sick fish?

Yes, not all fish, but 2 or 3 of them are scatching on the rocks. However, none of them are real "lively" and some seem to be hanging out around the top of the tank.
As for the filters. I leave in the bio filter cartridge (it's like a sponge) and take out the other one? I've read and it also says on the bio cartridge to never replace.
 
no the bio cartridge is a sponge that holds the tanks bio bacteria, so you never have to replce it, just rinse it every so often in hot water when it gets overloaded and starts to clog up, then put it right back in the filter, and itll happen all over again.

As for the fish, sounds like both a parasite and lack of oxygen, fish hang out at the top because it has more oxygen, i recommend getting a bubblewand and airpump, put the bubblewand at the bottom of the tank, this will cause more oxygen circulation in the tank.

I have a great bubblewand in my 55g tank, and the force of the bubbles rising to the top helps to circulate the oxygen throughout the tank.
 
Thanks again Mike, I have have an airpump running with a long tube which puts bubbles up the back of the tank. I'll turn it up at bit. So, ,,, when i'm running the medication for 7-10 days,,,, is the sponge in or out? I'll be starting this process tomorrow so I'll let u know,,, and I really appreciat the hlep. thanks.
 
MiramichiMob said:
I know, I know, I need a test kit. I went for so long without one and my fish were always fine, that's all. Today is a holiday, no stores r open so I (and the fish) will have to suffer another day. After my water change last night they seem better this morning, but definately not 100%. Appreciate the help.

Would another water change help?

My substrate is play sand, about 2-2.5 inches deep. Water changes, at the most are done every 2 weeks, usually around 10 days. I change about 25% of the water, and I do stir the gravel up. Thanks again.
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Just noticing that you've gone a while with no probs and now you have some. I would change more water in the future - minimum 25% weekly, but no harm at 50% weekly, and stir the gravel & gravel vac while doing this.

Your substrate is also a lil deep imo and I would take an inch out. Anaerobic bacteria can build up in it, as do nitrates.
 
Like I said when I treat my tank I leave the bio sponges in the filters, because parasites can attach to them, so by leaving them in the filters the meds have to go thru the entire filter, i suggest replacing the entire carbon media, such as an entirely new carbon insert. Because the parasites can live in them too, so by getting a whole new carbon insert you eliminate the old one that could have a parasites attached. I agree with coler about another water change, I agree with 50% weekly for right now until your fish seem healthy, then down size the water changes to 25% weekly. Don't forget to add a bit of salt to the tank to help with stress issues.
 
no need to add salt imo.

i don't know that it will do anything at all as regards stress.

it can be useful during a nitrite spike as it lessens toxic effect of nitrite (which prevents oxygen absorbtion).

I would test your water before commencing meds - may be unnecessary (however pima & melafix will do no harm)
 
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