20 Gallon Tank Are my fish stressed/in danger? - Zebra Danios

Ok, I do not have an API test kit. I understand about them now and want to get one as soon as I can but I just have strips right now. I'm worried about my fish. They are 2 Zebra Danios and they have been acting different.

They stayed in one corner most of the day (swimming about occasionally) and swimming in that area mostly (back corner opposite side of my filter and heater.)
*Questions should I put my heater in the other corner? Far from my filter?

They also are staying close to the top. They don't appear to be struggling to swim If I made movement where they are at they would swim away ok they are not immobile. They are not rushing to their food either but they have eaten today. They are not being really active. I'm unsure if they are lonely for more of a school or if it is something in Chemisty or lack of oxygen? It's strange and I'm worried about them...:-\

*My filter makes bubbles in my water. Since my fish are so close to the surface (their heads are almost out!) It makes me think they are trying to breathe...why they wouldn't go closer to where all the bubbles are I don't know.... Anyone have any suggestions? I did a small water change (which let my filter form a water-fall type thing for a little while and help oxygenate I think) Anyone with experience have a clue?

 

I doubt moving the heater will make much difference to be honest, if the tank circulated properly, the heat will circulate well to and Zebras are not too fussy.

How often do you change the water?
What temperature is the heater set to?
What kind of filter do you have?
How much and how often do you feed them?
What other livestock is in the tank?
How long has the tank been set up?

I have Zebra Danios, of a night they'll 'sleep' at the surface occasionally... just something they do, I think. But to be there all the time is rather concerning, can be caused by a range of things: water pollution, bloat, temperature etc. Try give as much info as you can, even the strip test results.

 

It sounds by their behavior that they might be rather stressed. As to what is causing their stress it is hard to say without more information. If you could provide answers to the questions asked above it would help a great deal. In addition to her questions I would like to ask, did you cycle the tank before getting the fish?

* I also recall from your other thread that the cost was an issue for you when it came to the API master kit. If that is the case try walmart.



Even though it's no name packaging this is the API master kit. As you can see it's about half the price of other stores and shipping is cheap. Also if your local walmart offers site to store pick up you can have it shipped there for free.

 

sounds like ammonia to me danios are usually very spastic especially at feeding time....getting the kit is very important to know for sure..but in the meantime , see if you can find some amquel+ or prime and do partial daily water changes to keep them safe....goodluck with them!

 

My Glofish (Danios) did the same thing when I first got them. I didn't have a big enough tank and did not have the proper test kit.

Once I put them in the 10gal and got the API kit they are swimming around all the time.

I know this doesn't help but just explaining how I fixed my problem. OH and 2 danios is not enough. They are a schooling fish so that might explain the corner. They may feel like they need to hide.

 

Thank you for responding. They seem to be a little more active today in moving around the tank but not much they stay at the top & also did not eat this morning.

How long has the tank been set up? Not very long by tank standards. I do not believe it is cycled. About 4-5 weeks. With the fish being there a lil over a week now. My visiting friend (who is gone now, no help) helped me set it up and we put in some gravel & 2 plants from an already established tank. Then I was advised to get the fish to help the cycle. (She said it was the only way to really get the right bacteria and they would be ok) but counting my own research and this I think id rather go fishless rather than possibly hurting my fish at this point. IDK

How often do you change the water? Well, I just changed (about 10%) it last night just to see if that changed anything. Iv been changing it every few days and if my strips where saying ammonia was creeping up and to get any food/plants leaves. I never did more than 10-15% except once I did probably 25-30% because my ammonia and nitrite was reading in stress/caution range and I was getting worried. I treated the water in a bucket and waited till it was the right temp to add it back in.

What temperature is the heater set to? I have an automatic heater. My temp stays 76º-77º (I bought a thermometer to keep an eye on it
& to make sure the auto heater was working)

What kind of filter do you have? An AquaClear Power Filter 20

How much and how often do you feed them? Usually small meals 3 times spaced throughout the day, I did over feed on accident once but was able to get most of it with a net.

What other livestock is in the tank? None, I took the plants out. I found out they where not aquatic plants & I'm pretty sure they where dying (looked awful)....my water was slightly cloudy then. I took them out, & replaced with 3 fake plants for now. This behavior started some time after that..

