reef lover24]

Not a problem man. Let me know if you need. If worse comes to worse I would love to take that clown off your hands and recoup him and put him with my Picasso. Offers still open let me know

 

[Djbetterly]

Ha! Its an aggressive clown, every time I stick my hand in there I get attacked. I'm going to go to petco today and see if I can find anything that will work in my place. I'll keep you posted, thank you again.

 

[Reef lover24]

Anytime man keep me posted for sure. GL

 

[greg 45]

Can you post a picture of the fish that are affected, this might help .

 

[Djbetterly]

I'm not sure the fish that are left are effected to be honest. They have bright colors, eating well and active. That doesn't mean they won't be affected in the near future though.

The idea of having them in QT for 6-8 weeks is a long time and kills me to think about it. I've considered selling the fish, but I'm not sure who would want to buy possible infected fish.