Devon

As an append to my previous post, on the matter of adding cold water to your tanks, I'm sorry but I have to agree here that unless it is a very small % water change, you are going to stress / shock your fish with a large temp. change all at once. Temperature shock happens to all animals, fish included.
If you're really set on doing water changes with cold water sources, I would suggest leaving the buckets to attain at least room temp. before adding them to the tank. This is, of course, only feasible if you're doing small water changes, or in small tanks... better, however, than subjecting your fish to the added stress of temp. fluctuations as well as sticking your hands in the tank, changing water parameters, etc.

rjwwl1

Thanks everyone for the kind words and the great advice. I think that I will focus on getting the ammonia down and finishing the cycle. I tested the water again this eveing and I am still at about 1ppm Ammonia and 0ppm nitrite and nitrates.

Thanks again for everyone support

RJ

Alasse

As stated it works for me, my fish show no signs of stress from this practice. I use the same system for all tanks from 350litres down to 18 litres. Been doing it for years.

This is my experience of doing it this way, i'm more than happy to continue doing it this way. If you not happy doing it that way well and good. But it works for me.

Angelika

Oh Im so sorry for your loss, its really hard... I dont know if you are a new fish owner or not... Im presuming you are... like me.... I think it takes a little time to become a little more philosophical to accepting losing a fish especially you whole tank of fishes and moving on... so learn from the mistakes, and good luck with your new fishies..... I also made huge mistakes when I took over a 12 gal tank from a friend and then thought I needed to clean the tank and the filter media in tap water... couldnt understand why I was losing my fish... after tears and buriels...as I couldnt fathom putting them down the loo... I came ikn search of answers and fell onto this board.... and I have learnt tons and become a lot more successful in looking after my fish....

So good luck... and start planning your new fish friends once your tank has cycled correctly ....

Allie

We've never lost a fish when we didn't use a water conditioner? We always makes sure the water coming out the python is just the close to same temp as the tank water.

fintail

Hi Id start over with different water add declorinator. and make sure temps are normal and ph levels and all the tests are good. and correct. when your tank is cycled add water to the bags you bring your fish home in, this water is from the tank their going in. and add small amounts at a time. for over a 20 minute period. dont add more than a couple fish at a time, you might wanna start with zebra dinos or mollies. anyway I very sorry you lost you fish.

Devon

I don't know, when they're stressed out for other reasons, and then forgetting to dechlorinate with a WC... it could happen? But I know that the first betta I ever owned never got water conditioner... I didn't know any better ... he lived a year.