vintagetankgirl

I have a 15 gallon High tank that used to be home to 12 female Bettas until about 4 months ago they all died in a matter of 4 days. I believe it was Columnaris due to their visible symptoms of white mouths that spread to other parts of the body and tail disintegration.

I did a 100% water change and then refilled and dumped 1 cup of Pure ammonia in the tank. I left the filter running with the old media and the turned the heater up to 95 degrees F. About 2 weeks later after 2 50% water changes the tanks levels had reached 0 Nitrites 0 Ammonia and 10 Nitrates. At this point I removed the heater and added 14 Rosy Red Minnows. They have been fine for the last 2 months then suddenly 4 died in one day and by the 3rd day (today) I only have 1 left! None of them show signs or symptoms.

I checked the levels on the first day I found 4 dead and the only reading I got was Nitrates at 20ppm, I did a 5 gallon water change that day. After they have been dead for at least an hour their bellies show what seems like bruising they are a dark reddish purple.

Could this be some type of internal bacteria?

I treated for this using Fizzies Jungle brand for internal and external bacteria on the 1st day but still lost all but 1.

Also note that the tank stays between 62 to 65degrees F, very steady from what I have noted.

If anyone could tell me if these two instances are related I would be very thankful. And also what could have masacured my Rosy Reds!

I want to eventually add a new type of fish (undecided). Also please not that the tank has "parasitic" snails that have not been phased by deaths or the treatment.

Any info would be great!
DB

Jaysee

Well, the most obvious thing I found in your post is your tank temperature - 62 to 65 is much too cold for bettas (excuse me if I read that incorrectly). Also, 12 seems like a lot for a 15 gallon IMO, but I've never kept a female betta sorrority.

I've unsuccessfully used the jungle tab fizzies in the past and do not have much faith in their products.....

When you got the reading for 20 PPM of nitrate, did you also test for ammonia and nitrite?

vintagetankgirl

The Bettas have been gone for 4 months, the were kept at 80 degrees F. I have kept sororities at all numbers from 4 to 16 without problems over the years.

The concern with this post is whether or not the same thing that killed the Bettas killed the Rosy Reds (which are minnows and prefer colder temperatures).

I did test all 3 areas and the Ammonia and Nitrites were at 0.

Thanks

Jaysee

There were no visable symptoms of anything with the minnows?

TedsTank

Have you added any new ornaments or anything that might be leaching some toxins into the water??

vintagetankgirl

Nope, no outward signs or symptoms, and the day before the deaths started they all acted normal swimming and eating a lot!

Even after deaths their body looks fine, fins intact mouth clear of any fuzziness. The only change upon death is the dark bruised looking stomachs. But that could be part of the actual dying and not part of the reason!

The only things in the tank is a piece of driftwood and two small terracotta pots that have been in use for over 2 years and live plants. Nothing new has been added and the last water change was 6 days before the deaths.

If we can't figure out what killed the Minnows. How can I safe guard any future inhabitants against possible death?

Should I try super cycling with ammonia again?

Or should I tear down the tank and start over with new rocks and clean the filter and heater with bleach?

Jaysee

Hmmmmm....do you have roommates?

vintagetankgirl

Only my Girlfriend and our cats! My girlfriend picked out the minnows so I don't believe she would have given them something wrong, and I do all the feedings. Also the tank is completely covered and cat proof. But that was good idea!

Jaysee

I mysteriously lost an entire tank of fish once. I swear one of my roommates drunk friends did something stupid.