A wee bit of Malawi help?

[lizzytobias]

Hi.
My friend has 4 Malawis and is having a problem with their lack of activity. She is concerned that in the last week they have all become what she described as "lethargic". I asked her to check for the usual things I could think of, like change in water pH, ick, etc, but I am no pro and she fears she will lose them all.

4 fish, about 4.5 inches each, in 55 gal tank, no change in water or anything, filters were changed 3 weeks ago, no change in food.

Any thoughts?

[lizzytobias]

Yikes!
I didn't realize there was a whole Malawi forum! Can a mod please move this question for me!?

[Lisachromis]

When was the last time she did a water change? How much of one? Was anything new added to the aquarium lately? e.g. rocks, plants...

[lizzytobias]

She said she hasn't done one, and she hasn't added anything. As per my recommendation, when she set up the tank she used crushed coral. *shrugs* Nothing has changed at all, but they seem to be in a swift decline.

This is just a thought but is it possible they are cold??

Edit: Last water change was 1/2 tank and it was one month ago

[Lisachromis]

Possibly, but she'd have to be keeping her house pretty cold for them to feel it. I keep mine at room temperature and they all act normal.

My first suggestion would be to do another water change right away. Then I'd suggest that maybe she do them a bit more often.

How new is this setup?

Would it be prossible to find out what species she has and what she's feeding them?

[lizzytobias]

I'll check into it.

[lizzytobias]

Well, whatever it was, it killed them. She lost two on Thursday, one yesterday and she woke up to the last one gone. Thanks for your attempts to help.

LT

[Lisachromis]

Sorry to hear that.

[lizzytobias]

I believe she was too...Thank you for the help, though. I appreciate the effort.

Lizzy