All my babies are dieing!

[jeff]

ive alomst lost all my babies to reasons unkown. I have talked with many, including Jen and no one can fiqure this out. They are floating right at the surface. I have about 5 left but they are showing signs the other ones showed that died. Could be a genetic defect, or stress from transport. Anyone else have the floating axie effect and could clue me in on anything. Temp is good, food is fine, and air saturation seems to be fine, as well as chemical levels(amonnia).

 

[sharn]

if no one knows the reason id go with genetic. was your source reputable?

 

[edward]

Jeff,

While ammonia may be okay, this does not maean the nitrite level is okay. Nitrites can be more toxic than ammonia and as this is the second step of the cycling process they usually don't appear for 10-20 days into the cycle. Nitrites can increase to lethal levels very quickly and kill the amphibian (or fish) by preventing oxygen uptake. Nitrite toxicity would explain why the larva are hanging by the surface of the containers....

Ed

 

[jeff]

Thanks Ed, I moved the babies back into the 10g and put half the water back in it. They seem to be doing alot better. My first concern was the fact that the food was not that present, so I moved them to a smaller setup, but I think the oxygen saturation was unpredictable and it is possible that the nitrites adn nitrates were high enough to cause problems. I hope they are in the clear now.