HELP - my discus turn black color

[acidjc]

2 days ago, I got 6 discus (some big abt 5" some small abt 2-3") from a friend. I put them all into a 2ft tank ..

yesterday evetything seem fine...but this morning.. I noticed 1 discus was not "standing" straight or upright. and the body color is black.

the 2ft tank is new, evrything is new. I did not add any PH down and the temp is ard 29-30degree. using overhead filter

sorri, I am new to dsicus keeping, but I love them. so sad to see them sick. anyone can advise me what should I do and why this is happening? what is wrong with the fish?

discus guru, pls help..

[jhseah]

Firstly, 6 discus is slightly overcrowding especially you got some adults in there.
A 2ft tank is suitable for a pair of adult discus.

2nd, its a new tank, not cycled, new tank syndrome makes things worse.

3rd, discus are sensitive fishes, less tolerable to poor water conditions.

You might want to transfer some of the fishes to other bigger tank.
Do 50%water (declorinated) changes everyday in order to maintain good water conditions.

Are the fishes eating well??
If discus still black, might need to dose Mercin K for discus.
Black could be due to stress, and might lead to other sickness.

[acidjc]

thank.. ya I do agree they like over crowded... but I dun hv an extra tank to store these fishes, as I am excepting a 4ft tank coming this Sunday. so I guess for the time mean I just hv to do water chg everyday.

ya the fishes are eating well..

now..I noticed some other things..

one of the fish got a white dot in her eye, another bigger 1 for rotton grills and some injuyies on the body (guess must be hurt during the transporting)

so sad... hope they wil be ok..

[yan]

the best way is to quarantine each in a pail.
coz they are prone to diseases..

[acidjc]

updated .. 4/12/2004

all my "rat" fishes are death, inlcuding 1 4" discus.

yesterday I added the yellow med, a heater and a air stone. now the rest of the 7 discus seem alright.. hopfully no more dieing..

morning I did a 50% water chg...