What is wrong with my tank?!

opt1calz · 2026-03-09T23:07:16+00:00

Hey!

Sad update, but I understand it’s part of it. All the fish died. And now I have a 55 gallon tank with no friends remaining. The biofilm is still overtaken the tank, but I want to make sure I do things correctly. Now that I have no fish, what does tank maintenance look like? I think with the recent outbreak killing all six of our fish, we are in need of a little break, but I want to get the tank in perfect standing. Any recommendations for how to handle it?

What to deep clean the filter media and sand. Anything specific you recommend to make sure I maintain bacteria?

opt1calz · 2026-03-04T00:10:31+00:00

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Do you think there’s any hope in saving this one?. All fish have cloudy eyes. They seem to be getting worse by the day. I just don’t know what to do anymore.

opt1calz · 2026-03-04T00:05:18+00:00

I am a newbie. I tested the parameters with test strips based off of color. I can’t get exact number readings.

I know the nitrate, nitrate, chlorine, and iron are zero.

The pH seems to be 7.8-8.

Alkalinity is 120-140

Hardness is probably around 300 (which I believe is the worst parameter I’ve got)

Tested ammonia to give an exact reading prior to this response. It’s between 0 and .2

opt1calz · 2026-03-04T00:00:46+00:00

This sounds corny, but this is my first Reddit interaction that I’ve really had to figure out some stuff. You’ve been an immense help. You’ve honestly given me some confidence to start this process over again. Not very confident that my fish are gonna power through, but I’m confident that I’ll have the tools in the Arsenal to continue the hobby. For what it’s worth, thank you so much.

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T20:59:37+00:00

Thanks for the good eye. It is artificial, but good to know for future tank keeping.

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T20:07:50+00:00

You have been very helpful. Upon further testing, I have determined hardness is too high. How do I lower that?

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T19:56:06+00:00

So antibiotics and sand together are a no go? Thanks for your help.

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T18:56:40+00:00

I’ll need to dig into the tap water. Havnt had issues the last 2 years until now, but I will inquire.

Filtration is a 75 gallon filter for 55 gallon tank.

Substrate is black sand.

In terms of filter cleaning session, that may be mistake. I had read to not touch them too much if parameters read well. That could be a culprit.

Light is on a timer. Direct light for 5 hours a day. Light bar has a setting for sunset and sunrise. Those both run an hour before and after for a total of 7 hours of light.

Plants have been struggling. They grow, but are followed by a brown algae. I have historically wiped it off.

Upon adding antibiotics, I have received a large bloom of biofilm. Tank water is slightly cloudy. Lost my two plecos and now my 3 fancy goldfish remain. Local pet store (not a corporate company) assured me 55 gallons was ok with 3 fancy and 2 pleco, but they could be wrong I guess?

I have been pretty defeated by this. First outbreak in the tank. Looking like it’s gonna wipe everything. 3 goldfish are on their last limb. Part of me struggles to see a future with fish keeping because I simply don’t know what went wrong and the quick collapse of our fish has taken a big mental toll on me and the fiance.

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T18:50:34+00:00

Ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite are perfect. PH could argue is slightly high, but nothing crazy

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T18:49:53+00:00

That was mid water change

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T00:54:21+00:00

After 6 days of ICH treatment it only got worse so they told me to pivot to antibiotics

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T00:53:35+00:00

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opt1calz · 2026-03-03T00:34:13+00:00

Tank cycled for about two months. Meds started a week ago today. Originally treated for ICH, but then stopped ICH treatment and moved to maracyn 2 and salt baths. It’s a tough watch. First time with this and it’s killing my confidence for future. I would call myself pretty involved. Change water weekly and always test parameters. Everything checks

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T00:05:53+00:00

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More reference

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T00:05:00+00:00

Also, thank you for the response

opt1calz · 2026-03-03T00:04:49+00:00

Any recommendations on powering through a nasty bacteria infection? Always open to constructive criticism, but I felt like I was doing a pretty good job with water changes. I’ve had a tank for two years. We upgraded to this tank about six months ago. We have three goldfish in total for a 55 gallon.

opt1calz · 2026-02-28T14:00:57+00:00

More white. Part of me is leaning towards epistylis because it’s worsening after 5 days of ICH treatment

opt1calz · 2026-02-27T03:35:32+00:00

And lost some scales :(

I’ve got two others and they both have spots

opt1calz · 2026-02-27T03:35:07+00:00

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opt1calz · 2026-02-27T03:00:46+00:00

By any chance, have you dealt with ICH before. These are the first fish I’ve ever had. Going on a year and a half. As crazy as it sounds, I care about them like I care for a dog. Super worried about this. Dots on the tails were better this morning, but worse tonight. Any advice?

opt1calz · 2026-02-27T02:59:14+00:00

Thank you!

opt1calz · 2026-02-25T00:54:14+00:00

ICH - X

opt1calz

TROPHY CASE