Clown Loach Distress

Question
Hi Matt,

I have an 35 gallon tank that has had no problems at all for almost 3 years. About 4 months ago I added 2 new loaches to the 5 that happily wiggle all day long as a clump. The original 5 range from three to five inches, the additions were very small about an inch and a half at most(probably my first mistake). After about a week they seamed to adapt and even all fish pile together with Pop's on top, the five incher. Then the smaller one seamed to get listless and go off on his own continually swimming horizontally and keeping his fins close to his body. The other addition looked healthy and was gaining weight and size, so I chocked it up to stress. But when the second addition died I started to get worried. Now Pop's is doing the same thing, swimming alone, fins close to his body, horizontal swimming, and he seams to be loosing weight. He is not gasping or even breathing hard and he is eating. I am worried that this is a progressive problem but am cautious about medicating sensitive loaches  with the wrong types of treatments.

Answer
Hi kelly.

It sounds as if you had an ammonia spike due to the new introduction of a larger bioload.

Do a large waterchange as soon as possible, and try doseing melafix. It is a gentle, natural remedy for pretty much any ailment.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Thanks,
   ~Matt