Test Strips? Before I start less than or a > mark means it fell in between. As in the strip didn't actually read say .25 but it was not the 0 before it either and was closer to .25 (sorry if I'm being confusing)

Well, heres a test I just took today. Iv also noticed a spike in PH but it started going down after but it is still high I think. I have a PH adjuster but unsure if it was ok to use?

The following results are the the same as last night before a water change...I have noticed the ammonia & nitrite have gone up as well in the passed days which is why I did water changes and began to worry. At first my strips said Ammonia [>.25 (so called 'safe range')] Nitrite [.0 safe] & Nitrate [>20 (so called 'Safe Range')] That's when I first got my fish in there but after a few days it began going up (that is Ammonia & Nitrite at a steady rate. I wrote it all down and they steadily go up which is when I did water changes too but it doesn't seem to have helped or had any effect at all!

Ammonia- Less than .5 indicated as 'Stress' zone on strips
Nitrite- Less than 3.0 indicated as 'Stress' zone on strips
PH- 7.8 Alkaline
Total Alkalinity- Less than 120 indicated as 'Ideal' zone on strips
Total Hardness- 150 Hard
Nitrate- Less than 20 indicated as 'Safe' zone on strips

I don't want them to be unhappy or stressed or worse! What have I done or not done?? Hope someone can help.... :-\


*I just read other response, Thanks. I was going to get the kit this weekend at 29.99 LFS but I'll check walmart too.


*Also don't know if it makes a difference but things added to the tank using
recommended amount on package.

TetraAqua-AquaSafe - Water Conditioner
API- Stress Coat
API- Stress Zyme

 

look for the prime or amquel+ to help with detoxifying the ammonia/nitrites....the ph will stabilize itself after the tank finishes cycling.....the daily water changes are going to be your best friend for the next few weeks....cut back on their feedings to once a day until the cycle completes..more food=more ammonia/waste from the fish......I hope they pull through!! good luck!

 

Thankyou. Ok, I will get the prime or amquel+. Does anyone prefer one over the other? Would it be ok to add with what's already in there?

*Also if I do daily water changes how much should I change?

 

I'm not 100% sure why test strips have "safe zones" for ammonia and nitrite as the only safe amount of either is 0. Anything above is dangerous for the fish. Because you are using strips it is hard to say precisely how accurate they are, your readings might be much higher than that. If the behavior began when you removed the plants, all I can think is that it took that long for your levels to rise high enough to stress them, or the regular exposure finally got to them, or the plants were consuming some of the ammonia and now they are no longer doing so. If the plants were dying it is best that you removed them though since decaying plants will add to the ammonia problem.

As for your pH I wouldn't suggest adding anything to change it. It is possible that it hasn't changed at all since the strip test can't really be trusted. It is possible that removing the plants may have caused your pH to change though. Plus your tank is cycling so pH swings are common and you won't know what your true pH is until the cycle is done and your tank has stabilized.

Since you are showing ammonia and nitrites I would suggest doing a 50% water change with Prime or Amquel+ to get your ammonia and nitrite levels down and detoxed. Then you will need to do daily water changes with the Prime or Amquel+ to keep them that way until your cycle is complete. Your daily water changes should be 30-50% for now. Once you get your test kit then let your readings guide you on the percentage, but they will still need to be done daily since the Prime and Amquel+ will only keep the ammonia and nitrite detoxed for 24 hours.

In regards to the test kit I showed you, I do not believe walmart carries it in store. You would have to purchase online or have it shipped to the store either of which will take some time. If you have the means to get the kit sooner I would highly recommend doing so. Cycling with fish requires daily testing and the faster you can know where you stand the better.

Thankyou. Ok, I will get the prime or amquel+. Does anyone prefer one over the other? Would it be ok to add with what's already in there?

*Also if I do daily water changes how much should I change?

I personally prefer Prime, but that is just a personal preference, both are good products. There will be no issue adding it whatever water conditioner is already in there. Once you get the Prime or Amquel+ you will not need the other conditioner, although you can hang on to it and use it once your tank is established and the cycle is done. My tanks are cycled, but I keep the leftovers of my old conditioner on standby in case I run out of Prime and can't get more before needing to do my regular water changes.

As for how much to change, see my post above.

**Since you don't have either product yet, I would suggest doing a 50% water change now with your current conditioner. The ammonia and nitrite left over will still be in their toxic forms, but lowering the levels via a water change should help your fish immensely.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I will do that right now & get the other product immediately as it is possible (hopefully today). I probably can not get the test till this weekend, but that will be the latest. Thanks again

 

You're welcome!

