lostiniraq1976

I have a ten gallon fresh water tank. My water is yellow and it won't go away. My husband has raised fish for several years so I have tried everything he could think of. Partial water changes, bought a new filter system, changed the gravel completely. It is a light golden color it will get darker some days and then lighter. For some reason this has been a problem since I set this tank up. Here is what I have in it: 2 small African Dwarf frogs, 2 black mollies, 2 guppies, 2 sword fishes, 1 bala shark, about 3 different live plants, and a snail. I have used a water conditioner but I am on edge about what chemicals I can use I don't want to kill my live plants also my swordfish is about ready to give birth so I don't want to disrupt her. HELP

agabr123

do you have real driftwood in the tank? if so, driftwood produces tannins which will give the water a color similar to tea. i have it in the tanks i've got with driftwood, and it's perfectly harmless.

also, the bala shark is not going to be okay in a 10 gallon, they get up to 13 inches and won't even be able to turn around in a 10.
http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-BalaShark.htm

lostiniraq1976

No I don't have any driftwood. I am planning on starting a larger tank especially with the fry on the way Would an ammonia and nitrate reducer be harmful to the plants? I did not know the shark would get that large.

Lucy

Welcome to Fish Lore

It would be a good idea to check your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings. Poor water quality could also turn the water.
With the amount of fish/frogs in your tank water quality can be an issue.

Edit: Sorry you posted at the same time I did. Rather than using removers a series of daily water changes would help get your readings in check. (readings of 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites with 5-10 nitrates.

agabr123

hmm, i dont think an ammonia/nitrite reducer would help the problem, they will more than likely just starve the bacteria and kill your cycle.

changing the gravel and replacing the filtration has most likely sent you into a mini-cycle or started your cycle over completely, the best thing i can recommend is to do daily 50% water changes until you're cycled again.

do you have a test kit (and what kind)? if so, then you should test the water to see where you're at. if not, then i'd suggest buying a test kit. API freshwater master test kit is the one i use, and the one that most people on this forum will recommend

Mike

Activated carbon will remove the yellowing of the water, that and regular partial water changes. Sounds like you have an opportunity (or at least a good excuse) to get a much bigger tank for the bala shark too.

lostiniraq1976

My swordfish had her fry this morning. I read on the internet I can feed them egg yolks? The pet stores here do not have any first fry bites or baby brine shrimp. I am actually really excited I have not been doing this long so this is my first time with fry. I have the mother in the breeder tank when do I put her back? She is not as big and has stopped so far but she still has that dark mass on her mid section. So I am unsure if she is done?
Oh the shark and water were a good excuse for me a bigger tank I am going this weekend to look around I am going to use this one to raise the fry there are a couple pet stores willing to buy or trade them when they are good size. What size tank is best for the shark?

Thanks for all the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

agabr123

that's great about the fry! i'm not sure about the breeding but i know a lot of memberes here have bred before and can help you with that

IMO the shark will need at an absolute minimum a 55, but i'd recommend a 75 if you can.

lostiniraq1976

Thanks for the help they seem to be okay for now.