Mishap - guppy in filter intake

I just got Guppies for my 5 gallon yesterday. I got 3. I love Guppies this was the first time having them. After a few minutes I couldn't find one. It was stuck in the tube for filter. I didn't even know they could go in it. I was so sick about it for not checking first. I never thought about it. He survived but is not doing good. He moves but can't swim. Is there any way possible he will make it through? Any ideas are welcome. I took out filter for now. Will buy new one Friday after I get paid.

 

Welcome to Fishlore!

I would first read up on the nitrogen cycle. <------

I don't think there was anything wrong with the filter. No reason to take it out. Most, if not all, healthy fish will not get sucked in to the tube.

I would suggest doing daily 50% water changes with a water conditioner called Prime. You can find Prime at most Petcos and Petsmarts.

Also, invest in a liquid test kit like the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. This will help you keep track of your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate throughout your cycling process.

Good luck!

 

was he stuck inside the tube? or just on the inlet of the filter?

honestly hes prob not going to make it but ill hope of the best.

if you don't have your tank cycled it will hurt or even kill your fish. as said above healthy fish won't get stuck.

 

Okay. The tube is open at bottom and I think that's how he got in. He was completely inside. Had to take apart to get him out. Thought he was dead at first. Next paycheck I will get kits. Tanks has cycled for 2 or 3 months. Thanks for your reply!

 

Welcome to FishLore!

I'm sorry to hear about your guppy. Assuming your intake is standard (IE a cylinder with slots) then as stated, healthy fish won't get stuck. My betta even sometimes leans against it, then swims away. It is possible he was already sick and you didn't realize it.

I would like to emphasize the importance of understanding the nitrogen cycle. Otherwise, your other guppies will not live happy lives. Please click on the underlined text in Quad's post and read up on it. I, too, suggest you get a liquid test kit such as the API freshwater master test kit. After you learn about the nitrogen cycle, you will understand why being able to test your water is so important.

Finally, I would also like to recommend you purchase a product called Seachem Prime. Prime is like other water conditioners in that it detoxifies chlorine and chloramine, but it also detoxifies ammonia and nitrite which are poisonous to your fish.

Best of luck with your guppies!


Edit: Is it possible the intake tube is missing a piece? It shouldn't be open in the bottom, then decent-sized fish could get sucked in!! I would definitely cover it temporarily while you work out a more permanent solution.

 

ok yea deff need the thing that goes on the bottom to keep them out of the filter tube. could use some kind of mesh or put a decoration in the way to block it tell it gets fixed.

did you do a fishless cycle?

 

Yes fishless cycle. I found out what happened when he got stuck his tail was torn alot. I thought he was holding it closed because he was stressed. I do aquasafe for my tanks. If that's like seachem. Will definitely get test kit asap! I don't think it's missing a piece. I'll have to check my other tank.

 

ok sorry about all the cycling questions most new people don't know. glad you do!

it deff shouldnt be a straight tube. most have little slots or holes if you will.... like in these pics at the bottom of the inlet pipe.

 

Oh looks almost identical. No piece on bottom. I called company left a message days ago and they haven't called back.

 

I would try to find something to block it. some of the plastic they use for tank dividers or even some pantyhose.

 

I found the piece today and put it on. It was inside of filter box. I feel so terrible my sweet guppy didn't make it.

Thanks to all for helping out! My husband set up our other tanks we had so I guess that why I never thought to look inside for it and my other tank has a whisper filter with no extra pieces like that.

 

glad you got it sorted out. sorry about you guppy.

 

Thank you!