New to cichlids,two weeks old and sick

[Hrcross]

I have a twenty gallon tank with three cichlids the blue one with strips stopped eating yesterday and now he is hiding and loosing scales. I also noticed white film stuff on my fake log. I have never had this problem before. I have already changed the filter and six gallons of the water between two days

 

[nightswake]

Did you cycle the tank before you got the cichlids? I had a similar situation with my first cichlids id recommend doing 50% waterchanges every day just make sure and dechlorinate and temperature match the new water... if you can post pics theres alot of smart hobbyists on this site pics will help them help you

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[RedDevil83]

I witnessed a shop owner repairing decor with super glue, I wonder if that could be a possibility, also as the above suggested water changes and take the decor out and soak it in hot water for a couple hours.

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[Hrcross]

It's missing how does a fish go missing in 5 hours idk I assume he died and the other two are him but yes the tank is cycled I had guppies in it for two months before these cyclids and the logs and seashells where in the previous tank......and I don't know how to upload pics

 

[TMRC Exotics]

I doubt two fish entirely ate one that quickly. Assuming the tank is cycled (though I suspect it is spiking) aggression is my first suspicion. Do you know the species you have? Could you find them on Google and copy the search here? 20 gallons isnt really life long suitable for much of any cichlids. Did you notice any bullying prior to death?

 

[Hrcross]

The picture of the stripped one with blue is older and the other fish is updated

 

[Hrcross]

Nitrate is 40 nitrite 0 hardness 150 alkalinity 120 ph 8.4

 

[TMRC Exotics]

OK so they are Africans, specifically Malawi mbuna, I take it the kenyi is missing. The yellow one looks a little orange but that black stripe is telling me electric yellow lab, not a real good pic on the other guy but probably a zebra, looks albino?

Any ammonia or nitrites present? Are they aggressive towards each other? I experienced with aggressive mbuna a group of 5 slowly turn into a group of two thanks to harassment.

 

[Fishperson]

I agree, knowing your ammonia levels at this point are very important. What are you testing with?

In general if you don't know what kind of fish you have you aren't nearly qualified to keep them. I hate to be so abrasive but you should research fish extensively before you buy them; you should know all about them by now. I'm going to assume that they were recommended to you buy a chain pet store employee?

The white stuff is a natural fungus so don't worry about it; it will go away.

The fish that is gone may have jumped out or hid under decor. Also check in the filter if there is an opening in the intake that is reasonably large. They can squeeze into small openings.

Can you describe more of what is wrong with the fish? You say his scales are falling off? Are they just getting pushed outwards or are they actually falling completely off?

 

[TMRC Exotics]

When mbuna fight they can literally knock scales off, along with tattered fins it can be a gruesome sight. 20 gallons simply doesn't afford the real estate for these territorial fish to avoid aggression. As well, imo these guys do best in groups numbering 8 or better(to spread aggression) and a 20 just doesn't allow for that. If its possible to upgrade a 40 breeder has great floor space and would allow proper numbers of these guys.

 

[Hrcross]

The blue one swam in the log it died I found it this evening but the blue one was the aggressive one the scales coming off looked like slime with scales coming off I guess chunks.....I know the twenty gallon Is small for the three but I cannot get a larger tank until I move out of the apartment in June I was told odd numbers are best but they can't b just one

 

[TMRC Exotics]

I would say having more than 3 takes precedence over being in odd numbers. IMO 4 is better than 3, 5 is better than 4, 6 is better than 5. I would keep the max amount that I could keep up water changes on if your committed to this stocking. Its honestly not ideal though, these guys will always fight in a 20 gallon(long or high? by the way as that makes a difference).

Any signs of ich or columnaris present? Without any mention of cottony fungus I doubt it but just want to cover all bases! Any bloating or swim bladder issues?

 

[Hrcross]

I bought the test sticks from Walmart. The fish was staying at the bottom of the tank would, not eat for two days his gills seemed moving fast and he hid in the log would not let any other fish near it.

The water Is tap I put six full gallon jugs of water on the counter with no tops they stay there for two days thenpump out four gallons including a small section of gravel cleaning then refill the water

 

[TMRC Exotics]

Ok that says more, labored breathing hints at nitrite issues, it literally can suffocate the fish. Test strips are highly inefficient, whenever possible acquire an api liquid test kit for proper testing.

 

[Hrcross]

The tank is 21 inches long Im not sure the rest.... On both remaining fish is a single spot on their back fin that does not seem to belong

 

[TMRC Exotics]

A white fungus looking spot?

21" = a 20 high which is slightly less desirable in this case.

 

[Fishperson]

A 20 high is shorter than 21" I thought? Mine is.

I agree, get an API Freshwater Master test kit ASAP.

 

[TMRC Exotics]

My 20 high measures 24" long by 16" high by 12" deep. A 20 long is 30" long

 

[Hrcross]

It's not the 30'

 

[Hrcross]

The back fin on the bottom