Tiger Barbs DEAD! Why though?!?

Question

just got some tiger barbs, after a few hours one looks ill and another has died.........this also happened to my friend...wot is happening?

btw i need an answer

in response, yes, the tank has been ste up just under a week, however, the filter and heater hav only been in for about 2 days

the dead one looks fine, but the "ill" one is discoloured, and at the top of the tank at a diagonal position

Answer 1

It's very hard to say your tiger barbs died because of this or that with only just this information. No offence because I think you just don't realize the various reasons fish die, it's like saying I found a body on the floor how did that person die?

When you say looks ill, what means looks ill? Discolored, ragged fins, scales missing? Did you allow a long enough acclimation period when putting the new fish in your tank? Do you know if there is any ammonia or nitrites present in your tank? What is the temp and ph of your tank? Just a few things to help tell you what happend are needed. Look at your water chemistry first, then look at any physical signs the fish showed. This information will really help get a better idea of what happend.

JV

PeeTee is right on. I use Aqua Safe only in my waters and never had a problem yet. New tank, I'm really thinking near the top of the tank, your problem is ammonia exposure. Run a check on your ammonia, and if this is the problem, any ammonia over .5 is probably stressful on your fish, and I'm willing to bet your PH is near 8.0 or higher. Don't worry about the PH at this point, but should you find ammonia at .5 or higher, you need to do at least a 25% water change, and really watch your feedings.

Answer 2

Your tank is new, so there is no beneficial bacteria in the tank. The bacteria is what gets rid of ammonia. Test your water for ammonia, and siphon out about half your water to lower the ammonia levels. Go very light on the food, since waste is what causes ammonia. Don't buy more than 3 fish to start out. Have your water tested at a fish store once a week until your tank is cycled. This constant monitoring will help prevent future deaths. If you really want success, get to know the manager (not some kid with a summer job) at the local fish store. A good manager will cater to you and make sure that you have success.

Answer 3

Is this a new tank? If so you need to cycle it first. The person in the store should be able to tell you how. If not send me an e-mail and I'll tell you what you need to do. If you have a mature tank and your fish died after a few hours bring them back. Along with a water sample to be tested. They may have contaminated your tank.

Answer 4

Did you de-chlorinate your water ? Most municipalities now use "chloramine" instead of plain chlorine and it requires a special dechlorinating chemical. I prefer Tetra "Aqua-safe",but there are others,just be sure they are for chloramines removal. Also you should cycle your tank fishlessly to avoid these problems.