hockeyref88

So last month I had a disaster in my cichlid tank after a water change in which I thought I forgot to put conditioner in. The nitrites surged and we lost 8 fish. So now I've restocked the tank and everything was fine. Sunday I was doing my usual tank maintenance (water changes and such). Our cichlid tank readings were good including the nitrates which were about 20. I have not done a water change in weeks on that tank cause the readings were good. I did a 40 to 50% water change including conditioner. Next day the nitites surged again. I just can't figure it out. Am I changing to much water? Should I wait until the nitrates are higher before doing a change? I just don't get it. Fortunately we lost no fish this time and it seems to be rebounding after another change and a shot of prime. Any idea's on whats happening would be much appreciated.

Rick

Slug

My guess would be that the wastes are collecting (even not showing on the readings) and when you do a big cleaning after not doing one in weeks that its just a shock to the system. A little bit overtime is better then one big one at the end of the month basically. Did the water cloud? Might of sent the tank into a mini cycle. What is involved in your water changes? Just the water change or do you clean filters and stuff as well?

Is your ammonia spiking at the same time? Is it just Nitrates?

hockeyref88

Thanks for responing..........No ammonia spike just nitrites. No cloudy water. I clean the filter (cannister) every 3 or so changes. I was thinking your right about doing smaller changes more often. How do you do your cichlid tanks?

Slug

I tried to do at least one weekly. Sometimes it got to every 2 weeks but not much beyond that. I do them daily in my Discus tank. But daily in any other tank would just be a headache lol.

Butterfly

Hockeyref88 - Over time TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) accumulate in our tanks. With weekly 25- 30% water changes and gravel Vacuums we can keep them in control. What is TDS? Its, fish food, mulm, decaying leaves etc. collecting in your substrate. when you do large infrequent water changes these get stirred up in the water column. Here is an article that a friend wrote that explains this so much better than I can. hope you enjoy it
http://www.aquascapingworld.com/maga...Explained.html
carol

hockeyref88

Thanks Carol............Very informative article. I'll have to change the way I deal with that tank.

Thank you too Matt............I think my wife told me your name is Matt, anyhow I appreciate your imput.

Shawnie

hmmm makes me think that YOU DIDNT forget the prime last time...same thing happened with it! ...is the prime expired? but yes I agree that article is great ...and just maybe the once a week will help..but werent you doing that before? very strange for sure

hockeyref88

Well I've always kind of gone with the test results like I do with all my other tanks...........To me it seems like cichlids are pretty clean fish and don't produce very much waste. It takes twice as long for the nitrates to build up in they're tank as my others. As for the water changes, I don't use prime as my conditioner for water changes, I use Amquel. The prime I have is brand new and I got it the last time I had the disaster. Do you use prime for all your water changes?

Shawnie

I have well water...but I do use it in my overstocked tanks ...which is my 75 and 20 gallon..otherwise I dont use anything...but my overstocked tanks get water changes every other day...where as my other tanks get once a week...still very weird tho ...im glad everyone made it ok tho!!

Slug

I always use Prime myself.

COBettaCouple

I do weekly water changes, regardless of readings being right on. Is there nitrites in the tap water itself? How much Prime per gallon are you using?

hockeyref88

I don't usually use prime for water changes. I got the prime when the cichlid tank crashed originally. I normally just use Amquel for water changes. I've never had any problems with any of the other tanks, just the cichlids. Do you guy's recommend using prime for all water changes?

Slug

Prime is my preferred brand. I'm sure there are other good ones out there, but i'm a Prime guy.

COBettaCouple

I recommend 1-2 drops per gallon of Prime and 1-2 drops per gallon of Fish Protector for treating all water, but at least the Prime.

hockeyref88

Thanks for everyone's imput. I will do exactly that.