Cherry Barbs with white poop (freshwater)

[Deborah jane]

Hi I'm new to the forum, I used to be a member of a biorb forum but for some reason I can log in but can't retrieve my posts,I've got a 30l biorb which has been up and running for three years, had a few problems at first e.g a lot of fish deaths due to a none cycled tank. But recently I have lost 2 more cherry barbs to what looks like bloat, I've also noticed white poop which isn't normal so I've treated the orb for parasites, but the remainder 5 cherry barbs are starting to get sick I think, they are on the bottom a lot!!!!! Just wandering if anyone can give me some advice please.

 

[Humblefish]

@Deborah jane Sounds like your fish have internal parasites, which is treatable by using metronidazole. Seachem Metroplex and API General Cure are two good products that contain metro.

@melypr1985 works at a LFS which sells freshwater fish, so she may know of better options.

 

[melypr1985]

I would say metroplex would be a good option here. How many gallons is this tank? The 4 gallon or the 8 gallon? Freshwater fish can put up with a lot, but they still need room and even the 8 gallon is pretty darn small for that many barbs. Are there more fish in the tank? It could be, if you treat wtih metro and reduce the fish population to 5 smaller fish, it will help alleviate the problems you have been having with your fish. I would suggest cardinal tetras, Ottos, a betta, some shrimp maybe as alternatives for a tank this size. I hope that helps. If not, then I can ask my buddies at the store for more help.

 

[Frop]

Weird. Ya white poop could be worms. My freshwater are usually really hardy. Never had bloating ones other than me feeding them too much he-he-hee......

 

[Deborah jane]

I've got a 30L orb which is almost 80 gallon, I've only been able to buy the API treatment so I hope this works, I'm down to 5 barbs now I did have 7! Which I was advised by another forum, I can't add any fish until the cherry barbs pass away. Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Deborah jane]

Sorry I mean 8 gallons [emoji848]

 

[melypr1985]

I've got a 30L orb which is almost 80 gallon, I've only been able to buy the API treatment so I hope this works, I'm down to 5 barbs now I did have 7! Which I was advised by another forum, I can't add any fish until the cherry barbs pass away. Thank you so much for your help.

I wouldn't add any more fish period....even after the barbs are cured. I would simply adjust the type of fish you are keeping in that tiny tank. Barbs are a bit large for this small of a tank. The list I suggested are fish that are small enough to be able to keep 7 or 8 in that tank together with ease. If you try to keep 7 barbs in that tank again, you'll run into more health problems. That's my advice and you certainly don't have to take it, but I believe that's the core of the current issues. good luck

 

[Deborah jane]

I'll take your advice as you know a lot more than I do. I appreciate that! If the fish pull through I have know choice but to keep the 5 remaining ones until they decide to leave this world, I don't know anyone who would want them, then I will re stock with cardinal tetras [emoji226][emoji226][emoji226] once again thank you for your expertise [emoji847]