Also I just noticed that you are using API Stress Zyme. Stress Zyme is a bacterial additive that claims to help cycle your tank. However the bacteria that is in Stress Zyme is not an aquatic bacteria so it quickly dies and needs to be added with every water change for the life of the tank. I would recommend discontinuing the use of the Stress Zyme because the bacteria (while it is alive) will starve out your natural bacteria and prevent them from growing and reproducing, effectively keeping your tank from ever cycling properly. The API Stress Coat and Tetra Aqua Safe are fine and as I said you can keep them as backups for after your tank is cycled.

 

Ooof! My friend told me it was super important to use. I'm glad I just read this cause I added it to my water I was about to add. I will go redo that. Thanks!

 

0-m-g

The water change is done but while I was getting fresh water one started to sink and act dead. Now the tank is full and she sank to the bottom belly up looks dead then she manages to get up and swim around some then just kinda lets go and floats down the other one is swimming at the tippy top. :'(

 

One time saver...you don't need to let your water sit out to get to the correct temperature. If you use a combination of hot and cold water you should be able to adjust to the correct temperature. (Unless your cold water is warmer than you keep your tank water, which I guess is possible if the "FL" in FLGirl stands for Florida.)

 

I'm pretty sure the one fish is dead, I no longer see any breathing or anything....The other one is acting the same staying at the top and swimming around. So I suppose I somehow managed to kill one of the most resilient of aquarium fish. I will do my best to save the other, how ever if he meets the same fate I will be done with aquariums as I am disgusted with the whole thing and angry at myself for being such a poor fish keeper.

 

I'm so sorry for your loss rip lil fishy
please remember that MOST of us started out the same way...its lack of knowledge from our fish stores more than what you have done.....I know its so very hard to loose a baby and I'm sorry....goodluck with the other one and I hope things look up soon!!!!!!

 

Well I called the store and she said she probably has prime but she has much better products then prime like stress zyme (said that's what she uses and it cycles her tanks well.) which I didn't even think was the same type of thing, I thought prime was about detoxing ammonia and Nitrites...and stress zyme was about bacteria and helping your tank cycle...but I have no idea...are they just both products for starting tanks? I will call some more places too. I can't tell for sure but my other zebra who is still living is or hes called an ''albino'' and I think his gills are more pinkish reddish then they were before but I don't know for sure though.

Shawnie, Thanks I'm so upset right now. I'm in tears over the fish cause she died and not only that she had a horrible struggle to live and nothing I did helped. I feel really bad about it, it sucks and I don't want to torture and murder any more fish. It's horrible and just breaks my heart to see them struggling and because of me.

I'm going to try and get the Prime but it might not be till later tonight. Should I just add the amount recommended to my whole tank tonight? Or do a water change and add it to that? I hope my fish makes it till then...Will my fish be ok by himself for awhile? I def don't want to add another or more fish and put them in the same danger too. I know they are schooling fish and everywhere I read it says they will ''fade away'' if you have one or even 2. If he lasts through this mess will he last being alone for awhile?


*Would it be totally evil to add some Stress Zyme the back says ''Benefits: Helps Eliminate toxic ammonia and nitrites'' I mean I understand what was said about how it's not the right bacteria but if would help with the toxic ammonia and nitrites now....IDK...it seems like it might hold him over till I get the other.....IDK... Any suggestions?

 

the prime is definitely a great product to always have around....stress zyme as Prince Powder explained, is the WRONG kind of bacteria...which is probably allot of the issues you cold be having....if you never remember anything out of all this, remember that MOST pet stores are out to make money and don't always know what they are talking about....the ONLY product so far that ive had great luck with , is Tetra Safestart to get the bacteria going in your tank....if you decide to find some and try that, we can help answer a few questions before you do this.....

if you get the prime or amquel+, add the amount for your entire tank not just the water you are putting in there....I think he will be fine alone for awhile and maybe you can ask them to take him back until you can get your tank cycled? if so, there's a bunch of ways we can help with cycling fishless as well.....

Again I'm sorry for the loss and I know its heartbreaking.but please put ALLOT of the blame on the pet store as they are still giving you crappy advice with the stress zyme....

 

I

 

I

I ?

