Sick/Dying Fish

[scott9311]

55 gal
Temp=79 deg f
Amm=0
Nitrite=0
Nitrate=0
SG=1.025
PH=7.4 (PH is low, but I can't get it higher...I do 10-20% water changes bi-weekly)
Originally had a Clarkki and CB, then added a Mandarin Dragonet and Y Tang 2 weeks ago (after a 1-1/2 week QT). All did fine for 1 week, then 3-4 days ago, Y Tang and Clarkii started hiding under (the same) LR and not eating. Originally thought it to be a lighting acclimation issue for I upgraded to 440w VHO's, but 2 nights ago finally saw the tang when he came out and he seemed to have some red on him. I easily captured him (he didn't even try to swim away) and put him in QT, but he didn't even last 3 more hours afterwards. Last night, the Clarkii came out as well, and even though he wasn't eating, he seemd to start behaving more naturally and even nestled in his anenome. This morning he was swimming near the top of the tank (which is unusual for him), but still didn't exhibit and signs of sickness (i.e. discoloration, rapid breathing). Sadly, I came home from work early today and found him dead about 20 min ago. Now, my CB is going into the SAME LR, seemed disinterested in eating when I fed, but doesn't appear as lethargic as the others did. My Mandarin seems to be doing fine... Does anyone have a clue as to what the problem may be... and should I try to capture (no easy task) my CB, and even my Mandarin, and put them in QT? I hope I'm not too late... I'm already devestated by my Tang and Clarkii

 

[scott9311]

I just fed... and the CB was greedily eating ! But... Should I still remove them from the main tank to QT in case there is a disease present? And if anyone has any info whatsoever on what might have caused the death of my fish, your reply would be gratiously welcome.

 

[beth]

QT always at least 3 wks before placing them in the display.
Do you have a magnifying glass? If so, give the fish a thorough once over to see if you see anything abnormal. Red gills, swollen gills, parasites, etc.

 

[scott9311]

I don't have a magnifying glass, and I can't tell with the CB, but I do believe I thought the Clarkii's gills looked a bit red. Nothing dramatic enough for me to really take notice and identify as a problem.
My Nitrites were a bit up in my QT, so I didn't want to leave them in there that long. I even did a major water change on it and still can't get them to bottom out...

 

[dankell]

well, im no expert but you said earlier that your ph is at 7.4?
seems to be very low but then again i dont know it could be right for your fish, we have a fish only tank and all the info in the books and local fish stores recommend anywhere from 8.0 to 8.4 ....we used kent marine super buffer-dkh to get the ph at 8.2-8.4 and about once a month we use kent marine kalkwasser mix (1 gall. mix @ a very slow drip) to maintain the ph level and it works really good. but start asking questions with your local fish stores and get their opinion also,, good luck