omgitslaura

Size: 28 gallons
Filter: Marineland Penguin 150 BIO-Wheel
Setup Date: May 30, 2009
Temp: 78 F
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 0
pH: 8.2
Tankmates: 3 tiger barbs
*Have not performed a water change yet, but I test the water daily with API Freshwater Master test kit

Hi, this is my first tank. I researched all about the nitrogen cycle, etc before starting this tank, and I have been adding Nutrifin Cycle to the water (following instructions on bottle), and I used the Tetra brand dechlorinator sample that came with my tank. The first two days the water was crystal clear, but the next morning the water was a little cloudy. I added 3 tiger barbs and 3 neon tetras (I realize this is more than I should have added at one time, but my mom "surprised" me by showing up at my door with a bag of fish). 6 hours later the tetras were dead. I found 2 stuck to the filter intake and the other just floating. I know that my pH is high and I was wondering if that is the culprit? If so, how do I lower it? I don't have access to a pet store for a few days, so if there are any "home remedies" that would be great. Will the water cloudiness go away on it's own?

Also, on a side note: one of my tiger barb's insides are bright red, like he's full of blood or something. Is there something wrong with him? He seems to be just as active as the other two.

Thanks for your help!

Lucy

Hi Welcome to Fish Lore

It's tough to lose fish, I know.
I wouldn't worry about the pH, many fish can adapt to different pH's if acclimated slowly. Too quick of a change could harm your fish.
Float the bag and over the course of an hour or so add a bit of tank water to the bag. If the bag gets too full throw out some of it's water. By the time you're done, it should have mostly tank water.

Unfortunatly, cycle contains the wrong kind of bacteria needed to sustain your tank. It dies off quickly and uses up the ammonia the beneficial bacteria need to develop.
You'll have to keep adding it for the life of your tank.

My suggestion would be to stop using cycle and as soon as you have an ammonia reading begin daily water changes to keep the ammonia and nitrite levels down until the tank is cycled. (0 ammonia, 0 nitrite with some 5-10 nitrate)

Or if you can get some Tetra Safe Start, many members have had luck cycling their tank with it.

The cloudiness is probably a bacterial bloom and should go away on it's own.

Can you post a pic of the tiger barb?

aquarist48

WELCOME to Fish Lore. I agree with everything that Lucy said and would like to suggest that you add some Prime or Amquel + to reduce stress and reduce ammonia to the non toxic level once you do have some ammonia present . Even though you will still get ammonia readings it won't be as harmful. These two water conditioners only last for about 24 hours. Do this in addition to 30-50% daily water changes until you get the readings she mentioned above.
It's going to take a bit of work on your part to help these fish survive. Hang in there. It will get better and you'll have a beautiful tank I'm sure. Good luck!

omgitslaura

I did the acclimation procedure the same as you said, just not as long. I only floated the bag for about 20 minutes, and added a scoop of water at 5 minute intervals for another 15 minutes before adding them to the tank. Next time I will go more slowly

I've seen the Tetra Safe Start; I will pick up a bottle of that next time I'm at the pet store.

Here is a picture of my tank and the best picture I could get of the barb. He's a quick little guy!

Attached Images

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aquarist48

OMGIT here is a thread concerning TSS that you might find helpful. Good luck and keep us posted. Be sure to scroll down and read them all.
results using TSS not good..

Lucy

Your tank is lovely. I like the way it's decorated.
It's hard to tell from the pic what's going on with your barb. Maybe someone else has an idea?

Before using TSS, do a good water change to make sure all of the Cycle is out, otherwise, it'll use the bacteria in TSS and not let it get a good hold to develop.

Good luck with your tank

Shawnie

wow I love that tank! its got some great aquascaping...I agree with lucy..do at least 2 days of water changes of 50% a day , before you add your TSS(which works amazing ) ..then you leave the tank be for 7-10 days...leaving the ph stable, and not changing it up and down, will be fine for the fish ...if you want to lower it more, do it with a small piece of driftwood....goodluck!