Tank of Death????

[ztunnell]

I have had a 55 gal tank for about 8 months now. For the exception of the pangasius catfish (roughly 4-5") that is in there now, I have lost every fish I have put in the tank (usually within the first day). After allowing our tank to cycle for roughly 5-6 weeks with just the catfish, we purchased 2 red tail tin foil barbs today. Within hours of them being in the tank, the barb are completely covered in a white film and doing the death dance at the bottom of the tank. If anyone has any information on what could be happening, I would greatly appreciate any help!

Thank you!

 

[OrangeCones]

What is the temperature of the tank?

What is the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels?

How often and how much water do you change?

What do you use to condition the water?

 

[ztunnell]

The temp is 82
According to the test strips, the levels are all right on.
The last time we did a full change, was 5-6 weeks ago when we changed out roughly 50% of the water and we allowed it to cycle since then.
We use Stress coat and tap water conditioner as well as aquarium salt.

 

[OrangeCones]

If you want to keep the fish alive, you should invest in a liquid test kit. You need to measure ammonia, nitrite and nitrate at a minimum. Paper test strips can be inaccurate. You need to know the actual levels of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, not just that they are 'right on.' If newly added fish are dying almost immediately, something is not 'right.'

A 50% water change is a good amount to change, but a 5-6 week interval is not often enough for most aquariums. Until you know what your readings are, you won't know how often and how much to change.

What other fish have you put in the tank? 82 is a little on the high side for most tropicals.

Is your pangasius catfish the Pangasius hypophthalmus, aka Iridescent Shark or Iridescent Catfish? If so, your aquarium is way too small for it in the long run. They can get 3-4 feet in length. See this link for information about them:

http://www.fishlore.com/profile-iridescentshark.htm

 

[Doomhed]

the PH was likely the culprit. the catfish you have can live through almost anything, so making sure the stats are right for new fish is going to be important. also water hardness could be an issue.

 

[ztunnell]

Thank you...when I tested the water, the Ph was between 6.0-6.5.
Unfortunately where I live, I cant escape hard water. So I make sure I dose the water with aquarium salt to help balance it out.
I am not too worried about my catfish since they are very resilient. Mine has lived through quite a few tank changes as well as disease's in the tank.
I am just wondering if it would be better to just clean out the tank and start over. any suggestions?

 

[Newman]

salt just raises the general hardness of the water, not lowers it. You said you have hard water, but how are you keeping a pH of below 7? if you're using commercial buffers im assuming pH swings can be the culprit as well...

 

[ztunnell]

my pH has never been above 7, if it ever rises, I just use correct pH to lower it back down.

 

[Newman]

the reason i said that is because hard water usually means high pH. Does your pH fluctuate a lot? it sounds like it if you constantly have to fix it from time to time...

 

[OrangeCones]

my pH has never been above 7, if it ever rises, I just use correct pH to lower it back down.

Why do you try to 'correct' it by lowering it? Swings in the pH will kill fish quickly.

If it is the Iridescent Shark/Catfish, it's ideal pH is between 6.5 and 7.5 from what I've read. No need to try to force it down.

Unless you are trying to breed fish, there is no need to 'correct' your pH. Stability is what the fish like, not a specific level.

 

[borracho]

By "all of the fish," you mean the two barbs? If it was just those two that died without the "while film," I would have said it might be because you didn't acclimate them properly. You should find out what that white stuff is.