quick - need a cool head!

[nickmcmechan]

Just returned from a week's hols.
Checked the tanks - all OK expcept the Malawi Tank.
3 dead, all other fish hanging at the surface not looking like they've long left
Daughter had clearly been overfeeding. All equipment running OK.
Immediately did a 75% water change and gravel vac with a 5 x dose of Prime to detoxify Nitrites. Didn't take time to do tests. One fish died during the water change.
Good news within 5 minutes all fish swimming about as if nothing was ever wrong.
So, carry on getting myself organised. Took Dogs out for a walk.
About an hour after the water change all bad again. All the fish hanging at the surface.
Have now completed a second 75% water change. Plan to let tank settle for 1 hour anf perform tests. Fish look fine again.
Thing is, can't think it through straight, i.e. correct cause and solution - help!

 

[Rbishop]

Keep up with the water changes and testing.

Any word of power outages?

 

[excuzzzeme]

You need to do a water test to check parameters. Sounds like there is something in the water.

 

[lovemybarbs]

Did she add ferts?

 

[nickmcmechan]

no, no ferts, just too much food, will do tests soon and update

thanks

 

[msjinkzd]

what a nightmare! SOunds like you have lots of wc's in your immediate future. Best of luck and I hope the rest pull through for you.

 

[jm1212]

sounds like something has gone wrong with the bacteria in the filter.

 

[fishorama]

I'd clean the filters too, there may still be food decaying in there.

 

[nickmcmechan]

thanks guys,

well, 24 hours and 7 x 75% water changes later things are improving

did a tests before one of the water changes and had ammonia at 4ppm and O2 at near zero

went to lfs and bought ammo chips, ammo lock and cleaned out the eheim.

things staying good now, ammonia down to zero

will clean the other 2 filters over the next 2 days

thanks guys

 

[The Zigman]

wow thats alot of ammonia, You're lucky you didn't lose them all!