Need help ASAP, 6 African Cichlids dead in 2 days

[LaurenJ]

HEEELLLLPPP!!!

I've been to the fish store (Eddies Aquarium, local mom and pop store in upstate NY) twice in the past 2 days. They tested my water and said the only thing they could see was high nitrAtes. They did the test tube tests, so we had to wait a few minutes there.

I posted some pictures on their facebook and they said to try salt and Melafix, and if that didn't show any improvement, then to try the Kanamycin.

I got the Kanamycin today because we lost 3 more after the salt and Melafix. Can I just dump it in or do I need to change the water to get rid of the salt and Melafix?

[LaurenJ]

I was previously TetraLover on here, I couldn't log in because I forgot my password and the email account attatched to it, I deleted. So I've been a member here for 8-10 years now -.-

[LaurenJ]

Ok, I found on a Google search that someone treated with a mix of Epsom salt, Aquarium salt, Metro, Melafix, and KanaPlex, so it should be OK.

[Mikey]

I wouldn't do that

I'll respond soon

[Mikey]

Okay I'm here

I'm sorry your fish aren't doing well and welcome back

Please fill out this form the best you can, and post pictures of what is going on with the fish.

Test Results for the Following:

* Ammonia Level(Tank)

* Nitrite Level(Tank)

* Nitrate level(Tank)

* Ammonia Level(Tap)

* Nitrite Level(Tap)

* Nitrate level(Tap)

* Ph Level, Tank (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)

* Ph Level, Tap (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)

Other Required Info:

* Brand of test-kit used and whether strips or drops?

* Water temperature?

* Tank size (how many gals.) and how long has it been running?

* What is the name and "size of the filter"(s)?

* How often do you change the water and how much?

* How many days ago was the last water change and how much did you change?

* How many fish in the tank and their size?

* What kind of water additives or conditioners?

* What do you feed your fish and how often?

* Any new fish added to the tank?

* Any medications added to the tank?

* List entire medication/treatment history for fish and tank. Please include salt, Prazi, PP, etc and the approximate time and duration of treatment.

* Any unusual findings on the fish such as "grains of salt," bloody streaks, frayed fins or fungus?

* Any unusual behavior like staying at the bottom, not eating, etc.?

Edited October 9, 2016 by Mikey

[mjfromga]

Agree with Mikey. Definitely wouldn't mix all that together randomly.

[Hidr]

For now I would do daily water changes and not add any more fish. About 20 percent.  Tropical fish don't do as well with large water changes like goldfish or oscars do, at least not to me.

Soon as you can fill out the form someone can help you out better.

[Arctic Mama]

Thanks for linking the form Mikey. We can help you but only with the form above filled out as completely as possible. We need all the information, along with pictures or video, to get a good idea of what is going on in your tank. Please add NO medications until we see what is going on, as some can do far more harm than good depending on the tank conditions.

[LaurenJ]

Ended up losing 8, they're doing much better now. I don't know what the heck was going on. The fish store did the drop tests amd said high nitrates, but that that shouldn't have caused they problems we were having. Someone else on a cichlid forum said it sounded like flukes. Did 1 dose of the KanaPlex with Melafix and salt, and everything stopped.

Decided to not salt the 60g, too many delicate frilly plants.

The CAE is in its own tank now. Barebottom but it seems happy in there. I need to find out what their biotope is.