 

I don't know how but I hit enter or something and posted before I even wrote..then I was editing that post and seen you posted..sorry about that I'm all stressed out and jittery over my poor lil girl!!! Kicking myself! I don't care that they are 'cheap'.

Ok, So no stress zyme. I'm really glad I know that now! So was I poisoning them with it? I'll get the prime tonight. They won't take my fish back. I hate that I have to wait till this weekend to get the kit. But at least I can get it, prob Sat. and then I will be able to have a clearer direction. (don't be surprised if I come on here often to ask lots of questions, I don't want to make any more mistakes!)

Hate to sound repetitive or annoy you but I really want to over clarify this when I get the prime tonight. What is the best thing to do...

Should I do another water change then add the amount for the full tank tonight?

Or Should I just add it to the water that is in there tonight?

After that I should just add the amount for the water change when I change it after that..right?...wrong? I should go along changing my water once a day 30%-50% and adding prime to it for only that amount? Till things are stable?

I was thinking of doing another water change in a little while because I have been using Stress Zyme since the beginning (and in every subsequent water change I was told to add a little because some would be lost) and it might help lower levels more to add more fresh but would that be too stressful for my fish or would it be less stressful to get more fresh water?


Never, Never, Never NEVER AGAIN if I decide to keep fish at all ever in my life will I EVER even consider getting my fish till I know my tank is unequivocally, with out a doubt cycled and stable for a well than, NO for more than a sufficient amount of time. What a mistake!!!!! I also will rely more on my own research more...I didn't feel all good about cycling with my fish (this is my first tank ever and just learned about the whole cycle thing when I got it and google how to start an aquarium) but I'm not the expert...so I asked.... I even put off getting the fish a little. After all it doesn't make too much sense that you use fish to cycle a tank when you cycle a tank to make it safe for fish...No offense to those who cycle with fish, I'm not saying it's impossible to do safely I'm new to all this but it is definitely NOT for me. I shouldn't have done it but got to move on and help the fish I have left or try to find him a home.

 

I don't know how but I hit enter or something and posted before I even wrote..then I was editing that post and seen you posted..sorry about that I'm all stressed out and jittery over my poor lil girl!!! Kicking myself! I don't care that they are 'cheap'.

Ok, So no stress zyme. I'm really glad I know that now! So was I poisoning them with it? I'll get the prime tonight. They won't take my fish back. I hate that I have to wait till this weekend to get the kit. But at least I can get it, prob Sat. and then I will be able to have a clearer direction. (don't be surprised if I come on here often to ask lots of questions, I don't want to make any more mistakes!)

Hate to sound repetitive or annoy you but I really want to over clarify this when I get the prime tonight. What is the best thing to do...

Should I do another water change then add the amount for the full tank tonight?

Or Should I just add it to the water that is in there tonight?

After that I should just add the amount for the water change when I change it after that..right?...wrong? I should go along changing my water once a day 30%-50%? Till things are stable?

I was thinking of doing another water change in a little while because I have been using Stress Zyme since the beginning (and in every subsequent water change) and it might help lower levels more to add more fresh but would that be too stressful for my fish or would it be less stressful to get more fresh water?


Never, Never, Never NEVER AGAIN if I decide to keep fish at all ever in my life will I EVER even consider getting my fish till I know my tank is unequivocally, with out a doubt cycled and stable for a well than, NO for more than a sufficient amount of time. What a mistake!!!!! I also will rely more on my own research more...I didn't feel all good about cycling with my fish (this is my first tank ever and just learned about the whole cycle thing when I got it and google how to start an aquarium) but I'm not the expert...so I asked.... I even put off getting the fish a little. After all it doesn't make too much sense that you use fish to cycle a tank when you cycle a tank to make it safe for fish...No offense to those who cycle with fish, I'm not saying it's impossible to do safely I'm new to all this but it is definitely NOT for me. I shouldn't have done it but got to move on and help the fish I have left or try to find him a home.

I understand totally...breath and relax and just take some time for you asking questions is why we are here and its how we learn more everyday...
when you get the prime tonite, just add the dosage for your size tank...no water change needed as you just did one...then do another tomorrow with the prime for the amount of your tank size.....do this every day until you get a proper kit....the stress zyme will NOT poision them, the ammonia/nitrites will .which is what prime will detoxify...the stress zyme just gives you false hope that the tanks cycled and will eat up the food a proper cycling bacteria need.....you didnt hurt the fish by adding stress zyme tho..

