Rubberlip Pleco died (Anyone know why?)

[jbarr]

I recently bought a Rubberlip pleco at Petsmart. About 6 days ago.

It was about 2.5 inches. It took ages for the lady to finally catch one; they were all too fast or would cling too hard on the glass to be pulled off.
I think that stressed a lot of them out.

I put him in my tank (properly acclimated), and he slowly sunk to the bottom. He scoped things out a bit, getting a feel for things, then he went under my driftwood. He hid there for days.

I tried coaxing him out with algae tablets, and shrimp pellets, over the course of about 3 days. He didn't move really at all, not even after lights out.

On day 4 about, I came home to see him on the front lower corner of my tank. I was very happy to see that. I put an algae tab in to try and get some food in him, he didn't eat any. Nothing noticeable at least.

Finally, today I was looking around for him, only to see him in the same old hiding spot. Though pale, and not breathing. I scooped him out. He was dead.

He seemed like he was breathing pretty frenetically, kind of fast.

I should add this tank has been set up for about a month now.Not fully cycled, Nitrites were usually sort of high; bad I know. But it was ironic, just today, My nitrites are finally at 0 (Do i need to do any additionaly pwc now?). pH is ~7.4.

So I was just wondering if anyone knows the possible cause of this. No physical harm on him.


A few possible reasons;
1) Stress from removal and transport to my tank?
2) Starvation?
3) Nitrites too high/Uncycled?
4) pH too high?

Any help at all is appreciated.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

High nitrites. Plecos don't do good in uncycled tanks.

Also, cycling can cause ph fluctuations if your kh is low, which could also affect the fish.

A ph of 7.4 is just fine for the plecos. It's not high at all, but if it's fluctuating due to cycling, then it's bad.

 

[jbarr]

OK, cool thanks for the info.

But my nitrites are finally at 0. Is there anything I need to do to maintain that?

 

[Lonewolfblue]

If your cycle is complete, then you need to do nothing to maintain it, just don't add too many fish at once. Give it a week or 2 between fish adding, and only 2-3 fish at a time, or 4-6 if they are small tetras.