Sudden Death

[discus2501]

Hello, One of my Discus died while head standing (Head up, Tail down) It seemed he was struggling to breath while all the other discus were fine. I managed to take a photo of its gills even though it's not quite clear. Can anyone deduce the cause of death?

134037

[jeep]

The respiration may have been a side effect. How long was this discus head standing?

[discus2501]

He wasn't head standing all the time. It was a on and off thing so I wasn't concerned. He has been doing this for around 1-2 weeks.

[jeep]

Had you treated with any meds recently?

[discus2501]

I use Potassium permanganate every 2 weeks as a preventative and to reduce organics. Last med I used was Levamisole HCL at very low dosage for deworming.

[discus2501]

After the death of that discus I did a water change and all my discus are now at the top gasping for air. I found ammonia of 0.25 to 0.50 ppm on API test kit.

One of the fish is looking like this:
134052

I made several water changes until ammonia was at 0 ppm. Fishes are still gasping at the surface. Some have cloudy eyes.

I added rock salt at 2 tablespoon per 10 gallons. They are not gasping hard but still at the surface of the tank, huddling together.

The temperature is 84°F or 29°C

[jeep]

The only thing I can guess on is the use of PP. Every 2 weeks is a bit much even in low doses and can destroy your bio filtration. I would discontinue PP and simply maintain a clean water schedule. For the short term I would add 2-3TBS salt per 10g (which you already did) and see if there's any change.

[Tkuilderd]

I will also add to what Brian has mentioned. These fish most likely have extensive gill damage from PP overdosing and ammonia burn. The salt is a good start but i would also add methylene blue to help sooth the gills and boost gill function. PP is a dangerous medication and should not be used except as a last resort.

Tammy

[discus2501]

Here's another one dead.

134053

[discus2501]

Surprisingly, the Rummynose tetras in the tank are completely fine and swimming around happily.

[jwcarlson]

I didn't lose any, but mine were all gasping for air when I forgot Prime after a water change and learned my water has chloramines.