TheDanioKeeper

My Angelfish got sick recently, and I don't know why. It's acting lethargic and has a small bout of fin rot. He barely leaves one spot. Please help. The tank is a standard 55 gallon.


Temp: 78
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 35ppm
pH: 6.5
GH: 65

The tank has been up since January, I don't think the problem has to do with my water quality.

Tank stock: 1 7"L021 rescue, 1 4" angelfish, 5 zebra danios, 1 platy, other 3 listed below.

I recently bought 2 geos, who aren't doing much other than hiding and a 3" blue acara. I think the Acara may have something to do with the problem, never seen a confrontation with anyone other than a brief scuffle with my pleco over the good cave.

I do water changes 20% once a week, sometimes 25% every other weekly depending on how busy I am. It's been every other week lately, but The last 2 weeks i've been good

10gallonmadness

You have 35 Nitrate? You might want to do a water change to get that down to around 5-15. That's getting high. When nitrate starts to rise it becomes toxic. That's the first thing I would do. Also, check the nitrate levels coming out of your tap. If it's high like that, I would recommed getting a product that removes nitrates, and add it to your tap water your about to put in your tank.

Tony G.

I agree. They are very high so a Water change is needed. You could dose with Prime in the meantime( not sure if it lowers nitrate)

10gallonmadness

Also, probably the best alternative to chemicals, would be live plants. Water Sprite does wonders for excess nitrate. I would recommend getting some Water Sprite from a LFS.

Tony G.

God point! Live plants live on nitrates ( not literally lol) and they take it all up and only leave small quantities of it left...

TheDanioKeeper

I did a 35% water change, increased the temp and added a bit of salt (1tbsp per 20 gallons.)

TheDanioKeeper

I have hornwort in my tank.

10gallonmadness

What are your water parameters now? Did you test your tap?

TheDanioKeeper

My tap has no nitrates. Plenty enough copper though, I have to double dose with conditioner, lost all the snails in my 10 gallon once because of it.
Nitrates are 10 PPM, pH is 6.7 ppm. My tap pH is 7.5.

TheDanioKeeper

The angel took a flake, there is improvement.

10gallonmadness

I don't understand why Nitrates would be that high though. Did you take anything from like a creek or lake or something like that?

Regal

Angels don't like salt. I would do another water change to start getting the salt out. If you got busy and were overdue for a water change that would account for the high nitrates. I would do a 50% water change for now and then like 40% to 50% each week.

Based on the way he is sticking to one spot in the tank I would be that the angel is intimidated by the new fish in your tank. How is the angel's color? Losing their color is usually the first sign and angel is stressed out over something.

aquarist48

Best wishes for your Angel Danio!
Ken