Why is my tank doing this?

[jdheff1982]

It has been cycled for about 2 weeks now. Last week I added 4 fish> 2 bumblebee cichlids and 2 spotted rafaels. Water tested good> 0 everything. Since then, I have returned the cichlids because of there bad nature and bought a pair of blue rams. I still have the rafaels. I tested the water after adding the rams and this is what the water read> 0 ammo, 5ppm nitrites, and 0 nitrates. Today, I pulled a few gallons of water from an established 20 gallon tank and put that in my filstar. Plus, I took a scoop of gravel and put it in the filstar. I also took a scoop of gravel from an established 25 gallo tank and put it in the AQ300. Today, I also bought some AP Stress Zyme to help enhance the biological cultures. It has been 2 or 3 hours since I have done this. Here are my current water parameters>

0 ammo
5 ppm nitrites
5 ppm nitrates
7.2 pH (really odd considering that everybody else is 7.8)

What do I do?? The rams are scavenging the sand somewhat and the have lost about half of their coloring. The rafaels seem ok when I do get to see them. I am really concerned. The rams are gasping. I have plenty of air going in the tank. PLEASE HELP!!

[rockhead44]

I would give it some time.The tank needs to get settled.Sometimes fish lose there colors cause of an adjustment,Water,heat,light, and tank mates.I am sure I left a few things out.Give us an update.

[jafo]

You can do a fairly large water change (60%+) or you may lose the Rams. They are intolerant of poor water quality (high nitrites).

Better yet, take them back until your tank has finished cycling.

Personally, I'd take option 2.

[jdheff1982]

I already did a water change. I'll probably do another tomorrow. I also wondering, I have 2 spotted rafaels, I only see one swimming about. If it is possible that one is dead, will this cause high nitrites??

[jdheff1982]

Nevermind, they are still alive. I have also been adding StressZyme to the tank hoping that will speed up the process. I just don't get it. It was cycled before I added the 2 rams....

[valerie]

how long has the tank been cycled for? You said it was finished 2 weeks ago but didn't say how long it has been set up for.

What size is this tank?Keep doing water changes to keep the levels down.The rams need good water.

[jdheff1982]

How about the product called Nitra-Zorb from AP?? It is supposed to remove ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Will this work???? I may get it either way....

[jdheff1982]

I added the Nitra-Zorb to my Filstar and after about 2 hours the nitrites have dropped to 1 ppm. I hope by tomorrow the nitrites will be gone. The rams are pretty healthy looking right now. They are still pumping water like crazy, but I think the male is trying to put the move on the female (he he). Plus they are swimming about really well.

I was also wondering, since the pH out of the tap is about 8.0, a cycled tank is ~7.8, and my 37 gallon is 7.2 do you think that much of a difference would put the rams in a bit of a shock???? I really don't understand why the pH is lower. I have been told that the pH would go up with a sand substrate. Any ideas.... Thanks!

[slipknottin]

you didnt cycle your tank, you temporarily added something that absorbed the nitrites and ammonia.

When the media runs out, the nitrites will be back...

[famman]

It is clear that when you added your new fish you caused a mini-cycle. Don't worry about your ph as long as it is stable, do you have driftwood? Do you have plants?
Be carefull about using nitrazorb etc, you can starve your bacteria colony and it will never establish. I would only use it in an emergency and when you think too large a water change would change ph too fast.
You not only need to feed your bacteria colonies, you have to 'challenge' them too. Your challenge is to do this without stressing your fish. I suggest you do frequent 25% water changes (every other day? every day?) until your tank recycles. Watch your ammo and nitrite levels and only put in the nitrazorb if either of these levels start to spike. If your levels fall off, you can slow down on the water changes.
good luck
:)

[jdheff1982]

Well, I did do another water change and I probably challenged the bacteria too. I had to drain my tank so I cpuld put it on another stand. I checked the levels after refilling and nitrites were down to 0.25 ppm. I hope they continue dropping.

EDIT: Considering what you said, famman, I'll probably remove the Nitra-Zorb.

[Richer]

Removing nitra-zorb is a good idea. Keep your levels low via multiple water changes. The more the better.

HTH
-Richer

[jdheff1982]

Ok, when it comes to doing a 25% water change and the water rides at about 5.1 cm from the very top of the tank, about how much of that is 25%??

Dimensions of 37 gallon tank (Including black border on top and bottom):

31.6 cm Deep
34.2 cm Tall
76.6 Wide

Thanks!!

[slipknottin]

you dont need to get exact numbers.

Just do water changes if your ammonia or nitrite levels get high.

[famman]

I used black marker and marked my 16 inch high tank with short lines every 4 inches along the back corner. I call each increment 25% and I make a little allowance for gravel, ornaments etc.
:)