xxSTEPHENSxx

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and I really need some help. I just purchased a 1.77 gallon GloFish Starter Tank from PetSmart. My husband and I set up the tank according to the instruction manual. We tested the water for 3 days before introducing our GloFish into the tank. The first day and night the GloFish darted around and were antsy. However, the second night and day, the fish are staying towards the bottom of the tank and one of the bigger GloFish is panting a lot and also not wanting to eat. Now two of the fish are at the top of the water panting. Please help us figure out what we need to do to fix this problem.

The test strips that we use are Quick Dip Aquarium Multi-test kit and ammonia Quick Dip Aquarium Test Strips. We also are using Topfin pH Decreaser and Topfin Water Conditioner. The fish food that came with the tank is Nutrafin Max Tropical Fish Flakes.

My husband and I have been reading over the forum and we recently learned about the nitrogen cycle process that we should have done before adding the fish. We did let the water circulate with the pump and lighting for 2-3 days. We also added the water conditioner and tested the water a few times. The reading for ammonia, according to our test strips, was normal. the pH was a little high, so we bought the pH decreaser.

I'm not really sure what we need to do now to make sure that our fish are ok. Our test strips are still reading normal, as well as, the ammonia is still reading normal, however from what we have read on the forum, it seems like we have an ammonia problem.

I will test the tank water and post the readings on my next posting this afternoon. Should we do a water change? It has only been 4-5 days and the fish have only been in the water a little over 48 hours.

Please help!!

Thank you!!

BTW: the temp is around 70 degrees... is this too low? If so do they make a SMALL heater for a 1.77 gal tank?

Furallicah

Hello and Welcome to FishLore. Hmmm, sounds like ammonia sickness to me. Go and get you some prime and do a water change. Add two-three drops of prime and things should get better. As for the ph decresser I dont suggest using it. Chemicals that lower and raise the ph can also destroy the climate of your tank. Ph levels will lower over time. But the prime will detox the ammonia for abotu 24 hours then you do another water change and add the prime back into the tank. I have seen the glow fish starter kit before. If you have more then two fish in that tank I would upgrade to a 2 or 5gallon tank. It will also be easier to keep at a warm tempature usually around 75-80 degrees because they are torpical fish. They also dont make heaters to my knowledge for anything lesser then a 2gal so it might be a good idea to increase size for the warmth. But you dont have to and if your budget is low then I cant really make the call for you. You can take them back if need be. But I do hope you can keep them they are pretty fish. I hope this little bit of info helps you. Best of Luck!

AquaSplash6201

Welcome to Fishlore! I reccomend you do water changes everyday, take about 25% (Or more) out of your tank everyday. Just dont take too much water out or you'll ruin the nitrogen cycle.By removing water you are removing some of the ammonia. After each water change I would put a does of Prime in your tank, not only to remove the chlorine but to help remove the ammonia. When you test your tank, ammonia will show up but it will be a false indicator of ammonia. Prime is by far the best dechlorinator out there and it does so much more to your tank then dechlorinate. The false reading will only occur after you does your tank with prime and wait for a couple of hours. So in other words, just do water changes everyday and take out about 25% and add the right dosage of prime. Glofish are really pretty fish and I hope your fish make it through the cycle! Cycling is the hardest part of everyones fish keeping days. You basically have to stare at an empty tank for days and days and weeks and weeks and even maybe months. Its a patience game, just hang in there, it's a real reward when you get to put fish in there and watch them swim with a body full of health! Sorry for rambling, I kind of get off the subject sorry.

AquaSplash6201

Okay I miss the fact that your tank was a 1 gallon tank, the same rules apply but maybe just take a cup and scoop one or two cups of water out and replace is with tap water and then put dechlorinator in there.

xxSTEPHENSxx

Thank you! Every bit of advice we can gather is helpful. We do have a 35 gal tank we are cleaning up today. We just don't have the pumps and gravel for it yet.

I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind:

1. what chemicals should we have on hand at all times? Obviously the ph we don't need.
2. How do you recommend doing the water change? 40%?

Thank you so much for your time!

xxSTEPHENSxx

Thanks Aquasplash... I just read your post. I will do that to keep them alive until we upgrade tanks.

Furallicah

For the water changes in the 1gal I would do 25-50% For the 35gal I would do 10-25% a day. It helps, then add the prime and boom happy fish lol. As for chemicals other then Prime I wouldnt really have anything else unless they get sick. So...Prime...and food. lol Best of Luck

haedra

Oh dear.. I am sorry for your troubles.

I highly recommend a couple things: first, invest in a good liquid test kit. Many here use the API master kit (for freshwater). It is more accurate than the strips.

I also recommend you do nothing to adjust your pH, with chemicals at least. Most fish can adapt to a wide range of pH; however, swings in pH can kill them. Many times when we use a chemical to adjust the pH of our water, it does little more than end up causing a fluctuation later..which is much more harmful.

