Cursed Tank? But seriously, HELP.

[Award Aquarium]

Check out aquarium Coop recommended quarantine method. Just search it on YouTube, it is the method I use and it is great, I was killing fish over and over until I started using their quarantine method.

Also I keep guppies and still use some flake food, but I always pre soak it in tank water and let it expand before feeding it. It solved my bloat issues. Honestly I mix the food up, and their favorite is the tropical bug bites for small fish. My cories really like the Hikari sinking pellets.

 

[metaluna7]

Did you have an ammonia source between seeding and putting fish in?

I used ammonia drops when I first switched from the Chi to the Flex. But I didn't use those between changing to the Penguin and putting the guppies in. I guess I didn't think it was necessary since I didn't do a complete water change after the corys. Would I see spikes in my nitrite test results if that was the issue? I just tested two days ago and no nitrites were detected, even though I'd already lost one guppy by then. Should I test for ammonia just in case?

 

[metaluna7]

Check out aquarium Coop recommended quarantine method. Just search it on YouTube, it is the method I use and it is great, I was killing fish over and over until I started using their quarantine method.

Also I keep guppies and still use some flake food, but I always pre soak it in tank water and let it expand before feeding it. It solved my bloat issues. Honestly I mix the food up, and their favorite is the tropical bug bites for small fish. My cories really like the Hikari sinking pellets.

Thank you! I will definitely check out that video before I even think about adding more fish to the tank. I will pick up some of those bug bites for sure. Pre-soaking flake food is a great idea!

 

[Award Aquarium]

I used ammonia drops when I first switched from the Chi to the Flex. But I didn't use those between changing to the Penguin and putting the guppies in. I guess I didn't think it was necessary since I didn't do a complete water change after the corys. Would I see spikes in my nitrite test results if that was the issue? I just tested two days ago and no nitrites were detected, even though I'd already lost one guppy by then. Should I test for ammonia just in case?

If you waited 4 weeks without an ammonia source then the beneficial bacteria would deplete the food source and die off rapidly. I assumed you where testing for ammonia, Nitrite, and nitrate.

Most likely your fish died from an ammonia spike, don't feel bad this happens to everyone.

If you are doing fish less cycle, you need to provide adequate ammonia on a constant basis.

I know I am going to get hate for this but I prefer fish in cycling, and use seachem stability. During the cycling process I feed sparingly. Once every few days, test for ammonia, Nitrite, and nitrates and proform frequent water changes.

 

[metaluna7]

If you waited 4 weeks without an ammonia source then the beneficial bacteria would deplete the food source and die off rapidly. I assumed you where testing for ammonia, Nitrite, and nitrate.

Most likely your fish died from an ammonia spike, don't feel bad this happens to everyone.

If you are doing fish less cycle, you need to provide adequate ammonia on a constant basis.

I know I am going to get hate for this but I prefer fish in cycling, and use seachem stability. During the cycling process I feed sparingly. Once every few days, test for ammonia, Nitrite, and nitrates and proform frequent water changes.

Thank you! Yes, the API kit tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. How quickly can an ammonia spike occur?

I did in-fish cycling with the 5 gallon Chi. I thought maybe fishless cycling would be safer/less work but I guess not! I really appreciate all this information. What is the best way for me to mitigate any further damage with the remaining two guppies? I will pick up the new food you recommended today. If I am dealing with bloat on top of all of this, is there a remedy for that?

 

[Award Aquarium]

Thank you! Yes, the API kit tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. How quickly can an ammonia spike occur?

I did in-fish cycling with the 5 gallon Chi. I thought maybe fishless cycling would be safer/less work but I guess not! I really appreciate all this information. What is the best way for me to mitigate any further damage with the remaining two guppies? I will pick up the new food you recommended today. If I am dealing with bloat on top of all of this, is there a remedy for that?

I wouldn't worry about the food, that is not the top priority.

Are the 2 remaining guppies healthy? No fin rot, or Ich/white spots? What water conditioner are you using. I recommend prime, because it will Detoxify the ammonia and Nitrite. But any other brand that Detoxifies will be fine. Also either stability or tetra safe start to kick start the Bacteria colony. I prefer stability.

If this was my tank I would run a coarse of general cure and kill of any internal parasites. Then wait until I get clear readings of 0 ammonia, 0 Nitrite, and rising Nitrates. Then you know for sure that the tank is cycled. Feed once every other day, test water daily. Water changes if you see any ammonia or Nitrite or nitrate over 20

Use your 5 gallon as the quarantine tank and follow the quarantine method I suggested in the prior post before adding more fish.

Not trying to self promote, but I have a YouTube channel that addresses many of these items. Check it out same name.

I have a android app review that will help you track your progress.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6AzI2Wo7Id4RDWpLnY_WRg

 

[metaluna7]

I wouldn't worry about the food, that is not the top priority.

Are the 2 remaining guppies healthy? No fin rot, or Ich/white spots? What water conditioner are you using. I recommend prime, because it will Detoxify the ammonia and Nitrite. But any other brand that Detoxifies will be fine. Also either stability or tetra safe start to kick start the Bacteria colony. I prefer stability.

If this was my tank I would run a coarse of general cure and kill of any internal parasites. Then wait until I get clear readings of 0 ammonia, 0 Nitrite, and rising Nitrates. Then you know for sure that the tank is cycled. Feed once every other day, test water daily. Water changes if you see any ammonia or Nitrite or nitrate over 20

Use your 5 gallon as the quarantine tank and follow the quarantine method I suggested in the prior post before adding more fish.

Not trying to self promote, but I have a YouTube channel that addresses many of these items. Check it out same name.

I have a android app review that will help you track your progress.

One guppy seems perfectly healthy, the other seems to be starting down the same path the other two did... Not moving around much, just hanging out at the top of the tank. There are no spots or blemishes of any kind that I can see.

I use Aqueon water conditioner currently. I have used Prime in the past so I'll pick up some of that along with the General Cure.

I just tested Ammonia and Nitrite again - results showed no trace of either! Is that possible? I use the API liquid test kit. I thought maybe the test kit was bad, but it doesn't expire until 2019.

Thank you SO much for your advice.

 

[Award Aquarium]

One guppy seems perfectly healthy, the other seems to be starting down the same path the other two did... Not moving around much, just hanging out at the top of the tank. There are no spots or blemishes of any kind that I can see.

I use Aqueon water conditioner currently. I have used Prime in the past so I'll pick up some of the General Cure.

I just tested Ammonia and Nitrite again - results showed no trace of either! Is that possible? I use the API liquid test kit. I thought maybe the test kit was bad, but it doesn't expire until 2019.

Thank you SO much for your advice.

Have you seen the guppies poo? Is it stringy? Do the bellies look bloated?

I think your conditioner is fine, check the back I think I does Detoxify. Don't waste money my man.

 

[OrionGirl]

Please read up on cycling. It's an important part of keeping fish...and it sounds like you're following a list of directions without really understanding why.

Essentially, we set up filters to maintain bacteria and micro-organisms. They keep the fish alive. Water doesn't have any of the beneficial bacteria that you need. 'Cycling' a tank doesn't mean having it run without fish in...you must provide a source of ammonia to feed the bacteria populations. But, and this is why I think there is something else awry---ammonia and nitrite levels that are lethal would show up on test results. Yes, they can happen quickly, but they don't go away quickly.

 

[Award Aquarium]

Do you have nitrates. If not the then the cycle is not happening.

Oniongirl is right on, you need to fully understand this process. It is critical.