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Post by Sarah on Mar 8, 2014 6:10:54 GMT
A few weeks ago, I bought two small algae eaters for my betta fish tank, one of my tanks that I am particularly proud of. First one, and then the other died within a few weeks. Yesterday, one of my beautiful bettas, Nebula, went from perfectly normal to gasping and dying in a matter of hours, followed this morning by my aquatic frog Opal. In this fish tank there is only one survivor, and even after a complete water change, a filter change and a gravel scrub, I have my doubts about his survival. It's always painful to lose a pet, but I am feeling overwhelmed by this one  |
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Post by dianapalmer on Mar 8, 2014 13:20:29 GMT
Oh, that's so sad, Sarah.
Do you think the algae eaters brought an illness in with them>
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Post by lisamarie on Mar 8, 2014 15:32:00 GMT
I was going to suggest that the algae eaters probably were carrying ick. Petco is never up to par with the health of their fish. To try saving your remaining beta, use aquarium salt! It works wonders
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Mar 8, 2014 15:56:34 GMT
oh no, that is horrible |
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Post by Pammy on Mar 8, 2014 18:10:36 GMT
I'm so sorry, Sarah! I understand perfectly how you feel, and ache with you.
I suggest raising the temp of your tank a wee bit at a time until you are to 80*F, or even a tad warmer, like 82*F. If Ich is the culprit, it cannot survive in water that warm. I have started keeping my tank that warm all of the time, and never have Ich. Of course that's not the only disease common to pet tropical fish, so it's not a cure-all, but I have truly experienced much less death in my tank since I started keeping it toasty warm (comparatively speaking).
Just a few days ago, I lost my glorious huge yellow-orange angel, and I really struggled like you are. He was stunningly beautiful, and the picture of health that morning. By evening, he had wedged himself between a couple of rocks and was dead. I know what it is to love fishies and grieve their passing. You are in my heart and thoughts, Sarah. Sure hope you feel better soon.
Another thought -- I don't know how long you'd had your lovely Nebula, but bettas are known to usually live only about two years, and quite a bit of that time is used up before he ever comes to your home. It's quite possible that you did not bring sickness to him by introducing the Plecos. I hope that brings you a little peace.
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Post by Sarah on Mar 9, 2014 0:35:01 GMT
It wasn't ich, it was a fungal infection carried by the algae eater. What really surprises me is that the fish were bought at a little local pet shop, the same one that I have used for years and where I got Pirate. I guess its a risk everywhere Nebula was not quite a year, I bought him when he was a baby |
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Mar 9, 2014 1:14:26 GMT
Aww sorry for your loss |
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Post by snowy on Apr 6, 2014 9:12:12 GMT
Oh no.
Petshops are horrible at animal health I often see sick animals there
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