Dedicated newbie with some problems (Serpae Tetras and Cory Catfish)

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nishijb

AC Members
Jan 5, 2006
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Started my 20g tank about 2 weeks ago. My 3 Serpae Tetras are doing well and my Cory Catfish seems to be struggling

I have two problems:
My Serpae Tetras have gotten pretty skidish recently when I approach the tank and they don't seem to be eating

My Cory Catfish seems to have some white on his fins and is not active at all, which is not how he was in the first week.

What could be the problems? What do you suggest? Should I do a partial water change? (If so...how do I do one properly? Does it matter that I am putting room temp. water in a heated tank?)

I am new and committed to providing a good home for my fish but I just need some help...thanks in advance
 
What do you mean "white stuff"? Spots, patches, photo would be great.

What are your water parameters and temp?

How often are you doing water changes and how much?
 
The first thing to do with any fish problem, even in an established tank, is check your water. The best investment is test kits. A fish store will usually check your water for free, but I would strongly advise you have your own so there is no delay and you can test several times a day, if necessary. Get the exact number readings (not just “OK”) of ammonia, nitrIte and nitrAte. Let us know what those numbers are.

A water change can never hurt. If it’s a newly set up tank with fish, most likely your fish are being harmed by ammonia and/or nitrIte. After a water change, test again and if need be, do another water change, and another.

Read everything you can on cycling and understand what is happening in your tank. This thread is a good place to start:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3194

Then go on to the others listed here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12297


As far as the water changes themselves go, it is a good idea to know what is in your tap water – chlorine or chloramines. Phone your water utility and find out; some have the info online. If nothing else, your fish store should know. You will need a water conditioner. If it’s only chlorine, then letting the water sit is fine, but for all the water changes you’ll likely be doing, a faster method would be beneficial. It’s a good idea for the water to be close to the temperature of the tank if a larger water change is necessary (as it might be in your case once you find out your test results). I have never had a problem mixing hot and cold tap water, but if you do not wish to do that, have an aquarium-only dedicated container that you can put in the microwave (or for on the stove) and heat some water and mix it in.
 
My tank is at 80 degrees
Here is a picture of my Cory
Cory.jpg

I know that it is hard to tell from the picture but his tail seems to be disintegrating.
I have done one 5 gal water change in my tank. What is recommended?
 
nishijb said:
I have done one 5 gal water change in my tank. What is recommended?
Click to expand...

As asked by budrecki and myself, you need to post your water readings. What is recommended is to have your ammonia and nitrIte as close to 0 as possible. That might mean a 50% change or less. In the meantime, a 25% change is a good place to start. But you need to get your readings.
 
Oi, he's got the fin rot.

Water parameters. Numbers. Need them, please. Buy a test kit, as advised. Make sure you get the liquid kit, not strips. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master Test kit is a good one and reasonably priced. Test your tank AND your tap water and post the results.

Five gallons as a water change is nothing, change out half the water or more. You've got to get the ammonia and nitrites down or you will lose some fish.

When you put water back into the tank, fill a bucket with tap water that is as close in temperature to the tank water as you can get. Dose the bucket with Prime or Amquel to remove any chloramines, chlorine and/or ammonia. GENTLY pour the bucket into the tank. Float a plate on the water if you can and pour the water in that.

Since we do not know your tap water readings:

Do not add tap water to your tank that has not been treated with a dechlorinator such as Prime or Amquel+

Also, is this your only corycat? If he is alone, he's not going to do too well, especially with being in there while you are cycling. They really *have* to be in groups of 3 or more.

Roan
 
I just changed a bit over half of the water...i treated it with TetraAqua's AquaSafe (since that is what I purchased when I bought the aquarium). I will go and get a water testing kit ASAP. Is there anything else I need to do about my Cory's fin rot? What about my fish not eating. I haven't seen my Cory eat anything ( I bought Hikari's sinking food) and my Tetras haven't been eating over the past several days.

Thanks for your help
 
feed less, change more water

2 weeks into a new tank you are still having big water quality issues as the tank cycles. All those fish can handle the cycle with enough water changes. I'll guess that 50% a day for several days, easing back to 50% 3 x per week after the fish look happier.
 
Roan Art said:
Also, is this your only corycat? If he is alone, he's not going to do too well, especially with being in there while you are cycling. They really *have* to be in groups of 3 or more.

Roan
Click to expand...

Yes he is my only cory cat...I do you recommend that I had a couple of friends for him.

I plan on 50% water changes regularly (daily or every other day...any thoughts?). Thanks for the help from everyone that has responed.
 
nishijb said:
Yes he is my only cory cat...I do you recommend that I had a couple of friends for him.
Click to expand...
Wait until after the tank is cycled. If he's okay then, add a couple more. Wait a week or two, then add two more. Then one. Try to keep it to six and he'll be happy.

Cories don't cycle very well, so I'm crossing my fingers for the little guy. The best thing you can do for him is to follow anonapersonna's advice. Fresh water. Constantly.

I plan on 50% water changes regularly (daily or every other day...any thoughts?). Thanks for the help from everyone that has responed.
Click to expand...
Daily, twice a day if you have to. Try to keep the nitrites and ammonia as close to 0 as you possibly can.

Roan
 
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