Glofish are genetically modified zebra danios, so their care requirements are the same. Here is a link with a bit of info: http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-ZebraDanio.htm

While I have heard of people keeping a couple of these fish in a smaller tank, they really do much better in my opinion in a proper sized school..which would mean they would prefer to have a much larger tank than what you have.

For now, you are going to need to do regular water changes to keep your ammonia and nitrite down, with a product as was mentioned, like Prime. If you cannot find Prime, Amquel+ will work as well.

*edit beaten to the punch!

AquaSplash6201

Prime is a most definite Chemical that you'll need on hand at all times. And as for the Ph Chemical, I would just keep in case you need it. And I would also do that same thing as Furrllicah has stated with the water changes.

Furallicah

Lol sorry Haedra

AquaSplash6201

You are very welcome!

harpua2002

Why? Just let the test kit tell you how much water to change. IMO it's a good idea to keep levels of ammonia and nitrite at .25 or less. This won't make the cycle last longer (that's another one of those myths that's still perpetuated for some reason). If ammonia or nitrite hit .5, a 50% water change will bring the level down to .25. In many cases, it may be necessary to change water more than once per day.

The biggest issue I see here is that glofish are not suitable for a 1.5 gallon tank. I wish these kits weren't available or at least not marketed toward glofish keepers. My suggestion would be to return the glofish you have and the 1.5 gallon tank if possible. Even a betta isn't well suited to a tank that size long term IMO. Then, focus on gathering the equipment you need for your 35 gallon and cycle it without the use of fish. You'll rarely get any good advice from Petco, or any other chain store for that matter, so it's really important to research before purchasing. Most of us here, myself included, started pretty much the same way that you are now, so don't feel bad about it.

Furallicah

Sorry AquaSplash I have to respectfully disagree with you. Ph decrease and increase can completly destroy an aquariums climate. Which is why most people on here do not suggest it and like Haedra said fish can adapt to the specific ph of a person aquarium as long as its not out the room. Keeping with the water changes will lower then ph and even with out doing water changes the ph will naturally lower itself.

Prince Powder

Welcome to Fishlore! I'm sorry your fish are sick. Unfortunately many of the pre-assembled kits they sell for this fish or that fish are generally far too small for the fish they are supposedly designed for and usually lack one primary piece of equipment, a heater. It sounds like your fish are suffering the affects of the ammonia in your tank, they are possibly having issues with pH fluctuations as well. The first thing is you should most definitely change about 50% of the water.

Be wary of what results your test strips give, they are highly inaccurate more often than not. Plus they tend to give you a "safe" or "normal" range for ammonia and the only safe or normal amount of ammonia is to have none. Liquid tests like this API Master Test Kit are far definitely the way to go as they will be accurate and in the long run cost much less then strips since these bottles will provide you with hundreds of tests. I am glad you found the page on the nitrogen cycle. It is an extremely important part of fish keeping. Since you already have your fish you will have to do a fish-in cycle. Cycling with fish is very hard on the fish, but with proper daily maintenance they should make it through to the end. Glofish are pretty hardy little fish.

When cycling with fish you will want to invest in a better water conditioner. Top Fin products are good to use in already established tanks, but when cycling you will need a water conditioner that will detoxify the ammonia and nitrites in the water as well as remove the chlorine. Seachem's Prime is an excellent product to use when cycling. It will condition the water and detox ammonia and nitrites for 24 hours but will still leave the ammonia available for the beneficial bacteria to feed on and grow. Because it only detoxes for 24 hours you will need to do daily water changes using the Prime at every water change. The water changes will help keep your levels low and the Prime will keep anything left over detoxified until your next water change.

I would also stop using the pH decreaser. If possible, return it and get your money back. Petsmart is usually pretty good about returns so you shouldn't have an issue. It is never a good idea to fiddle with the pH. Most fish will adapt well to a different pH than what is recommended for them. When you use chemicals to alter the pH it becomes unstable which can lead to extreme pH swings. It is those pH swings which can shock fish and possibly kill them so as I said, it is better left alone.

As for the temperature, glofish are tropical fish and really do need warmer temperatures than 70. Ideally, they should be between 77-80 degrees. The problem with raising the temps is your tank size. They do make small heaters, but I think even the smaller heaters would overheat the water in a tank that small. The size of your tank is an issue as well. Glofish are generally VERY active swimmers. Even though they are small, they actually need much larger spaces so they can swim properly. They also are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 6 or more, which is more than your tank can handle. Quite frankly a 1.77 gallon tank isn't really a proper sized home for any fish. Glofish really should be in at least a 10 gallon tank. A 10 gallon would allow them the room they need to swim and also allow you the space to keep a proper sized school.

xxSTEPHENSxx

Ok you guys are awesome! I can't wait until I can contribute knowledge to newbies.

Ok this is the plan we just discussed. Please tell me if we should proceed:

Going to pick up a 10gal tank that comes with everything we need from Walmart. I think it's like $40. Grab a liquid test kit. Pick up some Prime.

