once you have an established tank you dont really need to be testing for PH, or nitrate or other levels like that all the time....
bout to give up on my fish
- Thread starter allecb
- Start date
I'd do a 50% water change as soon a possible. And keep doing them as often as you are willing. Daily 25% water changes would not be a bad idea. Clean water is the number one thing you can do for them other than the ich treatment.
I know that. I'm paranoid sometimes about my tank, so it's nothing for me to check more than one a week. I know that all is well in the tank now, but I'd rather know if their is a spike in ammonia or nitrites, etc before something bad happens.
Good luck with your tank. I hope all is well within it, soon.
My personal opinion is to quit with the salt and just give them all really nice new fresh water. At least 50% change today (so more like 6-5 gallon buckets) and be sure to add the full amount of conditioner for 55 gallons. Then tomorrow do about half that much of a change and keep doing it until all seems well. You'd be surprised at what fish can heal themselves with just plain old clean water. If you actually see more ick spots then go back to that treatment (I don't know how much salt) - but if everything you notice is behavioral then see if you can help it with fresh water.
btw - a 5 gallon bucket is huge - most utility buckets are 2 1/2 gallons. I just keep emptying water until the tank looks half full (or 1/3 full depending on my water change).
i couldnt imagine going from my tank to my bathroom across the hall over and over and over and over with 2 1/2 gallon buckets.
this 5 gallon bucket was a pickle bucket from my fast food place i worked at. and no, this isnt due to the bucket cause ive been using it since a year or 2 ago
If it was in fact, ich, then she needs to complete the 10 day treatment. Otherwise it's going to come right back and she'll be in the same spot. 10 days of salt shouldn't hurt those fish. I 100% agree with the fresh water, there's almost nothing it won't cure-except ich 
Do the water changes, but my suggestion is to salt the replacement water.
Zbbal, I agree with you-the 2nd most important thing next to water changes is a test kit. I've had a few dozen tanks for years and I check mine all the time.Random ammonia and nitrites tests, but nitrates pretty regularly. It's one of the best investments you can make. I want to know if I have a problem before the fish start getting sick.
Do the water changes, but my suggestion is to salt the replacement water.Zbbal, I agree with you-the 2nd most important thing next to water changes is a test kit. I've had a few dozen tanks for years and I check mine all the time.Random ammonia and nitrites tests, but nitrates pretty regularly. It's one of the best investments you can make. I want to know if I have a problem before the fish start getting sick.
That's why I siphon mine right out the window Of course refilling is a pain with 2 1/2 gal buckets for 20 gallons of water, but for the fish... Good luck with your fishies, I hope they all perk up and get healthy soon!
Of course refilling is a pain with 2 1/2 gal buckets for 20 gallons of water, but for the fish... Good luck with your fishies, I hope they all perk up and get healthy soon!