Peacock bass dead... trying to save the others.

[D_kergs]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

.2

If I did not test my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

31-40%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every two weeks

If I do not change my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

I bought a piece of driftwood from my LFS. I let it soak in my bathtub for a week daily swapping water with as hot as my tap will go. I added it to my tank 2 days ago. Yesterday noticed fish acting weird. Had some white-ish blotches (not ick). Talked to the LFS i bought it from and another reputable one in the area. Both of them told me it was just my ph. Well when I got home from work today one of my bass was dead. And the white blotches turned into almost like mold. Any idea what the issue is?

 

[Potato Patatto]

What is that background made of?

 

[D_kergs]

What is that background made of?

Universal rocks is where I got it from.

 

[tlindsey]

Universal rocks is where I got it from.

Sorry for the loss. Looks like some type of bacterial infection. Was everything fine prior to adding the driftwood?

 

[Potato Patatto]

The nitrates are pretty high and the ph seems harsh for peacocks.. I think adding the wood was a good move to reduce the ph but you have to do some consecutive water changes to reduce the nitrates over the next week. It’s hard to say if the wood is the definitive answer cause that level of nitrates for a prolonged period will lead to issues. I’d add some pickling salt and oxygen with a bubble or sponge filter if possible.

 

[DRUKENMUNKY]

I would back track and remove the wood and treat the bass....looks bacterial to me also. Before putting the wood back in I would soak it in saltwater like a salt dip....if there's any bacteria on it that should kill it. As for the bass if they are the only fish in the tank I would skip Quarantine and treat the whole tank to be sure.

 

[D_kergs]

Sorry for the loss. Looks like some type of bacterial infection. Was everything fine prior to adding the driftwood?

Yes everything was perfect before the wood

 

[D_kergs]

I would back track and remove the wood and treat the bass....looks bacterial to me also. Before putting the wood back in I would soak it in saltwater like a salt dip....if there's any bacteria on it that should kill it. As for the bass if they are the only fish in the tank I would skip Quarantine and treat the whole tank to be sure.

I removed the wood, did a large water change. Next morning everyone seems more normal. Bass seem active (and hungry). I’m scared to try anything and put that wood back in the tank.

 

[tlindsey]

I removed the wood, did a large water change. Next morning everyone seems more normal. Bass seem active (and hungry). I’m scared to try anything and put that wood back in the tank.

I removed the wood, did a large water change. Next morning everyone seems more normal. Bass seem active (and hungry). I’m scared to try anything and put that wood back in the tank.

I personally wouldn't put the wood back in the aquarium.

 

[DRUKENMUNKY]

Sounds like you are heading towards the right direction and the bass having appetite is a good sign. I would just continue to monitor the bass and most importantly just keep the water clean. Continue with water change and even bump up the heat and add salt. I know it sounds basic but clean water is the key when dealing with bacterial and fungal infections. I hope your bass bounce back soon and their immune systems recover quick.