55 Gallon Tank Tank cycling - Need hep

So I’ve recently set up a new tank. Now I know it needs to be cycled. But I put a couple flame dwarf gouramis in the tank to start with. One died within two days of being in the tank. So I went and got a test kit. Ammonia is at 0ppm, nitrite is at 0, nitrate is at 0, PH is between 6.6 and 7. Water temp is 77. The other gourami isn’t doing so hot either. It’s starting to do what the last one did and looks like it is gasping constantly. It also doesn’t swim much. It’s staying at the bottom of the tank in a little hut for cover. Am I missing something???? Is it because the tank isn’t fully cycled???

 

It probably is because it isn't cycled but there can be a couple things.
Did you add water conditioner before putting the fish in?
Do you have proper filtration?
Are you doing water changes?
Are you putting anything in the tank to help the tank cycle?
I recommend using Seachem prime as it detoxifies the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates for a day or so until you do a water change.

 

So I’ve recently set up a new tank. Now I know it needs to be cycled. But I put a couple flame dwarf gouramis in the tank to start with. One died within two days of being in the tank. So I went and got a test kit. Ammonia is at 0ppm, nitrite is at 0, nitrate is at 0, PH is between 6.6 and 7. Water temp is 77. The other gourami isn’t doing so hot either. It’s starting to do what the last one did and looks like it is gasping constantly. It also doesn’t swim much. It’s staying at the bottom of the tank in a little hut for cover. Am I missing something???? Is it because the tank isn’t fully cycled???

In addition to water quality possibly being the cause, another real possibility is aggression between the Dwarf Gourami.

Unfortunately, more than one male Dwarf in the same tank almost never ends well.

What size is your tank?

 

It’s a 55 gallon. Those were the only two fish I had in it. I never saw them being aggressive. The one that died didint quite seem right from the get go though. The one that is still alive hasn’t eaten since I put him in which was this past Sunday. The filter I’m using is a marineland sized for a 50gal with a bio wheel. I did use conditioner for the water when I added the water to the tank. It’s only been operational since this last Saturday. My biggest concern is he won’t eat at all.

 

It’s a 55 gallon. Those were the only two fish I had in it. I never saw them being aggressive. The one that died didint quite seem right from the get go though. The one that is still alive hasn’t eaten since I put him in which was this past Sunday. The filter I’m using is a marineland sized for a 50gal with a bio wheel. I did use conditioner for the water when I added the water to the tank. It’s only been operational since this last Saturday. My biggest concern is he won’t eat at all.

Did you acclimate them to the tank?
Also, sometimes fish just aren't healthy when you purchase them and theres nothing you can do

 

I let them sit in the bag they came in for 25 minuets in the tank before I let them in. I bought them from petco soooo I wouldn’t be surprised if they came infected with something. That’s honestly the point I’m at though. How do you check water hardness??

 

Welcome to Fishlore

Unfortunately it does appear you got less than healthy fish.

Have you considered fishless cycling this tank? If petco is your only option for fish it might be difficult to get fish healthy enough to withstand the cycling process. Should you decide to continue a fish in cycle may I suggest you get goldfish? They may be a better ammonia source than some of the more delicate species of fish.

We will try to help you no matter which way you choose to cycle this tank.