Two deaths today

[trackfast]

First, Happy Holidays to all!

I was starting my PWC/cleaning (weekly thing) and one of my Zebra Danios got sick up into the gravel cleaner. I stopped the siphon and it fell out. My fish have never gotten caught bc the usually swim away fast. It was slow and lethargic and then I noticed my Oto acting the same way. They were lifeless a few minutes later. The Zebra was purchased when I started the tank (1 of 3) and the Oto I've also had for a few months. My water parameters are normal and the other fish (Zebra Danios, Gouramis, CR shrimp and snails) seem fine. It did seem like the stomach of the two were a little bloated. After cleaning, I removed the bodies and put them in ice water; wanted to euthanized in case they were still suffering. I have noticed red worms in the bucket after my PWC recently. No changes in diet or decor. pH 8.2; Temp. 76.6F; Normal water parameters (0 ammonia,etc); HOB Penguin 150. 20G high tank; planted. What's going on?

 

[An t-iasg]

I'm sorry to hear about the fish deaths, especially on Christmas. The bloated stomachs look like a case of dropsy. Dropsy is not a disease of itself but it's a sign that something else is wrong - an infection, tumor, organ failure. The red worms could be suspicious. Are you feeding live worms (maybe some didn't get eaten) or maybe they could be parasites?

 

[trackfast]

I waas feeding them worms but only freeze dried blood worms. I think I might do a tear down/rebuild to clean everything. Thanks for the info.