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August 19th, 2008
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Fish Newbie
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Serious help with my tank
I had a 10 gal tank with 5 neons & 3 glass tetras. They were doing GREAT! I got a 30 gal for my birthday did everything I was suposed to before puttung finsh in. Tank has been set up for 4 weeks..now amonia is high to the point I can't control it no matter how little I feed & water change  My one galss fish had a spot of ich then another glass had a spot SO I searched the internet...I put 1 tbsp of canning salt per 5 gal, did 50 % water changes, up'd the temp to 82, on one glass tet after 14 days had no ich other glass still had so again 50% water change, salt ect. Just a couple of days before the 21 day period to treat the glass that lost ich now has two spots with an additional side fin missing, the fish are nipping at each other. I am so upset it has drained all the fun out for me. I did the salt thing because my tank has plants and very expensive deco & I had read over & over not to use ich for tetras plus salt kills bacterial infections that come after ich. Please, what more can I do!  I want to enjoy this tank! |
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August 19th, 2008
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Fish Master
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welcome to fishlore!!! sorry your tank is having such issues
a few things to help you...turn the tank up to 83 for two weeks..that will kill the ich ....vacuum a couple times a week to get the ich spores out of the gravel...they are sneaky things...also add an air bubble for more airation as warmer water has less oxygen
as far as your cycle, doing it with fish means DAILY 50% water changes and get some prime water conditioner as it will lock down ammonia for 24 hours until your next water change....goodluck and hope things get better! |
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August 19th, 2008
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Moderator
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Hi tetra_luv Welcome to Fish Lore
I agree with Shawnie, the way to get rid of ich, is to raise the temp in your to 83-84 for no less than 2 weeks, also increase aeration.
What are your readings for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates? What are you using to to test the water? If you're using strips, they're not very accurate, switch to a liquid test like the API master kit, it's very reliable.
Do daily water changes until your readings are 0 for both ammonia and nitrites with some nitrates showing.
I'm guessing the fish are acting differently because they're uncomfortable with the ich and ammonia.
Once you get things under control, increase the amount of glass tetras, they'll feel safer with at least 6 and should help with the fin nipping.
In the mean time, add lots of hiding places so the fish can get away from each other.
I'm sorry you're having problems with your tank, good luck.
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August 19th, 2008
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Fish Newbie
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Thank you Shawnie and Lucy. They have plenty of places to hide and I was planing on getting more glass but with the ich I can't just yet. All readings for nitrites and nitrates are normal & I use the liquid test but I did notice with the salt in the tank it read higher then before I put the salt in could the salt be afftecting the reading? I do daily water changes but it still high. I really apreciate all your help. One more thing it will be 31 days of treating this tank for ich. They are little devils!
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August 19th, 2008
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Fish Master
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I wouldnt use the salt especially if they have boo boo's as its more of an irritant now... as well as the ammonia is the start of a mini cycle if the original cycle even completed...so the daily water changes with prime will be your best friend until its done...some stress coat will help very much with their fin dammages...but no more salt..and im not sure what canning salt is and as far as using it with fish...thats new to me! ....goodluck!
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August 19th, 2008
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Moderator
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Are you changing out your filter cartridge or using carbon?
You should just rinse the filter media in used tank water and not change it until it practically falling apart. Replacing it too often can send you into a mini cycle. When things settle down in your tank, keep an extra filter sponge in it, so when you need to replace it, the new one will already be seeded with bacteria.
If you're using carbon, it expires after a couple of weeks and can release the toxins it collects back into the water. I'd advise not to use it at all unless you need to remove meds from the water.
If there are any dead leaves on your plants, they can throw your water parameters out of whack.
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August 20th, 2008
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Fish Newbie
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You guy's are not going to believe me but I tested the tank before doing a 50% water change and it had no ammonia, I did one anyway and vacuumed the bottom for pesky ich pods. Things are looking up, just wanted to let you know I do appreciate your advice, it helped alot.  I have one more question, how long will I have to treat this tank for itch as it has been 31 days already?  Thanks |
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August 20th, 2008
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Moderator
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Hey, that's good news!
If you raise you temp (slowly) to 83-84F and vacuum the spores from the bottom, it should take 2 weeks. Also add aeration, the warmer the water the less oxygen.
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August 20th, 2008
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Moderator
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When I'm doing water changes with a python, I add about a quarter of the conditioner in the beginning, another quarter partway through, another quarter a bit later, and the last quarter at the end.
Be careful with the biozyme, it can steal ammonia away from the ammonia eating bacteria, keeping your tank in a constant mini-cycle.
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