Please Help or my Discus Will Die

dereks

dereks

AC Members
Mar 7, 2006
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Toxins in my discus tank were kept at a minimal for a while. Recently, nitrates jumped up, most likely from over-feeding. A few have some white fungus looking junk on them but most have just turned dark in color. I've added meds today, pimafix, melafix and salt. A 40% water change was done Sat. and another 40% last night. Water temp is 86 and filtration is sufficiant. Nitrates are still high, is it too soon to do another water change? Should I let the meds sit for a while before I do? If I can do another water change tonight, how large of one should I do? Are there any other meds you would recommend I try? Any other tips?
 
With high nitrate levels the best thing to do for the fish is water changes, and lots of them. By doing one 50% water change you cut the nitrate in half. Then by doing another 50% water change you cut that half in half. I would recommend doing 50% water changes every day until you get the nitrate in the acceptable region (you did not post what the nitrate level was). The fresh water changes are going to help those discus more than pima, mela or salt....so don't worry about diluting those things.
 
pinkertd said:
With high nitrate levels the best thing to do for the fish is water changes, and lots of them. By doing one 50% water change you cut the nitrate in half. Then by doing another 50% water change you cut that half in half. I would recommend doing 50% water changes every day until you get the nitrate in the acceptable region (you did not post what the nitrate level was). The fresh water changes are going to help those discus more than pima, mela or salt....so don't worry about diluting those things.
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+1
The solution to pollution is dilution.

Mark
 
Many discus keepers do daily water changes. I would worry about it being too soon - as someone else said - dilution and removal will help more than anything.
 
I in fact do 80-90% w/c weekly & condition with prime. in your case I don't think it hurts to due 50% daily till u get your nitrate readings down.

edit - but since you are dosing I would do an 80% w/c then dose next 7 days

but if you can post your test results (ideally using API master test kit) & give other info

size of tank, how many fish, filtration, BB or graveled, other companions, better description of white growth, etc.

the more info the better your fellow AC'ers can assist.

I like that "The solution to pollution is dilution. Mark"

also a good saying from another AC'er

"fishies are happier if the water is not crappier". something like that.

edit

also, using both mela & pima fix is a great combo but I think u have to dose daily so do so after if you choose to do 50% w/c
 
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IMHO and that of many others, and in fact actuall studies both pimafix, melafix and utterly useless witch's brew. The only thing melafix has shown to possibly help is superficial wounds. Melafix is nothing but a tea tree oil varient.......but hey it makes your water smell good!
 
pinkertd said:
With high nitrate levels the best thing to do for the fish is water changes, and lots of them. By doing one 50% water change you cut the nitrate in half. Then by doing another 50% water change you cut that half in half. I would recommend doing 50% water changes every day until you get the nitrate in the acceptable region (you did not post what the nitrate level was). The fresh water changes are going to help those discus more than pima, mela or salt....so don't worry about diluting those things.
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YEP what She said!!!!!!!!! :iagree:
 
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