Originally Posted by
Swedgin
Hi Steve,
a few things stand out to me: PH, Nitrates and Filter cleaning schedule.
The ph is very low. Is this how it comes out of the tap? Seems unusual to have municipal water this acidic.
The low ph makes it difficult for nitrifying bacteria to establish, as they thrive better in more alkaline water than yours. Cleaning each filter every other week on top of that probably doesn’t give the bacteria that do eventually establish a chance to propagate sufficiently.
Usually when people keep discus at that low a ph on purpose, rather than relying on only filters for the reason mentioned above, they either change a lot of water religiously, or use certain resins to keep the water “clean”.
Which kind of test kit are you using for your parameters? Might be worth rechecking.
As for treating the sick fish, I’m afraid I personally can’t help, looks bacterial to me, but would rely on members who are more experienced with disease questions.
They will chime in shortly I’m sure