Fish Have Stopped Eating

[dutchd]

Ok so all my fish have stopped eating, I have Yellow Labs, Blue Cobalt Zebras and Auratus cichlids. One of my Blue Cobalt Zebras was sick but seems to be cured with some medication I got from my local fish store but that was about 1 week ago. All the fish seem fine swimming around with out any problems like breathing or acting weird. I tried pellets, flakes and some other random foods but nothing seems to get them to eat. What can I do?

[peacockbass]

they might be upset. upset animals of all kind tend to get discouraged from eating when there mad or upset. thats my best guess. giving them live food might do better too.
thats all i can think of. mike,cichlidgirl, and the others probably have better answers, so when one of them reads this they will most likely be more help.

peacockbass

[Cichlidgirl]

How long has it been since they stopped eating ? Are there still any meds in the water ?

CG

[JasonB]

Don't panic this is a problem easily fixed to help you more I have to ask a few questions about whats happening with the fish like

What was the disease of the sick fish?

What products/medicines where used to cure the disease?

Are your fish close to the surface sometimes gasping for air?

Did you remove the carbon from the filter before medicating the fish tank?

How many water changes have you done since you've medicated the tank?

How often a day do you feed them normally?

What do you use to feed them?

How long has this tank been setup?

Answering these questions will help me better understand whats gone wrong and how you can fix it. I look forward to your response and will be standing by.

CP

[dutchd]

Ok for cichlid girls questions its been about 3 days since the fish have stopped eating and I haven't used any meds since the day before that.

I should correct myself before I go any further, its been about one week since I stopped using the meds not since I got them like I previously stated.

1. The disease looked to be body slime/eye cloud.
2. I used API Triple Sulfa
3. Yes I removed the carbon before medicating as was statedon the instructions for the meds.
4. I've made water changes according to the directions which was medicate and then wait 24 hours and medicate again. Then after a second 24 hours change 25% of the water. then I repeated this same treatment as stated on the box a second time for a total of 4 doses. Then I made a final water change of about 33% and then added activated carbon.
5. I normally feed them 2 times a day but sometimes 3.
6. I use Omega One Cichlid flakes and Wardley Premium Slow Sinking Cichlid Crumbles.
7 This tank has been setup for about 4 months.

Thanks for the help guys/gals...

[Mike]

Sounds like Everything is alright are all the water conditions right?
pH level?
dH Level?
Check the Nitrate levels be sure they are not over 50ppm and check for high Ammonia levels. If your levels are high 10% water change should fix it.

Believe it or not its common for cichlids to stop eating and its also encouraged to simulate a starvation period of a day to help the digestive system catch up this helps prevent bloat and really helps the fish stay in shape. Its also important to remove any excess foods since they don't eat it. I would just try to feed them and see what happens try raising the tank temperature raising the temperature to about 84F helps speed up the fishes metabolism making them hungry and stimulating them to eat again. Hope this helps.

Mike

[JasonB]

Are they near the surface of the tank? Almost looks like they are gasping for air? Often times when the water flow rate slows or the oxygen levels in the tank decrease the cichlid goes into a state of stress but not really the kind of stress to worry about most cichlids that are healthy and free swimming are strong enough to battle through some ruff conditions.

I would also suggest turning up the temp to about 83 - 86 F slowly adjusting it from what it is now. Its important not to rapidly change any conditions you always want to make sure your patient and calm when making any adjustments this will allow you to better see if any problems arise.

CP

[dutchd]

All my levels seem fine, nothing ut of the ordinary... None are near the top of the tank they just seem to hang out mid-level and lower, taking cover when need be. I also had turned up the temp to 83F but wanted to be careful as I have an upside down cat in there too...

[dutchd]

Just a litle update, fish have been eating normally again for 3 days... Thanks for all the help though guys!

[Cichlidgirl]

Glad to hear that.