In the mean time I will do a 50% water change and add prime to keep them alive. I will start the nitrogen cycle. HOPEFULLY it won't take too long to complete. I will continue to do a 50% water change until the tank is ready.

QUESTION: Should I add water conditioner and heat the water before I add it to my tank while doing the water change?

You guys are life savers... Literally! My little glofish appreciate it.

Furallicah

Ohhhh i got one of those 5gal starter tanks they are amazing and i know the 10gal are just the same set up. I think you could do 25% changes. With the prime things will be much better for your glofish. And no you dont have to heat the water. The tank will stay at what ever tempature your house is. Also if the 10gal doesnt have it I would pick up a heater for it too.

harpua2002

According to fishbase, danio rerio live in a wide range of temperatures, from about 65-75F. They should be fine without a heater.
http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Spec...ry.php?ID=4653

How many danios do you have now? It really would be easiest to return them and complete a fishless cycle in either a 10 gallon kit tank or the 35 you already have. If you are set on cycling with fish, please do not add any more fish until you are sure the tank has cycled.

Furallicah

Oh well never mind the heater

Prince Powder

The walmart 10 gallon kits will be great for your GloFish! They sell heaters there as well, but I believe most of the heaters they sell in the stores are preset heaters and are not adjustable. (At least that's all they carry at my local Walmart) Adjustable heaters are better, so if possible, try and find an adjustable, fully submersible water heater. I wouldn't heat the water before adding it to your smaller tank, temperature fluctuations will stress your fish. As with all things fish related, stability is the most important thing. Once you have the fish in the 10 gallon tank with a heater, you will want to warm the water to match the temp of the tank, but for now, just make sure it is room temperature when you add the water.

Just a word of warning, cycling a tank is a true excersize in patience, It usually takes about a month.

xxSTEPHENSxx

It would be cheaper to buy the 10gal tank that comes with everything for now. I don't have any place to put the 35gal.

I don't want to return my fish... I have already named them and I am attached. I want to save them.

So I should or shouldn't buy a heater?

xxSTEPHENSxx

If I am really careful and make this top priority do you think my fish can survive through the cycle process? Glofish are pretty "hardy" aren't they?

Prince Powder

If you are vigilant about your daily water changes and use a proper water conditioner like the Prime that was mentioned, I think your fish will make it through. Cycling is hard on ANY fish, but some fish tend to be more sensitive and some have a wider range. GloFish are pretty hardy, so long as they were healthy to begin with, I think they will be fine.

xxSTEPHENSxx

This is what I am about to do... correct me if I am wrong.

1. Let fresh water sit until room temp (70)
2. Dip out 50% of the water from the tank.
3. Add water to the tank and add Prime water conditioner?

Should this be my daily routine until my 10gal tank is cycled?

potatos

Get used media from a friend or the pet store, ie. gravel, decorations, plants, used filters. they will be full of the correct bacteria and will help you quickly establish your tank. beware that other harmful things can come with them, so be sure to get it from a healthy tank.

I have glofish and love them, and they are not sterile, as rumors suggest. they are prolific breeders without anything special besides some java moss (easiest plant ever) and good water conditions. i find babes in every water change bucket (they are extreamly small)

when you do water changes, be sure to treat the tap water with amquel+ or prime before putting the water in the tank, as the chlorine will damage your benefical bacteria colonies and offset your cycling process.

harpua2002

As haedra mentioned, it is important to pick up a test kit with liquid reagents. Test strips are inaccurate and won't give you much idea of what is really going on in your tank.

xxSTEPHENSxx

Ok... I changed the water and they seem to be doing a little better now. They are no longer at the top of the water. I will keep you guys updated. Thanks.

xxSTEPHENSxx

*UPDATE*

Got the 10gal tank up and going. I am begining the cycle now. I will be purchasing a test kit tomorrow.

harpua2002

Due to the increased water volume in the 10 gallon vs. the 1.5 gallon, I'd suggest moving the glofish to the 10 gallon for cycling. IMO it's going to be next to impossible to cycle a tank that small with fish in it, but a 10 gallon is doable. I'd move them tomorrow once the temp is stable in the 10. In a couple days, there's hardly been any progress on the cycle in the small tank so you're not really losing any ground.

Prince Powder

I agree with harpua2002. Since the smaller tank is not cycled and the fish will have to go through the cycling process either way, they may as well be in a tank that is big enough for them to swim in. If possible, return the GloFish kit, even if you have to say it was damaged somehow. IMO a 1.77 gallon tank isn't really big enough for anything. You can use the money from your refund to get the other stuff you will need like the liquid test kit and the Prime. Best of luck on your cycle!

xxSTEPHENSxx

Ok that sounds good. I bought a heater so it should be stable soon. I really do appreciate all the help you guys have given.

The glofish will help the cycling process but that means I can't add 100% ammonia or the tetra saft start right?

Should I just use the glofish and the fish food to do the cycle?