 

I really hate seeing you get all discouraged, and give up on a good hobby just because you got off to a bad start. Most everyone here got off on the wrong foot (myself included), but once you understand things, it is really pretty simple.

I would do a 40% water change tonight after you get the Prime. Then do a 40% water change with the Prime everyday until your tank cycles. Don't stress about not being able to get the test kit until this weekend. Just assume that you aren't cycled and keep up the water changes.

Try to stay calm...take a deep breath and try to get a clear path forward. Feel free to ask any questions you need to ask. No one here will think you are being a bother. And know one here thinks any question is stupid. Unlike your LFS, we all want to see you succeed.

Good luck!

 

I just hate that I killed her and the other is not super happy right now either. But I'm hoping he will pull thru ok. I think he(or could be a her) will...Thanks for all the help and encouragement!

Well, I had better go clean up I was checking on my fish and accidentally knocked over my bucket which had water in it from my water change at least it wasn't full. What a day, it's got to get better.

 

Well, Iv been doing what you said. Changing everyday and adding prime, My fish seemed to be doing better but then died...I got my test kit today it read as follows...

PH - 7.6
High PH - 7.4
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 40


What do you suggest?


*also my rent brought home 4 zebra danios before my other 1 fish died...they are all doing fine but Iv been changing the water everyday. What should I do now?

 

I'm sorry about your fish.
Sometimes the cycle is just too much for them.

I don't understand your nitrate reading. It shouldn't be 40 if you were doing daily water changes with 5 danios in a 20 gallon tank.
It takes a while for them to build that high.

 

Try testing your tap water as that might be the source of the high nitrates. Speaking from experience, as mine are super high (as in: I have to buy water to drink.. and for the tanks)

 

yeah I tested my tap water and it looks like 40 or 80...are you all sure this test is accurate? Some results are WAY hard to decipher because they look so similar and none are EXACT matches. It's very frustrating. I think it is 40. So what would that mean? I can't be buying gallons and gallons of water all the time.....??? this isn't working


*So does Prime not really work to remove nitrates, it just makes them safe for a little while? I just changed the water yesterday at 5.

What about API tap water filter? That's what the instruction book recommends?

And how will I ever figure out if my tank is cycled?

Is there any product to treat this problem?

 

My tap water contains 10ppm nitrates, so I switched to Amquel+ as my water conditioner since it eliminates nitrates. The one drawback it that it is not compatable with the API ammonia test kit. So I bought a powder based test kit from Kardon's (the maker of Amquel+) website.

 

Ok.....I was never expecting this to be exactly easy or cost free but this is becoming incredibly difficult and horribly expensive (particularly when I spend money on things I now don't or can't use now)

So it will only not work with the API ammonia test kit? Everything else is ok?? Are you talking about this stuff ??

Does Amquel+ get rid of nitrates and even with levels of like 40? Will this solve the Nitrate problem?


Also I have a question about my fish now...they look yellowish. Well especially 3 are noticeably yellow golden colored they are regular zebra danios..They appear fine other wise just yellowish....

 

This from Kardon's website:
To control the toxic organic nitrogenous compounds of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and other toxic organics that build up in aquariums and ponds from the excretion of body wastes by fishes, invertebrates, bacteria and other aquatic organisms, start with a standard dose (see definition above). This standard dose will remove (detoxify) at least 1.2 mg/L (= approx.1.2 ppm) of all ammonia compounds, at least 2.0 mg/L (=2.0 ppm) of nitrites, and at least 13 ppm (=13 mg/L) of nitrates.

I think this is the test kit you want:


But Shawnie claims that she is getting accurate reading out of her API test kit is she waits 24 hours after adding Amquel+

And this:
Ammonia test kits using Salicylate-type reagents (reading on a colorimetric scale from yellow to green to blue green) are appropriate for accurate test results. A notable exception for what appears to be a Salicylate-type test kit that should not be used with AmQuel+ is the API (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals) ammonia test kit. For reasons unknown to us, it is incompatible with AmQuel+. Also it is important to read the Kordon Article "The Truth About Water Test Kits..."to have a basic understanding of the quality differences in test kits

 

Thanks..

I guess I will be changing my water everyday for a long time till I make sure it will solve the problem and get Amquel+...



Thanks everyone