My fish are dying and I don't know why!

[Gouramigirl]

Hi there!

I am a newbie to myfishtank.net.....I am hoping someone out there can help me! My fish have been dying in the past two days. I suspect there might be some fighting between my Gouramis. My largest Gourami's left fin is red, frayed and inopperative and it looks like it has some red marks on it's body. I found 2 dead smaller Gouramis and 3 dead tetra. I did notice that on one of my Gold Gourami's posterior end had a red mark. I am not sure if it a disease that is killing my fish, or if fighting is the cause of death in the tank. What do you think???

 

[Limi310]

Can you give us more info about your tank? Size, number and kinds of fish, what kind of gouramis. Have you tested the water for ammonia/nitrite/nitrate?

Welcome to the tank *BOUNCINGS

 

[FishGeek]

Welcome!
It sounds as though you have learned the hard way that you cant keep Gouramies together. Gold ones can be very aggressive. However, more info will help us in determining your problem.
Sorry about your loses.

 

[Gouramigirl]

The fish I have are as follows:
Serpae Tetra-had 10 now have 6
Opaline Gourami- qnty 3
Gold Gourami- had 4 now have 3

 

[FishGeek]

Tank Size: ?
Water Parameters: ?

 

[Gouramigirl]

Tank size is a 30 gal high......I have not tested the water for amonia or nitrates.

 

[Seleya]

How long has the tank been set up? It sounds more like poisoning than injuries tho that would be possible too considering the stocking. Has the tank been cycled and how?

 

[Gouramigirl]

The tank has not been cycled as of recent. Do you have any suggestions for a novice like me, as to how I can control the damage in the tank. I don't want to lose anymore fish.

 

[Seleya]

You need to read the cycling stickies on the top of this forum.

You definitely need to get some testing kits so you can know your water values at least for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate for the time being.

I would start with a large water change, at least half, being sure to match the tank temperature and dechlorinate the water before you add it back in. Take your filter media out and swish it around in one of the buckets of water you remove from the tank and pop the media back into the filter. (don't change filter pads until they are literally falling apart)

 

[Gouramigirl]

Seleya,

Thanks for your suggestions. I will give it a shot and hopefully there won't be anymore dead fish in the tank!