Fish Dying Everywhere!

[smittyjr18]

I have a 29 Gal High. It currently has 2 neons, 3 rasbora, 1 marble angel, and 4 panda corys. I used to have a dozen neons and 6 cardinal tetras and one additional angel. The tank has been setup for about 2 to 3 months and my PH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate levels are fine. When the tank was first setup I added salt like the instructions said but I have not done so since. I have seen one neon display the possible signs of a worm or water lice. I have increased the temp in the take to 86F. I have also started to treat for some external parasites with Mardel Maracide. All of the neons ate just fine then one by one they died. I also just lost a angel and another neon today. The angel was eating and swimming fine. No indication of stress or clamped fins. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Question two.
I have heard that aquarium salt is bad/deadly to neons. Is this true?

Question Three.
Can i use DE from a pool filter in my Mag 350 or is there something special in the DE from the pet store?

 

[krap101]

I have heard that aquarium salt is bad/deadly to neons. Is this true?

i dont think so. i think it only affects plecos and corys. but i may be wrong. never had to use salt

 

[smittyjr18]

How does it affect pleco's and cory's?

 

[shawmutt]

Salt is bad for a lot of soft water fishes. The fish you mentioned above would be harmed by salt. As far as how, let me get back to you on that one.

 

[BrianNY]

Neons are very sensitive to higher temps. 85 is just too high for them and more than likely contributed to their deaths.

 

[smittyjr18]

I just raised the temp in the last few days. My normal temp is about 80 - 82. That is wht i don't get? It seems like everything is ok but then they just drop like flies.

 

[BrianNY]

Well neons do better under 77. As far as salt...............most catfish and plecos don't fare well because salt irritates the body thus causing it to produce a protective slime coat. Most (if not all), catfish, plecos and loaches do not have the ability to produce enough of this slime coat and succumb.

HTH