masonryx

Greetings all,
2 days ago one of my X-ray fish died with unknown causes, he didn't look sick or was floating to the top. He was sort of a loner hanging out by himself. Then was found floating dead the next morning. The only thing I noticed about my water was my nitrate was around 50. Nitrites was 0. Now I'm noticing my Lemon Tetras not eating as they were. They seem uninterested in food. I'm beginning to suspect ammonia, but I can't confirm because I don't have an Ammonia tester yet. Anyone think High Ammonia is causing my 2 tetras not to eat? I've done a 50% water change twice since 2 days ago. Thanks.

jdhef

When fish stop eating, it is usually due to stress or illness. High ammonia levels could be to blame, but so could high nitrate levels. You really want to try and get those nitrates down under 20. Also, sometimes there seems to be a bit of a delayed reaction to bad water perameter. Sometimes a fish will seem find when you discover the high levels, but then start to go downhill after the water perameters are corrected.

Shawnie

im sorry for your loss
I agree with john...as well as the tank is so new, its probably a major ammonia issue ...I would start with some daily water changes and some prime water conditioner to help with cycling...and dont use any pH additives...fluctuating ph's are normal when a tank is going through a cycle....chemicals arent good for the fish and work too fast to cause ph shock....using the strips could be also giving you a false reading on your nitrates/nitrites so upgrading your test kit to a liquid is much more reliable..API makes a master kit that does hundreds of tests....I hope things look up!

masonryx

So today I cleaned out my filters media cartridge and noticed a build up brown algae on some portion of the sponge and on the back inside compartment. Swooshed it in some tank water in a bucket and did a 35% water change. Hopefully everything will be ok now.