Fish hanging out at top of tank

So this morning most of my fish are hanging out at the top of the tank. Earlier they were gulping at the surface, but now that has mostly stopped. All fish accounted for.

Tank Info: as of this morning
PH= 7.6
Ammonia = 0, nitrites = 0, nitrates =5-10
GH= 10 or 11 ( I tested it twice I was so surprised)
Last water change: Thursday, 30-40% change. I usually do 50% changes weekly, but had problems with my Python.
Tank has been set up for 6 months. 34 gallons. Fluval 205 filter that is due for a rinse this week (I do it every 4-6 weeks).

 

Sounds like there isn't enough oxygen in the water, do you have a bubbler or a way to increase surface agitation?

 

Hello Mom...

34 gallons is pretty small. So, 50 percent water changes or more are needed every few days. Change more water and the fish will appreciate it. Unless you're keeping and breeding rare fish, you don't need to worry about the chemistry of the tap water. Most fish will adapt to most public water supplies. What is important is keeping the water high in oxygen and free of ammonia and nitrite. Nitrates can be a bit higher. You do this by simply removing and replacing a lot of tank tank and doing it frequently. Service the filter system at the same time every week.

It takes many months for the fish, plants and water to balance a tank. This is where the aggressive water changes are extremely important.

My advice is to forget about the pH, hardness and all the chemistry stuff and set up and follow a sound water change routine. Work up to the point you change 60 percent or even more water every week. This will guarantee a steady and safe water chemistry and the fish and plants will take care of themselves.

Old

 

Sounds like there isn't enough oxygen in the water, do you have a bubbler or a way to increase surface agitation?

The flow from the filter creates water disturbance. I added an air stone at one point, but it make the surface roil like a boiling pot & it was too much (for both me & the fish). But given the parameters why today? Why would the oxygen content suddenly drop? Not disagreeing - but trying to problem solve.

Hello Mom...

34 gallons is pretty small. So, 50 percent water changes or more are needed every few days. Change more water and the fish will appreciate it. Unless you're keeping and breeding rare fish, you don't need to worry about the chemistry of the tap water. Most fish will adapt to most public water supplies. What is important is keeping the water high in oxygen and free of ammonia and nitrite. Nitrates can be a bit higher. You do this by simply removing and replacing a lot of tank tank and doing it frequently. Service the filter system at the same time every week.

It takes many months for the fish, plants and water to balance a tank. This is where the aggressive water changes are extremely important.

My advice is to forget about the pH, hardness and all the chemistry stuff and set up and follow a sound water change routine. Work up to the point you change 60 percent or even more water every week. This will guarantee a steady and safe water chemistry and the fish and plants will take care of themselves.

Old

And here I thought you (particularly) would be pleased with my 50% per week normal changes. While many people do not need to worry about their source water, I am not one of them. My source water is very low gH and so I have crushed shells on my filter to raise it. The last time I saw the fish gasping it turned out I was catching a pH crash due to the low gH - so that was my first thought this time. And no - due to family logistics & life I cannot due more than one water change per week unless their are unusual circumstances (ex when combatting ICH). Thanks for the info. I am hoping to do my weekly water change a day early today while the toddler naps if I can, just to help stabilize the tank , although the fish are starting to look better and due to ammonia in my tap water a water change isn't as clarifying for my tank as it is for some. But my bacteria have adjusted and process the ammonia in under 48 hours.

I forgot to say a added one Cardinal on Saturday (only one the store had). If that gives anyone insight.

 

Hello again Mom...

A very small percentage of water sources aren't good for fish keeping as long as you are content with keeping hardy species, like most of the livebearing fish. I would have it tested, just to make sure your water isn't in that small percentage. The local fish store is likely on the same water as you are and can give you a second opinion. Sometimes, it's worth the effort.

Don't get me wrong. I'm very much a fan of large, weekly water changes of 50 percent. However, if you've had parasites in the water, like Ich, your tank water isn't clean and your fish are a risk. You should up your water changes by changing more water and doing it more often.

Old