OK I have what is probably a rather dumb and extremely newbie question! I'm just going through the first cycle and after reading pages and pages of info have decided the best way is with fishes, maybe contrary to the current trend. Filled the tank (240L Jewel), planted it a couple of days later and added six Zebra Danios a week later. Now, another week on and everything is fine, no fish down, all fish very happy at present, plants doing well and a minimal build up of algae. Haven't tested the water and still don't feel the need. No intention of adding any more fish till the first month is up. My only concern and this is my newbie question stems from the water changes. All I read is that they must be done, the more frequent the better, 10-25%, etc etc. Well I've now just done my second and after cleaning the inside of the tank, cleaning the gravel with the syphon and refilling with suitably de-chlorinated tap water at a similar temperature, everything is still ok but one of my danios is sitting in the corner brickin' it! Gills givin it the max and pretending to be on is way out. Now after about ten minutes of me freakin the little blighter just gently pops up and carries on as if nothing has happened. What I want to know is, is this normal behaviour? After all my reading I know stress is a big killer but how do you go about removing 20% of somebodies world without stressing them? I certainly wiped the glass and syphoned as gently as I could and as stated before the fish seem happy as larry under normal conditions. Any help much appreciated! So long and thanks for all the fish!
cleaning and scared fish
- Thread starter richandzhaoyan
- Start date
No question is dumb, if something is bothering you, it is good to ask. Welcome to Aquaria Central.
There are some timid fish but this is not normal behavior for zebra danios. In fact, I have a hard time keeping mine away when I clean, they are very brave and inquisitive, cleaning should not stress them. So, now I think you have your "need" to start testing your water.
I agree. Sounds like a distressed fish. I'd be curious as to what your ammonia and nitrite levels are.
Jim
Jim
Yea, I agree with the others. Some of my fish will take cover when I am cleaning - others will swim right up next to the python tube and watch (they either are awfully curious or think the particles flowing up the tube are food).
Shoot, last week I left the python in the tank about an inch from the bottom draining water, went and grabbed something, looked up and I see my 2 very inquisitive - and IMO stupid Blue Rams inside the Python tube
Shoot, last week I left the python in the tank about an inch from the bottom draining water, went and grabbed something, looked up and I see my 2 very inquisitive - and IMO stupid Blue Rams inside the Python tube
LOL!
I also believe they think the stuff rising is food, and when pecking on the plastic tube doesn't provide the desired results, my hand is fair game.
Hey Rich,
welcome to Aquaria Central, home of the most newbies on the internet
Sounds like you were gentle. Which is good. I'd get your water tested for ammonia, although 6 zebras in a 240L should be fine...
Fish are individuals, though. Can you differentiate between the danios? If so, do another water change and see what happens to that one fish. Maybe you've just got a fish that doesn't like water changes, and as you've noticed, it should be OK after a couple of moments.
Let us know how it goes. What else are you planning on putting in the tank. I also commend you for starting with such a big tank for your first one, it will make your life easier...
Val
welcome to Aquaria Central, home of the most newbies on the internet
Sounds like you were gentle. Which is good. I'd get your water tested for ammonia, although 6 zebras in a 240L should be fine...
Fish are individuals, though. Can you differentiate between the danios? If so, do another water change and see what happens to that one fish. Maybe you've just got a fish that doesn't like water changes, and as you've noticed, it should be OK after a couple of moments.
Let us know how it goes. What else are you planning on putting in the tank. I also commend you for starting with such a big tank for your first one, it will make your life easier...
Val
why waterchanges
One of the reasons that we do water change is that as time passes, the water not only gets polluted with nitrates and waste, but the chemistry can also change. The pH may have dropped, especially if the KH is low and the water is barely buffered against pH changes. Then when you add water, the tap water may be wildly different than what is in the tank.
Also, the tap water may come out of the tap at one pH and as the entrained gasses come out, that pH may change. So, it is wise to know what the levels are in your tap water fresh from the tap, and after aging the water overnight, one may be better than the other. Then you need to know what the tank pH is, if there is a large difference, you'll want to do smaller changes more frequently.
Ammonia in the tank, which is being produced constantly by the fish, is much more toxic at pH levels above 7 than below, where it is amoniumh. So, if the tank pH had declined to 6.7 and then you add tap water that is at 7.8, the ammonium converts to ammonia which is much harder on the fish.
I test for nitrates and pH every week, and I test KH monthly and GH less often than that. 3 tanks, 25% changed weekly.
One of the reasons that we do water change is that as time passes, the water not only gets polluted with nitrates and waste, but the chemistry can also change. The pH may have dropped, especially if the KH is low and the water is barely buffered against pH changes. Then when you add water, the tap water may be wildly different than what is in the tank.
Also, the tap water may come out of the tap at one pH and as the entrained gasses come out, that pH may change. So, it is wise to know what the levels are in your tap water fresh from the tap, and after aging the water overnight, one may be better than the other. Then you need to know what the tank pH is, if there is a large difference, you'll want to do smaller changes more frequently.
Ammonia in the tank, which is being produced constantly by the fish, is much more toxic at pH levels above 7 than below, where it is amoniumh. So, if the tank pH had declined to 6.7 and then you add tap water that is at 7.8, the ammonium converts to ammonia which is much harder on the fish.
I test for nitrates and pH every week, and I test KH monthly and GH less often than that. 3 tanks, 25% changed weekly.