Should i treat the 55 loach tank with levimasole hcl?

[LoachOrgy]

I recently had an incident a few weeks ago. I lost 4 loaches and two other fish. I couldn't figure out the problem. However, does anyone think its a good idea to treat my large tank with levimasole just in case?

My new alpha loach has been swimming iradically ever since the other loaches passed away. He swims very energetically up and down and across the tank all day. He takes small breaks but does this all the time. I only caught him doing this a few times when all 8 loaches were present. But he does come right up to me, not fearful at all now. I just believe now that the loach is out and about that he is in fact an olympic level swimmer. He rides the jethead all the way to the opposite side of the tank. Then stops on an instant right before crashing into the glass. He will do this over and over all day. But at the same time, the loach will take breaks and interact with the other loaches.

It may be the removal of their favorite hiding place that caused this loach to move around more. He stays out all day but at times seems to be very clumsy, bumping into rocks and things just about everytime he swims.


Could these symptoms be some type of internal parasite?

ph 7
nitrate-nitrite-0
ammonia 0

55 gallon
4 clowns
4 green corys
9" pleco
1 golden algae eater
3 upside down cats
6 cherry barbs

[Marcos Mataratzis]

Hi LoachOrgy,

You spoke of "an incident" on your tank. What was it?

This behavior of your Clown loach is not rare. Maybe she´s missing her friends, maybe she is showing everybody she´s now new alpha.
Before using the medicine ask yourself: is it worth it? Is there a real disease there?

Tell us more about that incident...

[LoachOrgy]

Marcos, she is the new alpha. And its more of an energetic burst of energy almost like freedom.

Here is the thread. This is when I lost 4 of my loaches. It was roughly a month ago.
http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php ... highlight=

I may not treat the tank. I was just inquiring. At this point, the tank seems very good. All fish seem very happy and the addition of more filtration is keeping the water extra clear. It was probably a water quality issue but emma suggested it may be chinondrella(spelling?). It is in that thread. Fish stopped dying probably 3 weeks ago.

[Marcos Mataratzis]

Hi LO,

I read your post on bloated loaches. I´m really sorry...

The Chilodonella (Chilodonella cypprini) is an external parasite that eats fish tissue and leave the body as soon as fish dies to infect next one but, as I do know, this parasite only attacks weakened fishes. Healthy ones are not infected.
You probably had that isue because of bad water conditions.
Well... that´s past. Hope your new filtration improvements keeps you out of trouble.

Best wishes!

Marcos

[LoachOrgy]

thanks marcos. im not going to treat it!