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Hey all. Hoping I can get some advice on a bad situation. We have a 75 gallon tank that has been running for about 2 months. We cycled with a large sponge filter from another of our aquariums. As of 5 days ago, it was stocked with 15 young-juvenile Rift cichlids (3 Tanganika, 1 Victoria, 11 Malawi). The largest was about 2 inches and they all got along well. We test the water once a week (API) and also do weekly water changes of about 15 gallons with dechlorinated tap water. Our tap water has a pH of 8.3 and a hardness of 15. We run an Emperor 400 with 2 biowheels and have a long airstone for additional aeration. The temp has been 77-78.
Saturday we noticed small white spots on one of our peacocks. We had seen occasional flashing in all of our fish but chalked it up to cichlid behavior. They all seemed otherwise healthy. We read of our treatment options and, being mildly panicked, decided to go the chemical route. We purchased the API super ick, formaline and malachite green, in powder form. Before adding the first dose we did a PWC using the gravel vacuum (which we always use) and removed the carbon filters. Additionally, we added a second water stone, lowered the water level slightly, and increased the temp to around 81. Per instructions, we were to add one dose and 48 hours later a second dose.
Saturday night- dose #1.
Sunday- the fish seemed to be doing very well, good appetite and behavior.
Sunday night- all fish were staying on the bottom of the tank, flashing, and breathing was distressed.
Monday- same as Sunday night. LFS recommended cutting the dose in half.
Monday night- came home to 4 dead fish. Grieved. Did another PWC (10 gallons) and added 2nd dose at 1/2 concentration.
Tuesday- breaathing still labored, fish staying towards the bottom of the tank, flashing.
Tuesday night- came home to one more dead fish. Breathing still labored.
I just tested the water: ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate ~30, pH 8.3.
Was planning on another PWC tomorrow night along with a 3rd 1/2 strength dose of super ich cure. I don't know if it is the medicine, the ich infestation, or something else that is killing my fish but this is truly breaking my heart. I'm a wreck. Please help.
Saturday we noticed small white spots on one of our peacocks. We had seen occasional flashing in all of our fish but chalked it up to cichlid behavior. They all seemed otherwise healthy. We read of our treatment options and, being mildly panicked, decided to go the chemical route. We purchased the API super ick, formaline and malachite green, in powder form. Before adding the first dose we did a PWC using the gravel vacuum (which we always use) and removed the carbon filters. Additionally, we added a second water stone, lowered the water level slightly, and increased the temp to around 81. Per instructions, we were to add one dose and 48 hours later a second dose.
Saturday night- dose #1.
Sunday- the fish seemed to be doing very well, good appetite and behavior.
Sunday night- all fish were staying on the bottom of the tank, flashing, and breathing was distressed.
Monday- same as Sunday night. LFS recommended cutting the dose in half.
Monday night- came home to 4 dead fish. Grieved. Did another PWC (10 gallons) and added 2nd dose at 1/2 concentration.
Tuesday- breaathing still labored, fish staying towards the bottom of the tank, flashing.
Tuesday night- came home to one more dead fish. Breathing still labored.
I just tested the water: ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate ~30, pH 8.3.
Was planning on another PWC tomorrow night along with a 3rd 1/2 strength dose of super ich cure. I don't know if it is the medicine, the ich infestation, or something else that is killing my fish but this is truly breaking my heart. I'm a wreck. Please help.