New Loachowner Desparate for HELP!

[Loachlover]

Thanks everyone. Thought I had done my research re: possible first fish and did follow the advice of what we believed was a knowledgeable fish person. BUT... appears we have failed our first batch of fish is all ways possible. I really do think these little loaches are so cool and such an entertaining fish. Will see this to the end as I am responsible for the mess I have made and then will take everyone's advice. Luckily, the other fish in the tank appear to be doing well. Perhaps they are all in trouble? Expect the loaches to die any time now however. Will not venture into that arena again until I have MORE experience with keeping fish. Also, re: balas, plan is to definitely move them into a much larger tank in the next 2-3 months. We had gotten all of these fish because they are the ones the kids chose and I was told they were all good first fish.
Anyhow, thanks again for the advice. Will continue with the water changes and try to locate some of the products suggested.

[Loachlover]

Forgot to ask, while keeping an eye on my loaches I found this small thing swimming in the tank and I swear it is some kind of fish fry? As I have never seen one before I am not sure but what else could it be? It has two big black eyes, what appears to be a tail and is a very good swimmer. Could it have come with the bala or mollies that I recently added? If so, what do I do with it? Leave it in the tank and provide a meal for someone?

[Loachlover]

One last reply on this. Time to euthanize the loaches? How??

[YoYo]

Sounds like a Molly fry. They are livebearers and can store sperm so expect more if they survive the cycle. I would just leave it, it will either survive or become food for something

Good luck with your cycle. I did the same thing, jumped in first and asked for help later. I didn't have near as many fish tho and they weren't expensive ones but still hurt to loose one.

[YoYo]

Sounds like a Molly fry. They are livebearers and can store sperm so expect more if they survive the cycle. I would just leave it, it will either survive or become food for something

Good luck with your cycle. I did the same thing, jumped in first and asked for help later. I didn't have near as many fish tho and they weren't expensive ones but still hurt to loose one.

[ClownMob]

I recommended the 35% changes because it sounded like a bad situation in 20g and water changes are the best immediate help you can do.

most of the good bacteria that are tryin to build during the cycle are in the filters and substrate anyway, not really free-floating in the water. It may slow your cycle a bit, but it could also save the clowns.

if you change 20-25% even every day or other day right now it wont hurt them for sure, could be some very toxic water in that little tank.

the bigger issue is to think about a bigger tank if you want to raise them long-term. for example I've got my clown group in 75g tank with plans for 125g when they get some good size on em. 20g just wont work for any length of time.

kinda rambled, hope your clowns hang in there, I wouldnt finish them off or anything, keep givinem some fresh water til your cycle kicksin and see what happens.

good luck

[Loachlover]

Hi All, as per the smileys, feeling really, really down in the dumps on this fish idea! Have, as of today, lost both loaches, one bala and all two mollies and other bala show ICH signs. Pleco has no spots but is hiding alot! Tank is in terrible shape; Nitrites are at 1.6, PH 8.2 and Amonia 0.6. Have been instructed to STOP ICH MEDS and fish are now dying like crazy. Told to simply let nature take its course and get the tank cycled but I HATE to stand by and watch this terrible disease kill off these fish. I again need some advice; A. As above, let the tank cycle out and finish what it started and LOOSE all fish OR: start the ICH MEDS AGAIN and try and control the disease? HELP!!!!!!!

[ClownMob]

in my humble opinion you need to get your tank cycled properly and you wont have these problems. either return those fish (although may be tuff if ich) or just keep them and let them complete the cycle and start over after that.

it is a bummer they are dying, but until you get that tank cycled they arent going to do well in there anyway, especially clown loaches being scaleless and sensitve to poor water.

the smaller the tank the tougher it is to keep good levels because there isnt much dilution or room for error as toxins to build up from the waste. you can watch those levels and see the cycle as it progresses then control your nitrAtes with regular water changes when the cycle is done.

[Loachlover]

Thanks for the "humble" opinion. My husband has kindly "taken care" of all fish showing ICH which basically now leaves me with one Sailfin Pleco in the tank. He has no ICH showing so I am going to let him "ride it out" over the weekend and see how he fairs. Have removed all but one item from the tank and left in most of the gravel. If by some miracle he continues to live should we try and cycle the tank even though it appears to be infested with ICH or simply just get rid of the pleco, empty the tank, clean everything and start again?? Have been told to do just that but to me that seems like a waste for all the efforts we have made for 3 weeks. BUT... hubby thinks that the tank is now completely unsafe for new fish even if we let it cycle as ICH can remain dormanint or pleco could infect new fish even 3-4 weeks down the road. WHAT TO DO?