tank problems?

S

StevieM

member
Nov 29, 2002
87
0
0
49
lewiston, NY
Visit site
hello all,
I recently cycled a 10 gallon with a Gold Gourami, 4 Zebra Danios and 3 Platys. The tank's readings have been perfect for the last 10 days... 0 ammo, 0 nitrite, <10ppm nitrate. It is a lightly planted tank with just some hygro in it. About 2 days after the tank cycled , I started losing fish. First I lost 2 of the Danio one after another approx. 3-4 days after I cycled and now the Gourami bought it sometime today while I was at work. He seemed a bit sluggish and lost some color over the last 3 weeks, but then again they seem to be mellow slow moving fish anyway. Due to setbacks while cycling it took a little over 2 months to complete.... Should I attribute these deaths to stress and various levels of Ammo and Nitrite during the cycle and it catching up to them? I am just curious.....the tank seems quite fine otherwise and I see no other signs of ailment, the deaths were kind of creeping and unexplained at the time. The platys remain quite active and even continue to reproduce. Any opinions welcome...thanks:)
 
Sometimes when you introduce {or most times I should maybe say} many fish into a tank at one time it upsets the ammonia levels and you will lose fish. How long did you let the tank cycle?
 
actually, when I started the tank out I used those fish to cycle the tank, so they were in it from the start. Unfortunately I knew nothing then about anything ( as most do) related to the nitrogen cycle. They just seemed to be doing fine up until the crest of the cycle when the nitrites were on the way to 0 and I was left with nothing but Nitrates....that's when they started to die on me. I guess my question is more of a " how long after they suffer through the cycle do you see the effects start to show?"
 
Yep......my daughter's botfriend started a tank and didn't wait.....the fish were actually trying to jump out. One actually made it. All died. I have heard of cycling with fish but not totally sure how it's done. I know you should add salt to the tank when cycling to keep nitrates down. I use it even after setting up a tank but not as much. You can buy it in a store or just buy NON-Iodized table salt as i do. You may check on this but I believe 2 teaspoons should do it. Plus some Stress Coat. Once you put it in there shouldn't have to re-ad with water changes that should be done once week. Only remove 1/4 of water and be sure to replace with same temperature water. I am not sure if your fish will be ok. Since they have been shocked by the nitrates and all. They may make it but that's if-y. May be too late. Only time will tell. But soon you should be ok to add new fish. Just put some salt in there before hand....not a lot. This may help the fish thats left. Hopefully the stress didn't hurt them too bad and they can come back. Good luck.
 
Many people cycle their tanks without fish, although I've never done it that way. Your fish probably died of stress-related problems experienced during cycling.

IMO, you started a 10G with too many fish. Cycling with fish usually begins with a very light fish load of a species of fish that are relatively hardy. I have heard people successfully use zebra dainos. In your case, a couple of zebra dainos (or maybe the platys) would have been a good way to start the cycling of your tank. Test water quality regularly. Make partial water changes at least weekly or whenever fish show signs of stress. Partial water changes will not interfere with your cycling process as long as you leave the filter and gravel alone. No new fish until nitrItes are zero. In a small tank like a 10G, additional fish should be added a few at a time.

Salt does nothing to reduce ammonia, nitrItes, or nitrAtes. Salt is added because some species of fish benefit from its presence but not all species. Ammonia and nitrItes are toxic. NitrAtes are not toxic but are often used as a general indicator of overall water quality. When they build up to 20 to 40 ppm, then its time for a water change.

Your tank appears to be cycled for its current fish load. Wait 2 or 3 weeks after your last fish death. By then, you should know if the remaining fish are healthy. Begin adding fish carefully and re-test your water each time you add fish. Healthy fish should survive a mini-cycle just fine.

Good luck.

BYW, you can shortcut the cycling process by borrowing gravel or filter media from an established tank. That's my favorite approach.
 
Salt does not reduce any metabolites, but it does reduce the toxicity of nitrite.

And it does not matter if the salt is iodised. Seems to be the fishy myth of the month.

I would suspect the damage was done earlier, and the fish are finally pegging it now. I'm not surprised the platys are amongst the survivors, but I'd expect the zebras to do OK as well.

Had this tank not been planted, I think your losses would have been worse.
 
Those poor fish had been through an awful lot. I started out approx. 3 1/2 months ago with my cycling. On the verge of the first cycle I had to add meds to the tank which wiped out my colonies based on the reading I got, so it was back to square 1 once I finished the meds. The about 1/2 way through the second cycle I had a huge problem where my pH was plummeting overnight after each water change and from what I learned that can stunt bac. growth, so I had to get that straightened out. Once I did, it took another 3 weeks to get to where I am now.... 0 ammo, 0 Nitrite and 5ppm Nitrate for the last 10 days. Whew, If I knew then what I know now.....i never would have put those fish through that. I guess you learn from your mistakes , right?:(

steve
 
That's how we all live and learn......by mistakes and listening to others advice and mistakes. Once you get the nack of it you'll have a great tank. But it's all enjoyment for us a long the way, huh? Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom