Reoccurring wasting

[sixpack_ey]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

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

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.

About a year ago, this issue started. One fish at a time would begin to waste away, and eventually die within 2 weeks or so. Everything will be fine for a month or 2 and then the exact same thing will happen. I’ve lost about 6 fish. I’ve tried various medications but nothing has stopped the affected fish from dying and the problem continues. The fish seem to take on a different posture and swimming style, but have no visible lesions or discoloration. Most recently, I’ve treated with prazi pro and medicated food made with metroplex/kanaplex/focus. I perform monthly 25% water changes. This tank has been set up about 2 years.

 

[Backfromthedead]

What kind of fish are the ones affected?

 

[sixpack_ey]

What kind of fish are the ones affected?

There has been a molly and all the rest are platys. It’s only livebearers and one angelfish in the tank.

 

[sixpack_ey]

Here is the current affected fish.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Hmmm are the fish eating the medicated food? Is their feces white and stringy or otherwise? If they are still eating well i would try soaking their preferred food in an epsom salt/water solution. If you have tried repeated medications it is possible whatever pathogen they have has built up a resistance to the medication. Have you tried salt and heat? Oftentimes adding salt at a concentration of 2 tsp/gallon and raising the tank to at least 86F can wipe out many parasites.

25% water changes per month is not very much especially if your tank is decently stocked. Personally, i change at least 50% a week on a lightly stocked tank, much more for heavily stocked. It would be helpful to know your water parameters (specifically nitrate, nitrite, ammonia concentrations) here too. I suspect your water quality may be contributing to the problem, but dont know much about your tank size or inhabitants at this time. Before you try any new treatment, i would try a more intensive maintenance routine, change 50-75% water a couple times a week until your nitrates are next to undetectable, then consider the salt and heat treatment if things havent improved.

 

[LukeOscar]

Here is the current affected fish.

View attachment 1524982

are these fish that you acquired when you setup the tank 2 years ago? if so then there is a good chance they are just passing of age. the fish you mentioned really only have a life span of 2-3 years. they will be grown out before sold leaving there time with you shorter.

 

[sixpack_ey]

Ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 5, pH 8. Yes, the sick fish is still eating the medicated food. I never considered this being age related death, but now that you mention it, none of the younger ones (the ones that were born in my tank) have never came down with this so it is a thought. Yes, I have tried salt. I will up my water changes as suggested.

 

[Hybridfish7]

Put more filtration on the tank. Domestic livebearers get stressed by poor water conditions easily and subsequently succumb to wasting diseases. I lost half my molly colony within a few weeks of the canister's impeller exploding.