tank trouble .. aeration issue?

[Sully]

first, do a water change. if the fish are gasping at the surface it could very well be a CO2 issue instead of an oxygen issue,

second, what is the temp of the tank?

third what type of flow do you have in the tank? what type of filtration?

third, if the fish are having serious issues (cannot tell from your description) increase surface agitation. gas exchange primarily occurs at the surface level. **** little oxygen is exchanged as bubbles rise to the top of the tank. given your description, and iff you have an airstone with pump handy, let the airstone float near the surface of the tank. will do a lot more for you that way.

fourth, if the fish asre in desparate straights you can also gently cup the fish in your hands and gently drag them backwards through the tank. it forces water over the gill membrane. sort of like mouth-to-mouth for fish.

good luck.

ps. i promise not to answer the phone anymore when typing a response. so many snuck in--lol.

 

[gst4life]

Dont change the water too much, it can stress out your fish. At least limit how many you do a week.

 

[Pallen81]

I do the water changes because I believe in refreshing their water and getting rid of excess waste. Let's see...

When I do a water change it is about 25%-30% of the water... a little different each time, but around there... and yes I use a siphon everytime and always apply water conditioner, adjust ph, and add some stress coat for extra added insurance the water is clear of harmful elements.

my fish are as follows:
55 gal
1 Electric Blue Jack Dempsey (juv)
1 Firemouth (juv)
2 Silver Dollars
1 Tiger Pleco

 

[twig]

How are you adjusting your PH level?

 

[mduros]

how much water do you change? Is the only reason you do it so often because you believe it will ensure better conditions? You can limit it to 30-50% weekly.... what's in your tank?

Do a water change now, don't forget the water conditioner..... do you use a python?

Hey DD,
Signature on his top post listed the fish...

"55 gal
1 Electric Blue Jack Dempsey (juv)
1 Firemouth (juv)
2 Silver Dollars
1 Tiger Pleco"

 

[Dangerdoll]

if you are using a chemical to adjust the pH, stop using it. There is no need for it. Whatever your tank pH would be, as long as it is stable, your fish will adjust. It'd be better for the fish if you just went by the tap water pH.

 

[Pallen81]

my pH from my tap water is generally very high. around 8.0... I use a bucket and have learned over time how much pH down to use to adjust the pH to relatively close to where I want it. Seemed to be working fine.

I keep the tank at 80 degrees. Its been hot on the east coast and the temperature has gone up and then back to 80 a few times lately. Never was a problem before though when it happened. so I don't think thats it.

 

[Dangerdoll]

the warmer the water, the lower the levels of Oxygen though. Do you have aerators or bubble wands?

 

[Pallen81]

my very first post explained that. no I don't have an aerators or pumps. thats what I originally asked.

 

[Dangerdoll]

whoops.... I don't typicaly read through the post over after the first time, sorry.
I would confirm that the O2 levels have probably dipped, the heat fluctuation may have spurred a bacteria outbreak, I'm not sure. Cloudy water is usually a clear indication of this or an algae outbreak but I'm leaning more towards a bacterial thing. I would definitely lighten up on the water changes, limit them to once per week, do a water change to help for right now. Don't add in any pH up... just see what the level is after the water change. It may level out.